Williston Observer 10/24/2024

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OCTOBER 24, 2024

WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

An apple a day…

WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM

Montpelier motivations, part 2

Angela Arsenault

Erin Brady

Bridget Burkhardt

State representative candidates explain their positions and priorities

Saturday’s warm fall weather made it a good day for an outing to pick some apples at Adams Orchard. Above, Jake WalleniusDoda and Sophie Tom Wallenius Doda pick up drops to be pressed into cider. Alex Vitzthum, left, reaches up to nab the perfect apple. Before venturing into the trees, a family pauses to take pictures at this picturesque location.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

In last week’s issue of the Observer, State Senate hopefuls for the Chittenden Southeast district offered their responses to our questions. This week we hear from the candidates to represent Williston in the Vermont House of Representatives.

Incumbents Angela Arsenault and Erin Brady are each running for re-election to their seats representing the Chittenden-2 district, which covers most of the Town of Williston. First-time candidate Bridget Burkhardt is running to represent the Chittenden-8 district, which covers part of Williston and part of South Burlington. All three Democratic candidates are running unopposed.

The Observer asked the candidates a series of questions to help inform voters’ decisions.

Their responses begin on this page.

Early voting has begun, as all registered voters were mailed ballots earlier this month and can mail or hand deliver them to the Williston Town Clerk’s office. Williston has a 24/7 accessible drive-up drop-box located behind Town Hall for safe ballot return at any time until 6:30 p.m. on Election Day. The mailed ballots can also be completed and turned in on Election Day, Nov. 5, at the Vermont National Guard Armory in Williston Village. The polling location will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Regardless of voting method, all ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5 to be counted.

Please describe your professional background and your personal connection to the State of Vermont.

ANGELA ARSENAULT: I’m a journalist with over 20 years of experience asking questions and relating the wisdom and personal stories of my interviewees to readers and listeners. Through that work, as well as my service on the Champlain Valley School

District Board of Directors, and numerous volunteer opportunities, I’ve developed a skill set that is well-suited to the work of State Representative.

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Williston Observer • October 24, 2024

Around Town Bring a box of cereal when you vote The Williston Community Food Shelf is holding a Cereal Drive at Williston’s voting place on Election Day. If you plan to vote in person, you are invited to drop off a box or two of cereal to help fuel your neighbors in need. Collection boxes will be in place at the National Guard Armory in Williston during voting from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Town to hold informational hearing on bond article On the eve of Election Day, the Town of Williston will hold a public information hearing on the bond article for the Town Hall parking lot improvement and expansion project that appears on this year’s general election ballot. Voters will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments about the request to issue a bond of up to $400,000 to fund the project.

The informational meeting will take place at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 4 at the

Williston Central School Auditorium at 195 Central School Dr.

Historical Society to feature ‘Early Commercial History of Williston’ presentation On Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, the Williston Historical Society will hold their annual meeting, voting on one board position and the slate of officers for the coming

term.

Following the short business meeting, Dick Allen and Samantha Ford will present their research on the very early history of Williston, particularly the commercial aspects of sawmills, cloth dressing businesses, stores and a distillery. The meeting is open to all who have an interest in Williston history.

Monster Bash fundraiser returns Mahana Magic will hold their annual Monster Bash with a Haunted Hoedown theme on Friday, Oct. 25 from 7-11 p.m. at the Old Lantern Inn in Charlotte. All proceeds go to provide emotional and financial support to children whose parents are battling cancer.

Find more information and purchase tickets at mahanamagic.org.

Williston Craft Show Nov. 2 The annual Williston Craft Show featuring over 100 craftspeople and artists will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Williston Central School. The fundraiser is hosted by Williston’s Families as Partners group and supports student fieldtrips, educational grants for classrooms, student services and teacher appreciation events.

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Rotary club plants daffodils Last weekend, members of the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club planted hundreds of daffodil bulbs along the Rec Path in Village Community Park. The new bulbs will add more spring blossoms to the daffodils placed by the group a few years ago. Pictured (l-r) are Rotarians Angela Arsenault, Charlie Magill, Andy Mikell, Marty LeWinter and Lisa Hamm.

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Williston Observer •

Page 3

Williston home saved from fire

Firefighters work to fully extinguish a garage fire on Earnhardt Drive on Sunday, Oct. 20.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLISTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

A Williston home was saved last weekend from a fire that destroyed an adjacent four-bay garage on Earnhardt Drive. When Williston firefighters arrived at the scene on Sunday evening, they found the large, detached garage engulfed in flames and endangering the nearby home.

With the help of mutual aid from the Hinesburg, Essex Junction, Essex Town, and Underhill-Jericho fire departments, officials say they were able to gain control of the scene in about 30 min-

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utes. In all, nine Williston firefighters and approximately 30 mutual aid firefighters operated on the scene for over two hours, working to control hot spots and fully extinguish the fire.

The garage building was declared a total loss. An early estimate values the building and

contents at $250,000. Damage to the nearby home was estimated at $100,000, however the owners were able to re-occupy their house after the fire. A cause and origin investigation conducted by the Williston Fire Department deemed the fire to be accidental in nature.

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Williston Observer • October 24, 2024

Candidates

family, teach and serve in the Legislature, I believe it’s important that we have more voices from working parents in Montpelier.

childhood and teen years in central Vermont and part in the Northeast Kingdom.

My parents are both from the small town of Beecher Falls and my personal connection to this state runs deep, with many family members still living here and now raising their own kids and grandkids. My love for this state and all of its potential guide my work in Montpelier.

BURKHARDT: I began my career working in New York in investment banking and private equity. After a move to London in 2001, I transitioned into mission-driven finance, taking a job with a new private equity fund that used private and government funds to invest in businesses in economically struggling areas of England to create lasting economic improvement in those areas. I have continued to work in mission-driven finance and consulting. I took a career pause to stay home with my children when they were young. I was elected to three terms on the South Burlington School Board (2016-22) and served as its chair for the last part of my tenure.

My husband, Fritz, and I moved to Vermont in 2010 so he could take a job as a finance professor. Our two sons are now in middle and high school. My mother moved to Vermont in 2021 and lives in Williston.

continued from page 1

ERIN BRADY: Before coming to Vermont almost 20 years ago, I spent five years working for a United States Senator as a legislative aide. I left Washington, D.C. to pursue my master’s degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

I am a high school social studies teacher now in my 18th year in the classroom and a former member of the CVSD board. I currently serve as the Vice Chair of the House Education Committee and I am committed to using my experience to be a tireless advocate for our most vulnerable students and families.

My husband and I chose to make Williston our family home because we value the quality of life here. We are grateful for the friends, neighbors and teachers who make this such a special place to be raising our sons. While it is challenging to raise a

How should the state respond to the increasing trend of damaging floods? Would you prioritize investing in climate adaption and resiliency, or in replacing fossil

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and resilience, necessitated by the harm they’ve caused.

ARSENAULT: We don’t have the luxury of choosing one or the other – we have to do both. During this past session (2024), the legislature passed the Flood Safety Act (Act 121), which addresses the regulation of wetlands, river corridor development, and dam safety. Governor Scott refused to sign the bill because he disagreed with the implementation timeline, but it’s clear to anyone living in flood-prone areas that there is no time to waste and there is still work to be done. Transportation and home heating are important areas to focus on as we endeavor to reduce emissions in Vermont.

BRADY: We must make our communities more climate-resilient and better prepared for a rapidly changing future. Addressing climate change is a moral and economic imperative.

In the wake of the devastating floods last summer that caused over $1 billion in damage and disrupted so many lives, Vermonters have been grappling with the devastating effects of more frequent extreme weather events. Last session, we passed critical bills to address the climate crisis, including S.213, which would establish a new state permitting system for building in river corridors and H.289, a bill that would update the state’s renewable energy standard by requiring utilities to make a quicker transition to renewable energy. We also passed S.259, the Climate Superfund Act, which would require the largest carbon polluters (those responsible for more than one billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions) to help cover the cost of adaptation, recovery,

BURKHARDT: We need to work on both climate adaptation and resilience and the transition away from fossil fuels at the same time. The immediate need is for resilience. We should absolutely do what we can to help residents and businesses affected by floods or in flood-prone areas to make changes that will lessen potential damage from future weather events and design the systems we will need to have in place to respond to increasingly frequent events.

However, if we fail to make significant efforts to slow climate change, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, eventually climate change will accelerate beyond the ability of our systems and resources to respond to it. Although Vermont is a small state, we can still be an innovator on climate policy and approaches to climate change.

Are there any strategies or solutions to housing affordability and availability that have not been tried that you think are promising?

ARSENAULT: A couple of years ago I learned about intentional multigenerational housing neighborhoods that are being built in states around the country. I would love to see this idea take root here in Vermont. These communities help reduce our epidemic of loneliness and can ease the childcare burden many families face. Plus, we know that young families and older Vermonters are two of the groups having a see CANDIDATES page 5

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really hard time finding or keeping housing in our state. Why not look at solutions that target these populations with multiple ripple effect benefits to our entire state?

BRADY: The affordable housing crisis in Vermont is a part of a national problem that is garnering long overdue attention and analysis. With high costs of labor and materials and a shrinking workforce, the cost of building has increased dramatically. Truly affordable housing often requires governmental financial investment to reduce the price so that our nurses, teachers, tradespeople, and working Vermonters can afford the rental or purchase price. We’ve made historic investments in housing but the work is challenging and will take time to come to fruition.

I will continue to support progressive taxation so that those who are most able to pay, especially second homeowners, are contributing their fair share to the economic well-being of Vermont. I also agree with Senator Chittenden that we need to revisit the property tax credit as it currently exists in our education financing formula to align with our housing needs/goals and to ease the collective property tax burden. I will

continue to support common sense reforms to make it easier to build in the right places and look forward to continuing to collaborate with Williston officials to understand the impact of policies on Williston and advance the opportunities we have here for smart growth and economic development.

BURKHARDT: I am not a housing expert and do not claim to know all the approaches to solving the housing crisis that have been tried. I am working to get up to speed on the specifics of the housing crisis in Vermont by reading all I can, attending an upcoming conference and events with the Champlain Housing Trust, and reaching out to those who have been involved directly in housing work. My understanding so far is that lack of supply is the biggest part of the housing problem. We need more permanently affordable and moderately priced housing and an expansion of our systems that help individuals and families gain and maintain access to housing. Organizations like the Champlain Housing Trust are doing great work, and we need to scale up those efforts. We need to determine how the state can create the right incentives and supports to encourage developers to create the type of housing we need in the face of the steep increases in the prices of their inputs that have occurred over the past several years. see CANDIDATES page 6

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Williston Observer • October 24, 2024

Candidates

continued from page 5

The median household income in Vermont has risen 7.8 percent since 2019 — the highest growth of any state in the country, according to Public Assets Institute. Do you think wage and income growth are keeping pace with inflation and tax increases?

ARSENAULT: It’s wonderful that wages and income are increasing, but I don’t think that growth is keeping pace with tax increases – and certainly was outpaced by inflation for the last few years. The reason, as I see it, is that Vermont was far behind where we needed to be in terms of wages and income for many years. When that is true, even large percentage increases are only serving to bring things in line with where they should’ve been years ago. Another point to

make here is that inflation has not been occurring at a desired pace.

It’s been far beyond what anybody believes is reasonable and healthy for our economy – and the same can be said for property taxes. It would be unreasonable to expect employers to keep pace with double-digit property tax increases year over year, so we need to address the property taxes on the one hand and income and wage inequality on the other.

costs, a severe shortage of affordable housing and the impact of climate change. Research shows that the feeling of insecurity that these systemic challenges create often translates into our feelings about the economy and our own well-being.

We must continue to tackle the hard, interrelated challenges that are putting economic and psychological strain on too many Vermonters.

BRADY: Wage growth is definitely a positive indicator but as the executive director of the Public Assets Institute has said, “median household income is an important economic metric but the increase doesn’t necessarily reflect the financial reality experienced by many Vermont households.” Too many working Vermonters, including middle-income families, are being squeezed by incomes that are not keeping up with rising costs of living.

Our state clearly confronts complex, interrelated challenges that are a long time in the making, including growing pressures on education funding and property taxes, skyrocketing healthcare

BURKHARDT: The perception amongst residents in my district when I knock on doors is that income growth has not kept up with the cost of living. Everyday Vermonters are not looking at the average or median household income. They are looking at their specific income and their own bills. Despite the fact that inflation has come down significantly in the past year, groceries and other basic necessities are much more expensive than they were pre-pandemic. The growth in property taxes, driven by the end of federal pandemic support for schools and rising costs for districts for things like employee benefits and the maintenance of aging infrastruc-

ture, has a significant negative impact on residents’ ability to make ends meet. The legislature is working to find ways to slow the growth of education expenses while finding new sources of revenue and improving the current education funding system to make it more transparent, predictable, and fair. I hope to be part of that work during the upcoming legislative session.

What other issues would be your focus in the Legislature?

ARSENAULT: I hope to be placed on the House Judiciary committee again next session, and there I will continue to focus on addressing and preventing sexual and domestic violence, gun violence prevention, and the myriad issues surrounding juvenile justice. Outside of my committee, I will be very focused on the phonefree schools legislation that I plan to introduce, as well as the data privacy and appropriate design code bill and AI bills that are sure to be re-introduced. I will also

continue my focus on strengthening public education and education finance reform.

BRADY: The instability of the past school budget season and dramatic increases in property taxes demand action. Vermont’s education funding formula is unique and complex. Each school district’s education spending is determined at a local level, but our resources are pooled in a STATEWIDE education fund. Coherent change will take time and come with difficult tradeoffs (such as fewer small schools, cutting off public education dollars to private schools including tuition to schools out of state and country, increasing some of our class sizes where appropriate and many more). I am committed to hard conversations and hard decisions to move towards a rightsized, strong public education system that supports all students and uses our statewide resources sustainably and efficiently.

I will continue to advocate for strengthening our public institutions for children and families – from early childhood education all the way through post-secondsee CANDIDATES page 7

OUR CURRENT STATE SENATE HAS LED VERMONT INTO AN

AFFORDABILITY CRISIS. Passing a double digit property tax increase by overriding the Governor's veto

Allowing our healthcare insurance costs to skyrocket, making Vermont's costs one of the highest in the nation Increasing home heating fuel prices by overriding the Governor on the Clean Heat Standard / Carbon Tax Driving Vermont to the top 3 highest U.S. tax burdens

Governor y b d e s r o d n e BRUCE ROY is oters of v s e g a r u o c Scott who en e to the c u r B T C E L E E to Chittenden S onger, more r t s a d il u b lp Senate to he alance & B g in r b & t n ermo affordable V ontpelier!

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Candidates

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ary education and training – as an important means to create healthy communities and a more equitable society. Public education and particularly what we do in the early years is prevention, including prevention for being involved in the criminal justice system or being unhoused or many of the costly challenges we are wrestling with in Vermont today.

Finally, I will continue to be a fierce advocate for common sense gun safety measures to keep all Vermonters safe. We should never accept lock down drills in schools as inevitable. I am particularly proud of my endorsement from Everytown for Gun Safety.

BURKHARDT: Given my background in finance and my service on the school board, education funding is very important to me. We need to find relief for taxpayers while continuing to support the ongoing development of a school system that will prepare our children to be productive members of our society.

Economic development is key to making Vermont a place that our next generation will want to live and thrive. There are many pieces to the economic development picture, including housing, childcare, and infrastructure and services that businesses need to thrive.

Access to and the cost of healthcare are issues that I care deeply about as well.

Continuing to address the opioid crisis is also important to me as I see the impact of this crisis on our children and on many other challenges like housing, public safety, and healthcare that we face.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about your candidacy?

ARSENAULT: I believe in a representative democracy and welcome your feedback, input, and collaboration. Please reach out anytime: angela@angelaforwilliston.com or 802-552-0105.

BRADY: I am honored to represent Williston. In the last four years, we have made progress on public safety and historic investments in housing, childcare and climate resiliency. I am especial-

ly proud of our work to support children and families, including a permanent child tax credit and universal meals in schools, which I took a leadership role in getting passed.

I care deeply about the future of our community and our state and in my four years of legislative service now, I have certainly been struck by that common value among legislators even when we disagree. It’s what gives me hope about the process: 150 people come from all over the state and all kinds of backgrounds to engage deeply for five months a year (and many very late nights!) to re-

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Williston Observer •

Page 7

spond to the moment and try to do better for the future. Government is us. It is the people we elect (at all levels) to make decisions on our behalf as best they can.

BURKHARDT: My goal is to be as accessible and responsive to residents of my district as possible. Please reach out any time at burkhardtforvt@gmail.com.

I hope to combine my analytical abilities, willingness to listen, experience in negotiations, and deep sense of compassion for others to be an effective representative of your interests in Montpelier.

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Williston Observer • October 24, 2024

GUEST COLUMN

Free, fair, accessible, and secure elections; we can have it all

BY SARAH COPELAND HANZAS The General Election is less than two weeks away. As the rhetoric and “noise” intensifies, it’s worth a reminder that Vermont’s

elections are not only among the most accessible in the country, they are also incredibly secure.

Election policy is always a balance of accessibility and security. I feel very strongly that Vermont has the best of both of these.

Williston’s Community Newspaper Since 1985

www.willistonobserver.com P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 | 802-489-5499 ADVERTISING Rick Cote, Associate Publisher rick@willistonobserver.com 802-373-2136 EDITOR Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Jan Kenney jan@willistonobserver.com

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

PUBLISHER Susan T. Cote susan@willistonobserver.com

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.

BILLING INQUIRIES Michael McCaffrey office@willistonobserver.com

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Every state in the US has a different set of procedures for conducting elections. From the foundation of our country, state legislatures have decided how to conduct elections, within the guidelines of each state’s constitution. This can sometimes confuse Vermonters who watch news coverage from other states or recently moved here from elsewhere.

The key to our well-run elections is the People and the Processes.

First the people: Voters are the most important people on Election Day. It sounds cliché, but without the voters, we could not have an election. Almost equally important are our 247 duly sworn town and city clerks who are committed to making

sure Vermont elections are free, fair, accessible, and secure. They

Election policy is always a balance of accessibility and security. I feel very strongly that Vermont has the best of both of these. maintain and update their town’s voter checklist, they are responsible for the security of ballots and ballot counting machines, they recruit and train poll workers to help process ballots and count votes, and they transmit the tal-

lied results to our office at the end of the night.

In terms of the processes, the Vermont Legislature directs our election procedures. State laws carefully balance security and transparency with the right to vote. There is intentional redundancy built into the procedures to ensure fairness and accuracy.

This is why most communities have an entrance and exit checklist, why you will be asked to sign an affidavit if you vote in person and forgot to bring your mailed ballot, and why two Board of Civil Authority (BCA) members of opposing parties work together when handling ballots.

Vermont leads the nation in how we balance access with solid security procedures. Our office see COPELAND HANZAS page 9

October 24, 2024

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Williston Observer •

Page 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Examining library’s expansion As DAML Schematic Design Advisory Committee Chair and Library Trustee, and on behalf of fellow committee members, I am pleased to share an update on the Library Expansion and Renovation Project.

From the beginning, the committee has looked to provide a library expansion that continues the harmonious relationship between the library, Williston Central School and the Town Green. A two-story, “split-level” addition at the rear of the library was chosen because it reduces the overall height and minimizes the impact on the green and the existing courtyard. The current head-in parking will be removed in favor of a flat, paved parking lot between the library and WCS. The new lot will improve accessibility for those with mobility issues and young children. The new

Copeland Hanzas continued from page 8

has long advocated for eliminating unnecessary barriers to voting because we have seen over the decades that the number of eligible voters who have been denied the right to cast a ballot vastly exceeds attempts of voter fraud.

We allow same-day voter registration, eliminating the arbitrary deadline of registering days or weeks ahead of the election.

This change is an important way of welcoming new community members and is an important fail-safe, in case someone is mistakenly removed from the voter rolls.

We have automatic voter registration, so as a new Vermonter, you don’t need to carve time out of your unpacking to register to vote. You can choose to do it automatically when you get your Vermont driver’s license, and your clerk will be notified of your registration.

Policymakers heard from Vermonters about the popularity of universal vote by mail in 2020, so state law now ensures the automatic mailing of ballots to active registered voters every November election.

entrance will be closer to the school and there will be an entrance into the lobby from Library Lane. We’ve worked with traffic engineers to address safety and shared plans with school administrators.

The proposed configuration has a minimal effect on the view of the green, as the parking and expansion will be hidden from the road.

Some trees will be removed, many of them near the end of their life, and new trees will be planted. There will still be plenty of green space adjacent to the library.

The Town Band was also engaged in the process. In response to their feedback, a place for a performance area that will minimize noise from Route 2 is being considered.

A landscape architect has designed creative landscaping and gathering areas to enhance the Town Green. The Williston Historical Society will stay in the library and the SchoolWe are continuing to improve access for voters. I hear from voters the frustration about a lack of information about the candidates running for office. That’s why we created a universal online voter guide that is based on your ballot and available on your My Voter Page (mvp.vermont. gov). This tool empowers every Vermonter to find the candidates whose values match their own.

Vermonters, our office has mailed you a ballot, your clerk stands ready to receive your ballot, our BCAs are ready to tally the votes, and candidates’ contact information and policy positions are in your voter guide.

If you have not registered to vote, it is easy to do, please visit your town clerk or my office’s Online Voter Registration System (olvr.vermont.gov).

Democracy relies on all of us. Go vote, Vermont!

Sarah Copeland Hanzas is Vermont’s 39th Secretary of State. She was an 18-year member of the Vermont House before being elected as Secretary of State in 2022.

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house will remain on the green.

Our library is special. This expansion will add community meeting spaces and provide for current and future needs as Williston continues to grow, while also continuing the programs and services our patrons have always enjoyed.

The design and cost estimate will be finalized in early winter. Discussion on project next steps is planned for early 2025.

Karla Karstens Library Trustee Williston

Unhappy with Vermont becoming unaffordable?

If you are not happy with paying higher property taxes, 14 percent or more.

If you are not happy with the Affordable Heat Act that may cost Vermonters over $10 billion over 10 years, and about $1.70 per gallon more in heating oil.

If you are not happy with having the Legislature trying year after year to take control of the Fish and Wildlife Board and making decisions without using sound biological science.

If you are not happy with paying DMV fees that are 20% higher.

If you are not happy with the above-mentioned issues, then vote for Bruce Roy for the Vermont State Senate and John Rodgers for Vermont Lieutenant Governor. They, along with other Republicans, will work with and not against Governor Scott to keep Vermont affordable.

Rick and Bonnie Joyal Derby

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.

PUBLIC MEETINGS PATRICK LEAHY BURLINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024, 6:30-8:00 P.M. CHAMBERLIN SCHOOL, SOUTH BURLINGTON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024, 6:30-8:30 P.M. WINOOSKI HIGH SCHOOL Notice is hereby given that Public Meetings will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, at 6:30-8:00 p.m. (South Burlington Public Meeting) at Chamberlin School, and Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Winooski Public Meeting) at the Winooski High School.

These meetings will provide an overview of the DRAFT NOISE EXPOSURE MAP REPORT that has been prepared on behalf of Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. The meetings will be workshop style with various stations for individuals to review the information and ask questions. There will be no formal presentation.

Comment sheets will be available for the public to leave their comments.

The draft report can be found on the Airport’s noise program website: btvsound.com. Physical copies of the draft report are also available for review at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport administrative offices located at 1200 Airport Rd, South Burlington, VT, Suite 1.

Public comments can be submitted at the meetings or via email to btvsound@jonespayne.com.

The public comment period will close Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Additional comments and questions regarding the noise program can be submitted at any time.

Page 10

•

Williston Observer •

October 24, 2024

Kids quiz candidates

Gov. Phil Scott, far right, gives his closing remarks along with the other candidates as part of the Williston Central School 2024 Candidates Forum, which was held in the auditorium on Friday.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Sebby Wayman questions Atty. Gen. Charity Clark on how her suit against Meta and investigation of TikTok can help Vermont’s children.

Grace Dasilva questions U.S. Representative Becca Balint on her position for increased gun control measures.

Experience life at Maple Ridge Lodge Enjoy life at our community where the ease of maintenance-free living merges with endless opportunities for social engagement.

Call today: Ask for Katie (802)372-2277 or email: KDriver@mapleridgeessex.com

Maple Ridge Assisted Living 2 Freeman Woods, Essex Junction, VT 05452 MapleRidgeEssex.com

Everitt Dupont poses a question to Lt. Governor David Zuckerman about protecting the environment while providing affordable housing.

Dani D’Agostino wants to know how Governor candidate Esther Charlestin would make Vermont more resilient after flooding.

October 24, 2024 PARENTING BOOK CLUB

SPANISH (ONLINE)

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2-3 p.m.

Play board games after school.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 5-6 p.m. All levels welcome.

For online programs or to join a book club, email daml@damlvt.org.

Monday, Oct. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Read what you can of “Simplicity Parenting” by Kim John Payne, M. Ed. and whether you’ve read one page or the whole book, join the discussion. The book is available at the Library or in Libby(Overdrive).

While Parenting Book Club discussions take place, youth are invited to join the Reading Adventure in the Youth Room. This program is made possible by the Winnie Belle Learned Fund Grant.

ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)

MONTHLY SPICE CLUB: CLOVE

Fridays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 1212:30 p.m. Get in touch with your peaceful body and breath.

Stop by to pick up November’s featured spice, information about tasting notes, and a few recipes to try.

MAH JONGG

TECH TUTOR

Fridays, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 1-3 p.m. All levels welcome.

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 1-4 p.m. Call to book an appointment for tech help.

READ TO A DOG (LOLA)

YOUTH PROGRAMS Children 4th grade and younger must be supervised by someone over 16 years of age.

TEEN BOBA MIXER

Friday, Oct. 25, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12+. Experiment with different flavors to make your own seasonal boba drinks.

SATURDAY MUSIC

Saturday, Oct. 26, 10:30-11 a.m.

Dance around to preschool music with Linda Bassick.

LITTLES D&D

Saturday, Oct. 26, 1-2 p.m. Ages 6-8. Register for a mini-session of Dungeons & Dragons. No experience necessary. Register each child individually.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Sing with Linda then stay to play.

TEENS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Friday, Nov. 1, 4:30-6 p.m.

Ages 12+. Campaigns are currently full. Contact the library to be added to a wait list. *NEW* STEM ADVENTURE

Monday, Nov. 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Have fun with kid-friendly experiments. Supported by the Rotary Club of Williston-Richmond and the VT Space Grant Consortium.

Thursday, Nov. 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Sign up for a 10-minute session to read to therapy dog Lola.

ADULT PROGRAMS

MUSIC AND PLAYTIME

Thursdays, Oct. 31 and Nov. 7,

ADULT RPG: WHITE BOX

Thursday, Nov. 7, 5:30-8 p.m.

Join our 2-hour fantasy role-playing game for adults. Register online for details.

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Vermont Comfort Food and Drink — kitchentablevt.com/menu

It’s Turkey Time!

The Williston Community Food Shelf is hoping to collect

Wednesdays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6, 10:30-11 a.m. Gentle activities with your baby. Suggested ages 0-18 months.

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 5-6 p.m.

Ages 12+. Volunteer with our teen advisory board, help plan events and more while enjoying dinner.

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2-3 p.m. Make a table topper out of fabric and tree branches. Register.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 9 A.M.-1 P.M.

BABY TIME

TEEN NIGHT: FOOD FOR THOUGHT

ADULT CRAFTERNOON: VELVET MUSHROOMS

Gentle, Expert Dental Care for your Beautiful Smile

Tuesdays, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, 10:3011 a.m. Drop in for stories and fun.

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2-3 p.m.

Relax and color.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 6:30–8 p.m.

Forester Ethan Tapper discusses his new book about what it means to live in a time when ecosystems are in retreat and how to use our power to heal rather than to harm.

Quality Care for Your Entire Family

STORYTIME

AFTER SCHOOL MEDITATIVE COLORING

AUTHOR TALK: “HOW TO LOVE A FOREST” BY ETHAN TAPPER

Comprehensive Dentistry

READING ADVENTURE: MEXICO

Monday, Oct. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Suggested ages 6+. Drop in for a monthly exploration with stories, myths, history, and hands-on activities. This program is made possible with the support of a Winnie Belle Learned Fund Grant.

Williston Observer • Page 11

AFTER SCHOOL GAMES

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS Dorothy Alling Memorial Library hours: • Monday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

• Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Visit www.damlvt.org to apply for a library card and to register for programs requiring registration. Need help? Call 8784918 or email daml@damlvt.org.

•

150 turkeys

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WILLISTON COMMUNITY

FOOD SHELF

Drop off turkeys Saturday, Nov. 23 from 8-11 a.m.

400 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130 (down behind the Williston Coffee Shop)

Or donate gift cards ($15 are best) from local grocery stores.

Drop off, or mail to: Williston Community Food Shelf at P.O. Box 1605, Williston, VT 05495

935 Shelburne Road, South Burlington, VT

www.AlpineShopVT.com

TURKEY PICKUP

Clients wishing to pick up a turkey are also welcome Nov. 23 from 8-11 a.m.

Page 12

•

Williston Observer •

October 24, 2024

GREEN

THINKING SUSTAINABLY • ACTING RESPONSIBLY

Williston considers a clean heat ordinance

BY ERIC HILLMUTH Williston Energy Committee

Based on a request from the Sustainable Williston citizens group and direction from the Williston Selectboard the Williston Energy Committee is currently developing recommendations on how the town could implement a “clean heat ordinance” to reduce the amount of fossil fuel used to heat homes in Williston. Both Burlington and South Burlington have passed similar ordinances, and the Energy Committee is looking to those as models.

The Energy Committee is in the early stages of developing recommendations for the select-

board, but the current working proposal is to implement an ordinance requiring construction to include heating and domestic hot water systems that are primarily fueled or powered by fossil fuel-free sources. Specifics include: − Requiring all new developments to use non-fossil-fuel systems as their primary source of heat and domestic hot water. Primary would be defined as a system capable of supplying 85 percent of the heating and hot water needs. − Apply the ordinance to the construction of all new buildings, residential and nonresidential, with conditioned space. − Include a waiver provision

Implementation of a clean heat ordinance would result in a fundamental change in the way in which new homes are heated and hot water produced. that applies if a developer can demonstrate conclusively that a non-fossil fuel heating system is more expensive over a 25year lifespan than the least expensive fossil fuel system, in-

corporating the cost of carbon emissions at $100/ton. − Enforce the ordinance through verification during the final inspection of a building. A certificate of occupancy would be issued only upon verification that the installed heating system meets the requirements of the clean heat ordinance.

There may or may not be an allowance for the use of renewable natural gas as a primary heating fuel, yet to be determined.

Additionally, the Energy Committee is trying to understand what impact Act 18, the State “Clean Heat Standard” may have if implemented. Understanding decisions made at a

state level are important considering the recent draft proposal by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) recommends significant changes from the original intention of Act 18 as written by the legislature.

Implementation of a clean heat ordinance would result in a fundamental change in the way in which new homes are heated and hot water produced. Much of Williston (and Chittenden County) has long benefited from the low cost of natural gas while not considering the environmental impact cost from carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Increasing evidence shows that the cost/ benefit of heating and producing see HEAT page 13

October 24, 2024

GREEN

Recycle that pizza box!

Not sure if that greasy pizza box should go in your recycling? Wonder no more.

According to Alise Certa of the Chittenden Solid Waste District, empty pizza boxes – even if stained with grease and cheese – are acceptable for recycling because the recycling process screens out these contaminants.

One more win for the blue bin.

For answers on if and how to recycle other materials visit cswd.net.

•

Williston Observer •

Weekday Bus Departures from Williston

Commuter Link Williston to Burlington

6 a.m.

6:20 a.m.

6:40 a.m.

7 a.m.

7:20 a.m.

7:40 a.m.

8:05 a.m.

8:25 a.m.

8:45 a.m.

9:05 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

10:05 a.m.

10:25 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:05 a.m.

11:25 a.m.

11:50 a.m.

12:10 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:50 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:50 p.m.

2:10 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2:50 p.m.

3:10 p.m.

3:35 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:35 p.m.

4:55 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:35 p.m.

5:50 p.m.

6:10 p.m.

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6:45 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

7:40 p.m.

8:40 p.m.

9:55 p.m.

11:10 p.m.

6:32 a.m.

Route 2 Williston to Burlington

8:12 a.m.

(Interstate Route)

12:45 p.m.

Departures out of Williston Park and Ride at Exit 12 Monday through Friday

5:25 p.m.

Departures out of Walmart Monday through Friday

6:45 p.m.

7:03 a.m.

Williston to Montpelier 8:11 a.m.

www.ridegmt.com

1:40 p.m.

Departures out of Williston Park and Ride at Exit 12 Monday through Friday

for more information and for Saturday and Sunday departures.

4:42 p.m.

5:45 p.m.

7 a.m.

Route 2A to Essex Junction & Essex Center

8:15 a.m.

Departures out of Walmart Monday through Friday

1:15 p.m.

See www.ridegmt. com for Saturday departures

3:45 p.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

12 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

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To participate in Williston’s energy future, reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at energy@willistonvt.org or attend a public meeting held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The agenda for upcoming meetings is posted on the Town of Williston website (www.town.williston. vt.us). For more information, visit: https:// www.willistonvtenergycommittee.org

RO

AL W

hot water with electricity, as a fossil-free source, is cheaper over the lifetime of a home.

As we work through this process it’s worth noting that moving households to fossil fuel-free heating and domestic hot water systems is a goal defined in both the 2020 and draft 2025 Williston Energy plans. Additionally, the Global Warming Solutions Act passed by the state Legislature in 2020 obligates Vermont to substantially reduce reliance on fossil fuels in all sectors including home heating, so a clean heat ordinance is a logical extension of those efforts.

Many questions need to be answered

SH LE

AR

continued from page 12

IN DUS T RI A L

M

Heat

Essex Jct. & Essex Ctr. D

Burlington N

C

O

6:15 p.m.

including: What types of new construction should the ordinance apply to? If passed, how will the ordinance be enforced? As the Energy Committee continues to develop its recommendation we will be looking to the community for feedback and really hope to hear from citizens and businesses about how best to tackle this monumental issue.

Page 13

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Page 14

•

Williston Observer •

October 24, 2024

GREEN

Energy Fair sparks lots of interest Nearly 100 people attended the third annual Energy Fair on the beautiful afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 28 at Williston Central School.

Hosted by Williston’s Energy Committee, the event featured 19 electric vehicles of many makes and models with owners ready to answer questions.

Exhibits also included an electric school bus, electric lawn equipment, the Solar Bus, utility companies, local energy contractors, Window Dressers, Walk to Shop and others focused on ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. New this year was the offering of free ice cream cones from Lake Champlain Chocolates.

Sunny skies allowed the Solar Bus to demonstrate a solar fountain and offer solar baked cookies.

COURTESY PHOTOS BY REED PARKER

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October 24, 2024

•

Williston Observer •

Page 15

GREEN

Last year, Vermonters threw away 71,113 tons of food scraps which ended up in our only landfill.

Equal to 242 pounds of food scraps per person per year.

CSWD’s Organic Recycling Facility (ORF) and our six Drop-Off Centers accept food scraps from residents and businesses to keep them out of Vermont’s only landfill.

For information scan or visit cswd.net/a-to-z/food-scraps

20240626-ADS-Phase-01_opt.indd 2

6/26/24 1:03 PM

Page 16 •

Williston Observer •

October 24, 2024

release dates: Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2024

43 (24)

Next Week: Veterans Day

Founded by Betty Debnam

The name “Alabama” may come from the Choctaw words “alba” and “amo,” which mean “thicket clearers” or “vegetation gatherers.” forests, monuments and historical sites can be found throughout Alabama.

The Gulf Coast and Mobile Bay beaches are top tourist attractions. Mobile Bay is an important port for oceangoing ships.

“Jubilees” are two-hour periods of fishy activity. Just before dawn on summer mornings, thousands of shellfish such as crabs and shrimp move so close to the shores of Mobile Bay that crowds can simply scoop up a seafood feast. photo by navilera Lee

Alabama history

This state of the Deep South was inhabited by Native Americans for more than 8,000 years, including Cherokee and Chickasaw peoples.

In the 1500s, Spanish explorers arrived, and in 1702, the French established Old Mobile.

In January 1861, Alabama seceded, or separated, from the Union and joined the Confederate States of America. About 120,000 men from Alabama fought in the Civil War. Montgomery is the state capital, but Huntsville is the largest city, with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and other research centers headquartered there. Its oldest city, Mobile, is situated on Mobile Bay on the Gulf Coast.

Today, Alabama is known for car manufacturing, finance, tourism and aerospace industries. Agricultural products include poultry and eggs, cattle and fish, along with peanuts, cotton, grains and soybeans.

Natural Alabama

Mountains and forests cover much of the state, particularly in the north. National

Education

The University of Alabama is the state’s largest college. Many football fans support UA’s Crimson Tide and the Auburn University Tigers.

Tuskegee University, a historically Black institution, was founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881 as the Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers. George Washington Carver taught there and developed many new ways for farmers to improve their soil and grow new crops.

• Coretta Scott King was a leader working for the rights of African Americans, women, children and the poor, as well as for peace and the spread of democracy. She grew up on a farm in Heiberger, Alabama.

After her husband, Martin Luther King Coretta Scott King Jr., was assassinated 1927-2006 in 1968, she helped start the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta. The King Center helps train people throughout the world to use his nonviolent methods to make changes.

• Harper Lee was famous for her 1960 book “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It tells of a lawyer raising his two children in a small Alabama town. He defends an innocent Black man in spite of the townspeople’s prejudices.

The book won a Pulitzer Prize in 1961.

Harper Lee 1926-2016 Lee grew up in Monroeville, Alabama. Many of the book’s characters are based on real people she grew up with.

Resources

The Talladega Superspeedway is the site of many NASCAR races.

photo by Carol M. Highsmith

Alabama, our 22nd state, joined the United States on Dec. 14, 1819. Today, it’s the 24th largest state by population, with about 5 million people.

Famous Alabamians

photo courtesy Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame

Sweet Home Alabama

Mini Fact:

photo courtesy University of Alabama

Issue 43, 2024

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPAlabama

At the library:

• “Alabama” by Joanne Mattern • “The Ghostly Tales of Alabama” by Alan N. Brown

Observer rack locations

Try ’n’Williston Find Adams Farm Market

Rehab Gym Goodwater Brewing Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd) Hannaford HealthyinLiving Williston SomeSimon’s Mobil Williston Aroma’s Words that remind us of ofIndia Alabama are hidden this puzzle.

Home2Suites Chef’s Corner or diagonally, words are hidden backward and some letters are Simply Divine Café Island Homemade Ice Cream Sonesta Memorial used twice. SeeDorothy if youAlling can find: Sunoco Station Korner Kwik Stop Library ALABAMA, BEACH, Town Marriott Courtyard Fairfield Inn D H A O K S F L U G J ofEWilliston E L Offices Q Rick Cote at CRIMSON, CallCOAST, WokO S M I RUPSCStore Folino’s Pizza l Z S EMenGAt N H S A L 373-2136 or emai om (802) FORESTS, r.cGULF, ve JUBILEE, er Vermont Meat M&T Bank Gardener’s Supply bs nO S I Y R E M O G T N O M E &LSeafood W to is Rick@Will copies MOBILE, e lik ld ou w Williston Coffee Shop Ramunto’s Green Mountain Bagel u KING, LEE, yo if T F V H T D M J H O O E C A G r your location foMONTGOMERY, S L V E C S A E U S V D E B S MOUNTAINS, SECEDE, E L B D T A A L L B I I D A O R E K I N G E O L I I N E M U SHELLFISH, SOUTH,

Essex/Essex Jct. Price Chopper Mini Jokes Essex Automotive Quality Bake Shop Five Corner Variety River Road Beverage Hannaford Annie: Why is AlabamaRichmond the Inn at Essex smartest state? Cumberland Farms Because it has four A’s and one Mac’sAlan: Market Richmond Free B! Library Martone’s Deli Richmond Market

Eco Note Williston

Earth was slammed in midAugust by an intense wave of charged

Mountains and forests cover much of the state, particularly in the north. National

The Talladega Superspeedway is the site of many NASCAR races.

At the library:

• “Alabama” by Joanne Mattern • “The Ghostly Tales of Alabama” by Alan N. Brown

photo

Natural Alabama

October 24, 2024

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Try ’n’ Find

D Z S T S E R O F U

H S I F L L E H S S

Annie: Why is Alabama the smartest state?

Alan: Because it has four A’s and one B!

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

Eco Note

• 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 1/2 cups pasta or pizza sauce of your choice • 12 small soft dinner rolls, split

What to do: 1. In a large bowl, combine turkey, Parmesan, egg and about 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Mix well and shape into 12 meatballs.

2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, turning frequently, until golden brown on all sides. Add sauce and bring to a simmer; simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Arrange a meatball and some sauce on each roll and serve. Serves 4.

Adapted from “The Robin Takes 5 Cookbook for Busy Families” with permission from Andrews McMeel Publishing (andrewsmcmeel.com).

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

You’ll need: • 1 pound ground turkey • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 large egg, lightly beaten • Salt and pepper

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

Cook’s Corner Turkey Meatball Sliders

Williston Observer • Page 17

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of Alabama are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ALABAMA, BEACH, COAST, CRIMSON, FORESTS, GULF, JUBILEE, KING, LEE, MOBILE, MONTGOMERY, MOUNTAINS, SECEDE, SHELLFISH, SOUTH, SPANISH, TALLADEGA, TIDE, TUSKEGEE.

•

Earth was slammed in midAugust by an intense wave of charged particles from a solar storm that ionized the top of the planet’s atmosphere. Radiation from the solar flare caused shortwave radio blackouts from East Asia and Indonesia to the Middle East and East Africa.

It also triggered vivid displays of the aurora borealis and aurora australis. Earth went through the most powerful solar storm in 20 years during May, causing aurora to be seen at much lower latitudes than normal around the world. adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

For later:

Look in your newspaper for articles about Alabama.

Teachers: Follow and

interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

Brevity

by Dan Thompson

Page 18

• Williston Observer • October 24, 2024

SAVVY SENIOR

How SSI Benefits Can Help Struggling Seniors and the Disabled Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about the SSI program and what are the eligibility requirements for seniors? I’m trying to help my elderly aunt who is very low-income.

Searching Niece Dear Searching,

The SSI program that you’re enquiring about, which stands for Supplemental Security Income, is a program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides monthly cash benefits to people that are disabled or over 65 based on financial need.

Currently, around 7.5 million people are receiving SSI benefits,

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but many more are now eligible as the SSA recently expanded access benefits by tweaking some of the rules. Here’s what you should know.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for SSI your aunt must be either age 65 or older, blind or disabled, and must be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident. She must also have limited income and assets.

Her income as an individual must generally be under $1,971 per month, or $2,915 for couples.

Countable income includes wages or any other kind of money your aunt earned from working, plus money she gets from other sources like unemployment, Social Security retirement, or gifts from friends, but also, free shelter.

And her assets must also be less than $2,000 or $3,000 for couples. This includes cash, bank

accounts, other personal property, and anything else that could potentially be converted to cash.

Her home, household goods and one vehicle, along with life insurance policies and burial funds valued under $1,500, do not count towards countable assets.

In 2024, the maximum SSI payment is $943 a month for an individual or $1,415 a month for a couple. But, if eligible, the amount your aunt would receive may be lower based on her income, living situation and some other factors.

To help you determine if your aunt is eligible for SSI, help her take the Social Security Administration’s benefits screening test at SSAbest.benefits.gov. This online questionnaire takes approximately 5 minutes to complete and screens for a variety of benefits, not just SSI. You should also know that most states – except Arizona, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia – supplement the federal SSI payment with payments of their own. In some of the states that pay a supplement, your aunt may qualify for the state payment even if she doesn’t meet the federal SSI eligibility criteria.

HOW TO APPLY

If you think that your aunt is eligible for SSI, she (or you) can begin the application process and complete a large part of it online at SSA.gov/apply/ssi. If she’s disabled, she can apply for both SSI and Social Security Disability at SSA.gov/disability. Or, if she can’t

apply online, call 800-772-1213 and set up an appointment with her local Social Security office.

To help make the application process go quickly and smoothly, your aunt will need her Social Security number; birth certificate or other proof of age; information about the home where she lives, such as her mortgage, or lease and the landlord’s name; payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records and other information about her income and the things she owns; her proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status; and if she is applying for SSI because she is disabled or blind, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals and clinics that have information related to her condition.

For more information visit SSA.gov/ssi or see Social Security’s online SSI publication at SSA. gov/pubs/EN-05-11000.pdf.

OTHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Depending on your aunt’s income, there are other financial assistance programs that may be able to help her like Medicare Savings Programs, prescription drug assistance, food stamps and energy assistance. To locate these programs, and learn how to apply for them, go to BenefitsCheckUp.org.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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Call Rick Cote today at 802-373-2136 or email rick@willistonobserver.com

October 24, 2024

•

Williston Observer •

Page 19

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 22

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1926, magician Harry Houdini gave his last performance at the Garrick Theatre in Detroit.

• In 1945, the charter establishing the United Nations took effect.

• In 1987, the Teamsters union was readmitted to the AFL-CIO, 30 years after its expulsion.

• In 2002, authorities arrested John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo in connection with sniper attacks in the Washington, D.C., area.

• In 2003, the last commercial Concorde flight was made.

TODAY’S FACT:

• In 1901, teacher and adventurer Annie Edson Taylor celebrated her 63rd birthday by becoming the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

CLUES

SOLUTIONS

1 burning tongues (6) ___________ 2 tanker ships (6) ___________ 3 residents of Montreal (9) ___________ 4 members of legislative house (8) ___________ 5 table extenders (var.) (5) ___________ 6 Canadians, in slang (7) ___________ 7 splits (4) ___________

MES

RS

LE

LE

AFS

CA

TO

NA

DI

JE

FLA

NA

RS

NUC

SE

OI

KS

TS

ENS

CA

© 2024 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel

SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 22

10/27

Today’s Answers: 1. FLAMES 2. OILERS 3. CANADIENS 4. SENATORS 5. LEAFS 6. CANUCKS 7. JETS

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Page 20

• Williston Observer • October 24, 2024

OBITUARIES

Ellis Craig Hayford, Sr. Ellis Craig Hayford Sr., 81, passed away on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 at UVM Medical Center in

Burlington surrounded by loved ones.

Ellis Craig Hayford Sr. was born in Wolcott, VT April 19, 1943 to parents Leon W. Hayford and Abbie A. (Hodgkins) Hayford.

Ellis graduated from People’s Academy in Morrisville in 1961 then went on to join the Army until 1967. Ellis earned his Bachelor’s Degree through an Engineer Program at IBM in 1975. He later retired from IBM after 45 years.

Ellis was preceded in death by both of his parents, his beloved wife Charlene Hayford, brother Roland Hayford Sr., brother Leon Hayford Jr., brother Linwood Hayford and sister Donna Westover.

He is survived by his son Ellis “Craig” Hayford Jr. and wife Lisa Farrell, daughter Tracy Fish-

er and husband Richard Fisher Sr., daughter Pamela Mashia and partner Gary Mashia, Son Ralph Vezina III, brother Alan Hayford.

Grandchildren Calvin Hayford, Abigail Hayford, Lauren Gilbert, Tanner Mashia and significant other Mariah Litchfield, Tiffaney Fisher and fiancé Jeffrey Corcoran, Steffaney Fisher and significant other Matthew Ellis, Brittaney Alger and husband Sam Alger, Whittaney Fisher and husband Matthew Sartelle, Richard Fisher Jr. and wife Lauren Fisher, and Megan Folsom. Great-Grandchildren Wyatt, Wrenna, Bryson, Kelcie, Cullen, Khloe, Lillian, Savannah, Cody, Cole, Owen, Richard Ill, and Peyton. Also, the long-time dear friends he spent most of his days with, Jean Choineire and Butch Holcomb.

A Funeral Service was held

Photos from theWilliston Observer are available for purchase!

Oct. 22 at Lake Elmore Cemetery in Wolcott. A gathering was held after the funeral in Elmore.

Paul C. Ploof Paul C. Ploof of Richmond, Vt., age 96, passed, Oct. 13, 2024, at his most recent residence - the Sterling House, in Richmond.

Paul was born Jan. 28, 1928 in Burlington, the son of Elizabeth Ploof (Garrow) and William Ploof.

Paul grew up in Burlington, and later served in the Army of the United States as an aircraft mechanic from Oct. 1946, until he was honorably discharged in Sept. 1949. Paul later joined the Air National Guard as an autobody mechanic.

Paul raised his family in Burlington, and later moved to Essex Vt. until he retired from the Air

National Guard in 1983.

He enjoyed several years of retirement in Florida with his late wife Erliene, and was always tinkering with many ongoing projects. Paul also enjoyed family get-togethers at his camp in North Hero, and hosting holiday gatherings at his residence in Richmond.

He was predeceased by his mother and father Elizabeth and William, sisters Doris and Aileen, brothers Harvey, Harold, Bobby, and Donald, wife Erliene, daughter Susan Spiller, and son Shawn Ploof.

He is survived by sons, Scott, Stephen and his wife Lori, and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Calling hours were held at the Ready Funeral & Cremation Services in Burlington Oct. 22 with services immediately following.

Interment followed at Resurrection Park Cemetery in South Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Paul’s memory to Sterling House at Richmond 61 Farr Road Richmond VT 05477.

Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Service. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com

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October 24, 2024

•

Williston Observer • Page 21

Island Memorial Pet Service Premium Compassionate Care for Your Pets Because

Sept. 8 at 2:08 a.m. — Assisted Williston Rescue with an overdose at Zephyr Place.

Female was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Sept. 8 at 9:20 a.m. — Assisted female with a threatening complaint.

Sept. 9 at 9:14 a.m. — Report of a juvenile stealing food from Simon’s. Female was issued a notice of trespass.

Sept. 9 at 3:55 p.m. — Report of a missing juvenile from Porterwood Drive. Male was located a short time later and brought home.

Sept. 10 at 7:47 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Hannaford. Male was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Sept. 10 at 10:19 a.m. — Report of cars gone through on Harvest Lane.

Sept. 10 at 4:24 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Female was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Sept. 11 at 10:40 a.m. — Best Buy reporting an employee stealing money. Female was issued a citation to appear in court for embezzlement.

Sept. 11 at 2:26 p.m. — Report of a female causing a disturbance at Casella. Female left prior to officer’s arrival.

Sept. 11 at 6:34 p.m. — Male called and advised he thought he located a male on “America’s Most Wanted” list. Male was not on “America’s Most Wanted” list.

Sept. 12 at 1:09 p.m. — Report of a fight on the Green Mountain Transit bus. Female

was issued a citation to appear in court for violating an abuse prevention order.

Sept. 12 at 1:55 p.m. — Report of a stolen vehicle. Vehicle was not stolen, female forgot she loaned the vehicle to her son.

Sept. 12 at 3:58 p.m. — Report of a male swinging a sword around at Walmart. Male left before officer’s arrival.

Sept. 12 at 9:15 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. Male was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Sept. 12 at 10:42 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. Male was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Sept. 13 at 4:09 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Female was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Sept. 13 at 7:53 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. Male took off running from officers but officers were able to catch up to him. Male was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft and eluding police.

Sept. 14 at 12:08 p.m. — Report of a juvenile that stole his nanny’s car overnight. Juvenile was referred to the community justice center.

Sept. 14 at 3:59 p.m. — Following a traffic stop, male operator was issued a citation to appear in court for driving with a criminally suspended license.

Officers also conducted 47 traffic stops and responded to nine alarm activations and 13 motor vehicle crashes.

Be a part of the Williston Observer’s

PUBLISHING

OCT 31

Community Giving Guide!

The Observer will be highlighting the groups and organizations in our area who would welcome the support of the community through donations and volunteers.

To be included:

Nonprofit organizations

Call or email susan@willistonobserver.com, 802-489-5499

Advertisers

Call or email rick@willistonobserver.com, 802-373-2136

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Page 22

• Williston Observer • October 24, 2024

SUDOKU SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 19

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

CLASSIFIEDS

Puzzle found on page 19

FOR SALE BURIAL LOTS — Six burial lots for sale in the East, Old, Morse Cemetery in Williston. They are located in Section 5, Lot F, Row 8. If you are interested please contact me at plarrow.pl@gmail.com or 813-431-5650 for information.

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, November 12, 2024 – 7:00 PM Town Hall Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656 DP 20-11.1 Munson Way, LLC requests discretionary permit review to construct two additional self-storage buildings, adjust a boundary line, and complete stormwater improvements at 53-57 Munson Way in the Industrial Zoning District West (IZDW).

DP 24-19 Matthew & Tammy Ketcham c/o Scott Baker request discretionary permit review of a proposed 2-lot subdivision around two (2) existing dwellings on a 6.60± acre parcel at 54025418 St George Rd in the ARZD.

To place a classified ad, email rick@williston observer.com or call 802-373-2136 Deadline for classifieds is Monday.

DP 22.06.1 Green State Realty, LLC c/o O’Leary-Burke Civil Associates, PLC Karl Marchessault requests discretionary permit review to amend final plans with expanded parking and outdoor storage, as well as a Master Sign Plan, for the MD Motors car dealership at 4626 Williston Rd in the Industrial West Zoning District (IZDW). Continued from Oct. 22, 2024.

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: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org

LEGAL TOWN OF ST. GEORGE, VERMONT

(1625) IHOP Comm.

Kitchen Equip.

AUCTION CLOSES MON., OCT. 28 @ 10AM

Roadside Mowing RFP – 3-year Contract (2025 – 2027)

EMAILED

The Town of St. George, Vermont, will ADVERT be accepting bids for a 3-year roadside mowing contract for 2025 - 2027 for all Thomas Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 Roadsides. FROM: C The Town of St. George has a total of 3.92 miles to be mowed (round trip). Two Phone: 8 full mowings per year are requested. The Email: A first mowing to be completed between June 15 and June 30 of each year, and the second mowing to be completed between To: Rick August 15 and August 31 of each year, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon Paper: W by the Town of St. George and the Max Len selected contractor.

Bid Process and Deadline:

BID NOW ONLINE @ www.thcauction.com

Don’t miss our IHOP restaurant auction featuring over 200 lots from the South Burlington, VT location. Highlights include: Wire Shelving, Dishwashers, Prep Stations, Refrigerators, Tables, Chairs, Plates, Coffee Dispensers, Grills, Deep Fryers, Egg Station and MUCH MORE! THCAuction.com  800-634-SOLD

Bids must be sealed and received at the TODAY’S Town Office by November 13, 2024, at 4:00pm. The bids can be mailed or NAME O delivered in person to 21 Barber Road, St. George, Vermont, 05495. Bids will be DATE(S) opened at the Select Board Meeting on November 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Proof SIZE OF of insurance must accompany the bid.

Please write “Attn: Roadside Mowing Bids” on the front of the envelope.

Contact Information: For more information, please contact Justin Mason, Assistant to the Town Boards, at (802) 673 6669 or boards@ stgeorgevt.com. The full RFP can be found at www.stgeorgevt.com Disclaimer: The Town of St. George reserves the right to accept or reject all bids.

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service directo October 24, 2024

SERVICE DIRECTORY

CREDIT CARD PROCESSING

•

Williston Observer •

Page 23

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Page 24 •

Williston Observer •

October 24, 2024

‘Hawks tackle Wolves

SPORTS

CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU’s Sean Kennedy tackles South Burlington quarterback Ahmed Diawara for a loss during the Redhawks’ 33-0 win over the Wolves on Friday night in South Burlington. The CVU Redhawks gang tackle South Burington running back Anthony Bouffard. Place kicker Alex Jovell makes good on the extra point. Quarterback Orion Yates carries the ball downfield himself.

Wolves stop ‘Hawks CVU’s Nathaniel Stewart, left, sets the ball for an outside hitter during the Redhawks’ 3-set loss to the South Burlington Wolves on Saturday morning in South Burlington. Reid Sadler’s feet, above, leave the court as he winds up to send his jump serve over the net.

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