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OCTOBER 15, 2026
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Williston Officer Favreau on leave after police shooting Incident occurred near Old Creamery Road BY TIERNEY FLAVIN VTDigger
Thomas Chittenden
Bruce Roy
Kesha Ram Hinsdale
Rohan St. Marthe
Senate candidates stake out positions ahead of General Election OBSERVER STAFF REPORT Have you received your ballot yet? A printing snafu reported by the Vermont Secretary of State’s office last week (see story, Page 12) delayed mail-outs of General Election ballots by a week. And the slowed pace of U.S. Postal Service delivery has been a source of frustration locally for years. Nonetheless, ballots are expected to arrive in the mail by mid-October, and the Williston Town Clerk is ready to accept them once completed — either mailed using the provided envelope, placed in the drop box outside town hall, or in person on Election Day, Nov. 3. The election gives Williston voters a choice of candidates for representation in the Vermont Senate, with six candidates vying for three seats in the Chittenden Southeast Senate District. The district encompasses all or part of
11 municipalities. The Observer posed the following questions to each of the candidates: Democratic incumbents Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Thomas Chittenden and Ginny Lyons and Republican challengers Bruce Roy, Javen Sears and Rohan St. Marthe. Lyons and Sears did not respond. For thoughts from candidates to represent Williston in the House of Representatives, see Page 3.
W
ho do you support for governor and why?
THOMAS CHITTENDEN
I have not endorsed or contributed to any candidate for governor, so I am not actively supporting anyone in that race. Nor have I made any endorsements at all this election cycle and I don’t plan to do so. I am focused on connecting with voters in this district to better understand what they want to
“We cannot spend and tax Vermont to prosperity.” Bruce Roy
see in your legislators for the next biennium. That said, voters deserve to know what I look for when I cast my vote for governor. I value experience, proven leadership, fiscal discipline and someone who actively seeks common ground rather than political advantage. Vermont needs a governor who understands that good government requires balance: addressing real needs while recognizing what Vermonters can reasonably afford. I also want a governor willing to bridge political divides and work constructively with the Legislature, municipalities,
businesses and community organizations. And representing this district, it is important to me that Vermont’s governor understands, values and supports the continuing mission of the Vermont Air National Guard and the important work of our Vermont Army National Guard. Lastly, I want a governor who advances policies to make it easier and cheaper to build homes and businesses here, because Vermont needs to start growing again. BRUCE ROY
I fully support Gov. Phil Scott, and I am proud to have his endorsement. He believes, as I do, that we cannot spend and tax Vermont to prosperity. We both know the answer to the high cost of housing, health care, energy and property taxes is not higher taxes or another tax. The burden on the average
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Officer Ethan Favreau of the Williston Police Department shot and injured Michael McGovern, 52, of St. George, last Thursday morning, according to the Vermont State Police. No charges have been filed, and no one is in custody. Vermont State Police’s initial investigation found that the shooting occurred around 4:50 a.m. Oct. 8 along Route 2A while officers were responding to downed wires on the road. The incident took place between Butternut Road and Old Creamery Road. McGovern approached the hazard, but further details “remain under investigation,” Maj. Ashley Barnes, commander of the state police criminal division, said during a press see SHOOTING page 2
see SENATE Q&A page 6
Williston Officer Ethan Favreau
258 Market Street, S. Burlington
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Page 2 •
Williston Observer • October 15, 2026
CORRECTION A story in the Oct. 8 edition of the Observer headline “Charlie’s Boathouse goes public’ mistakenly said that the Auer Family Boathouse property in Burlington was acquired by both the Winooski Valley Park District and the Lake Champlain Land Trust. The Lake Champlain Land Trust is not a property owner. It holds a conservation easement on the property, protecting its ecological value and ensuring public access.
Shooting
continued from page 1
conference last week. Favreau joined the Williston Police Department in September 2019 after having previously served with the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office. He has been placed on paid administrative leave. Both Favreau and McGovern were treated at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington. McGovern was treated for a gunshot wound to the hip, and Favreau was “evaluated for a minor injury,” according to state police. Both have been discharged. Another Williston officer — who has not been identified — was on the scene, but did not fire a weapon, according to Vermont State Police, which is leading the investigation. The agency will turn over the case to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office and the State’s Attorney’s Office for independent reviews of the police officer’s use of force. Barnes said investigators are reviewing police body camera and cruiser camera footage. “A vehicle approached officers, and we’re not exactly sure yet what occurred during that,” Barnes said. “Something led to one of the Williston officers discharging his duty weapon, striking the male.”
— Alan J. Keays of VTDigger
contributed reporting
This is your newspaper.
COMMUNITY
CALENDAR EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO
EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM THURSDAY-SATURDAY, OCT. 15-17
The Williston One-Acts. Vermont Repertory Theatre. Commerce Street. Three one-act plays. Tickets at www.vermontrep. com. FRIDAY, OCT. 16
Education & Enrichment for Everyone series. 2 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church. 899 Dorset St., South Burlington. UVM Professor Alex Zakaras: “Freedom for All: What a Liberal Society Could Be.” www.eeevermont.org. SATURDAY, OCT. 17
Williston Historical Society talk: “Taverns and Stagecoaches of Chittenden County.” 11:30 a.m. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. Speaker, Richard Allen. TUESDAY, OCT. 20
CVSD School Board meeting. 6 p.m. CVU High School. Agenda at cvsdvt.org. Selectboard meeting. 7 p.m. Town Hall. Agenda at town. williston.vt.us.
Email us your story ideas, photos, and Letters to the Editor. editor@willistonobserver.com Williston
SUNDAY, OCT. 25
Trunk or Treat. 2-3:30 p.m. Village Community Park. Costumes welcome at this free annual event hosted by the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club, Williston Federated Church and the Town of Williston.
October 15, 2026 •
Williston Observer • Page 3
House of Representatives candidates questioned
The Town of Williston is split in its representation in the Vermont House of Representatives. The majority of residents live in the Chittenden-2 District, where incumbent Democratic Reps. Erin Brady and Angela Arsenault are running unchallenged to return for the upcoming two-year term. In the Chittenden-8 District, which straddles a portion of southern Williston and western South Burlington, incumbent Democrat Bridget Burkhardt faces a challenge from Republican Mitchel Cypes for the lone House seat. The Observer asked the two candidates for their responses to the following questions ahead of the Nov. 3 General Election.
W
ho do you support for governor and why?
BRIDGET BURKHARDT
Bridget Burkhardt
Mitchel Cypes
She has a vision for a more self-reliant Vermont and detailed ideas about how to get there. Her work puts people first, and she is dedicated, like I am, to building a Vermont where everyone can thrive.
membership where available. Some unions are good and work well for all their members and communities. Some limit opportunities to union favorites. If someone is not a union favorite and you want to advance, you may need to change professions or leave the state. Vermonters want their children to be able to work and buy a home in Vermont. Proposition 3 would make it harder for businesses to start in Vermont due to high cost of labor. A Democrat governor and Legislature would be hard on businesses and for our children wanting to stay in Vermont.
MITCHEL CYPES
BRIDGET BURKHARDT
I support Amanda Janoo. It is time for a governor who understands that Vermont does better when we all work together. Regardless of whether we live in rural areas or more urban parts of the state, all of us face significant challenges — education, health care, housing, economic development, environmental resiliency, and more. Many of these challenges have reached crisis levels under the current administration. Amanda Janoo has real ideas for how to tackle these problems. She has a depth of experience in helping communities around the world create sustainable, thriving economies.
I support Gov. Phil Scott. I have had the opportunity over the last few weeks to meet so many people who live in Chittenden 8. They are frustrated by a Democrat Legislature that increases spending and taxes every year. Gov. Scott has worked to slow down the increases by vetoing bills with excessive spending. He needs more legislators who will support his vetoes. Vermonters know that if there were a Democrat governor along with a Democrat Legislature, taxes and spending would increase, and affordability and opportunity would decrease. For example, take Democrat-sponsored Proposition 3, which would require union
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T
he housing market has become more of a buyers’ market this year. Do the slowdown in price increases and higher rental vacancy rates change the equation for housing affordability in Chittenden County?
Price increases may have slowed in some areas, but prices are still out of reach for working families, young people looking for their first home, seniors looking to downsize, and key workers who need to live near their jobs. With a median home price of nearly $450,000 and interest rates at 7.5%, housing is still unaffordable for many. Young Vermonters looking to set up their own first households struggle to find apartments or houses they can afford, so we lose them to other states where housing costs are more in line with wages. We have a severe workforce shortage across many industries, and employers are struggling to attract and retain employees because people cannot find affordable housing. We need to continue our work to support dense housing development in community centers so that we can meet the demand for housing without creating sprawl. We need to continue to support careful permit reform, scaling up of our non-profit housing developers, infrastructure development that will lower the cost of housing development, and programs like the Vermont Housing Finance Authority’s downpayment assistance program that help more Vermonters become homeowners. We need to expand apprenticeships and career technical education to give more young people the skills they need to become smallscale developers who can rehabilitate housing stock that has fallen
out of the market and build housing on a scale that fits Vermont. MITCHEL CYPES
I have spoken to many who live in the district over the last few weeks who told me that they are planning to move out of Vermont soon, mostly due to the high taxes and decreasing standard of living. Many raised increasing crime as a reason to move. The building of new homes is also slowing down. To create sustainable communities, we need to build more affordable housing for ownership. Currently, according to the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development, only 3% of affordable housing money goes for homeownership with the remaining 97% going toward rentals. Money for homeownership should be 50%. In my 16 years working in planning and zoning departments, I have seen how excessive review by Act 250 has made development more difficult. This is more evident after helping applicants get through local reviews. Though some small progress has been made, so much more needs to be done. I have heard many developers complain about excessive fees charged by the Agency of Natural Resources. One said that they were charged for removing agricultural fields and for removing habitat for an animal that cannot live in agricultural fields. If we see HOUSE Q&A page 4
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Page 4 •
Williston Observer • October 15, 2026
House Q&A
continued from page 3
want more housing affordability, we need to lower state fees and simplify processes.
D
o you think the state should provide more resources to Burlington to address homelessness, crime and drug use?
also like to see the state focused on developing more capacity to treat addiction and mental illness. The downstream effects of our failure to support adult mental health show up in so many other areas, including our schools and hospitals. Burlington is not the only municipality in Vermont struggling with these issues. We must address these challenges across the state, which is why I think there is a role for state government here. MITCHEL CYPES
BRIDGET BURKHARDT
I think there is a role for the state in supporting Burlington as it addresses these problems. Burlington’s problems become problems for the whole area. I think it will take a state-level administration that is willing to work with Burlington over the medium- to long-term rather than making unilateral decisions and one that uses state resources in a way that is helpful and not heavy-handed. For example, I would like to see more state resources focused on negotiating the development of shelters that provide safety for those experiencing homelessness and help them access services to build a path toward permanent housing. I would
Maybe with some accountability. Why did Burlington’s ProgressiveDemocrat government defund the police? I support the police and am appreciative of the work they do. Why is Burlington providing needle exchanges to encourage drug use? I have met so many people who are upset about what has happened to Church Street. One told me of a business they have in downtown Burlington, where they had to close their bathroom to the public due to needles being left there. If we want to think of downtown Burlington as an area worth more resources, we need to have a commitment from the Burlington City Council to clean up their mess.
Unfortunately, we are seeing some of this crime spill over to South Burlington and Williston, which is concerning many.
D
o you agree with the Attorney General’s prosecution of protesters allegedly trespassing at the Federal ICE offices in Williston? How do you think activists should proceed in future demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement?
BRIDGET BURKHARDT
In general, I am a strong supporter of the Attorney General. She has been fierce and dedicated in fighting back against the Trump administration’s attacks on our civil rights, environment, health care, transportation, education, consumer safety, programs that support our most vulnerable citizens, and economy. In this case, however, I was disappointed in her decision. I am horrified by ICE’s actions both nationally and in our own community. I watched ICE terrorize community members, including a child, in South Burlington in March. I
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applaud citizens who make it their mission to stand up to the injustice perpetrated by ICE. The protests in Williston have been peaceful, and I think we should be prioritizing citizens’ rights to free speech as they stand up to those who terrorize our communities. The Attorney General’s office does not have the resources to take up every case that potentially comes before it, and I am disappointed that the Attorney General has chosen to use the office’s limited resources on this case. I think activists should continue to protest peacefully against the way federal immigration enforcement is being carried out under this administration.
but couldn’t because illegal immigration overwhelmed the available resources. Legal immigration creates so much opportunity for all Americans. I think of videos of the caravans of illegal immigrants coming to America waving their national flags. If they wanted to be Americans, why were they not waving American flags? Of the 10-20 million illegal immigrants costing trillions of dollars of our children’s money, a little more than 450,000 are children. According to Border Czar Tom Homan, more than a third have been rescued so far. Almost 300,000 remain, mostly in sanctuary cities, many of them being sexually abused. Does anyone care?
MITCHEL CYPES
P
There are valid, effective legal ways to protest, which most people, including myself, support. Then there is illegal disruption of law enforcement activity by people who believe that they are above the law. We should not have a small number of elites pushing their virtue signaling or paid organized opposition protestors dictating policy. I think of the people who wanted to come to this country legally during the Biden administration
lease describe your personal and professional background.
BRIDGET BURKHARDT
I am a finance professional and started my career with several years of investment banking and private equity investing experience in New York City. After moving to London in 2001, I made a career shift into see HOUSE Q&A page 5
RE-ELECT Hardworking, responsive, analytical leadership for South Burlington and Williston
Bridget Burkhardt Vermont State Representative for Chittenden-8 House Committee on Ways & Means
• Fairer tax system • Strong, sustainable schools • Affordable healthcare • Housing for all • Environmental responsibility • Civil rights protected Review the details at willistonlibraryproject.org Ad paid for by the Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
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PRICES SLASHED! PRICES October 15, 2026 •
House Q&A
get stop signs, crosswalks and stop frivolous lawsuits.
continued from page 4
mission-driven, economic-development-focused investing. Upon moving back to the U.S., I worked as a consultant for financial institutions in developing countries, helping them raise money and structure their operations efficiently. After moving to Vermont in 2010, I continued to work remotely as a consultant for a few years before taking a career pause to stay at home with my two sons. I served for three terms on the South Burlington School Board and served as chair for the last 14 months of my tenure. Personally, I was raised in a tiny town in central Illinois outside of Champaign-Urbana. I’ve been married for 24 years to my husband, Fritz, whom I originally met in high school in Illinois. He is a Middlebury grad whose dream of raising a family in Vermont helped to bring us here. I am a proud mom to a twelfth grader and an eighth grader who both attend South Burlington public schools. MITCHEL CYPES
My wife, son, daughter and I have lived in Dorset Farms in South Burlington for 22 years. Our son and daughter went through the South Burlington schools. I am a licensed professional civil engineer focusing on stormwater treatment and road design with years of construction experience. I have 16 years of experience working in municipal planning and zoning, where I was able to help people through processes and see how the state has limited opportunities for people, development and businesses. In 2008-2009, I called out in meetings the efforts by the Conservation Law Foundation to impose extraneous stormwater requirements on South Burlington businesses and residents, when the then-representatives did nothing. In 2013, I commented on a bill passed by the House that would have required someone who raked 500 square feet of leaves within 250 feet of a shoreline to get a state permit. I have used my work skills to help the community and help my homeowners association
I
s there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
BRIDGET BURKHARDT
It is an honor to serve South Burlington and Williston. I have spent the last two years working to make our tax system fairer and to make sure that our reforms to education preserve what makes our public schools great. I hope to be here for the coming two years to fight for South Burlington and Williston as this work moves forward. I strive to be as responsive and accessible as I can, and it makes my job easier when I hear what is on the minds of constituents. Please continue to reach out with your priorities and concerns. MITCHEL CYPES
Lots. Please see my website, cypes4ch8. org. You can email me at cypes4ch8@ gmail.com. I am a strong proponent of homeownership. Homeowners gain wealth by paying off their mortgages, support the police because they want to protect their investment, and care about how much property taxes they pay. Homeowners build communities. We need to give our children a chance to be homeowners. We need to create more small lots for smaller affordable homes. We need to change how affordable housing is done to encourage maintenance and improvement of the properties. We also need to help businesses start and stay in Vermont. We can lower business and homestead property taxes by splitting the non-homestead property tax category into non-homestead residential for second or third homes, from commercial properties. Non-homestead residential can be taxed at a higher rate, like Florida, to reduce the tax burden on homestead and commercial properties. We need to vote ‘no’ on Proposition 3 or risk losing many businesses and work opportunities for our children.
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Page 6 •
Williston Observer • October 15, 2026
Senate Q&A continued from page 1
Vermont taxpayer is overwhelming. We need to lower the tax burden for Vermonters, and implement reforms that will drive down the cost of housing, give Vermonters lower cost health care options, and remove special interest driven mandates that are raising utility bills. Gov. Scott has put forward thoughtful plans to make Vermont affordable but has met unrelenting resistance from the Legislature throughout his tenure as governor. In 2023-2024 alone, the supermajority overrode his vetoes 13 times to give Vermont a host of laws and regulations that have since proven to not be in the best interest of Vermonters. I can imagine being part of a supportive, pragmatic 2027 Legislature, working with Gov. Scott, focused on affordability, not bureaucratic growth and special interest groups — a team focused on Vermont’s future, allowing all to stay, live and thrive in our beautiful state.
about universal health care concern me — particularly the suggestion that the state would have to pay for it. I agree that we need to have tough conversations about health care, but those conversations must include a clear answer to one critical question: Where will the money come from? I’m not willing to support asking hardworking Vermonters to pay more without a credible, sustainable funding plan. We need solutions that address costs without creating another financial burden for families already struggling to get by. For me, Gov. Scott is the better choice because affordability must be a priority — not just a talking point.
KESHA RAM HINSDALE
I support Amanda Janoo because she is a thoughtful listener and systems-based economic thinker who understands that Vermont’s biggest challenges are interconnected. Housing, health care, education and workforce development cannot be solved in isolation. I’ve appreciated Amanda’s willingness to ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions and consider different perspectives. As Senate Majority Leader, I’ve learned that effective leadership means building trust, bringing people together and focusing on results rather than headlines. Amanda brings that spirit of collaboration and fresh economic thinking to the challenges Vermont faces.
T
he housing market has become more of a buyers’ market this year. Do the slowdown in price increases and higher rental vacancy rates change the equation for housing affordability in Chittenden County?
ROHAN ST. MARTHE
I support Gov. Scott because I believe he understands the responsibilities of the office and the financial pressures facing everyday Vermonters. His focus on cutting taxes and making Vermont more affordable aligns with my priorities. Amanda Janoo’s comments
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THOMAS CHITTENDEN
The market may finally be giving buyers and renters a little breathing room, but it has not fundamentally changed the affordability equation in Chittenden County. There are encouraging signs of normalization. During the first half of 2026, the median single-family sale price declined 2.2% to $577,000, and homes spent more time on the market. More recent data show somewhat different trends depending on the measurement used, which is a good reason not to overstate the idea that housing has suddenly become affordable. For most working Vermonters, the real issue is not whether prices increased or decreased a few percentage points this year. It is whether their income can support the cost of buying a home, renting an apartment and being able to pay our unbearably high property taxes. We still need more housing of all types, particularly starter homes, workforce housing, apartments and senior housing. Our goal should be straightforward: make it easier and less expensive
to build homes in the places where Vermonters want to live, with our municipal and state programs investing in the sustainable modern infrastructure those homes require. BRUCE ROY
Housing market prices fluctuate. Interest rates as well. Yet, Vermonters’ taxes increase continuously without relief. These taxes support a budget that rose from $5.8 billion in 2019 to $9.4 billion today — an increase of over 60%, 30 points over inflation! Not surprisingly, Vermont now has the third highest tax burden in the USA. We also have the nation’s highest healthcare costs. Alarmingly, a recent UNH survey reports 60% of 18-34 year olds want to leave Vermont in the next five years. This is a recipe for economic disaster. A spend-andtax philosophy led by 30 years of continuous Democrat Legislature control has led us into a deep economic hole. Property taxes, funding our broken educational finance system, have spiked for average Vermont homeowners 50% over six years. Unresponsive, agenda driven see SENATE Q&A page 7
October 15, 2026 •
Senate Q&A continued from page 6
legislative dominance has driven us here. It’s time to give Gov. Scott a chance with a team that will work with him. Moderates like myself have already started planning to lower spending and provide tax relief. Budget actions like moving property tax income sensitivity credits from the education fund to the general fund would save Williston taxpayers 18.5%. Not funding hundreds of unfilled and continuously open state positions would save up to $100 million. These would be immediate reductions, with more to come, realized with a new, moderate Legislature. KESHA RAM HINSDALE
Yes, and that’s good news! After years of skyrocketing rents and home prices, a cooling market gives Vermonters some breathing room and, just as importantly, more choices. But slowing price increases isn’t the same as affordability. Too many working families, young people and seniors still can’t find homes that meet their needs and budgets. We need to keep building, especially accessible housing, smaller homes for seniors, and walkable neighborhoods near jobs and services. I’ve spent much of my Senate career removing barriers to housing while protecting Vermont’s natural resources. A healthier market is a sign of progress, not a reason to stop. ROHAN ST. MARTHE
No — not enough to change the affordability equation for people who are already struggling to find housing in Chittenden County. A buyers’ market may offer more choices, but more choices do not necessarily mean people have the money to buy. Buyers still need to afford the down payment and monthly mortgage payment. The same applies to rentals. More vacancies do little for someone earning under $80,000 a year
if the available apartments remain beyond their budget. From my perspective, the real measure of progress isn’t how many homes or apartments are available, it’s whether working Vermonters can afford to live in them without sacrificing other basic needs.
D
o you think the state should provide more resources to Burlington to address homelessness, crime and drug use?
THOMAS CHITTENDEN
Yes, but additional state resources should be paired with measurable accountability and meaningful action at the local level. Burlington cannot solve homelessness, untreated mental illness, substance-use disorder and the resulting public-safety challenges by itself. These problems cross municipal boundaries and require state and regional involvement. Burlington’s own recent resolution requesting state assistance explicitly makes that case. At the same time, I fully support the approach embodied in the Burlington Forward initiative: Compassion and public safety cannot be treated as opposing values. People struggling with addiction, mental illness and homelessness need treatment, recovery services, shelter and pathways toward stable housing. Residents, businesses and visitors deserve safe parks, streets and public spaces, and unlawful behavior needs consistent consequences. Burlington Forward specifically combines those priorities with greater accountability, public safety resources, regional partnerships and better measurement of results. I am willing to support additional state partnership and resources, but it needs to be a partnership. The state and Burlington should establish clear goals and measure whether our investments are actually making people safer and helping people move toward
recovery and stable housing.
health and addiction services.
BRUCE ROY
KESHA RAM HINSDALE
The Burlington mayor and the City Council have proven they cannot control or solve the problems in Burlington. As I talk to constituents and businesses, they too have confirmed that those that created the problems are no longer capable to fix them. I hear consistently that folks are no longer comfortable or feel safe going into Burlington. That hurts us all. Gov. Scott’s addition of an Accountability Court has helped but more must be done. The Burlington Police
Absolutely. But Burlington needs more than resources. It needs a genuine partnership with state government instead of political finger-pointing. As Vermont’s largest city and regional economic center, Burlington serves people from across the state. It cannot shoulder the costs of homelessness, addiction and public safety alone. We need coordinated investments in housing, mental health and addiction treatment, emergency services, and effective law enforcement. We also need accountability and better coordination between state and local agencies. I’ve supported investments in housing and services for vulnerable Vermonters, but funding alone won’t solve problems if our systems work against each other. Burlington deserves a state government willing to work alongside local leaders to deliver real results.
“Effective leadership requires listening to all perspectives, relying on data rather than ideology, and working across political aisles to solve hard problems.” Thomas Chittenden
Department is still struggling with staffing levels after the council’s misguided attempt to unfund the it. Reluctantly, to save Burlington, I believe the state will have to step in with supplemental police officers and other resources, putting another stress on taxpayers and other communities. Gov. Scott recently and reasonably suggested using money allocated for the Burlington overdose prevention site to instead fund a 100-bed homeless shelter in Burlington. These opioid settlement funds remain unused as opioid overdose deaths drop and Burlington struggles to find a location for the injection overdose site that is not opposed by local residents. I propose that some of that allocation be directed to increased mental
ROHAN ST. MARTHE
I don’t support giving Burlington more state resources without clear accountability from city leadership. Decisions have consequences, and I believe the city’s approach to policing and public safety has contributed to the problems it now needs to address. It hurts to see business owners struggling to make ends meet while also dealing with concerns about crime and public drug use. I hear from business owners every day who feel city leaders have let them down. They deserve a city government that takes their concerns seriously and acts on them. Burlington should prioritize its own funding to improve police pay, increase staffing and hold people accountable for criminal behavior. More officers alone won’t solve the problem if the city doesn’t also set clear expectations for conduct in public spaces. I oppose policies that I believe normalize public drug use, including safe injection sites. We should
Williston Observer • Page 7
help people access treatment and housing while making it clear that dangerous or criminal behavior will not be tolerated. Before asking taxpayers across Vermont to contribute more, Burlington needs to show that it is taking responsibility, using its resources effectively and putting a credible plan in place to protect residents and businesses.
D
o you agree with the attorney general’s prosecution of protesters allegedly trespassing at the federal ICE offices in williston? How do you think activists should proceed in future demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement?
THOMAS CHITTENDEN
The rule of law matters. Without it, our experiment in representative self-government for civil society begins to break down. At the same time, the right to peacefully protest government action is fundamental to our democracy, and I strongly support the right of Vermonters to speak out against federal policies they believe are wrong. Those principles are not contradictory. Civil disobedience has a long and important history in America, but peaceful protest does not necessarily provide immunity from laws governing private property or access to a workplace. In this case, protesters were charged after allegedly blocking access to the Williston office complex, and Attorney General Charity Clark has said that her personal political views cannot determine her charging decisions. Notably, she has herself protested at an ICE facility. Based on what I know, I believe her decision to proceed was a reasonable exercise of prosecutorial discretion. Going forward, I encourage see SENATE Q&A page 8
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Williston Observer • October 15, 2026
Senate Q&A continued from page 7
Vermonters to protest forcefully, peacefully and lawfully. We should vigorously defend both constitutional dissent and consistent application of the law. A healthy democracy requires both. BRUCE ROY
Yes. Accountability must be applied to those that break laws, even if the violation is a result of indirect civil disobedience. Let it play out in court. I would think that any activist organization, regardless of cause, truly committed to its pursuit would welcome the public visibility to its protests. I am a strong believer in the constitution, including freedom of speech and press, right to peaceful, lawful assembly, and the right to petition the government with grievances. Public protesters should obey laws or be willing to accept the accountability process. That’s the nature of civil disobedience and protest. KESHA RAM HINSDALE
No. I strongly disagree with these prosecutions, especially when Chittenden County has
previously sought the Attorney General’s help with serious violent crimes, including homicides and assaults. Prosecutorial discretion is about priorities, and I question whether pursuing Vermonters protesting federal immigration enforcement is the best use of limited resources. I’m particularly concerned about the chilling effect on free speech. Activists should always strive for safety and nonviolence. But we must also recognize that federal immigration enforcement practices have created fear and dangerous confrontations in our communities. Peaceful protest and civil disobedience have a proud history in American democracy. We should not confuse dissent with violence, and our public officials should exercise restraint and sound judgment. ROHAN ST. MARTHE
Yes, I support the Attorney General’s decision to prosecute alleged trespassing at the federal ICE offices in Williston. I believe in accountability, and supporting a cause does not give anyone a free pass to break the law. Those
trespassing or creating a dangerous confrontation.
“I didn’t enter public service to make government bigger or smaller. I want to make it work better.”
P
lease describe your personal and professional background.
THOMAS CHITTENDEN
Kesha Ram Hinsdale
accused deserve due process, but if trespassing is proven, there should be consequences. I support peaceful protest and encourage people to speak out, including against federal immigration policies, if they choose to. However, I believe demonstrations go too far when they interfere with federal agents carrying out their duties or put protesters, officers or the public at risk. For future demonstrations, my message is simple: Hold your signs, make your voices heard, and keep it peaceful and lawful. My preference is that activists demonstrate away from federal property, avoid blocking entrances, and do not interfere with agents doing their jobs. You can strongly oppose a policy without
I am a proud ninth-generation Vermonter with deep roots in Chittenden County. Raised in South Burlington, I live here today with my wife and our three children who attend our local public schools. I hold a B.S. and an MBA from the University of Vermont, where I have spent the last 16 years as a lecturer in Information Systems and Business Analytics in the Grossman School of Business. At UVM, my colleagues twice elected me to serve as their Faculty Senate President, leading faculty governance through complex institutional budgets and academic planning. My commitment to public service spans municipal and regional government. I served eight years on the South Burlington City Council and five years on the Green Mountain Transit Board where I worked to modernize
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BRUCE ROY
I am a long time Chittenden County resident, graduating from Essex Junction High School and the University of Vermont. After a four-year tour on US Air Force active duty, I returned to Vermont to raise a family. I joined IBM as an engineer and continued my military service as a member of the Vermont Air National Guard. I had successful 30-year careers at both organizations. I retired as a Colonel from the Green Mountain Boys, where my last assignment was in the Mission Support Group where I commanded a diverse group of see SENATE Q&A page 9
OCTOBER 25
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public transit and balance municipal budgets. This practical background — combining with my higher education experience, municipal budget management, regional transit oversight, and private-sector business principles — gives me a grounded, analytical perspective in Montpelier. I bring a collaborative, problem-solving approach to state governance that prioritizes fiscal responsibility and practical results.
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October 15, 2026 •
Senate Q&A continued from page 8
400 professional men and woman across a wide range of base support functions. I retired as a senior business leader from IBM where I helped manage an approximately $1 billion revenue business. I was also an elected member of the Essex School Board, and a 10-year instructor at the Community College of Vermont. I’ve been a Williston resident since 2001, building a home on Martel Hill while on active Air Force duty immediately upon the horrendous events of Sept. 11. I am currently a Justice of the Peace and serve as a member of the Williston Board of Civil Authority and Board of Abatement. KESHA RAM HINSDALE
I serve as Vermont Senate Majority Leader, and am the mother of toddlers. I began my legislative career in the Vermont House in 2009 and was elected to the Senate in 2020, becoming the first woman of color to serve in the chamber. I previously chaired the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs, where I led work on housing, workforce development and civil rights, including landmark workplace protections and economic growth measures. A Truman Scholar and EPA Region 1 Governance Award winner, I teach environmental policy at UVM’s Rubenstein School for Environment & Natural Resources, and business policy at UVM’s Grossman School of Business. My husband Jacob grew up on his family farm in Charlotte. Today, we are raising our two young children in Shelburne. ROHAN ST. MARTHE
I am a father, a husband, and, above all, a Christian who loves Jesus Christ. My faith is the foundation of my life and guides how I lead, serve and treat others. My relationship with Almighty God — the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — is deeply important to me, and I am unashamed to serve my Savior, Jesus Christ. My professional background includes retail operations management, sales management, customer service management and team leadership. I have experience overseeing daily operations, creating systems while developing employees, coordinating schedules and driving performance. I also have extensive knowledge in aviation and hotel management, bringing a broad understanding of service, operations and the importance of delivering a positive customer experience. Beyond my management background, I am involved in media and video production, creating social media content, campaign communications and community-focused messaging. I also have extensive knowledge of artificial intelligence and use AI tools to support writing,
audio and video production, and content development. Across every part of my life, I strive to bring faith, integrity, accountability and a practical approach to solving problems. My commitment is to my family, my community and making a meaningful difference through both my work and service.
I
s there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
“The people I speak with feel that Montpelier is not listening — that the legislative majority is moving forward with its agenda regardless of what families can afford.” Rohan St. Marthe
THOMAS CHITTENDEN
Our property tax burden and overall affordability is the defining issue facing Chittenden Southeast. Residents are feeling squeezed by mounting property tax bills, rising healthcare premiums, inflation, high gas prices and general cost-ofliving increases that we feel every time we open our wallet. My primary commitment in the Senate is to champion pragmatic, fiscally responsible policies that foster economic growth and opportunity while safeguarding our natural environment and supporting our most vulnerable neighbors. If elected to continue in this role, I will remain focused on expanding middle-income housing, investing in modernizing our critical public infrastructure, supporting our business ecosystem, and streamlining state operations to deliver better value for taxpayer dollars. Having served in both local and state elected roles, I know that effective leadership requires listening to all perspectives, relying on data rather than ideology, and working across political aisles to solve hard problems. I take pride in being accessible, transparent and responsive to constituents. I respectfully ask for your vote so I can continue to bring a balanced, practical and independent voice to Montpelier on behalf of our region. BRUCE ROY
I’m an average guy who wants to go to Montpelier to fight for taxpayers. Taxpayers are the fuel that makes the Vermont engine run. We don’t need more taxes, we need to attract and retain more taxpayers and more businesses. Making Vermont affordable is the priority. Just like on an airplane in distress, if the oxygen masks fall, you are instructed to put yours on first, then help others. If we don’t take care of Vermont taxpayers first, we won’t be able to help others in need. KESHA RAM HINSDALE
I didn’t enter public service to make government bigger or smaller. I want to make it work better. My priorities are economic empowerment: universal access to career and technical education, more affordable housing, protecting our child care investments, and lowering health care costs. I want Vermont to be a place where young
people can afford to stay, working families can get ahead, and older Vermonters can age with dignity. As Senate Majority Leader, I’ve learned that lasting progress requires trust, collaboration and a willingness to change course when something isn’t working. I believe in progressive values and pragmatic solutions, and I don’t think those are mutually exclusive. Most importantly, I’m raising two young children here. I want them to inherit a Vermont that is affordable, welcoming, resilient and full of opportunity. That’s what drives my work every day. ROHAN ST. MARTHE
This election is about more than who serves in Montpelier. It is about whether the families I speak with can afford to
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remain in Vermont — and whether our children and grandchildren will have a future here. When I moved to Vermont with my family, I fell in love with this state. My wife was born here, and as I embraced Vermont’s way of life, I believed we had found the place where we would put down roots and eventually retire. Today, that future feels uncertain. Too many families are facing the same uncertainty. Housing feels out of reach. Property taxes are overwhelming household budgets. Business owners are asking for leaders they can trust. Seniors tell me they are struggling to afford rent, food and health care after a lifetime of hard work. Yet too often, the people I speak with feel that Montpelier is not listening — that the legislative majority is moving forward with its agenda regardless of what families can afford. Serving the people of Vermont is a privilege, not an entitlement. I take that responsibility seriously. I am not running to spend years building a political career. I am running to create opportunities for Vermonters and help make this a state where people can afford to build their lives. I want my children and grandchildren — and yours — to have the opportunity to stay here, work here, worship here, buy a home, and raise a family.
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October 15, 2026
GUEST COLUMN
Williston
Serving our community since 1985
willistonobserver.com P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 802-489-5499
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Can Vermont afford Proposal 3? BY ELIZABETH BROWN Vermont workers already have the right to bargain. Prop 3 would lock in a system that costs us jobs, investment and taxes. Last year, Vermont’s population fell by a larger share than any other state’s. From 2015 to 2025, private-sector jobs grew 12.6% nationally. In Vermont, they fell 0.6%. Our cost of living runs 13.5% above average, and after adjusting for it we rank 42nd in disposable income per person. What does that have to do with Proposal 3? A lot. Unions fight for better benefits and higher wages,
but a bigger paycheck only helps if it goes further. In states without Right to Work laws, living costs run 16.6% above the national average. In Right to Work states, they run 4.3% below. Once you account for what things cost, people in Right to Work states take home about $3,500 more per person. Prop 3 is being sold as a way to protect workers’ right to bargain collectively. That right is already protected by state law. Prop 3 does not create collective bargaining. It moves our labor laws out of the Legislature’s hands and into the Constitution.
PUBLISHER Susan T. Cote susan@willistonobserver.com BILLING INQUIRIES Michael McCaffrey office@willistonobserver.com ADVERTISING SPACE DEADLINE Friday at 5 p.m. for the next Thursday issue adam@willistonobserver.com 802-338-1655 CLASSIFIED ADS Deadline is Friday 5 p.m. There is a fee for business, real estate, help wanted and legal ads. Free classifieds must be 25 words or fewer and are printed on a space available basis. SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS 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. The Williston Observer reserves the right to edit or refuse submissions or advertising. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the paper.
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Constitutions are for lasting principles, not for freezing one side of a policy debate in place. But it goes beyond that. First, it bars any law that stops unions and employers from making union membership a condition of employment. That takes away employee choice and permanently rules out a Right to Work law. The Vermont AFL-CIO says as much in its own testimony. Second, it sets a new test for every labor law on the books. No law may “interfere with, negate, or diminish” the right to bargain. Even Illinois, the only state to pass a similar amendment, let lawmakers make reasonable exemptions. Vermont’s version does not. That puts existing laws in question, including limits on public-employee strikes, and could leave judges, rather than the people we elect, to decide which survive. Supporters say permanence is the point. That is a fair argument. But no one in Montpelier is threatening collective bargaining. What permanence really protects is one side of a policy debate. Labor law is not the only thing shaping our economy. Housing, taxes and an aging population all play a part. But it is one tool a state can use to compete, and Prop 3 takes it off
the table for good. Over the past decade, private-sector jobs grew 17.2% in Right to Work states, nearly twice the rate of the rest. States that adopt Right to Work see venture capital investment rise 68% to 82%, according to a study in the Journal of Banking and Finance. That is the money that starts new companies. Look at dairy. From 2018 to 2025, milk output grew about 15.7% in Right to Work dairy states and about 0.1% in the rest. Vermont’s fell 6%. Then there are taxes. State and local taxes already take 13.6% of Vermonters’ income. Only New York, Connecticut and Hawaii take more. States with the most unionized public workforces carry tax burdens about 32% higher than the least unionized, and Vermont is one of them. Prop 3 would make it almost impossible for future lawmakers to rein in those costs. Who will foot the bill? Vermont property taxpayers. Illinois offers a warning. Since its amendment passed, lawmakers added $11 billion in new liabilities to Chicago’s police and fire pensions, already the worst funded in the nation, with no new revenue to pay for them. The Illinois Policy Institute counts more than 350 state laws that could eventually be overridden by union contracts. Supporters predicted a dozen states would follow Illinois. None has. Even California let its version see BROWN page 11
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Brown
continued from page 10
die in committee. Without Proposal 3, Vermont workers keep every protection they have today. Vermont also keeps the ability to change course if it becomes necessary. Vermonters can look at the evidence and disagree. That is the point. Today we can have that debate. Prop 3 would put it beyond the Legislature’s reach. Constitutions are for lasting principles, not for freezing one side of a policy debate in place. Vermont cannot afford to lock in the status quo. Elizabeth Brown is the state director of the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, an advocacy group promoting individual liberty, fiscal responsibility and transparency in government throughout New England.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Vote to rebalance the Legislature Vermont’s Legislature is currently controlled by Democrats in both the House and Senate. Regardless of political affiliation, I believe it’s important to have a government that reflects a diversity of viewpoints, encourages healthy debate and gives different perspectives a meaningful voice. When one political party holds an overwhelming majority, there is a risk that differing opinions receive less consideration. Good government depends on thoughtful discussion, compromise and a willingness to consider perspectives beyond those of the majority. Political balance isn’t about favoring one party over another. It’s about ensuring that all Vermonters have a voice in the decisions that
affect their lives. Bruce Roy, a longtime Williston resident, is running for the Vermont Senate in the Chittenden Southeast District. His campaign emphasizes fiscal responsibility, affordability and balanced legislation. I’d also like to recognize Javen Sears, a young candidate who has impressed me personally and who brings a younger generation’s perspective to this race. I’m voting for Bruce Roy and Javen Sears because I believe Vermont needs a more balanced and representative Legislature. Regardless of where we stand politically, I hope we can agree that a healthy democracy benefits from a diversity of voices and meaningful debate. Phyllis Etienne Williston
Community unlimited Driving on Mountain View Road, there’s a large sign that says “Overpriced, Unaffordable, Unnecessary.” These are the reasons given for voting ‘no’ on the library bond. But it seems they are reasons to be frustrated, angered even, by the current state of the world. These words can reference feelings about the war in Iran and resulting gas prices, tariffs and their impact on consumer goods and raw materials, housing costs, healthcare costs, or any number of other issues that uniquely impact each of us on a daily basis. The library seems the unfortunate scapegoat for these feelings, as it represents the only current choice about spending for which we see LETTERS page 12
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Election-related Letters and Guest Column Policy The Williston Observer welcomes election-related Guest Columns and Letters to the Editor submissions leading up to local, state and national elections. We refrain from publishing election-related material in the issue immediately preceding an election.
Election related letters or columns must be submitted by noon Monday October 19 to be included in our October 22 issue. Williston
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October 15, 2026
Vermont general election ballots mailed later than expected Secretary of State: ‘We’ve never had a scenario like this’ BY TIERNEY FLAVIN VTDigger
Election ballots were mailed to all registered Vermont voters last Wednesday, a week after the deadline mandated by Vermont’s universal mail-in ballot law. The delay came as a result of “technical problems” at the printing press
in the last week of September, Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas said. “We’ve never had a scenario like this,” she said. Copeland Hanzas said that Vermonters can expect to receive their ballots by mid-October. Amid delays and mishaps in mail delivery across the state, some Vermonters have expressed concern that they had yet to receive ballots, according to Putney Town Clerk Jonathan Johnson.
“I get between five and 10 calls a day, you know, asking where the ballots are,” he said. “People are pretty aware that the ballots were supposed to be mailed and are a little frustrated that they don’t have their ballots already.” At least people are paying attention, Copeland Hanzas said. “And certainly with all of the rhetoric that we’re hearing out of the Oval Office, they are rightfully anxious and concerned about the potential for interference,” she
said. “But all indications that we have are that this election will proceed as expected.” Vermont first piloted universal mail-in voting for the 2020 presidential election to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. That year saw record turnout, and approximately 75% of registered voters submitted ballots by mail. Seven other states and Washington D.C. use universal vote by mail. Throughout the state, Copeland Hanzas said typically
about two-thirds of election ballots come in by mail. In Putney, the 2024 presidential election saw twice as many voters mailing in ballots than voting in person, Johnson said. Despite frustration, Johnson said, voters in Putney are understanding of delays. “Interest in this election is really high,” he said. Voters can track their ballot’s delivery online (https://vote. vermont.gov/public/dashboard).
Letters
While budgets are limited, community need not be. Welcoming and taking care of our growing population requires keeping pace with this growth in our town’s infrastructure. Respecting the dignity of those who have lived here for generations alongside newcomers is critical in this process. Showing up for each other, listening to individual and collective needs and creatively thinking of solutions is a way to do this. The library is a representation of these values in physical space. Taking care of our community certainly involves addressing affordability, but it also involves investing in our community. Deb Rosenfeld Williston
continued from page 11
Safety Awareness Natural gas & carbon monoxide.
Be Safe
Reduce Carbon Monoxide Risks Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up indoors when fuel-burning equipment is not operating properly. Working carbon monoxide detectors help protect you and your family year-round, especially during the heating season. As you prepare for colder weather, test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. Annual heating equipment inspections can also help keep your system operating safely throughout the season. For added protection, consider installing a natural gas detector near gas appliances or in areas where natural gas equipment is located.
Know the Signs of a Gas Leak Smell: A sulfur or “rotton egg” odor. Sight: White mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, blowing dust, or dead vegetation. Sound: Hissing, whistling, or roaring.
Suspect a Leak? • • • •
Leave the area immediately. Call 911 or VGS at 800-639-8081 with the location. Avoid phones, switches, or anything that could create a spark. Don’t assume someone else will report it.
(800) 639-8081 vgsvt.com/safety
get to cast a direct vote. What if a ‘yes’ vote on the library bond could instead be a ray of light in a world that can sometimes seem oppressively dark? Voting ‘yes’ gives us agency around how we create shared and welcoming spaces for our growing community. The library is a place where we can engage in conversation, education and entertainment, celebrate our differences while remembering our shared humanity. The library is a resource that adds value, in both material and intangible ways, to our growing community.
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Williston Observer • Page 13
Home & Garden 8 steps to prepare your home for cold weather As temperatures cool, it is an ideal time to prepare your home for winter. Taking care of seasonal maintenance before the real cold arrives can help protect you and your wallet from unexpected and costly repairs. From clearing gutters to scheduling an HVAC tune-up, tackling a few projects now can help set your home up for a safe and comfortable winter. Consider this your ultimate fall home maintenance checklist, brought to you by Carrier (www.carrier.com).
you run the risk of ice dams and water damage. INSPECT YOUR OUTDOOR HVAC EQUIPMENT
Remove leaves, grass clippings and debris that may have accumulated around your outdoor unit. Maintaining proper clearance can help support airflow and system performance throughout the season. REPLACE HVAC FILTERS
CLEAN GUTTERS
Leaves and debris collect quickly in home gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are clear so water can drain properly and away from your home’s foundation. If you wait until after temperatures drop,
A little bit of maintenance in the fall can make a big difference in your home’s comfort and safety when winter hits. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
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A dirty filter can restrict airflow and force your system to work harder, potentially increasing energy use and reducing comfort. A simple filter check can also help prepare your heating system for see HOME page 15
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Home & Garden Frost prep and extending the growing season BY DEBORAH J. BENOIT Special to the Observer Gardeners know the change of seasons is inevitable. Even so, we’ll often do our best to eke out a few more days, perhaps another week, for as long as we can, to extend the growing season. A last-minute frost warning may mean grabbing whatever is handy to cover still-producing plants. If this is your go-to plan, use breathable fabrics like old sheets, tablecloths or lightweight blankets. When you cover the plant, be sure the material reaches all the way to the ground. The classic bell-shaped, glass or plastic cloche is easy to place over a single plant in the evening
and remove in the morning. Just be sure the plant doesn’t touch the sides once it’s in place. If you’ve planted cool season crops like kale, consider using a floating row cover made of spun-bonded polypropylene fibers. Place a length of this breathable fabric over the entire row, using weights or garden staples along the edge to hold it in place. By installing a series of flexible rods bent into a u-shape over a row and placing the fabric cover over the hoops, you’ll create a low tunnel and add a protective layer of air around what’s growing inside. As with a floating row cover, be sure to anchor the fabric in place. You can provide additional protection by adding a
Consider using a cold frame this fall to help protect cool season crops. plastic cover over the fabric one. The USDA has guidance (https:// go.uvm.edu/nrcslowtunnel) on using low tunnels. Did you use a cold frame in the spring? Consider using it again this fall to help protect cool season crops. With its wooden sides and hinged cover, it provides sturdy protection against cold and wind. Surround it with an insulating material like hay or add a heavy
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blanket over the top at night to help retain warmth within the cold frame. Regulate temperatures inside by opening the top as needed on warm, sunny days to allow excess heat to escape. Even if you don’t have a traditional glasshouse, you can have some of the benefits. A mini greenhouse kit consists of a metal frame and a fitted plastic cover, and often includes shelves. It combines the ease of walk-in plant care with a measure of protection within the closed structure. Whatever method you choose to protect against damage due to freezing temperatures, the material used to cover plants can make a difference. A lightweight spun-bonded fabric covering can
provide up to a few degrees of frost protection, a medium weight a bit more, and a heavier weight down to 8 degrees Fahrenheit. If the fabric rests on a frame, the layer of air created around plants can provide additional protection. Avoid using plastic sheeting or tarps unless you’re using a support like hoops or a frame to keep the plastic from touching the plants you’re trying to protect. Direct contact between plastic and a plant can transmit the cold, causing cell damage from freezing even though the microclimate inside the protective cover may be above freezing. In addition, during daylight hours, plastic can trap heat and moisture, so be sure see FROST page 16
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Home & Garden Home
continued from page 13
increased use. Check your HVAC filter before turning on your heating system and continue inspecting it throughout the winter. Air filters should be replaced every three months. TEST SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
When changing clocks, test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries as needed. Working carbon monoxide alarms are especially important as temperatures fall and home heating systems begin running more frequently.
maintenance can help keep a system operating in tip-top shape and allow a technician to identify smaller issues before they become costly repairs.
turn it back off). Replace batteries, if necessary, and consider whether a smart thermostat could provide additional comfort and control over your home’s heating schedule.
TEST YOUR THERMOSTAT
Testing your thermostat early helps ensure your heating system is communicating properly before temperatures drop. Switch to heating mode early to make sure your system responds properly (just don’t forget to
SEAL AIR LEAKS AROUND DOORS AND WINDOWS
Drafts can make a home feel colder and allow warm air inside your house to escape. Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows and replace
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it where needed. Caulk visible gaps to help keep conditioned air inside and improve your family’s comfort. CHECK YOUR HOME’S INSULATION
Finally, look at insulation
in areas such as the attic, crawl spaces and basement. Doing so can help keep heated air where it belongs and reduce the workload on your heating system all winter long. — Feature Impact
Page 16 •
Williston Observer •
October 15, 2026
Home & Garden Frost
continued from page 14
to remove coverings early in the day to avoid overheating or possible rot. Inside that protective covering, you’re creating a microclimate. A remote thermometer can help monitor the temperature inside a cold frame or other enclosure to help you determine when to close it to conserve warmth and when to open it to allow airflow. For answers to your home
gardening questions, contact the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardeners Helpline online (go.uvm.edu/gardeninghelpline) or by phone (802-656-5421, Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) from April to October. Deborah Benoit is a UVM Extension Master Gardener who volunteers as a garden columnist and participates in Bennington County Extension Master Gardener Chapter activities.
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October 15, 2026 •
Williston Observer • Page 17
Home & Garden
Cold-season container gardening 101 Adding color to fall and winter Although gardening is typically considered more of a spring or summer activity, fall and winter are excellent opportunities to add some color and freshness to your outdoor spaces. With container gardening, you can create everything from cheerful porch flower displays to miniature winter herb gardens with the flexibility to rearrange your setup as needed. Consider these tips to create a cold-season container garden that’s ready to thrive. CHOOSE HARDY PLANTS AND FLOWERS
Work with the cold, not against it, by looking for fall and winter plants suited to your local climate and hardiness zone. Cold-season flowers like pansies, violets and chrysanthemums can survive light frosts and give you cheerful pops of color to enjoy. Fill out the design by adding ornamental grasses or trailing evergreen foliage like ivy. If you’re hoping to grow vegetables and herbs during the fall and winter, choose tolerant varieties like kale, spinach, chives, rosemary, parsley or thyme.
that can stand up to changing temperatures, like thick plastic, resin or metal, and avoid more fragile materials like terracotta and ceramic. CONSIDER LOCATION
Placement can determine whether your container garden thrives or struggles. When you’re deciding where to keep your containers, think about sunlight, wind protection and ease of access for watering and maintenance. A spot near a south- or west-facing wall may help keep the soil warmer and the plant more sheltered from gusty autumn and winter days. DON’T OVERWATER
If you usually garden during warmer months, you might be accustomed to watering your plants frequently. However, plants generally use less water when temperatures are cool, so
if you stick to a summer schedule you could wind up drowning them instead of nurturing them. Water your containers when the soil is dry enough to need it, preferably when temperatures are above freezing so it doesn’t turn to ice around the roots. PROTECT PLANTS FROM EXTREME WEATHER
A light layer of snow usually isn’t a death sentence, but even cold-resistant plants are bound to struggle during a howling blizzard or a deep freeze. Depending on what kinds of plants and containers you have, follow professional recommendations to move containers into sheltered locations or wrap the pots with insulating materials to keep the roots warmer. Find more seasonal home and garden tips at eLivingtoday. com. — Feature Impact
Gardeners can turn to container gardening to keep the season going into the fall and winter. PHOTO COURTESY OF UNSPLASH.COM
² ²
GET THE RIGHT KINDS OF CONTAINERS
Almost as important as the plants themselves are the pots you decide to plant them in. Look for containers large enough to accommodate growing plants, but small enough that you can move them if necessary. Proper drainage is another important factor, since soil that stays too wet during cold weather can freeze and thaw, which may damage the roots or pots. Choose sturdy materials
wood
The most eco-friendly flooring
Page 18
• Williston Observer • October 15, 2026
SPORTS
Net gains
Redhawks’ one over Hornets
CLOCKWISE from top: CVU’s Henry Shrier gets a kill from the left pin during the Redhawks’ straight set win over the BFA St. Albans Bobwhites on Oct. 10 in Hinesburg. Reid Sadler shows off his jump serve. Timing his jump just right, Patrick Brady defeats the Bobwhite block. Putting spin on the ball, Wilcox Elliott serves one over the net. Luke Halverson sets the ball for an outside hitter. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
CLOCKWISE from right: CVU’s Waydon Cherington gets by his Essex defender during the Redhawks’ 1 - 0 win over the Hornets on Oct. 7 in Essex. CVU goalkeeper Theo Skapof punches the ball away from his goal. Evan Blanchard beats Hornets players to a loose ball. Stefan Arsovski strides downfield with no defenders in sight. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
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October 15, 2026 •
Williston Observer • Page 19
SPORTS
Hard hittin’ CVU’s Ethan Mazur, above, runs the ball to the outside during the Redhawks’ loss to the Burr and Burton Bulldogs on Oct. 10 in Hinesburg. Ethan Plante, top right, hikes the ball to start the offense’s move downfield. David Nesbit, lower right, tackles the Burr and Burton ball carrier. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
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Page 20
• Williston Observer • October 15, 2026
Vermont high schools feel the pinch with fewer international students enrolling
Federal policies lead to less interest in U.S. education BY K. FIEGENBAUM VTDigger International student enrollment at some Vermont high schools is down by about half after Trump administration policy changes, including a requirement that foreign students allow vetting of their social media accounts. The decline in international students impacts the culture and bottom line at these schools, a number of them historic private academies that serve as de facto public high schools for the surrounding area in addition to taking on boarding students from around the country and world. “All students benefit from the opportunity to develop empathy for others and to form friendships with peers from outside of their home community,” said Nora Dock, assistant head of school for enrollment and student experience at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, in an email. “International education strengthens individual character just as much as it strengthens the US economy.” St. Johnsbury Academy — one of those historic academies — enrolled 100 international students this year, according to Headmaster Sharon Howell, which accounts for 11% of the school’s total enrollment and 75% of its boarding population. This is down from 185 in 2024, when it boasted the highest number of international students for any public or private K-12 school
St. Johnsbury Academy viewed from the north.
in the state and the 33rd highest in the country, according to data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Howell attributes the decline to shifting federal policies. “In 2025-26, a pause on student visas prevented at least eight admitted students from enrolling, and we saw similar visa difficulties again this year,” she said in an email. “Changes in federal policy toward international students have created uncertainty for families abroad, and I believe that has made some of them hesitant to choose a U.S. school.” The Trump administration temporarily froze all student visa interviews in May 2025 and, when they resumed a month later, required applicants to make all their social media accounts public for vetting.
VTDIGGER PHOTO
Since the change, student visa appointments have been scarce. According to State Department data, the number of visas issued to all types of international students, including those in K-12, college, vocational and cultural exchange programs, dropped 35% in summer 2025 compared to the previous summer. In Vermont, there were 1,438 international students studying at all levels in September 2026, according to the Department of Homeland Security — a 10% decline from 1,607 the prior year. “International students have been part of St. Johnsbury Academy for a long time, and they are central to our identity and mission,” Howell said. “They bring a range of cultures, faiths and nationalities to our campus and to the Northeast
Kingdom, and that exchange enriches the experience of every student here, local and international alike. We value it deeply.” In Manchester, Burr & Burton Academy — another historic private academy — is also seeing a decline in international students. René Driscoll, director of international admissions, said the school typically had around 70 international students, about 10% of overall enrollment, before the COVID-19 pandemic and has a mere 35 enrolled this year, 6% of overall enrollment. Driscoll said she is hearing that immigration policy and visa delays are impacting international families’ decision-making, including worries about a yet-to-be-implemented policy that could potentially restrict students’ time in the
country. This summer, the Department of Homeland Security announced that international students would be admitted to the country for a fixed period of time, not to exceed four years, instead of the duration of their academic program. Students needing additional time — or high schoolers wanting to transition to study at a U.S. college — would have to seek approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension. In August, a coalition of higher education groups and unions sued the Trump administration to stop the change. A federal judge temporarily blocked the rule in mid-September, one day before its scheduled implementation, while that lawsuit advances. The Department of Homeland Security appealed the judge’s ruling last week. If enforced, the “damage to the higher education system and to the economy of the United States is likely to be catastrophic,” wrote U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor in his ruling, noting that many American colleges and universities are already struggling with declining enrollment based on demographic changes. There are currently 1.6 million international students pursuing fulltime academic or language training programs in the United States, Saylor wrote. His ruling also cited a study that found international students contributed $44 billion to the economy in 2023-2024. According to Howell, the four-year rule “would present a see SCHOOLS page 21
2026 WILLISTON COMMUNITY
The Observer will be producing a special pull-out guide in the newspaper that contains a list of nonprofit organizations located in or serving Williston who would welcome the support of the community through donations and volunteers.
To be included in the Guide as a … Non-profit Organization: email susan@willistonobserver.com An Advertiser: email adam@willistonobserver.com
GIVING GUIDE Publishing Nov. 12, 2026
Williston
Serving our community since 1985
October 15, 2026 •
Schools
continued from page 20
significant challenge and would require some families to make difficult decisions about their children’s education.” Driscoll said the changes in international student enrollment haven’t yet affected Burr & Burton’s budget or staffing, but the possibility is “certainly on (their) radar.” Current international student tuition for the school is $64,618 for a full year, while domestic private-pay tuition is $25,933. Tuition for local students for whom Burr & Burton is the de facto high school is paid through state property taxes. International enrollment at Vermont high schools also appears to be declining for other reasons in addition to immigration policies. Danny O’Brien, head of school at The Putney School, said in an email that only 14% of their student body is international this year compared to a historical average of around 20%. “The reasons we most often hear for the decline are that fewer students are seeing a U.S. college education as the ‘golden ticket’ to career success and advancement, and
so are less likely to want to study here as a stepping stone,” O’Brien said. The Putney School is seeing an especially stark decline in students coming from Asia, he said, where “there has been major domestic investment in ‘homegrown’ academic quality, availability, and resources.” Howell also noted a significant decline in students from China at St. Johnsbury Academy. Dock, at Vermont Academy, said that the United States is “no longer a preferred destination, in part because of changes (perceived and otherwise) to the student visa process.” Vermont Academy enrolled 90 international students in 2024, according to ICE data — the second-highest international student population at a high school in the state. International students typically account for 25% of the Academy’s total enrollment, Dock said. She said this year’s international student enrollment remains within the school’s normal range, though a small number of admitted and enrolled new international students were not able to attend because their visas were declined, which she called “atypical.”
Vermont Academy is also hearing from its international education consultant partners that “more families are looking to Canada, Australia and other English-speaking destinations for their children,” Dock said.
“Changes in federal policy toward international students have created uncertainty for families abroad, and I believe that has made some of them hesitant to choose a U.S. school.” Sharon Howell Headmaster St. Johnsbury Academy
“Last year we had two families from Western Europe withdraw their applications to schools in the U.S. because they did not like the political climate and wished to send their children somewhere more hospitable,” she added.
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O’Brien said that the lower international enrollment has created some short-term budgetary pressures, which he said The Putney School has been planning for, but declined to discuss details. “We are more concerned with the long-term implications of the U.S. being seen as distrustful and unwelcoming of its international students and the reputational damage to U.S. education,” he said. “These are perceptions that can take root quickly and have lasting effects.” Lower birth rates mean fewer domestic boarding applicants nationally, he added, another reason international families matter to The Putney School. An outlier to the trend, so far, is Lyndon Institute, another historic private academy. The school has seen a recent increase in international students, enrolling 24 last year and 31 this year, said Erik Oliver, vice president of external relations and advancement. Oliver said the school is hearing more questions from families seeking to understand the recent federal rule changes, but they are not hearing that those concerns are discouraging students from applying.
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Williston Observer •
“We are hearing strong interest in the kind of high school experience Lyndon Institute offers: strong preparation for college combined with practical, hands-on learning, opportunities to explore new interests, and a supportive community where students are known and supported,” Oliver said. “That is reflected in the positive response we are seeing in our international enrollment.” In spite of the uptick in international students this year, Lyndon Institute officials are mindful of the potential impact on enrollment and tuition revenue in the future. At St. Johnsbury Academy, where the decline in international students has been steep, Headmaster Howell said the school is “on solid financial footing” and is “planning carefully so it is prepared for whatever comes.” Howell said she was not able to comment further on how exactly the academy is responding financially to the decline. “Above all, we remain committed to our international students and everything they bring to our community, and we hope to see policies that once again make the U.S. a welcoming destination for students from around the world,” she said.
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Page 21
“Equal parts charm and chills! A perfect read around the campfire.
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Page 22
• Williston Observer • October 15, 2026 of winter and holiday music. For beginner, intermediate and experienced vocalists who want to learn and work in groups. Thursday, Oct. 22, 7-9 p.m. Free. LINE DANCING
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WILLISTON
Recreation & Parks A quarterly section in the
Williston Observer featuring some of the best eateries and restaurants in the area!
If you would like to have your establishment included in this section please call Adam at 802-338-1655 or email Adam@WillistonObserver.com Williston
Serving our community since 1985
Recreation • Education • Community
PUMPKINS IN THE PARK! Join us for a fun fall evening for the whole family Friday, Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m. at Village Community Park. Carve a pumpkin, paint a mini-pumpkin, enjoy Halloween crafts and games, relax with Halloween cartoons, and enjoy apple cider and donuts. Bring your own pumpkin to carve; there will be only a limited number available. Presenting sponsor: Associates in Orthodontics
FAMILY PROGRAMS ROOT7 — VOCAL PERCUSSION & IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP
Ages 13-plus. Root7, Vermont’s contemporary a cappella group, will host sing-alongs
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Ages 15-plus. Learn each week and build your confidence and abilities while having fun. Hour-long class is held Sundays, 4-5 p.m. $10 per session. The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane. Instructor: Kelly Hayes.
ADULT PROGRAMS WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT & SELF-DEFENSE
Ages 14-plus. Trauma-informed trainings focus on boundary setting, affirmative consent and relevant sexual assault information, as well as the mental and physical skills of Empowerment Self-Defense. The overarching goal of these group sessions is to help women discover their collective voice, address victim-blaming by redirecting the responsibility for all assaults onto the perpetrators, improve women’s sense of power and control, and, as a result, reduce the likelihood of sexual assault and violence. All fitness levels welcome. Thursday, Sept. 24, 6-8:30 p.m. $67. BASKETBALL
Come out and play, stay fit and meet new people. The program is for the not-so-serious player who is looking to play, get exercise and have fun. Pre-register. Men’s 20-plus and
30-plus, and Women’s 19-plus. TABLE TENNIS
Come out and play, stay fit and meet new people. The program is open to all experience levels. Players should bring their paddles (a limited number of loaner paddles are available). Pre-register. CRAFTERNOON
Ages 18-plus. Join others while working on your own craft and hobby. Bring your knitting, crochet, adult coloring, zentangles, crossword puzzles, sudoku ... You get the idea! Meet and connect with others while engaging in “parallel play” together. Instructor: Charlene Tallman. Saturday, Sept. 26, 4-6 p.m. $5. SENIOR MEALS
Meals for anyone aged 60-plus and their spouse (regardless of age) are offered Tuesdays 12-12:30 p.m. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m., and meals are served at noon. Space is limited; advanced registration is required. Age Well has a suggested donation of $7 per meal per person.
YOUTH PROGRAMS SWIM LESSONS
Monthly swim lessons are offered through the Recreation Department with the Edge of Essex. Lessons are for children ages 2.5-5 and 5-plus. Lessons meet weekly for a month. Under 5 years old, 4-4:30 p.m.; ages 5-plus, 4:30-5 p.m. Instructors: Edge of Essex staff.
October 15, 2026 •
Williston Observer •
Page 23
Page 24release • Williston dates: Oct.Observer 17-23, 2026 •
October 15, 2026
42 (26)
Next Week: Midterm elections
Issue 42, 2026
Amazing Pumpkins
Founded by Betty Debnam
Mini Fact:
Pumpkins are grown on vines and are made of 90% water.
photo by Liz West
Red, orange and yellow leaves and bright orange pumpkins make autumn glow with color. It wouldn’t be Halloween without jacko’-lanterns. In many homes, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie. The Mini Page learns more about pumpkins this week.
Pumpkin past
Pumpkins are native to the Americas. The seeds have been found at photo by Pherit 10,000-year-old sites in Mexico. Native Americans ate the fruit, seeds, flowers and leaves. They roasted pumpkins in the fire or cooked the fruit in soups, puddings or a type of pie. By mixing the fruit with syrup, they made a kind of pumpkin jelly. They cut and dried strips of pumpkin to preserve it. After drying strips of the shell, people wove them together to make mats. They used whole pumpkin shells for bowls and storage vessels.
Touchy crops
Pumpkin farming is a risky business. Pumpkins can be easily harmed by disease, insects and weather. Imagine you are a farmer growing pumpkins for jack-o’-lanterns. What if your pumpkins mature too early? By Halloween, you could be left with a lot of rotting pumpkins. If the pumpkins mature too late, you’ll miss the Halloween rush.
People like to carry pumpkins by the stems. If the stems break off, people won’t buy them. But if the stems are too big, they can damage the pumpkins next to them. Farmers want pumpkin skins to be pretty, without big spots. Sometimes if pumpkins are flat or weirdly shaped, people won’t buy them. Size can also make a difference.
All in the family
Pumpkins are members of the cucurbit (kyoo-KUHR-bit) family. Their close cousins include squashes, gourds, zucchinis, cucumbers, watermelons, honeydews and photo by Minkey8885 cantaloupes.
To eat or not to eat
Pumpkins grown to make jack-o’-lanterns are edible, or fit to eat. But they are not as tasty as pumpkins grown especially for food. Pumpkins are a very healthy food. This lowcalorie fruit is filled with vitamins A, C and B, fiber and minerals such as potassium and iron. photo by Felipe Miguel Pumpkin pie is a holiday favorite, but pumpkin is great in soups, breads, cookies, butter and casseroles, too. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack. Pumpkin seeds are also sometimes called pepitas (peh-PEE-tahs).
Lighting up vegetables
Hundreds of years ago, the English, Irish and Scots made candlelit lanterns out of different fruits and vegetables, such as turnips, apples, beets, potatoes and cucumbers. In Scotland and photo by Ben Ireland, people carved scary faces out of these fruits and vegetables and placed candles inside. They hoped the creepy lighted faces would scare off evil spirits. In the 1800s, boys in Great Britain began playing tricks, frightening people with the spooky vegetable lights. American colonists realized that pumpkins were the best of all for carving out a lantern.
Pumpkin records
The weight of pumpkins entered into contests has steadily grown over the years. In 1904, the largest pumpkin recorded was 403 pounds. One hundred years later, in 2004, the heaviest pumpkin recorded weighed 1,446 pounds. In 2025, the world record for heaviest pumpkin was set by a pumpkin called “Muggle” that was grown by brothers Ian and Stuart Paton from the United Kingdom. Muggle weighed 2,819 pounds, 4 ounces. Its circumference was a little more than 21 feet.
Resources On the Web:
• bit.ly/4wh0R24 • bit.ly/4vAnJsy
At the library:
• “The Pumpkin Book” by Gail Gibbons
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 pumpkins are hidden in this puzzle. Some Patty: Who is the leader of Healthy Adams Farm Market Essex Automotive words are hidden backward or diagonally, and Living someWilliston letters are Simon’s Mobil Williston all pumpkins? Quality Bake Shop Simply Divine Café Home2Suites India Five Pete: CornerPumpkings! Variety River Road Beverage used twice. SeeAromas if youofcan find: Chef’s Corner
CROP, CUCURBIT, M P Dorothy Alling Memorial EDIBLE, FARM,Library R O FIBER, FOOD, Fairfield FRUIT, Inn A D Rick Cote at CallHALLOWEEN, HEALTHY, Folino’s Pizza F G email (802) 373-2136 orerver.com Gardener’s Supply bs LANTERN, PEPITA, nO Z S to is Rick@Will copies e lik ld ou w Green Mountain Bagel u yo if PUMPKINS, RECORD, P K for your location O E SEED, SHELL, SIZE, R U STEM, VITAMINS. C P
Island Homemade Ice Cream Sonesta
EKorner P Kwik I TStopA V H VSunoco T RStation A Y O PMarriott E ECourtyard Y E T S ITown I ofRWilliston A XOffices I LMenZAt Wok Z D I N S TUPSUStore E Q L H IM&TDBank I B I X A AVermont R CMeat L &ASeafood R ShopS XRamunto’s B R K V W H MWilliston F OCoffee L N LRehab U Gym P F H F T I L R E T E C M M F O O D N K D H E E U S T E M J Q S J Q S R D V U Y D H E A L T H Y N H
Hannaford Paulo: What do you getRichmond when you drop a Inn at Essex pumpkin? Cumberland Farms Mac’sPaula: MarketSquash! Richmond Free Library Martone’s Deli Richmond Market Williston
Eco Note Computer simulations suggest that artificially brightening clouds over the Pacific Ocean
you could be left with a lot of rotting pumpkins. If the pumpkins mature too late, you’ll miss the Halloween rush.
butter and casseroles, too. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack. Pumpkin seeds are also sometimes called pepitas (peh-PEE-tahs).
At the library:
• “The Pumpkin Book” by Gail Gibbons
The Mini Page® © 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication
October 15, 2026 •
Try ’n’ Find
Mini Jokes
Words that remind us of pumpkins are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: CROP, CUCURBIT, EDIBLE, FARM, FIBER, FOOD, FRUIT, HALLOWEEN, HEALTHY, LANTERN, PEPITA, PUMPKINS, RECORD, SEED, SHELL, SIZE, STEM, VITAMINS.
Williston Observer • Page 25
M P R O A D F G Z S P K O E R U C P F I
Patty: Who is the leader of all pumpkins? Pete: Pumpkings!
E P I T A V H V T P E E Y E T S I I L Z Z D I N S T U I D I B I X A A R X B R K V W H M F L U P F H F T I L C M M F O O D N K U S T E M J Q S J V U Y D H E A L T B E R N E E W O L
Paulo: What do you get when you drop a pumpkin? Paula: Squash!
R A Y O R A X I E Q L H C L A R O L N S R E T E D H E E Q S R D H Y N H L A H B
Eco Note
• 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
What to do: 1. Beat sugar and oil using electric hand mixer. Add eggs and pumpkin; beat lightly. 2. Add all dry ingredients and mix well. Add nuts (if desired) and stir to mix. 3. Divide batter between 2 loaf pans lightly sprayed with cooking spray. 4. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes until done. Let cool and serve. Makes 2 loaves.
7 Little Words for Kids Use the letters in the boxes to make a word with the same meaning as the clue. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in the solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.
1. where a bank puts your money (7) 2. probably not (8) 3. school or house (8) 4. middle Beckham son (5) 5. wooden box (5) 6. light on a stand (4) 7. it goes around a picture (5)
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For later:
Look in your local newspaper for stories about pumpkins.
©2026 Blue Ox Technologies Ltd. Download the app on Apple and Amazon devices.
You’ll need: • 1 1/2 cups sugar • 1 cup canola oil • 3 eggs, slightly beaten • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin • 3 cups flour (whole-wheat or white)
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The Mini Page® © 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication
Cook’s Corner
Computer simulations suggest that artificially brightening clouds over the Pacific Ocean could weaken a developing super El Niño and reduce some of its extreme weather impacts. The technique would spray tiny seasalt particles into low clouds, causing them to reflect more sunlight and cool the ocean below. Researchers modeled the intervention during the powerful 1997-98 and 2015-16 El Niños and found that an early, sustained deployment could have almost eliminated both warming events. Scientists caution that the technology is not ready for use and could produce unintended effects, including altered rainfall and warming in other parts of the world. adapted with permission from Earthweek.com
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Page 26
•
Williston Observer •
October 15, 2026
SAVVY SENIOR
Helping an older parent cope with loneliness But loneliness isn’t always easy to spot, especially in older adults who live alone. There are practical ways to help your father reconnect, along with programs and services designed specifically for older adults living alone. WHAT YOU CAN DO
By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, My 78-year-old father has lived alone since my mother passed away two years ago. He insists he’s fine, but I can tell he spends most of his time by himself and seems increasingly lonely and withdrawn. What can I do to help him, and are there any resources that could support him? — Worried Son Dear Worried, Public health research shows that about one in three adults age 50 and older reports feeling lonely at times, and those who live alone are at higher risk for social isolation.
Focus less on big changes and more on steady, predictable contact. A short call every few days, a standing weekly meal or coffee, or a regular shared errand gives him something to count on. Consistency matters more than length or intensity. Even if you’re not especially close, or don’t live nearby, steady contact can still make a difference. Technology can help bridge the distance through simple routines like weekly video calls, text check-ins, shared family schedules or photo threads. The goal isn’t constant communication, but fewer long stretches where isolation can quietly take hold. It also helps to widen his circle in practical ways. Siblings, grandchildren, neighbors and longtime friends can all play a role. Even brief calls, occasional visits or shared meals can slowly rebuild connection.
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Staying active can help reduce isolation. Many communities offer exercise classes, hobby groups, church activities, volunteer opportunities and lifelong learning programs. The best fit depends on personality and whether your father prefers group settings or smaller, low-key interactions. If transportation is a challenge, helping arrange rides or connecting him with local services can make participation more realistic. Just as important is a sense of purpose. Volunteering, gardening, pet care, time with grandchildren, helping neighbors or mentoring others can all add structure, meaning and a reason to stay engaged. AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
There are several well-established programs that can help reduce isolation among older adults. A good place to start is the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or (eldercare.acl. gov), which connects families to local Area Agencies on Aging that can help arrange services like meals, transportation, home visits and social programs. Meals on Wheels America delivers home meals and often includes brief daily check-ins from volunteers, offering both nutrition and a bit of regular human contact. AmeriCorps Seniors (americorps.gov)
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runs the Senior Companion Program, where trained volunteers provide regular visits, conversation and light assistance, depending on what’s available locally. For phone-based connection, the Institute on Aging Friendship Line (ioaging. org/friendship-line) offers 24/7 support and scheduled check-in calls for older adults living alone, while DOROT Caring Calls (dorotusa.org/programs/caring-calls) pairs seniors with volunteers for weekly conversations based on shared interests. Local senior centers are also a strong resource, offering meals, classes, group activities and transportation in many communities. Libraries, churches and community organizations can provide additional low-pressure ways to stay connected. SIGNS TO WATCH
Loneliness can overlap with depression. If you notice changes such as poor sleep, loss of interest in usual activities, irritability, confusion or neglect of personal care, it may be time to involve his doctor. These issues are common and treatable. The goal is simply to help your father stay connected and reduce isolation. Start small, stay consistent, and those simple touchpoints can add up to a more connected and meaningful daily life. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
October 15, 2026 •
Williston Observer •
Page 27
CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 30 TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1917, infamous spy Mata Hari was executed by a firing squad outside Paris. • In 1990, Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. • In 2003, China became the third nation (after the United States and Russia) to launch a manned space mission. • In 2005, Iraqi citizens voted to approve a new constitution.
TODAY’S FACT:
• Confederate marine engineer H.L. Hunley died aboard a handpowered submarine of his own invention when it sank during a test run on this day in 1863. The vessel was later raised and became the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel when it was used to attack the U.S.S. Housatonic in February 1864.
SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 30
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Page 28 • Williston Observer • October 15, 2026
OBITUARIES
Kevin Goldenbogen Kevin Goldenbogen of Williston, VT passed away on Sept. 29, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, pastor, neighbor, and sojourner on this earth, whose unwavering devotion to those he loved and dedication to welcoming the stranger and caring for others was what brought him the greatest happiness. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The younger son of Janet (Skuse) and David Goldenbogen, Kevin was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was raised in the Rochester, NY area with his beloved older brother Steven. As part of a very close family, the time spent with his many aunts, uncles, and cousins were some of his happiest memories. It was in these early years that he met Mark, who remained a great friend to the end. After graduating from Canandaigua Academy, Kevin earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors in English Literature from the University of Pittsburgh. His friend group in Pittsburgh included both childhood friends who also had migrated to the area and new friends made along the way; he was grateful for both. He married the love of his life, Deirdre Mills, in Kittery Point, Maine 30 years ago on a beautifully sunny day in March. The life they built together proves that you are not supposed to know where things are going to wind up, you just need to commit to taking the adventure together. Kevin’s proudest accomplishment was the family they built with sons Owen and Simon. So much love, so much laughter, so much truth. On the professional side, Kevin’s interest in religion
started as an intellectual pursuit. He began his studies at Andover Newton Theological School by obtaining a Master of Arts in Theology in 1999, and induction into the Jonathan Edwards Honor Society. Always interested in taking the theoretical and making it practical, he began working as the Youth Pastor at the Congregational Church of Topsfield while still attending at Andover Newton. His work there, with mentors Craig, Betsy, and Elizabeth, led to his realization that he was being called to ordained ministry. He returned to Andover Newton to obtain his Master of Divinity degree, graduating in 2007, again with honors, with his gift for preaching being recognized with the H. Otheman Smith Community Church Preaching Award. Kevin’s time at Andover Newton was strongly shaped by a core group of friends, which included classmates, their partners, and the extended close-knit group that developed. To the Krackacoldone crew: those times together were a gift. Preston, you will always be his brother in faith. Kevin spent his entire ordained ministry in Vermont. His first call was as the Pastor of the United Church of Underhill, and he was proud to serve this amazing congregation for nearly nine years (and 9 Harvest Markets!). He was then called as Senior Pastor to the Charlotte Congregational Church, UCC, where he served for another nine years. In both communities, Kevin sought to be a bridge-builder, working with the EssexJericho-Underhill Ecumenical Ministry Association and partnering with food shelves in both towns, the New Community Project, the Charlotte Library, and other community groups to enhance food security and build community resilience. During his ministry, Kevin was able to take every complex problem, every thorny issue, and bring it back to the sometimes easy, often difficult core mandate of: Love God. Love one another. Go and tell. Kevin was known for his joy, for his preaching, for his laughter, and for his willingness to step into the literal and metaphorical messiness of life. To everyone in the Topsfield, Underhill, and Charlotte church communities: Kevin loved you and loved being in service with you. Keep the faith, and keep building the
beloved community. Susan, Hadley, and Cameron – Kevin was grateful for having the ministry and worship dream team. Kevin served his denomination, the United Church of Christ, in various local, regional, and national settings. In addition to his role as pastor, Kevin spent much time contributing to the work of the Vermont Conference of the UCC. He served as moderator to the Vermont Conference Annual Meeting, was a member of several Conference committees, and an inaugural member of the Vermont Conference New Ministries Team, which sought to think about ministry in new and creative ways. A key outgrowth of this group was the creation of the Hope Fund, instituted to encourage and support new ministry ideas throughout the Conference. Kevin served on the fundraising team, and this fund has now given grants to 37 different churches and organizations within the Vermont Conference. Kevin also represented the Vermont Conference on the General Synod delegation that went to Indianapolis in 2023. Kevin led many learning and service trips for youth, beginning during his time in Topsfield and continuing throughout his ministry. He led trips to Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Indiana, Colorado, Washington state and beyond, yet his trips to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota were closest to his heart. In his leisure time, Kevin enjoyed discovering new music, woodworking, playing the recorder, video games, board games, travelling (especially to Montreal), riding his beloved red Vespa, anything his sons were interested in at any given moment, and spreading kindness. This list may not sound like it, but he was punk rock to the core. Kevin faced his melanoma diagnosis with clear eyes, knowing that life is not without its hazards. When the standard treatment of care options ran out, Kevin participated in medical trials, hopeful that even if they did not result in a cure for himself, perhaps they could remove the stones from others’ paths in the future. As he went through his cancer treatment, Kevin was grateful for his care team at the UVM Cancer Center and at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He felt fortunate to benefit from the scientific research that led to his treatment
plan and was hopeful that the trials he participated in would shed light for furthering the fight against acral melanoma. Stupid cancer. To Drs. Rehman, Cohen, Singh, Haddock, Scriver, Holoch, O’Neill, and all the amazing other nurses, support staff, custodians, volunteers, and doctors he met along the way: thank you for all you did and for all that you do. Keep up the fight, and take care of yourselves. Kevin is survived by his wife Deirdre; their sons Owen (and partner Isabel) and Simon; his mother Janet (and husband Cliff); brother Steven (and wife Liz), brothers-in-law Wallace (and wife Theresa) and Raymond (and wife Rachel); nieces and nephews Declan (and partner Hanna), Kimberly (and husband Tyler), Danielle, Samson, Ezra, and Zamir; great-nieces Madison and Natalie; many dear friends and colleagues; and a large, loving, and wonderful set of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his father David; his grandparents Helen, Chuck, Ruth, and Melvin; and his parents-inlaw Lenore and Ronald. A funeral will be held at the Charlotte Congregational Church, 403 Church Hill Rd in Charlotte, VT on Monday, October 19 at 4PM with a reception following in the vestry. If you wish to remember Kevin with your actions, find a way to spread love and do good. If you wish to make a donation in Kevin’s memory, Kevin specifically asked that they be given to the General Fund of the Charlotte Congregational Church, or to any organization you care about that helps the little, the lost, or the lonely. Above all, Kevin knew the value – and the cost – of feeling things profoundly. He knew the importance of living in deep community, with all the joy and pain and messiness it entails. He knew that we are better together, and we are better when love wins. When you miss Kevin, these poems may help: h t t p s : / / w w w . scot tishpoet r ylibrar y.org.u k / poem/peace-wild-things-0/ h t t p s : // p o e t s . o r g / p o e m / do-not-go-gentle-good-night h t t p s : // b o o k m a r i n . c o m / poems-by-mary-oliver/ If you want to hear Kevin’s life’s message in his own words, here is what may be his favorite sermon, about why the vulture is
such an important and misunderstood bird, and why we are called to be people of hope: https:// youtu.be/REHz-wYv6H8?si=lYv wIzu5aHn3Iznq&t=2496 In Kevin’s words from his blog: “I pray my life looks like healing rather than wounding, like peace and justice rather than violence and oppression; like invitation rather than requirement; like love rather than anything less.” Amen and amen.
Joseph C. Dufresne Sr. Joseph C. Dufresne Sr., of Williston, passed away at the age 85 on Oct. 5, 2026. Joseph (Joe) was born Aug. 6, 1941, in Burlington VT to Clarence and Rosealma (Blair) Dufresne. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During his time in the Navy, he served on a destroyer on the Atlantic Ocean. He returned to Vermont after serving his tour of duty and did Navel Reserve in Burlington. He married Diana M. Bruce on July 3,1965 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. They built their home in Williston to raise their children. He worked at King Roofing before going to work at IBM. He retired from IBM in the late ‘90s. He did part-time work for Green Mountain Messenger after retiring from IBM. His hobbies included stamps and coin collecting, but trains were his greatest hobby. He collected model trains and train books. If he was at a railroad crossing, he would wait for the train to come to take pictures. He belonged to the Champlain Valley Chapter of NRHS, Central Vermont RR, Historical Rutland RR, D & H Historical Society and
October 15, 2026 •
Williston Observer •
Page 29
OBITUARIES NRHS Nation Railway Historical Society. Joe was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend, he will truly be missed by all. He had a lot of knowledge that he shared with all of us. He was a kind and caring person who was willing to help you in any way that he could. He was predeceased by his wife Diana on May 27, 2026 , his parents, brother Thomas and Stephen. Joseph is survived by his children Joseph C Dufresne Jr., daughter Susan Cusson and her husband Daryl Cusson, his sister Mary Anne Terhune, sister in laws Lydia Blackburn, Shirley King, Kathie Bruce, Noreen Rivers (husband David) Sharon Bruce, Teela Dufresne (Tom) Judy Dufresne (Steve) Brother in law Michael Bruce. Grandchildren - Travis Dufresne, Eleni Cusson, Jasper Dufresne and great granddaughter Chloe Valyeau. Also many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visiting hours and funeral services will be held at Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant St. Essex Junction on Oct. 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. visiting and service hours. Burial will follow at East Cemetery in Williston.
Wayne Douglas Reed Jr. Wayne “DJ” “Doug” Douglas Reed Jr., 60, passed away unexpectedly on Sept.24, 2026. DJ was born in Burlington, to Wayne D. Reed Sr. and Patricia A. Memmo on Jan. 2, 1966. He grew up on Crombie Street in Burlington and attended Burlington schools. At a young age, he developed a deep love for the outdoors. He excelled in hunting, fishing, archery, and camping, and this passion became a
lifelong pursuit. An accomplished outdoorsman, he proudly harvested at least one whitetail deer each season. In addition to his devotion to the outdoors, DJ enjoyed martial arts and later shared his knowledge and skills by teaching others. After high school, DJ obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and spent most of his adult career as a truck driver for several companies, including HP Hood, Nabisco, and SSTA. While at Nabisco, he also earned his Class A Double and Triple endorsements. He dedicated countless long days on the road to provide for his family. When he wasn’t driving, he could often be found deep in the woods of Vermont or New York, or on the water with a fishing pole in hand. DJ was known for his sense of humor and infectious laugh. He had a unique ability to light up a room without even trying. He will be remembered not only for his stubbornness and sharp wit, but also for his determination, generosity, and unwavering love for those closest to him. One of his greatest accomplishments in life was being a devoted father to his three children and many beloved dogs. His love for them was unconditional. DJ is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kathryn Reed; his three children, daughter Keely Reed and her fiancé, Brendan Lahue; daughter Morgan Reed and her fiancé, Devin Mullis; and son Brayden Reed. He is also survived by his cherished grandson, Greyson Mullis. Additional survivors include his four siblings: brother Clint Reed of Jacksonville, Florida; brother Chris Reed and his wife, Lydia, of Colchester; sister Angela Reed of Colchester; and brother Kyle Reed of Monkton. He is also survived by his stepmother, Julia Reed of Monkton; his father-inlaw, George E. Gerecke; brothers-in-law Daniel Gerecke and David Gerecke; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. DJ was predeceased by both of his parents, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. A celebration of life will be held Oct. 18, at United Church of Hinesburg, 10570 Route 116 in Hinesburg, from 2-4:30 p.m.
Theresa Caroline Shepard Lavalette Theresa Caroline Shepard Lavalette, aged 92, of St. George, VT, passed away on Oct. 5, 2026. She was born on Jan. 7, 1934, to Arthur and Hilda (Cushing) Shepard. Theresa will be remembered for her dedicated service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, including her commitment to supporting veterans through visits to the VA,
hospitals, nursing homes, and various other noble causes. She was honored to serve as the Auxiliary State and District President for many years. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who never stopped working to take care of her family. Through many retail jobs held throughout the years she made countless people smile with her infectious smile. She enjoyed going out dancing at the VFW post 782 in Burlington or the American Legion post 91 as well as quiet nights at home watching movies or having her nails done by her granddaughter Nikki. She will also be remembered for teaching her grandchildren how to play cards and getting upset when they beat her. She is survived by her children, Carla Lewis and her husband Jack, Randy Lavalette, Kim Real, and Amy Delorme; her granddaughters, Nikki Lavalette, Ashley Real, Jessica Holmes and her husband Peter, Alicia Delorme, and Kayla Militi and her husband Kurt; her great-grandchildren, Addison, Bentley, Ashton, Hayden, Wade,
and Parker; two brothers, Lynn Shepard and his wife Ann, and Neil Shepard and his wife Barbara; as well as many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Reginald Lavalette, her son Glenn Lavalette and Son in Law Jeffrey Real, her parents, her eight brothers, Arthur, Eugene, Clayton, Floyd, Carl, Edward, Jerry, and Douglas, and her sister, Marie. A graveside service were held on Oct. 14, at Resurrection Park Cemetery in South Burlington at 1 p.m., followed by a celebration of life luncheon at the Essex VFW Post 6689. Her family expresses their sincere gratitude for the kindness and support provided by Bayada Hospice and the staff at Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Cremation Society of Chittenden County, a division of the Ready Family. To share memories, photos and condolences with the family please visit cremationsocietycc.com.
Page 30 •
Williston Observer • October 15, 2026
CLASSIFIED LEGAL
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – 7:00 PM Town Hall Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room (7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Webinar ID 813 6162 7981 on www.zoom.us/join or call 1-646-5588656 DP 17-01.7 Northridge-Williston LLC c/o Ben Avery requests a discretionary permit to lift the affordability restriction on 2 dwelling units at 109 and 115 Kadence Circle in Northridge subdivision the RZD.
GARAGE SPACE Apartment dweller looking for indoor space to work on cars. Willing to rent or trade for yard/handy-man chores. Contact Ben at 802-777-0177.
Project details and site plans are available on the website, town. williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-8786704 or email planning@willistonvt.org
LEGAL
STATE OF VERMONT SUPERIOR COURT ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION CASE NO. 26-ENVIN RE: APPEAL OF ANR NOAV FOR CHARLES ROAD STORMWATER NOTICE OF APPEAL NOW COMES Appellant, the Town of Williston (“Appellant”), by and through its counsel, SP&F Attorneys, P.C., and pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 8504(a), hereby appeals to the Vermont Superior Court, Environmental Division the Agency of Natural Resources’ Notice of Alleged Violation (“NOAV”) issued by the Director of the Watershed Management Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation on August 28, 2026. The NOAV alleges that Appellant failed to obtain an authorization to discharge stormwater runoff from the impervious
surface of Charles Road for which it alleges a so-called “3-Acre Permit” (General Permit 3-9050) is required. A copy of the NOAV is attached hereto as “Exhibit A.” The Town of Williston claims party status to appeal as an aggrieved person pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 8504(a). TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: In order to participate in this appeal, you must enter an appearance in the Vermont Superior Court, Environmental Division within twenty (20) days of receiving this Notice of Appeal or in such other time as may be provided in Rule 5(c) of the Vermont Rules for Environmental Court Proceedings. Notices of appearance should be mailed to: Jennifer Teske, COM Vermont Superior Court Environmental Division 32 Cherry Street, Suite 303 Burlington, VT 05401
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CROSSWORD SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 20
DATED at Burlington, Vermont this 25th day of September, 2026. Respectfully submitted, TOWN OF WILLISTON By: SP&F Attorneys, P.C. Its Attorneys David W. Rugh, Esq. Zachary I. Handelman, Esq. 171 Battery Street, P.O. Box 1507 Burlington, VT 05402-1507 (802) 660-2555 drugh@firmspf.com zhandelman@firmspf.com
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Puzzle found on page 27
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Page 32
• Williston Observer • October 15, 2026
SPORTS
Sad semifinals CLOCKWISE (l to r): Williston’s Reid Crosby, #13, pitches in relief of Ken Freeman during the Armadillos’ 10 - 5 semifinal loss to Mad River on Oct. 11 in Williston. Jason Lefevre throws to second for a double play. Dylan Freeman gets his pitch, as does Corey Hevrin. Eli Roque, below, makes the play at second. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
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IT’S NOT A GYM. IT’S A FITNESS COMMUNITY. ALL LEVELS INDOOR CYCLING AND STRENGTH TRAINING. GROUP FITNESS CLASSES FOR ALL AGES. TWO STUDIO LOCATIONS. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK.
Same-day, computer navigated, anterior total hip replacement Over 3,000 performed since 2010.
We treat your hip pain so you can live an active lifestyle again! ALIGN
Easily accessible building
PRESENT THIS COUPON FOR A FREE CLASS EXPIRES 12.31.26
31 COTTONWOOD DR., WILLISTON
WWW.ALIGNSTUDIOVT.COM
274 MARKET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON
802-876-7122
INFO@ALIGNSTUDIOVT.COM
No long wait times and time for our patients Small, personable team Operating at Green Mountain Surgery Center 426 Industrial Ave. Williston
Dr. Ivan Tomek, MD FRCSC
Call 802-755-7171
to make an appointment today!
Learn more at BurlingtonOrthopedics.com