Champlain Valley School District finance leaders on Tuesday previewed the details of a $13 million bond question they plan to put to voters at Town Meeting Day.
District Facilities Director Chris Giard outlined an array of upgrades and maintenance projects that the bond funds would cover across multiple school buildings within the five-town district.
Leaders at CVSD are intent on resisting any merger with neighboring districts.
In Williston, $1.4 million would be spent on replacing the floor in the front gymnasium, which currently has troublesome moisture underneath, Giard said, and on replacing controls for the school’s light and heating-ventilation systems. Replacement parts for the current control systems are difficult to obtain, according to Giard.
At CVU, a roof replacement and heating-ventilation system overhaul would take up the majority of the $4 million in bond funds that would be allocated to the high school. Also in the work plan is a fire alarm system replacement at CVU.
Another $4 million in projects are planned at Hinesburg Community School, including roofing, heating-ventilation and electrical work. At Charlotte Community School, $2.9 million would go to installing an elevator that meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, new gym bathrooms and new siding.
The district is also planning a conversion to LED lights across all its buildings. That project is estimated at $700,000.
“We have a lot of fluorescent bulbs and fixtures to get rid of,” Giard said.
Projects include WCS gym floor replacement see SCHOOL page 3
Troubled Allen Brook bridge set for demolition
Reconstruction slated for 2026
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and the Agency of Natural Resources granted preliminary approval in August of reconstruction designs for the bridge over the Allen Brook that accesses Village Community Park and Williston Central School.
According to Williston Senior Conservation Planner David Maroney, work on the rebuild cannot begin until next spring to allow time for the town to finalize permits and select a construction contractor.
But what to do with the bridge in the meantime? It has been closed since it was deemed impassable
TOP: A bridge over the Allen Brook accessing Williston Central School and Village Community Park has been out of commission since 2023. ABOVE: Pedestrians have ignored closure signs.
OBSERVER FILE PHOTOS
after flood damage in December, 2023. But it’s no secret that pedestrians are ignoring closure signs
and using the bridge to get to and from the school and park.
“Community members have continued to use the bridge continuously by stepping over or removing signs and barriers, even as the structural integrity of the damaged bridge section has continued to deteriorate,” Maroney wrote Tuesday in a memo to the selectboard. “It is impossible to predict how likely the bridge is to outright fail over the coming winter, but … there is a liability concern for the town given the continued community use.”
In a discussion Tuesday, selectboard members were reluctant to put money toward temporary reinforcement to make the bridge passable until spring. The bridge has already been temporarily fortified once, in 2024.
see BRIDGE page 4
Around Town
Attorney General Clark to speak at community forum
On Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 6-7 p.m., Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark will speak about the state’s involvement in lawsuits against the Trump administration during a public forum at the United Church of Hinesburg’s Parish Hall on Route 116. The event is organized by Hinesburg Resists, a grassroots group of residents from Hinesburg and adjacent towns who are opposed to the policies and practices of Project 2025. The event is open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome, but RSVPs are encouraged by emailing hinesburgresists@gmail.com.
Retired Educators lunch planned
The Chittenden County Retired Educators Association (CCREA) will hold its first meeting of the school year on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 12-2 p.m. in the Community Room at St. Catherine of Siena, 72 Church St. in Shelburne. The lunch gathering will include a talk by State Treasurer Mike Pieciak.
Lunch cost is $5 per person, and annual association dues are $10. RSVP by email to stickneyjanek@gmail. com or by calling (802) 878-5291.
A final turning, a lasting legacy
BY JANET SMITH
The Vermont Woodturners Guild will host two “retirement sales” for Edwards Smith of Williston, who turned his last bowl on May 1 and passed away on May 21.
The first sale will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, from 12-3 p.m. at 88 Mountain View Road in Williston and will feature woodworking tools and equipment. The second sale will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering the last of Edwards’ finished wood creations.
Edwards was a lifelong woodworker and teacher. He once reflected, “A teacher of mine said that an artist puts life in the lifeless. How much life the artist puts into the art depends on how much life is within himself or herself. I have spent the last 42 years expanding my consciousness and creativity by practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique and the last 32 years teaching it to others. In addition, I greatly enjoy passing on what few woodworking skills I have gained along to others.”
One of his students, Elsa
Oppenheimer, began with no woodworking experience. After five years of mentorship with Edwards, she now shows her own work and serves as president of the Vermont Woodturners Guild.
“Edwards had a profound impact on my life,” she said, “both as an artist and as a person. Anyone fortunate enough to own an original piece of his work will be carrying forward not just his artistry, but also his spirit.”
When Edwards and his wife, Janet, moved to Williston in 2011, Chris Stewart, a longtime member of the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club, supported them in many practical ways. He first shared his mother’s garage as a workspace, later helped build a divider wall in a barn, and even raised a shed 18 inches to fit Edwards’ equipment. Stewart also built and installed a sign for Edwards’ other passion: teaching Transcendental Meditation alongside Janet.
Edwards gave back to his community not only through his woodturning but also through his generosity with time, knowledge and teaching. He sold his work at art shows that supported schools and community organizations, including CVU High School, the Shelburne Waldorf School, Milton Artists Guild, Burklyn Arts Council, Vermont Handcrafters, and most recently at a show this spring in Vergennes. His creations have also been featured in local galleries and shops such as ArtHound Gallery in Essex, the Country Store on Main in Stowe, the Old Red Mill
see LEGACY page 3
Edwards Smith
COURTESY PHOTO
from page 2
Craft Shop in Jericho, and Mysa in Shelburne.
He spoke often about his approach to materials: “Over the years I have become more aware of the time it takes to grow a tree and feel that this natural resource needs to be preserved. For this reason I do not buy wood, as I do not know whether it has been responsibly harvested. I work with wood that people give me or wood that has been abandoned. I like to think that I am giving wood, which had been nurtured by nature for so many years, a second life when I turn it into something that is useful and aesthetically pleasing.”
The Vermont Woodturners Guild, his students, friends and community will remember Edwards not only for his artistry but for the way he shared his craft so freely. We wish him a beautiful next life. He is deeply missed.
Janet Smith is the wife of Edwards Smith and director of the Vermont Transcendental Meditation Center in Williston.
School
continued from page 1 “(CVSD)
The bond question, if approved for the Town Meeting Day ballot by a school board majority, would be on the ballot next to the district’s funding request for the upcoming fiscal year. District Chief Operations Officer Gary Marckres said he plans to develop a budget draft by the end of September. A community budget forum is scheduled for Oct. 25 at CVU.
The September draft will be an estimate of the budget if all current staff and services remain in place — and an estimate on the impact to property tax rates — Marckres said. With the Vermont Legislature considering wholesale changes to the way public education is funded (Act 73) “this may be our last chance in the next 4-5 years to have a level service budget,” Marckres told the school board’s finance committee Tuesday.
Act 73 has the potential to stifle the flow of funds that
is the right size right now. I’m reluctant to talk about any merger.”
Adam Bunting CVSD superintendent
support the district, redistributing them in a new statewide formula.
“We won’t have the funding to look like we look and do what we do,” Marckres said.
The legislation contemplates merging school districts, and lawmakers plan to consider new school district maps during the 2026 legislative session. But leaders at CVSD — already the largest school district in the state — are intent on resisting any merger with neighboring districts.
“It’s the right size right now,” CVSD Superintendent Adam Bunting said of the district. “I’m reluctant to talk about any merger.”
Moroney suggested removing the damaged section of the bridge this fall, creating two dead-ends (“viewing platforms”). That would at least prevent unsafe crossings. “However it could have a negative effect on community members who rely on the crossing for school and (park) access, and it may encourage crossings directly through the wetland and stream floodplain,” Moroney wrote.
The selectboard also considered leaving the bridge as-is for now, ultimately leaving it up to town staff to determine the best course of action.
“The selectboard emphasized that safety is the priority and expressed that they are not interested in pursuing temporary supports,” Assistant Town Manager
Erin Dickinson said after the Tuesday meeting. “I’ll be consulting further with staff on the best path forward.”
Reconstruction plans were first developed last year by then town planner Andrew Plumb. Plumb’s departure from town staff likely slowed the project’s progress, Moroney said.
“I continue to hear from people that they are puzzled why this has stayed dilapidated as long as it has,” selectboard chair Ted Kenney said.
“It shouldn’t take this long to fix,” board member Greta D’Agostino added.
Reconstruction designs developed last year involve placing a wall of stones tied together with wire upstream to lessen the pace of water as it flows under the bridge.
“We are not just repairing the bridge, we’re also making it more resilient,” Maroney said.
Amazon appeals rejection of Essex warehouse
BY AUDITI GUHA VTDigger
Representatives for Amazon are appealing the Essex Development Review Board’s July decision to nix an application to build a 107,000-square-foot warehouse in town.
Development Review Board, because we believe our traffic analysis is thorough and that our proposal fully meets local requirements,” Amber Plunkett, a spokesperson for Amazon, wrote in an emailed statement.
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The applicant “has failed to meet its burden by providing incomplete, contradictory, and unreliable information on critical traffic issues,” the town board’s decision, published July 17, states.
Gravel & Shea PC, representing Scannell Properties and Allen Brook Development Inc., filed the appeal dated Aug. 15 in the environmental division of Vermont Superior Court, according to documents shared with VTDigger.
“We’ve filed an appeal to thoughtfully address the concerns raised by the Essex
Town officials received notification of the filing from their lawyers on Aug. 21. A hearing date has not yet been set.
Named Project Moose, the site plan for the application outlines a 107,000-squarefoot facility and 500 parking spaces at 637 Kimo Drive on 23 acres of mostly vacant and wooded land in the Saxon Hill Industrial Park off Thompson Drive. If built, it would be the first Amazon facility in Vermont.
“With the applicant’s appeal of that decision, the project now goes to the State’s Environmental Court and the Town will await the court’s decision,” Town Manager
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen during a meeting of the Essex Development Review Board considering a proposed Amazon distribution facility on Thursday, July 17.
PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
Feds threaten funding cut over ‘gender ideology’
BY SHAUN ROBINSON VTDigger
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has threatened to cut funding to Vermont and 39 other states for a program aimed at preventing teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases if states do not remove “all references to gender ideology” from curriculum materials supported with federal dollars.
President Donald Trump’s health department cut funding to California in August for that state’s participation in the nationwide program, called the Personal Responsibility Education Program, or PREP. In a press release, the department said it could do the same for other states — as well as U.S. territories and Washington, D.C. — if health authorities there did not ax what the feds called “delusional” curriculum language within 60 days.
In Vermont, that puts about $670,000 of federal funding at risk, according to data attached to the health and human services department’s release. The program distributes about $80 million nationwide.
“Accountability is coming,” Andrew Gradison, acting assistant U.S. health secretary, said in the release. “Federal funds will not be used to poison the minds of the
“The Health Department affirms our commitment to evidence-based public health programs that reflect the needs of all Vermonters, including the LGBTQ+ community.”
Kyle Casteel
Vermont Department of Health
next generation or advance dangerous ideological agendas.”
Gradison wrote a letter to the Vermont Department of Health outlining what he said were examples, taken from curriculum used in the state, that “fall outside of the scope” of federal laws governing the sex education program. The feds asked Vermont to provide curriculum used for the program in April, according to the letter, and Gradison thanked the state for a “timely response.”
pronouns is a way of creating a safe space for transgender or gender nonconforming youth,” as well as material that included an explanation of differences between the terms “gender,” “gender identity” and “gender expression.”
The letter also cites material from Vermont stating: “Transgender women and cisgender women are both women. Transgender men and cisgender men are both men. The use of cisgender helps clarify that gender identity exists in both cisgender and transgender people.”
Gradison called the language “irrelevant” to the purpose of the PREP grant program, which he said is to educate young people about abstinence and contraception. He said the program’s federal statute
“neither requires, supports nor authorizes teaching students that gender identity is distinct from biological sex or that boys can identify as girls and vice versa.”
The letter directed Vermont to remove “these and all similar language” from curriculum used for PREP in the state or risk losing funding.
In a response, Kyle Casteel, a spokesperson for the state’s Department of Health, said of the letter that his colleagues were “working to understand it in real time.”
“While we don’t know the full scope of the potential impacts yet, the Health Department affirms our commitment to evidence-based public health programs that reflect the needs of all Vermonters, including the LGBTQ+ community,” Casteel said.
The letter cited language from Vermont’s sex education materials stating that asking young people “to tell you their
Vermont’s sacred cow: the false economy and toxicity of industrial ag
BY BILL SCHUBART
Dairy cows have been the icon of Vermont’s pastoral countryside for 150 years, but today’s mega-dairies don’t reflect the tradition of small dairy farms that once dotted our pastoral landscape.
When I got my first job on a dairy farm in Morrisville in 1957, there were over 10,000 dairy farms sprinkled among the hills and soil-rich river basins in Vermont, milking an average of 18 cows daily. Our neighbors Gladys and Volney Farr had 28 “girls.” Each had a name and most knew their own oak stanchion when it came time to come in for nighttime milking. Volney handmilked and poured the buckets through a dairy filter into large milk-cans that he delivered daily in his pickup to the Morrisville creamery for processing into fluid milk.
People drank fluid milk in those days. When Dad took the family to Paine’s Restaurant just outside of town, Mrs. Wolfe, the waitress,
deposited a large glass pitcher of milk on the table. Today it’s water. Milk fell out of favor with the health-food crowd — though that has since been debunked — but milk never returned as the ubiquitous family drink, replaced largely by sugary sodas that ballooned body sizes and caused diabetes in succeeding generations.
Today there are some 114,000 cows on 440 remaining dairy farms. This number includes some small-scale regenerative dairy farms producing for the local market, but most cows are in industrial dairy farms milking hundreds or even thousands.
A young friend who commutes daily to her job passes through an industrial dairy farm milking some 2,400 cows stalled in massive barns. Fed dry hay and grains, the cows are never on grass and spend their four years confined in small pens, milked robotically thrice daily, “freshened” (artificially inseminated) annually, and then slaughtered when their milk production drops in the natural
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cycle of aging. Those 2,400 cows produce 20,000 gallons a day.
A year after the passage of the Agricultural Act of 2014, revising commodity price supports and crop insurance programs, the U.S. government spent $24.7 billion in direct and indirect subsidies. Subsequently, the dairy industry received $43 billion in 2016 and $36.3 billion in 2017. In 2018, 42 percent of revenue for U.S. dairy producers came from
Is this farming or welfare shoring up a dying market?
some form of government support. Is this farming or welfare shoring up a dying market?
Today’s milk market is divid
ed into four segments: commodity fluid milk, organic fluid milk, premium markets such as yogurt, butter, cheese and ice cream, and finally, dry (commodity powdered milk and dry whey). On average, Americans drink 37 percent less milk than they did in 1970. Where possible, the 14 percent surplus milk gets dumped into international markets but with limited success. Some milk and excess whey are dumped legally onto
fields and may drain into nearby waterways.
So much for the market economics supporting Vermont’s sacred cow; now let’s look at the damage.
Industrial dairy in Vermont relies heavily on row-cropping of corn to feed its 114,000 cows. It is almost impossible to grow the corn needed to feed them without the use of weed-killing herbicides such as glyphosate, atrazine and dicamba, all of which are legal, though subject to “restricted use” in Vermont. All three are known to be detrimental to human health.
Paraquat, which has recently been linked scientifically to the genesis of Parkinson’s disease, is also legal, but subject to “restricted use.” Chlorpyrifos is now banned in Vermont, but atrazine and Syngenta’s paraquat, banned in the E.U., are still used here. The E.U. allows regulated use of dicamba and glyphosate.
Do you associate large piles of used tires with farms? They are often used as weights to hold down large tarps covering chopped corn or feed grains stored in bunker silos. Recycling old tires cost $412 per tire, more for large tractor tires. Some farms simply bury the tires.
Tires are a major contributor to microplastics and breakdown into such when buried. So, not only do
we poison our soils with chemicals, we further pollute them with microplastics, which then appear in our food.
The final nail in the coffin of industrial agriculture is the issue of humane treatment of animals. Cows typically have a natural lifespan of 15 to 20 years, but in the dairy industry, cows are often slaughtered at around 5 years old when their milk production declines. Cows are not on pasture eating their natural diet grass, (not corn.) They’re confined for their short lives in small pens running from 30 to 40 square feet. Freshened yearly, gestation is about the same as humans. “Bob calves” (males) are slaughtered shortly after birth for pet food while heifers (females) are nursed for a short while then removed to calf sheds to mature and be added to the milking stock.
So much for humane treatment of animals.
On a good note, Vermont is seeing growth among its local, regenerative farms producing dairy, livestock, fruit and vegetables, all consistent with best environmental and humane practices. In 2024, there were some 700 such local farms producing largely for farm stands, local farmers’ markets and local retailers.
To support humane, poison-free, regenerative farmers, we will need to address the fact that healthy, environmentally sound agricultural crops and livestock cost more to produce and thus will cost more to buy.
Given the false economy and toxic environmental impacts of industrial dairy in Vermont, isn’t it time to let the industry collapse under its own weight while shifting our state and consumer financial support to the emerging regenerative local agricultural community that lives light on the land and provides us with safe food?
Vermonters benefit by consuming naturally raised produce, free of big ag poisons.
Bill Schubart of Hinesburg is a writer, retired businessman and former chair of the Vermont Journalism Trust, the parent organization for VTDigger.
Greg Duggan wrote in an email.
A court hearing would give Amazon “a second bite at the apple” and community members the opportunity to reassert their arguments, this time in a judicial forum, according to Jared Carter, one of two lawyers representing Essex residents opposed to the project. In response to the project, residents have formed a nonprofit called ACRES — Alliance of Concerned Residents Envisioning Solutions.
“Of course we’re disappointed that Amazon has decided to appeal this despite the fact that the DRB, I think, pretty resoundingly said no. It’s certainly their legal right to do,” Carter said. The legal review is independent of the board vote, however, which essentially means starting over, he added.
Residents who remain opposed to the project are ready to argue why the proposed project should be rejected.
“The story unfolding in Essex
is nothing short of a modern David vs. Goliath,” said resident Lorraine Zaloom in a statement on behalf of ACRES. “Our town’s development review board made a sound decision in rejecting Amazon’s proposed warehouse, citing serious concerns that remain unresolved.”
After protests, heated debates and objections from residents during extensive public testimony this summer, the town’s project review board issued its 4-2 vote July 17 denying the site plan proposed by Scannell in the Saxon Hill Industrial Park.
The basis for the board’s denial was the project’s failure to comply with town zoning regulations, and particularly, its “failure to meet the burden of proof by providing unreliable traffic data” that “fails to meet the Town’s standards for data quality and methodology,” according to the decision.
The decision further states that the applicant did not provide additional information requested and provided “misleading” information about an alleged state review.
At the July 17 public hearing, the town board “was led to
believe that the project’s traffic impacts had been reviewed and accepted by the Vermont Agency of Transportation,” the decision notes. Upon further investigation, town officials found the VTrans traffic engineer had not given an opinion on the applicant’s traffic study.
“This admission revealed that a key state agency with expertise in traffic safety had not, in fact, reviewed the traffic analysis for this specific high-intensity proposal,” the decision states.
Residents who testified against the project remain opposed due to traffic, noise, pollution, stormwater management and other environmental and quality-of-life issues.
Town regulations exist to be implemented, not waived, reads the ACRES statement sent by Zaloom. Residents claim the Amazon proposal is unsafe, and puts drivers, pedestrians and school traffic at risk.
“It is still a terrible location in our community for large scale distribution, far from the interstate,” Zaloom stated. “Yet Amazon presses forward, relying on unlimited financial resources — and
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the local developer’s outsized influence — to steamroll local opposition under the guise of civic generosity, while acting in pursuit of profit.”
Amazon says it is committed to serving the Burlington area with faster delivery and reliable service.
“Beyond improving delivery
service for Burlington-area families and businesses, this facility would bring new jobs and contribute to Essex’s economic growth. We look forward to continuing the conversation and sharing more about the positive impact this project can have for the community,” Plunkett wrote.
Reducing humidity in your basement
and correcting the problem won’t just make your basement more
comfortable; it’ll also create a cleaner, healthier environment. By nature, basements are prime candidates for humidity problems. They’re underground and surrounded by dirt,
a notoriously bad conductor of heat. Because of that, basements are naturally cooler than the other rooms in your house. When warm, moist air from outside or upstairs comes into your cool basement, the moisture in the air cools and turns into water droplets.
In addition, the soil around your basement can hold a lot of water, which can seep through cracks or concrete pores. Because basements don’t typically have many windows or doors, there isn’t a lot of fresh air moving. Appliances like washing machines, dryers and showers can contribute to humidity, too.
SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE A HUMIDITY PROBLEM
Detecting high humidity in your basement early can save you a lot of trouble. It’s not just about discomfort; excessive moisture can lead to bigger issues like damage to your home and health problems for your family.
Physical signs of humidity include condensation on windows;
humidity, experts offer these tips: — Improve ventilation: “When the weather allows, open basement windows to let fresh air in,” said Dan Thrasher, CEO of Thrasher Foundation Repair. “You can also place fans strategically to circulate air and move moisture out.” Other steps you can take include making sure moisture-producing appliances vent outdoors and using an air purifier to improve air quality, reduce mold growth and alleviate allergy symptoms.
wet stains on the walls or floors; a white, chalky substance on the walls; damp, humid air; a musty or mildew smell; and wood rot.
You may also experience health symptoms that suggest a problem, including allergic reactions, difficulty breathing or asthma.
CORRECTING HUMIDITY ISSUES IN YOUR BASEMENT
If you’re dealing with high
— Seal leaks and cracks: Check your basement walls and floor regularly for any signs of cracks or leaks. Apply a waterproof sealant to any cracks you find and patch larger gaps. If you’re dealing with significant moisture, you may need to enlist help from a professional.
— Maintain gutters and downspouts: Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool around your home, increasing the risk of it seeping into your basement. Clean see BASEMENT page 9
A sump pump is a cost-effective way to manage basement water issues.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THRASHER FOUNDATION REPAIR
Basement
gutters regularly and check for damage. If necessary, extend your downspouts so water runs farther away from your house. If your gutters clog frequently, consider installing gutter guards.
MORE ADVANCED HUMIDITY CONTROL SOLUTIONS
While simple solutions like opening windows and using fans can work, sometimes you need to take more extreme measures with an advanced humidity control plan.
— Invest in a dehumidifier: A dehumidifier sucks in damp air, removes moisture and blows back drier air. Desiccant models, which use absorbent material to remove moisture, are ideal for extremely humid environments and work well in cold basements,
whereas refrigerant models are more common and affordable. Use the right size for the space and choose a central location for best results.
— Consider a basement waterproofing system: If your basement has structural issues that let water in, you may need to explore interior waterproofing or foundation repair. One option is applying a waterproof vapor barrier on interior walls. However, installing a sump pump and waterproofing system is among the least disruptive and most effective ways to manage water in the basement. Together, a sump pump or perimeter drainage system can help manage water that collects around or under your basement and keep it permanently dry.
For more informatinon, visit GoThrasher.com.
— Family Features
The rise of lilac leaf blight
BY ANN HAZELRIGG Special to the Observer
Lilacs are currently losing their leaves due to a disease called lilac leaf blight, caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora spp. Common throughout Vermont and the Northeast region, this disease also occurred in 2024 because of the wet weather in the spring and early summer.
The fungus overwinters on the fallen leaves and infects the emerging leaves in the spring during wet weather. As wet weather continues, more leaves become infected. Lilac leaf blight symptoms start as brown spots on the foliage that begin at the leaf edges. As the infection progresses, the spots grow together and cause leaves to curl and eventually drop. The fungus is favored by rainy or
humid weather, and I suspect the recent hot dry weather is accelerating the defoliation.
Although it may look like your lilacs are dying, if you scratch just under the bark near the end of a twig and still see green, and if the terminal buds for next year are obvious, the plant will be fine in the spring. Over several years of defoliation, however, the plant may be weakened.
Anything you can do to remove further stress in the bush this season will be helpful, such as watering at the base of the plant during hot dry weather and mulching plants to conserve water.
Rake and destroy the infected fallen leaves this autumn, and thin the plant during the winter to improve air circulation and light penetration. Be sure plants are not crowded.
Fertilizing lightly in early spring may help improve vigor, especially if the plant has been defoliated from the disease over the past two years. Fungicides can be used as the leaves are emerging and expanding in the spring and early summer but are not typically warranted or necessary. Fungicides at this point in the season would have no effect on the disease.
If you have questions about this or other disease and insect pest problems, you can contact me, Ann Hazelrigg, director of the University of Vermont Plant Diagnostic Clinic at ann.hazelrigg@uvm.edu.
Ann Hazelrigg is the University of Vermont Extension plant pathologist and director of the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic.
A New Home
Give me your tired, your
These words are on a plaque inside the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. They were written by Emma Lazarus in 1883. Her family came to the United States from Portugal.
Lazarus’ poem was meant as a welcome for people coming to America — people who wanted to be free, who had to leave their native lands, and who had traveled a long way.
The Mini Page celebrates Citizenship Day, Sept. 17, by exploring immigration.
America’s immigrants
Immigrants are people who come to a new place to live permanently. Most experts agree that the earliest immigrants to North America probably came across a land bridge between northeast Asia and Alaska about 13,000 years ago. These people are believed to be the ancestors of Native Americans.
Since then, at different times, large groups of people have come to North
’n’ Find
Next Week: Emancipation Proclamation
Mini Fact: These immigrants became citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
America from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.
In fact, even if you and your parents were born in the United States, your family may be able to trace its roots to another country.
Why immigrate?
Immigrants have come to the United States for many reasons. Some were looking for land to farm or better jobs. Others wanted to freely practice their religion, or they were unhappy with the government in their homeland. Today, immigrants may be trying to escape harsh governments or military organizations in their home countries. In some parts of the world, people are persecuted, or treated in a harmful way, because of their religion or race.
Immigration’s effects
Immigration adds a lot to the culture of a nation. People from other countries bring new ideas, customs, foods and languages to our communities.
But immigration also puts pressure on a country. Sometimes it’s difficult for people of different backgrounds to get along. Added people can strain a nation’s resources, such as energy, water and food supplies, housing, jobs, health care and education.
Becoming a citizen
If a lawful permanent resident wants to become a U.S. citizen, he or she must apply for naturalization. The government will check the immigrant’s history and make sure he or she is eligible.
Naturalized citizens have the same rights and responsibilities as native citizens, except they cannot be president of the United States.
Solving a problem
Some immigrants arrive in the U.S. illegally. In other words, they come into the country without permission, called a visa, from the government.
The problem of illegal immigration is a big one that presidents and Congress have not been able to solve. Recently, you may have heard about families being detained, (held) or deported (sent back home) after trying to enter the U.S. illegally. This is just one part of the problem.
Lawmakers have many different ideas about how to solve our immigration issues, from building a wall on the border between the U.S. and Mexico to refusing to allow any immigrants at all. It will take a lot of cooperation and creative new ideas to solve this challenge for our country.
Words that remind us of immigration are hidden in this
Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Chef’s
Home2Suites Island
Ramunto’s
“On the Block: Stories of Home”
Evan: Why don’t you ever see penguins in the United Kingdom? Addison: Because they’re afraid of Wales. Try
Mac’s
Founded by Betty Debnam Issue 36, 2025
Since then, at different times, large groups of people have come to North resources, such as energy, water and food supplies, housing, jobs, health care and education.
Try ’n’ Find
Words that remind us of immigration are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Evan: Why don’t you ever see penguins in the United Kingdom? Addison: Because they’re afraid of Wales.
Authorities in Innaarsuit, a tiny village in northwestern Greenland, warned residents to be cautious as a pair of massive icebergs loomed just offshore. They feared that the massive chunks of ice might create large waves that could sweep ashore. Photos show towering wedges of ice overshadowing homes and businesses in the village, which has fewer than 200 people and relies heavily on fishing. In 2018, Innaarsuit faced a similar threat when a 10-million-ton iceberg prompted evacuations over fears of tsunamilike waves, though the ice eventually drifted away.
For later:
Look in your newspaper for articles about immigration.
Teachers:
Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
Mini Spy and her friends are planting a tree. See if you can
the hidden pictures. Then color the picture.
SAVVY SENIOR
Is Social Security Still Taxable?
Dear Savvy Senior,
Do I have to pay taxes on my Social Security retirement benefits? I heard that President Trump’s big, beautiful bill eliminated that. What can you tell me?
About to Retire
Dear About,
No, the new law, better known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ did not eliminate Social Security taxes. It did, however, provide a temporary “senior bonus” deduction (starting in 2025 through 2028) of up to $6,000 that will apply to taxpayers, age 65 and older, who earn up to $75,000 for singles or $150,000 for joint filers. If you earn over that amount, the deduction starts phasing out. Also note that the senior bonus is a deduction, not a refundable credit, so it will not help lower-earning seniors who owe no income taxes.
By Jim Miller
— Less than $25,000, your Social Security will not be subject to federal income tax.
— Between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefits will be taxed at your regular income-tax rate.
— More than $34,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits will be taxed.
If you’re married and filing jointly and the total from all sources is:
— Less than $32,000, your Social Security won’t be taxed.
— Between $32,000 and $44,000, up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefits will be taxed.
— More than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits will be taxed.
WHO OWES SSA TAXES?
Whether or not you’ll be required to pay federal income tax on your Social Security benefits will depend on your income and filing status. About 40 percent of Social Security recipients have total incomes high enough to trigger federal income tax on their benefits.
To figure out if your benefits will be taxable, you’ll need to add up all your “provisional income,” which includes wages, taxable and non-taxable interest, dividends, pensions and taxable retirement-plan distributions, self-employment, and other taxable income, plus half your annual Social Security benefits, minus certain deductions used in figuring your adjusted gross income.
To help you with the calculations, get a copy of IRS Publication 915 “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits,” which provides detailed instructions and worksheets. You can download it at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ p915.pdf or call the IRS at 800829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy.
After you do the calculations, the IRS says that if you’re single and your total income from all the listed sources is:
If you’re married and file a separate return, you probably will pay taxes on your benefits. You can also find out if any of your benefits are taxable through the IRS online tax tool that asks a series of questions that will help you determine your status. To access this tool, go to IRS.gov/Help/ITA – click on “Social Security or railroad retirement tier I benefits - Are mine taxable?”
To limit potential taxes on your benefits, you’ll need to be cautious when taking distributions from retirement accounts or other sources. In addition to triggering ordinary income tax, a distribution that raises your gross income can bump up the proportion of your Social Security benefits that are subject to taxes.
HOW TO FILE
If you find that part of your Social Security benefits will be taxable, you’ll need to file using Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR . You also need to know that if you do owe taxes, you’ll need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS, or you can choose to have it automatically withheld from your benefits.
To have it withheld, you’ll need to complete IRS Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request (IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4v.pdf ), and file it with your local Social Security office.
STATE TAXATION
In addition to the federal government, nine states – Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia – tax Social Security benefits to some extent too. If you live in one of these states, check with your state tax agency for details.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1781, 44 Spanish settlers founded El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula, now known as Los Angeles.
• In 1882, Thomas Edison flipped on the switch at the world’s first commercial electrical distribution plant, powering downtown Manhattan in New York City.
• In 1888, George Eastman patented the shutter technology of his roll-film camera and registered the Kodak trademark.
• In 1917, the United States suffered its first World War I military fatalities in France.
TODAY’S FACT:
• Graduate students Sergey Brin and Larry Page filed paperwork to incorporate Google, their 2-year-old research project, on this day in 1998.
Saturday, Sept. 20. Grab a partner and toss your way to victory in a fun-filled cornhole tournament. Friendly competition, big laughs and bragging rights up for grabs. 12-6 p.m. Bring the whole family to cheer you on and enjoy tasty bites from local food vendors.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
LET’S GO FISHING
Ages 6-16 with parent. Learn how to fish, or learn new tricks to help you catch more. Learn where to find fish and what they like to eat. Equipment and bait provided. This is a parent/child program. Pre-registration is required to attend. Instructor: Chuck Goller.
DANGEROUS GIRLS
Age 12-plus. This women-only cardio-kickboxing class combines strength and conditioning with practical combat skills. Learn trips and throws, bounce to Beyoncé, hit hard, laugh a lot. Instructor: ONTA Studio staff.
CIRCULAR WEAVING INTRO
Ages 13-plus. Learn this fun, inexpensive and relaxing way to weave. The program introduces weavers to the circular loom. Make either a bowl or a flat piece. Participants will be shown a variety of techniques to create different effects. Instructor: Bradie Hansen.
ADULT PROGRAMS
SENIOR COMMUNITY MEALS
Ages 60-plus. The Recreation Department and Age Well will offer a free meal from 12–12:30 p.m. for anyone aged 60-plus and their spouse, regardless of age. Pre-registration is required, and spots are limited. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. with meals served at noon. Following lunch, enjoy a free senior-focused program from 12:30–1:30 p.m. Check out the meal menu on the recreation website,
willstonrec.org.
NUTRITION BASICS
Transform your relationship with food, and fuel your fitness goals in this comprehensive six-week nutrition program. Designed for beginner fitness levels, this course combines expert guidance with practical tools to help you understand the science of nutrition and its impact on your body. Instructor: Courtney Dessormeau, certified nutritionist.
DOG TRAINING: BASIC/ESSENTIALS
Ages 18-plus. Using a simple-to-use training approach, this six-week program covers the essentials of having a well-behaved companion. Includes obedience, manners, social skills and understanding behavior. Instructor: Deb Helfrich, Gold Star Dog Training.
THERAPY DOG ACADEMY
Ages 18-plus. This six-week course gives dogs and handlers the necessary skills for not only passing the therapy dog test but also for working successfully as a therapy dog team. The course is taught by Deb Helfrich at Gold Star Dog Training, who has been a therapy dog handler since the mid-1990s.
Fundraising golf tourney set to save pet lives
The Petworking Angel Fund is hosting a golf tournament on Sept. 22 at the Vermont National Country Club in South Burlington.
The nonprofit fund partners with shelters and veterinary clinics to help pets and pet families confronted with an unexpected veterinary emergency where they cannot afford treatment.
The event includes cart rental, gift bag, morning coffee and pastries, lunch and a post-tournament dinner and reception. There will also be an awards ceremony, silent auction and raffles.
For more information and to register visit: bit.ly/AngelFundOpen.
House Washing Specialists
Field day
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CVU’s Penny Webster stickhandles past an Essex defender during the Redhawks’ 3-2 win over the Hornets in preseason action in Essex last week. Kendall Fagant takes a penalty corner shot. Emery Thompson advances the ball upfield.
Sunday slugger
Town of Colchester Town Engineer
Seeking a committed, organized and analytical engineering professional with exceptional written and oral communication skills. The Town Engineer is responsible for capital project development and management in wastewater collection, stormwater, public buildings, streets and bike/pedestrian paths.
Our primary need is expertise in federally-funded transportation projects, scoping, state and federal environmental permitting, grant procurement, oversight of engineering design, right-of-way acquisition, developing written contract documents, contractor selection, contractor management, federal contract compliance, field review of construction and approval of work.
We have a wide range of interesting projects in different phases of development including many with funding in need of the right person to bring them to completion.
The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, or a closely-related field, and at least six (6) years of progressively responsible civil engineering and public works or utilities experience, including public interaction and engagement. This position requires a current Professional Engineer (PE) licensure and an ability to be licensed in VT within six (6) months if out of state, as well as a valid driver’s license.
If you’re looking for an engaging role improving the infrastructure that supports the community and the environment, we want to hear from you!
To view a complete job description and apply online, please visit https://www.colchestervt.gov/321/Human-Resources. For consideration please submit a resume, cover letter and application. Applications will only be accepted that have been submitted through the Town of Colchester website at the link above, and not through any other online platform. EOE.
Williston’s Mike Bordeau barrels up a pitch during the Armadillos’ 10-4 win over the Champlain Whales on Sunday at Williston Central School.
