Rooftop antennas would improve Village cell service, company says
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Both an out-of-state wireless networking company and a local telecommunications industry veteran offered assurances Tuesday that any radiofrequency exposure would be negligible if the Williston Selectboard approves Verizon’s proposal to install a three-pronged antenna atop the Williston Police station.
Mindful of the current gap in cellular coverage in Williston Village, board members endorsed the plan, taking an informal vote to allow the town manager to negotiate a lease with Verizon for use of the roof.
“The fact that we have significant dead zones is not acceptable … in a place as modern as Williston.”
Steve Shepard Williston Planning Commission
The company proposes to build a 14-by14 foot cupula to house the antennas atop the roof of the police station, located next to Town Hall at 7928 Williston Road. The installation will dramatically improve cell coverage for Verizon users both in the Village — including at Town Hall, the library and Williston Central School — and in other dead zones in town, such as along North Williston Road. That assessment is according to Martin Lavin, an engineer with New Hampshire-based C Squared Systems, which prepared a coverage analysis for the board on behalf of Verizon.
“We have town staff who struggle to get calls from their children who are at the school across the street,” board member Greta D’Agostino said of the current coverage
situation. “I spend a lot of my time at (the school), and the lack of ability to communicate constantly concerns me.
“I support moving ahead.”
Lavin’s report also analyzed anticipated radiofrequency emissions from the antennas, comparing them to what the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers safe for people living and working nearby. He concluded that only someone who is on top of the police station roof and inside the antenna cupola would be exposed to radiofrequency above the maximum that the FCC allows.
The offices of the police and town staff next door, as well as surrounding sidewalks, homes and offices, would all be well below the maximum exposure permitted by the FCC, Lavin concluded.
“It should be noted that the limits adopted by the FCC for … exposure incorporate a substantial margin of safety and have been established to be well below levels generally accepted as having the potential to cause adverse health effects,” Lavin wrote in the C Squared report.
Steve Shepard, a member of the Williston Planning Commission and a telecommunications industry veteran, offered his take on potential adverse health effects of radiofrequency exposure. He said that research has not established a direct link between the two.
“None of the studies are conclusive,” he said.
Shepard echoed D’Agostino’s sentiments, saying “the fact that we have significant dead zones is not acceptable … It’s a pain to go through town in a place as modern as Williston and not be able to get connected.”
With the selectboard’s endorsement, Verizon will now proceed with construction analysis and drawings for the rooftop cupula in anticipation of reviewing a draft lease agreement, according to Verizon representative Andrew Davis.
“We are early in the process,” Davis said. “There is quite a bit of due diligence to perform.”
Signs of the times
Residents come out for a “Stand Up for Democracy” rally Friday in Taft Corners. The event was organized by Champlain Valley Indivisible, a chapter of the national Indivisible Action political action committee “with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda,” according to the indivisible.org website.
OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY AND RICK COTE
Around Town
Town grants available for local social service organizations
The Town of Williston is accepting applications for funding from local social services organizations through Oct. 24.
Nonprofit organizations with a history of serving Williston residents in the areas of food, shelter, health and other needs of vulnerable or low-income residents will be considered.
Apply online at http://bit. ly/4nwrCLc.
Participate in Taft Corners ‘walk audit’
The Town of Williston is partnering with Williston on the Move, NetZero Vermont and AARP-VT to host a Walk Audit on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Guided walks will begin every half hour between 10 a.m. and noon from Williston Place on Blair Park Circle and at the intersection of Holland and Kettlepond lanes in Finney Crossing. The event concludes with snacks and
conversation at Healthy Living at 2 p.m.
The walk audit will assess how safe and comfortable Taft Corners streets are for pedestrians and help shape the planning and development of Williston’s upcoming bike and pedestrian master plan.
For more information, call (802) 284-5204 or email deb@ netzerovt.org.
Lund announces new board members
Adam Bunting, Chris Yager and Erin Regan are the newest appointees to the Lund Board of Trustees.
New to the Lund Board of Trustees this month are Adam Bunting and Chris Yager of Williston and Erin Regan of Hinesburg.
Bunting is superintendent of the Champlain Valley School District and was named Vermont Principal of the Year in 2018 for his work at CVU. He has also served on the Governor’s Opioid Coordination Council, the Vermont Voices Project, and the Vermont Principals’ Association.
Yager has nearly 30 years of experience leading software engineering teams and has served see AROUND TOWN page 5
EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
FRIDAY, SEPT. 19
Education and Enrichment for Everyone series ♦ Howard Center directors Charlotte McCorkel and Denise Vignoe discuss “helping our community thrive.” 2 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington. More information at https://eeevermont.org.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 20
120th birthday of Williston’s library ♦ Celebrate with lawn games, live music, cake and ice cream. Learn about library expansion plans. 1-3 p.m. at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library and on the Town Green.
Williston Antiques Roadshow ♦ Have your treasures appraised by local auctioneers and appraisers. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library.
Williston Walk Audit ♦ Collect and share information about the walkability of Taft Corners. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Starting at Williston Place and Finney Crossing and walking to Healthy Living Market. More information at (802) 284-5204 or deb@netzerovt.org.
CVU Spirit Day ♦ Celebrate CVU pride with varsity sports, food trucks, music and facepainting. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CVU High School.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24
Cyclocross bike race series ♦ Explore the challenge of cyclocross in this weekly race series. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Governor Chittenden Road. More information at catamountoutdoor.org.
HUB
When Dawn met Bob
Ballou Family Apothecary is born
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
It started out as an academic exercise for UVM business school students, a fictional brand concocted by retired beauty products executive Bob Phillips to walk students through the basics of launching a company.
Then Phillips met Dawn Lancaster. The former Unilever executive and the founder of Pure Energy Apothecary began meeting weekly at Williston Coffee Shop last August. They had wisdom to exchange about the skincare industry for sure, but they quickly uncovered a more personal connection that would
drive them to turn Phillips’ academic exercise into a new line of products under the Ballou Family Apothecary name.
Lancaster’s mother had died after numerous health issues that Lancaster traces to her use of corporate skincare products. Phillips’ daughter died after a skin disorder that he traces to the same cause. A mission crystalized: offer creams, soaps, candles and balms free from chemical ingredients, educate people about the cumulative effect of using corporate skincare products, and support the community through the company’s philanthropic foundation (10 percent of revenue goes to support causes
Bob Phillips and Dawn Lancaster cofounded Ballou Family Apothecary earlier this year.
such as affordable child care).
“Our relationship has been just connection after connection and has felt very meant to be,” Lancaster said Tuesday during a meetup with Phillips at the
coffee shop. “It’s amazing how quickly after we started meeting that we knew this was going to be a business.”
Ballou Family Apothecary shares a production facility in Williston with Lancaster’s other company, Pure Energy Apothecary. It sources natural oils and butters from around the world. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via online sales. Notably absent are the chemicals, plastic packaging and petroleum-based ingredients that can be found in some corporate skincare products.
“There is a cumulative effect of what we are putting into our bodies,” Phillips said.
He believes that the corporate skincare industry will eventually convert to the kinds of natural ingredients that Ballou Family Apothecary is using.
The Ballou name comes from Phillips’ grandmother. The family has a rich history of religious and academic leadership in Vermont and around New England dating back to the 18th Century. Phillips moved from his longtime home of Connecticut to his family’s home on Mallets Bay in Colchester after his wife passed away in 2020. He already had a visiting professor role with the UVM business school, and became an executive-in-residence after moving to Colchester.
A resident of Williston, Lancaster started Pure Energy Apothecary in 2017 after selling her soap and candle-making business, Carved Solutions. She met Phillips while giving an aromatherapy presentation at UVM. Shortly after, in August of last
COURTESY PHOTO
Apothecary
continued from page 3
year, the pair began meeting at the coffee shop, leading to the launch last spring of their joint venture.
With a manufacturing facility already in place, two experienced entrepreneurs at the helm, and the ease of setting up an online shop, the startup had a short runway.
“Once we had the mutuality of vision, voila, it was right there,” Phillips said.
In print and online:
We’re your neighbors, committed to keeping you informed on what’s going on in Williston.
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder resigns, saying the company has been ‘silenced’
Cohen and Greenfield campaign for independence from Unilever
BY THEO WELLS-SPACKMAN VTDigger
Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, said Wednesday he would resign from the company in response to alleged political censorship from its parent company Unilever.
Greenfield, who founded the company in 1978 together with Ben Cohen, said in an open resignation letter that he “can no longer, in good conscience … remain an employee.” After he and Cohen sold Ben & Jerry’s to Unilever in 2000, Greenfield had taken up a brand ambassador role at the company.
“Standing up for the values of
justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important,” Greenfield in the statement. “And yet Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power.”
Greenfield’s announcement comes days after he and Cohen launched a campaign to “free” the ice cream brand from Unilever’s planned spin-off, the Magnum Ice Cream Company. Greenfield’s resignation letter appeared both on social media and the campaign website.
The campaign includes two open letters co-authored by Cohen and Greenfield that address their concerns to the current owners and prospective investors. The
campaign comes after years of conflict in and out of court between Ben & Jerry’s and the London-based Unilever, and seeks to mobilize public support to pressure the larger company to allow its subsidiary to regain independence.
The founders argued that since Unilever purchased Ben & Jerry’s in 2000, “the commitments made to us, our employees, and our customers (have been) eroded.”
The company now “is not the Ben & Jerry’s that we founded,” they said.
The pair also addressed prospective investors, urging them to reconsider their involvement with Magnum and advising them that
the founders, as well as many employees and customers, no longer support the direction of the company under current management.
“We intend to campaign for an independent Ben and Jerry’s, owned by values-aligned investors,” Cohen and Greenfield said.
In a statement to VTDigger last week, a spokesperson for Unilever said, “Ben & Jerry’s is a proud part of The Magnum Ice Cream Company and is not for sale.” The spokesperson added that Unilever remains “committed to Ben & Jerry’s unique three-part mission — product, economic and social — and look(s) forward to building on its success as an iconic, much-loved business.”
Around Town
the Vermont Technology Alliance and Catamount Outdoor Family Center boards.
Regan is corporate engagement manager at the United Way of Northwest Vermont.
Lund provides adoption and parent-child services with a guiding mission to help children thrive by empowering families to break cycles of poverty, addiction and abuse.
“Adam, Chris and Erin bring professional excellence and a passion for community service. We’re grateful for their willingness to serve,” board chair Darren Springer said.
CSWD creates ‘How To Recycle Right’ videos in 15 languages
The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) has partnered with the Vermont Language Justice Project to produce a series of “How-To Recycle Right” videos available in 15 different languages: Arabic, American Sign Language, English, Burmese, Dari, French, Kirundi, Mandarin, Maay Maay, Nepali, Pashto, Spanish, Somali, Swahili and Vietnamese.
The videos guide viewers through CSWD’s blue bin recycling guidelines. They are available for viewing at www. cswd.net or on the CSWD YouTube page.
Resisting Trump’s costly swerve back to fossil fuels
BY JONATHAN DOWDS
President Trump and his administration are forcing Americans to increase our dependence on the fossil fuel industry at the direct expense of our economy and our environment.
Trump and the Republican majority in Congress have done everything in their power to kneecap the deployment of
wind and solar, even though renewables are our country’s cleanest and cheapest sources of power, and the ones that we can build most quickly to meet rising electricity demand.
Slowing down offshore wind to increase gas generation is not a trade that is in our best interests.
Fortunately, the Trump agenda is not the last word. When President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Accords during his first term, the Vermont Legislature voted to enact these important greenhouse gas reduction goals ourselves. Now, once again, Vermont and our New England neighbors need to craft our own response to resist Trump’s efforts to tie us ever more tightly to dirty and expensive fossil fuels.
The evidence that Trump’s energy policies amount to economic malpractice purely to benefit the fossil fuel industry is widespread. Trump’s Department of Energy has unilaterally mandated that a coal power plant in Michigan and an oil plant in Pennsylvania remain in operation beyond their planned retirements, despite the determination by state regulators, electric utilities and regional grid operators that closing the plants wouldn’t increase the risk of power shortages. Forcing these plants to remain
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Deadline is Monday noon for Thursday issue. News/ story tips are welcomed. Letters to the Editor should be 300 words or fewer and include your name, address and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the letter’s author.
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operational has already cost tens of millions of dollars. Analysts at the company Grid Strategies estimate that expanding this practice to other uneconomical plants on the cusp of retirement could cost ratepayers $3-6 billion per year. These poorly justified interventions in the normal operation of our grid amount to a forced subsidy for an industry that no longer makes economic sense.
In New England, utilities, regulators and environmentalists agree that offshore wind is a foundation of our clean energy future, but the Trump administration is taking a wrecking ball to vital wind projects. The administration recently forced one project that was nearly completed, Revolution Wind, to stop work with minimal justification. ISO New England, the entity that runs our grid, declared unpredictable and unjustified stop-work orders for fully permitted projects, like Revolution Wind, would increase costs for consumers and threaten the reliability of the grid.
Of course, bad news for wind is good news for fossil fuels, as halting
see DOWDS page 7
Dowds
Revolution Wind will lead directly to heavier utilization of existing oil and gas plants. New England ratepayers will pay a monetary cost for this, and the people who live near New England’s fossil fuel plants — disproportionately minority and low-income households — will suffer the risks of increased exposure to harmful pollutants. Slowing down offshore wind to increase gas generation is not a trade that is in our best interests.
Trump’s recently passed budget bill is loaded with more of the same handouts to the fossil fuel industry. It reduced the royalty rates paid on oil and gas leases, increased the tax credit for carbon sequestration for “enhanced oil recovery,” and created a new tax credit for metallurgical coal, all while abruptly gutting tax credits for the development and manufacturing of wind, solar, batteries and electric vehicles. The
non-partisan think tank Energy Innovation has estimated that the Trump budget bill’s attacks on renewables will lead to a 9-18 percent jump in electricity rates by 2035. These aren’t policies designed to alleviate an energy shortfall; they are policies that ensure our continued reliance on fossil fuels.
By eliminating the Solar for All program and tax credits for home solar, the budget bill also represents a major step back for Vermonters looking to control their energy bills. Solar for All had committed to deliver over $60 million in federal grants to Vermont, designated to help low-income families and the affordable housing community access the benefits of solar. The tax credit for home solar, which had been scheduled to run into the 2030s, has helped thousands of Vermont families go solar. Its loss will be a blow, and the state will need to act to ensure that building rooftop solar remains a viable option for Vermonters.
For all the damage that Trump’s opposition to affordable
Born and raised on a Vermont dairy farm, Bradley brings a deeprooted understanding of the state and its communities. With a background in engineering, construction, and moving, and over four years in real estate, he’s been inside thousands of homes—giving him unmatched insight into what makes a property truly stand out.
renewable energy is doing, there is a path forward. Vermont took one of the most important steps last year, when we updated our Renewable Energy Standard to mandate that all Vermont utilities get to 100 percent renewable power by 2035. These state standards act as a backstop against Trump’s interference, ensuring that our power comes increasingly from renewables rather than more natural gas plants, regardless of what is happening at the federal level.
Simultaneously, we have to work harder than ever to identify and implement common-sense reforms that make it faster and more cost-effective to build renewables here in Vermont and across New England.
Trump is working to drag the country back into the past. Together, we can push for a renewable future.
Jonathan Dowds is the deputy director of Renewable Energy Vermont, a trade association representing Vermont’s renewable energy industry.
Take Good Care!
Is a visit to the doctor or dentist part of your back-to-school routine? You’ve probably been to doctor for a checkup and had your teeth cleaned at the dentist. Let’s meet the people who help us take care of our health and find out about the tools they use.
Checking in
The first person you’ll probably see in a doctor’s or dentist’s office is a receptionist He or she is responsible for setting appointments, checking patients in, taking payments and filing reports about patients.
Meet a nurse
The next person you may meet is a nurse. He or she might:
•weigh you on a scale
•measure your height
• take your blood pressure
•listen to your heart
• ask you how you’ve been doing.
Careful records will be kept for your file. Nurses in pediatrician (pee-dee-uhTRISH-an) offices also take a lot of calls from parents about kids who are sick or injured. (A pediatrician is a doctor who treats children.)
If you need a shot, a nurse will probably be the one to give it. Shots contain vaccines (vak-SEENZ), or medicines to prevent disease, or antibiotics to help you get better when you are sick.
Try ’n’ Find
Next Week: Our states: Oregon
Mini Fact: The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
Time for a checkup
If you’re visiting for a checkup, the doctor looks you over to see if you’re growing as you should be. Babies see the doctor many times during their first year or two. After that, kids usually have a checkup once a year.
The doctor may use special tools to look into your eyes, ears, nose and mouth. He or she may feel around your stomach and look at your back to make sure your spine is straight.
Your doctor may also talk to you about the foods you eat, how much exercise you get and what activities you participate in at school.
You can always talk with the doctor and your mom or dad about any problems you’re having
Take your medicine
If needed, the doctor may order medicine. Some medicines are given in a liquid that you take with a spoon. Older kids can swallow pills. A doctor may prescribe, or order, an injection, which is medicine given through a needle. Shots usually pinch just for a second, and then the pain is over
Words that remind us of doctor and dentist visits are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
At the dentist
A dentist is a doctor who takes care of teeth, and a dentist’s office can be similar to a doctor’s office. You’ll probably check in with a receptionist.
At a dental checkup, the dentist wants to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. But before the dentist examines you, a dental hygienist (high-JEE-nist) may clean your teeth using a scraper, an electric tool and flavored toothpaste. He or she may also floss between your teeth and take X-rays of your teeth and jawbones.
You’ll sit in a special chair that leans back and wear a paper bib to protect your clothes from spatters.
Dave: What did the dentist say to the judge?
Dot: “I promise to pull the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth.”
Founded by Betty Debnam
(vak-SEENZ), or medicines to prevent disease, or antibiotics to help you get better when you are sick.
Try ’n’ Find
Words that remind us of doctor and dentist visits are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Dot: “I promise to pull the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth.”
Eco Note
2.Cut the kale leaves away from the stems and rip the leaves into bite-size pieces.
3.Place the kale in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and toss to coat the leaves.
4.Arrange kale on a large baking sheet in a single layer and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the kale leaves are crisp and golden brown around the edges. Serves 4.
*You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
A surge of locusts is devastating crops in southern Ukraine as Russia’s war on the country disrupts pest control efforts. Officials say extreme heat, abandoned farmland near the front and the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, which created a vast soggy area, have resulted in perfect breeding conditions. Swarms have overtaken roads and fields in Zaporizhzhia, where farmers report losing up to 33% of sunflower crops. Ukraine, the world’s leading sunflower oil exporter, depends on these southern regions for grain and oilseed production.
For later:
Look in your newspaper for articles about good health practices.
Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, Does Medicare offer any financial assistance for struggling seniors? My mom lives primarily on her Social Security survivor benefit and is having a hard time paying her Medicare costs. Need Assistance
Dear Need,
There are actually several different financial assistance programs that can help Medicare beneficiaries who are having a difficult time paying their out-of-pocket health care costs.
SAVVY SENIOR
How to get help with your Medicare costs
MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAMS
Let’s start with a program that helps pay premiums and out-ofpocket costs for Medicare Parts A and B. It’s called the “Medicare Savings Program,” and it has several different benefit levels for people based on their income and asset level. At its most generous, the program will pay Part A and B premiums and pretty much all your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. At its least generous it will pay just your Part B premium.
To qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, the minimum standard is an income under 135 percent of the federal poverty level, which, at the moment, works out to around $1,715 a month for individuals (or $2,320 for married couples).
Everything counts toward income, including payouts from 401(k) plans, pensions, Social Security and help from family members.
Medicare also allows states to
impose an asset test, which can be as little as $9,430 per individual ($14,130 for married couples), not counting your house, car or personal belongs, but counting retirement savings and bank accounts.
But some states have made their Medicare Savings Programs a lot more generous, with much higher income limits and, in some cases, no asset tests at all. But the program may be called something else in your state. To find out if you qualify or to apply, contact your state Medicaid program. Visit Medicaid. gov or call all 800-633-4227 for contact information.
MEDICATION ASSISTANCE
For help with Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plan costs, there is another completely separate low-income subsidy program called “Extra Help.” Application is through the Social Security office.
D prescription drug plan’s monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. In 2025, individuals with a yearly income below $23,475 ($31,725 for a married couple), and assets under $17,600 ($35,130 for a married couple) can qualify for Extra Help.
If eligible to be in a Medicare Savings Program, one will automatically qualify for Extra Help. But because the requirements are slightly different, even if one doesn’t qualify for a Medicare Savings Program for Part B, one might be able to get Extra Help for Part D.
For more information or to apply, visit SSA.gov/medicare/part-dextra-help or call Social Security at 800-772-1213.
OTHER PROGRAMS
PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), (LIHEAP) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and many others.
To help you find out what types of assistance programs one may be eligible for, and learn how to apply for them, go to BenefitsCheckUp. org. This is a free, confidential website designed for people age 55 and older that contains more than 2,500 programs.
It’s also possible to get help in person at one of the 87 Benefits Enrollment Centers scattered across 38 states. Visit NCOA.org/article/ meet-our-benefits-enrollment-centers to locate a center in your area. Or call their helpline at 800-794-6559.
Depending on income level, this program will pay part or all of a Part
Depending on income level, needs and location, there are many other financial assistance programs that can help, such as Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income),
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone for the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
• In 1850, Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act, which allowed slave owners to reclaim slaves who had escaped to free states.
• In 1947, the National Security Act took effect, establishing the Central Intelligence Agency and making the Air Force an independent branch of the U.S. military.
• In 2014, a majority of voters in Scotland chose to remain part of the United Kingdom.
TODAY’S FACT:
• In 2009, the final episode of the soap opera “Guiding Light” aired, ending its 72-year broadcast run on radio and TV.
A beginner’s guide
From improved air quality and increased wildlife habitat to enhanced property values and aesthetics, planting trees offers numerous benefits that contribute to a healthier environment and more beautiful landscape.
When selecting the right tree to plant, consider factors such as soil type, climate and the tree’s size when fully mature. Also determine your purpose for planting the tree, such as shade, fruit or ornamental beauty. That will help you narrow down your choices of tree type.
Once you’ve selected the perfect tree (or trees) for your property, follow these steps to plant a tree that will thrive for years to come.
— Choose a location that offers ample space for the tree’s roots and canopy to grow. Avoid areas with overhead power lines or
underground utilities.
— Test the soil drainage in the chosen location by digging a hole and filling it with water. If the water drains within a few hours, the soil has acceptable drainage. If it takes longer, select a different site or add organic matter to the soil.
— Dig a hole 2-3 three times wider than the tree’s root ball but no deeper than its height to encourage the roots to grow outward into the surrounding soil.
— Remove the tree from its container or burlap wrapping, taking care not to damage the roots.
— Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare (where the roots spread at the base of the tree) is level with or slightly above ground level.
— Backfill the hole with excavated soil, tamping it down gently
to eliminate air pockets.
— Water the tree thoroughly to provide initial moisture to the roots.
— Apply a 2-3-inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot.
As your tree grows, periodic maintenance can help ensure its health and structural integrity. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Prune the tree to remove dead or diseased branches and shape its growth. Fertilize as needed based on soil test results and tree species requirements.
For more lawn and garden advice, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Family Features
Having success when planting a tree requires different steps than growing vegetables or flowers.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK
The many benefits of the majestic oak
BY BONNIE KIRN DONAHUE Special to the Observer
Oak trees are some of the most beautiful and beneficial trees you can have in the landscape. When given enough space to grow, these trees can become massive specimens that provide many functions.
Oaks provide food and shelter for hundreds of caterpillar species.
Supported by the oak tree, these caterpillars grow into pollinators like moths, or become an important food source for birds and other wildlife. Acorns from oaks feed birds and other animals.
Like other trees, oak roots help prevent soil erosion, and their leaves help slow down rainfall. The shade these giant trees produce helps to cool the earth and provides shelter for insects, birds and mammals.
There are several oaks that are native to Vermont that you may want to consider planting.
— Northern red oak grows 5075 feet tall. Its leaves are dark green in the summer, turning a brown-red color in the fall. Red oaks prefer full sun but can tolerate medium to dry
soils.
— Eastern white oaks, growing 50-80 feet tall, prefer medium to dry soils and full sun. White oaks have dark green leaves, becoming brown to red in the fall.
— Swamp white oak grows 5060 feet tall in full sun. True to their name, this species prefers moist, wet soils. Fall colors vary from reddish-purple to yellow.
Given their size, it is best to plant oaks where they will have enough room to grow. An oak planted in the middle of a field with no other trees to compete with it will have a lovely, symmetrical form. Oaks can be planted closer together, but try to space them apart at about 75 percent of their mature expected size, at least.
The leaves of oaks are more thick and tough compared to other tree leaves, like maples. While this characteristic may be a nuisance for lawn care, the leaves are a benefit for insects that overwinter in leaf litter. If possible, plan to avoid mowing under the oak canopy, so the leaves can be left to decay naturally and
provide habitat for overwintering insects and pollinators.
Oaks are prolific seed producers, and if you’re so inclined, you can collect acorns and start new oak seedlings to share with friends, family and neighbors. Just keep in mind that acorns require time in cold storage (stratification) before planting, typically around three to four months or longer depending on the species. Alternatively, leave the acorns for wildlife to eat or store for winter.
For information on trees and other home gardening questions, the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardeners Helpline is available to help at: https://go.uvm.edu/ gardenhelpline.
If you have a lot of space and are looking for trees that provide enjoyment for humans and tons of ecological benefits, consider planting a majestic oak.
Bonnie Kirn Donahue is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from Central Vermont.
The broad canopy of the swamp white oak provides ample shade and shelter.
Courtesy photo by Debra Heleba
Recreation & Parks WILLISTON
FAMILY PROGRAMS
LET’S GO FISHING
Ages 6-16 with a 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. Pre-registration is required. Saturday, Sept 20. Instructor: Chuck Goller.
DANGEROUS GIRLS
Ages 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. Wednesdays, Oct. 8-29, 6:307:30 p.m.
ADULT PROGRAMS
A MATTER OF BALANCE
This evidence-based program is designed to help older adults feel more confident about preventing and managing falls. Over the course of eight weekly sessions, you will meet with a trained facilitator to build strength, improve balance and develop strategies for staying active and independent. Instructor: Carol Pepin. Wednesdays, Sept. 24-Nov. 12, 1-3 p.m.
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.
SOUND BATH WITH SOUND MASSAGE
QUALIFICATIONS
• Paramedic or AEMT
• Valid driver’s license
• Crew Chief AND Driver exp.
• BLS, ACLS (medics), ICS 100/200/700
• Desire to train and mentor
• Competitive pay plan
• Shift differentials
• Free continuing education
• Full benefits package
• VMERS C Pension
• Leadership opportunities
Contact Recruiter: Adam Backus, HR Manager
Lie down, relax and allow the sounds and vibrations of crystal bowls, gongs and flutes to calm the body and mind while Tibetan singing bowls are gently rung and run on the body if you choose. Rise from this deep restorative rest feeling refreshed and recharged. Instructor: Kirk Jones. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 6-7 p.m.
ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR
provides care and support to those affected by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia through free, high-quality education programs. Explore convenient learning opportunities focused on Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving, communication and more.
Thursday, Oct. 23, 6-7 p.m.
PICKUP PROGRAMS
Come out and play, stay fit and meet new people. These programs are open to all experience levels, meeting once a week October through May. Register at www.willistonrec.org.
Basketball: There are programs for men 20-plus, men 30-plus and women 19-plus.
Table Tennis: adults 18-plus. Players should bring their own paddles (a limited number of loaner paddles are available).
Volleyball: adults 18-plus.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
HOOPLA & SENSORY PLAY FOR FAMILIES
A joyful movement class where tots and caregivers play, move and explore together. Designed for children age 5 and younger to experience with their grown-ups. This class blends beginner hooping, music-led movement, and hands-on sensory play to support connection and healthy movement for all bodies. Instructor: Ms. Karla. Thursday, Oct. 23, 9-10 a.m.
GOBLIN AND GHOUL GOURMET COOKING
Ages 8-16. Young chefs will whip up a variety of spooky sweet and savory treats while learning real kitchen skills they can use for a lifetime. From creepy creations to festive bites, this hands-on class blends creativity, confidence-building, and fun, all with a spooky twist. Instructor: Lynn Brown. Thursday, Oct. 23, 1-4:30 p.m.
KNITTING
Join attorney Lisa Companion of LMC Law to learn about how you can transfer and protect your assets in this estate planning educational seminar. Discussion will include wills, trusts, power of attorney, and living wills, as well as mistakes you should avoid while protecting you and your loved ones. Thursday, Oct. 16, 5-6 p.m.
ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA EDUCATION
The Alzheimer’s Association
Grades 3-8. Does your child love to knit or do they want to learn? This program offers the basics for first-timers, as well as providing early and intermediate knitters with specific how-to and help with projects. All materials are provided. Instructor: Christine Heavner, owner of Knitting Circle. Wednesdays, Oct. 8-29, 2-3:15 p.m.
To place a classified ad, email rick@willistonobserver.com or call 373-2136
Deadline for classifieds is Monday.
Brian Bittner • 802-489-5210 • info@bittnerantiques.com Wednesday-Friday, with walk-ins to sell Thursdays ANTIQUES WANTED Decluttering?
The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.
So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.
from page 4
According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their nor mal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost al ways fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal. So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont
Shelburne Historical Society will have a display and president Dorothea Penar will lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food vendors round out the event with everything from coffee and lemonade to burgers and creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and
SHELBURNE DAY continued from page 4
Shelburne Historical Society will have a display and president Dorothea Penar will lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food vendors round out the event with everything from coffee and lemonade to burgers and creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and
Comets sink ‘Hawks
CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU’s Nora Cullen makes a block on BFA’s Ella Dunigan during the Redhawks’ 5-set loss to the Comets on Wednesday in Hinesburg. Apryl Tuiqere pushes the ball back over the net and Maddy Frere gets in a dig.
CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU’s Henry Shrier (1) and Brahm Lasek execute a double block during the Redhawks’ 3-set loss to the Burlington Seahorses on Thursday in Hinesburg. Reid Sadler makes a jump serve.
