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WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
Town seeks to regulate special events Rewritten ordinance creates application fee, permit approval BY JASON STARR Observer staff Town leaders were apparently quite freaked out by the legendary Woodstock festival that took place in neighboring New York in 1969. Two years later, they passed an ordinance to regulate events lasting 18 hours or more. That ordinance is still on the books, but town administrators are not finding it useful in regulating modern-day Williston events, such as food truck nights, harvest festivals and outdoor performances. The selectboard recently began the process of rewriting the 50-year-old “Ordinance for the Regulation of Public Festivals” with an eye toward creating an application process, standards and a fee for one-time events or event series. Town Manager Erik Wells said the increase in outdoor events brought on by the pandemic spurred the town to rethink the ordinance. “We’ve had this on our to-do list for a couple of years, but we were trying to have more outdoor (events), especially last summer, and questions came up: ‘Can we do this?’ It gave us pause to think how we should rework how our ordinance is structured,” Wells said at the selectboard’s Nov. 2 meeting. The town’s planning and zoning department presented a draft of the rewritten ordinance at the meeting. The selectboard would have to set a public hearing on the ordinance before it could be adopted. Any temporary event that is not permitted under the town’s zoning regulations would require a permit, town planners said. The draft sets a duration maximum for special events of eight hours. Event series would be capped at 12 events per year. A series could be permitted at once, but the town would treat each event in the series as a separate event subject to the conditions of the ordinance. A person would need to apply at least 21 days in advance of an event and pay an application fee to be determined by the selectboard.
The town itself and the local public school district would be exempt from obtaining a permit for special events. The draft ordinance gives the town manager authority to approve or deny special event permit applications, and revoke permits if conditions of approval are violated. Some grounds for denial would be if the event is too big to be policed, unnecessarily disrupts traffic or “otherwise places undue burdens on town;” creates a hardship for adjacent businesses or residents; interferes with use of pubic property; or generates a level of noise that would require an exemption from the Williston noise ordinance. The ordinance would allow the town manager or selectboard to impose unique conditions on an event, such as limits on hours, number of attendees, sound amplification and plans for waste disposal. Melinda Scott of the planning and zoning office anticipates some grey area in determining whether something is a special event or just the typical offerings of a particular business or organization. Old Stage Road resident Deb MacDonald disagreed with the allowance of up to 12 events in a series, because those events are likely to be all packed into the summer months. “Everyone understands that someone in your neighborhood might have a party, it might get a little loud and parking might be compromised, but if you’re talking about a series, that becomes more of an impact,” MacDonald said. “I don’t know if any of you would enjoy, down the street from you, having a food truck and concert night for three straight months every Wednesday night.” She said food trucks should be regulated as businesses. “Zoning is there for the protection of residents,” she said. “If you buy a home and invest your money in a property that’s residential and agricultural, you have a little bit of assurance that a food store or business isn’t going to pop up next to your house … Food trucks seem to be popping up everywhere. I think it’s important that they be recognized as what they are, a commercial business.”
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Veterans Day observance revived
A Veterans Day observance was held early last Thursday morning in Williston’s Veterans Park for the first time in several years. Organized by the Rotary Club of Williston-Richmond, the event was kicked off by Rotary president Lesley Murray. Speakers included selectboard chair Terry Macaig; town manager Erik Wells (pictured at podium); Williston Federated Church pastor Paul Eyer; and veteran Armand Fournier, who organized the event. Charlie Magill, also a veteran, delivered a roll call of Williston veterans living and deceased who are honored in the park. OBSERVER PHOTO BY RICK COTE
Schools present $4 million spending increase proposal BY JASON STARR Observer staff School administrators on Tuesday gave the public its first glimpse of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year that will be up for voter approval at Town Meeting Day in March. With the caveat that some variables remain unknown — such as the amount of reserve funds the school board will use to offset spending and what the total student population will be in the district next year — Champlain Valley School District Chief Operations Officer Jeanne Jensen presented an $89.5 million proposal. The proposal carries an increase in spending of about 5 percent ($4 million) over the current fiscal year and an increase in spending per student of 6.7 percent. The associated property tax increase — estimated “with a grain of salt,” Jensen said, due to the remaining unknowns — would be about 12 cents for every $100 of assessed property value, roughly $360 annually on a $300,000 home. “These are kind of sobering numbers, but I hope it will become apparent how much we need the resources we are asking for,” Jensen said.
‘These are kind of sobering numbers, but I hope it will become apparent how much we need the resources we are asking for’ Jeanne Jensen Chief operations officer Champlain Valley School District
The school board asked administrators to aim for a smaller increase in per-student spending (5.4 percent), which would come with a slightly smaller tax increase (10 cents for every $100 of assessed value). “There are a lot of compelling needs in the district right now, so we’re not holding ourselves to that target,” said Jensen. Budget hearings will continue at school board meetings every other Tuesday through Jan. 18, when the board hopes to finalize the proposal for Town Meeting Day. Contributing to the spending increase are anticipated salary increases in a new contract with the
teachers union that is currently being negotiated, health insurance cost increases estimated at 5 percent and a 4.7 percent increase in the general cost of goods and services. The district is also planning to add two to four elementary school teachers, two special educators, a district-level data analyst and enough money for three full-time people to work on diversity, equity and inclusion. Outside of the budget that will be on the Town Meeting Day ballot, the district is also managing pandemic relief and recovery funds that are flowing in from the federal government. According to Jensen, about $200,000 remains from the first two pandemic relief bills passed last year. Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will amount to $4.3 million to be spent over three years. The district is required to create a “stakeholders” committee to steer how that money will be spent. But administrators advise that the funds should focus on social and emotional learning, mental health and academic recovery from missed classroom time. Resources under consideration for pandemic recovery spending are social workers, guidance counselors and summer school programs.
Page 2 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
A biweekly trip down memory lane with members of the Williston Historical Society
Questions to ponder for the future of the historical society BY BRENDA PERKINS Williston Historical Society president Past times are important and fun to remember. They give a glimpse into the town of Williston as it grew and changed through the years. Stories about the everyday lives of Willistonians are great fun to read, and we are so pleased to partner with the Observer in bringing those stories to you. An invitation stands to anyone who has tales to share to email them to the Williston Historical Society at willistonhistoricalsociety@ gmail.com for possible inclusion in the Past Times column. The Williston Historical Society was established in 1974. The founding members stated that the society was created “for the purpose of promoting, producing, interpreting and preserving historical and educational
materials, particularly as relating to the town of Williston. …” The Williston Historical Society has gone through many ups and downs over the past 45 years. Before Covid struck, we were holding very interesting, well-attended programs every other month. Our hope is that, before much longer, we can return to engaging the community’s participation in the historical society’s offerings. Looking to the future is also part of preserving the past. What can we do to continue to serve those who call, and have called, Williston home? I recently attended the League of Local Historical Societies & Museums conference at the Vermont Historical Society in Montpelier. There were interesting and informative workshops as well as time to network
with folks from other local historical societies. Waterbury Historical Society’s recent survey of their town especially interested me. I would like to ask readers the same questions with the hope that some of you might send us your thoughts via the email above. It could make for some very interesting discussions or programs. • List a brief history of a significant happening in the past 20 years in Williston; What part did you play in it?; How will this happening hold a place in Williston history? • If there are children in your household, a question for them: In the future, how would you like people to remember this time? • What do you look forward to in the future? To become a member of the Williston Historical Society, please send an email to peter.callas@uvm.edu with your preferred contact information. You may also write us at Williston Historical Society, P.O. Box 995, Williston, VT 05495. We are always looking for folks who would like to be more active members by volunteering for events or projects, so please indicate such on your membership email/letter.
Observer organizes seventh annual Socks for Seniors drive Dropoff boxes set up at Williston Coffee Shop and Williston Optometry The Williston Observer is partnering with Socks for Seniors for the seventh consecutive year to help bring holiday cheer and winter warmth to local seniors. Socks for Seniors is a nonprofit community service project that organizes, collects and distributes new socks for seniors in communities all over the country. The holidays can be a difficult time of year for lonely and financially challenged seniors who get lost in the shuffle, according to Jamie Coyne, Socks for Seniors founder. Coyne said he started Socks for Seniors in Ohio 17 years ago after visiting a senior community and talking to a woman who told him that her feet were freezing. “Her socks were in bad shape. They were worn out and had holes in them. The solution seemed simple and my wife then left only to return
a few minutes later with a new pair of socks,” Coyne said. “Not only did it serve its purpose, but it made the lady’s day.” The Observer’s goal is to collect 300 pairs of soft, warm socks by mid-December, which will be donated to long-term residents of at least three area nursing homes. If more socks are donated, the Observer will be able to serve more local nursing homes. “Everybody loves the feeling of a cozy new pair of socks,” said Susan Cote of the Williston Observer. “Last year we had a tremendous response from the community. We were able to deliver a sign of caring to hundreds of seniors, as well as to many dedicated staff members at area nursing homes. These small gestures can make a big impact.” To donate, bring new, soft and comfortable socks to Socks for Seniors dropoff locations: Williston Coffee Shop at 400 Cornerstone Drive, or Williston Optometry at 33 Blair Park Rd. For more information, email susan@willistonobserver.com.
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holiday truck. The church asks attendees to bring donations of new hats, mittens, gloves or socks for the Williston Community Food Shelf.
Support group launches for miscarriage, infant loss
Village tree lighting on tap The Williston Federated Church will host a community tree lighting Sunday, Dec. 5. The event will take place from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the gazebo on the Village Green and will include Christmas music and a visit from the SD Ireland
A non-profit dedicated to supporting people who have experienced pregnancy or early infant loss has been launched by Williston resident Chelsea Levis. The organization is called Empty Arms Vermont. “We have found there to be too few support resources for women who have gone through miscarriage, stillbirth, termination for medical reasons, or early infant loss,” Levis said. “Most of us do not have someone in our life who can relate to the complicated feelings of grief that come with the loss of a baby.” Starting in January, the organization will offer a free, peer-facilitated support group for anyone who is grieving pregnancy loss — recently or years ago.
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The group will meet online, the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Meeting details are available by emailing info@emptyarmsvermont.org. “We hope to offer a uniquely carved out space for non-judgmental support for individuals as they navigate the murky days, weeks and lifetime without their baby,” Levis said. Visit www.emptyarmsvermont.org for more information.
Girls on the Run raffle fundraiser opens Girls on the Run Vermont is conducting a raffle fundraiser for its Every Girl Fund, to provide financial assistance for girls interested in the after school empowerment program. Raffle tickets are available until Dec. 1 for $20 for one ticket or $50 for three. The winner will receive half the proceeds raised. Girls on the Run Vermont is based in Williston and uses physical activity for the development of confidence, character, community connections and resilience for girls in grades 3-8. To purchase raffle tickets, visit www. gotrvt.org. The winner will be announced Dec. 2.
Learn about ‘Little Jerusalem’ On Sunday, Nov. 21, Jeff Potash and Aaron Goldburg will discuss Burlington’s Little Jerusalem community and its “lost mural.” The Chittenden County Historical Society program begins at 2 p.m. online via Zoom. To register, go to www.cchsvt.org. The talk will focus on the creation and rescue of the lost mural, which was commissioned in 1910 by the Chai Adam Jewish congregation in Burlington’s “Little Jerusalem” neighborhood. The mural was found and refurbished in 2015 and is now installed in the lobby of the Ohavi Zedek synagogue in Burlington.
Muddy Brook bridge on track for December reopening Construction on the Muddy Brook bridge that connects Williston and South Burlington at Marshall Avenue is due for completion on Dec. 6, according to the Vermont Agency of Transportation. The bridge has been under construction, with traffic detoured to Route 2, since July. The new bridge will be wider, with more room for bikers and pedestrians, than the previous version, which was weakened by a failed culvert.
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Page 4 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
WILLISTON: BUSINESS HUB OF VERMONT
Businesses anticipate Canadian boost
Border reopens to vaccinated travelers BY FRED THYS VTDigger
Vermont businesses are eager to welcome Canadian tourists, now that the border reopened earlier this month to nonessential travelers after 19 months of closure due to the pandemic. “We’re very happy to see our Canadian friends back,” said Hans van Wees, general manager of Hotel Vermont in downtown Burlington. “It’s been a long time and I know that in Burlington, we’ll be putting the red carpet out.”
The United States reopened the Mexican and Canadian borders Nov. 8 to fully vaccinated nonessential travelers. Jeff Lawson, vice president of tourism and marketing at the Lake Champlain Chamber, said businesses are keeping a close watch on how many Canadian tourists return. “I think the hotel stay piece will be the biggest indicator of how well that’s actually going,” Lawson said. Hotel Vermont is offering Canadian guests complimentary breakfast, parking and a bottle of Iapetus wine from Shelburne Vineyard. “Just a little welcome back,”
van Wees said. Van Wees said Canadians have been inquiring about stays for several weeks, and now are booking. He said Quebecois tourists typically stay one or two nights, while people from Ontario stay longer. Canada is Vermont’s largest trading partner. “The reopening will facilitate both tourism and commerce as we work to rebound from the pandemic and strengthen our cross-border, integrated supply chains, which unite us in commerce and prosperity,” Vermont Chamber Vice President Chris Carrigan said. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott
chose the occasion of the border reopening to announce the selection of a Montreal firm as Vermont’s trade representative in Canada. Under a two-year contract, CIDEP will serve as Vermont Trade and Investment Representative and Liaison in Canada. “Our connection with Canada runs deep, and as the land border reopens, communities and families are reconnecting, Canadian travelers are returning, and businesses can once again focus on expanding operations and increasing trade with Vermont,” Scott said in a statement. “We hope this reconnection will remind Canadian com-
panies what Vermont has to offer when thinking about expanding or doing business here, while also creating interest in Vermont products north of the border.” Vermont exported $918 million in goods to Canada in 2020 and imported $1.7 billion in goods. Nearly 70 Canadian-owned businesses employ more than 2,900 workers in Vermont. Van Wees said Canadians like to come to Burlington to shop, taste beers and dine out. They also come for the lakefront and the small-city vibrancy. “It will be good for Burlington to hear French spoken on the street again,” he said.
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Minimum wage to increase 80 cents an hour Vermont’s minimum wage is set to increase to $12.55 per hour on Jan. 1, an increase of 80 cents from the current minimum wage of $11.75. The wage for tipped employees will increase from $5.88 to $6.28 per hour. The minimum wage and tipped minimum wage are adjusted annually in accordance with state law.
Healthy Living wins multi-generation award
Nina and Eli Lesser-Goldsmith, coowners of Healthy Living, flank their mom, Katy Lesser, its founder.
Healthy Living Market, founded 35 years ago by Katy Lesser and later handed down to her two children, recently won
an award for multi-generational businesses from the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business’ Family Business Institute. The 2021 Multi-Gen Family Enterprise Award was given in October during the institute’s 10th annual Family Business Awards ceremony. It recognizes businesses dedicated to sustainability and innovation that have had at least one generational transfer within a family. Healthy Living has locations in Williston, South Burlington and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The company is currently co-owned by Lesser’s children, Nina and Eli Lesser-Goldsmith. “The fact that the business has stayed in our family for as long as it has is a testament to the community’s support and sharing of our values,” Lesser said. “I’m beyond proud of my children for leading Healthy Living and am grateful to be acknowledged in this way.” Former winners of the award include the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Boyden Valley Winery in Cambridge and Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington.
Church Street security program launches The Burlington Business Association and the City of Burlington have launched a downtown ambassador program, using Green Mountain Concert Services security personnel to provide security from 2 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Sunday through the holiday season. Ambassadors will protect the safety of Church Street visitors and provide escorts for downtown employees. They will be called on to de-escalate disturbances and educate people about open container, smoking and biking ordinances on Church Street. “The city is pleased to partner with the local business … to help ensure that the marketplace remains a place for all to enjoy, and that Burlingtonians and visitors alike will create lasting, positive memories of Vermont this winter,” Mayor Miro Weinberger said.
Lake Champlain Chamber adds to board of directors Greg Maguire, general counsel and director of business strategy
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Vermont Credit Unions. “Bryan will help expand the association’s resources and expertise to serve the state’s construction industry,” said Josh Reap, president of the Associated Builders and Contractors of New Hampshire/Vermont. The association’s membership includes all specialties within the construction industry, including firms that perform work in the residential, industrial, commercial and institutional sectors.
Shaw’s/Star Market donates 100K for hunger relief
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The Associated Builders and Contractors of New Hampshire/Vermont has hired Bryan Kent as Vermont regional director. Kent is past president of the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club, former president of the Smugglers Notch Chamber of Commerce and current vice president of the Association of
The work of Hunger Free Vermont to end hunger was aided recently by a $100,000 grant from Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program. The funding will give more kids in Vermont access to healthy food by increasing participation in school, afterschool and daycare meals programs and informing families about federal meal benefits. “This generous donation … will connect those of us currently in need with federal programs that put food on the table,” said Anore Horton, Hunger Free Vermont executive director.
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Page 6 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
GUEST COLUMN Williston’s Community Newspaper Since 1985
www.willistonobserver.com P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 | 802-489-5499 PUBLISHER Susan T. Cote susan@willistonobserver.com 802-489-5499
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ly envied vaccination rate. Despite all of this, right now Vermont is in the top quarter of states for new case growth. We have limited ICU capacity, sometimes only just a handful of available beds statewide. It shows that the Delta variant, as Health Commissioner Mark Levine says, is aggressive and unforgiving and good at finding unvaccinated people. This pattern allows Covid to continue menacing us, even with such a small slice of our population unprotected. Now, winter is coming and the flu season along with it. We cannot afford to let down our guard, even though we’ve heard way too much that it is time to gear up for another round of mitigation measures. Here’s the thing to remember: this isn’t as difficult anymore. We can take some common-sense
steps — that do not cause great inconvenience — to protect ourselves and others. — Get vaccinated, complete vaccination and get a booster shot. The single most important thing we can do is get a vaccine to gain immunity from Covid. Get your own shots and gently and thoughtfully encourage friends and family to get theirs. — Wear masks in public spaces. We are used to it by now. It’s not that annoying. There will come a time when face coverings are not even in our cars or our pockets, but that time is not yet here. To prevent the spread of Covid, flu and wintertime illness, put on the mask. — Choose gatherings carefully. With holidays coming, it is safe to be with vaccinated friends and family, and it is welcomed. If you are attending a party or get-together, know the vaccination status of those attending and carefully consider which events to prioritize. The more people, the more risk. Making these evaluations will help minimize your exposure and the odds that you inadvertently expose someone else. We do not want more Vermonters to contract Covid. We do not want our hospitals to find themselves even more distressed and challenged to meet intensifying need. And we do not want our health care workers any more burned out and overwhelmed than they already are. So please, take the steps listed above and encourage others to do the same. Our ability to put down the masks and move on depends on it. Jeff Tieman is president and chief executive officer of the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems.
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There will come a time when face coverings are not even in our cars or our pockets, but that time is not yet here. To prevent the spread of Covid, flu and wintertime illness, put on the mask.
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great expense to our family connections and social lives. We wore masks in public and often in private, and always when we shopped for groceries. We took great care gathering, even with those closest to us. And then, when vaccines became widely available, Vermonters lined up to get their shots, resulting in our leading and wide-
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The Williston Observer welcomes your letters to the editor. A few ground rules: We ask that letters run no longer than 300 words. We edit only for length, clarity, style, spelling and grammar. Please include your name, town or city where you live and a daytime phone number (which we won’t print) so we can verify you wrote the letter. The deadline is Monday at noon for letters to be printed in Thursday’s paper. Send to: editor@willistonobserver.com or Williston Observer, P.O Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495
November 18, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Build firefighting capacity It’s hard to believe that all of a sudden the Town of Williston realizes it has a problem with staffing at the fire department (“Fire trucks arrive without staff to operate them” Nov. 4). Just keep building and you realize that public works will have more roads to maintain and, in winter, more sidewalks to plow. Heaven forbid we ever have more than one emergency at the same time. Increase the budget for the fire department now, before we have a bad incident. Mike Devost Williston
All in on the OneCare approach Primary care is the foundation of good health care. Most everyone agrees with this, yet over the years little investment has been made to support primary care in a way that ensures access to high quality, well-coordinated care that can make a real difference to our patients and thereby the overall health of our communities. OneCare Vermont’s “Comprehensive Payment Reform” pilot project changes the payment method from fee-for-service to a fixed monthly payment with which we can focus on taking the best care of the patients in our practices. This has allowed us to provide better team-based care within our offices. We now have dedicated care coordinators who can help patients navigate complicated health and social situations. We have implemented more mental health and social services in our offices where patients can access them on site. We fully expect that this more integrated approach will have a positive effect on the health of our patients and communities. In addition, Thomas Chittenden has been able to recruit two new primary care physicians, further increasing access to care, which we all know has been a huge limiting factor to Vermonters getting the primary prevention they need. We understand that any work toward improving our current healthcare system involves a combination of innovation, investment and risk. Time is needed for this work to evolve and adapt in response to the things we learn along the way. As with any pilot project, there are some things that work well and others that need revision. OneCare has been a collab-
orative partner in this process, working toward our shared goal of delivering better health care for Vermonters. It is our hope that we can continue to work together, encourage others to join in the process and shape the future for a healthier Vermont. Dr. Adriane Trout, Williston Dr. Toby Sadkin, St. Albans
A time to reflect and give thanks When we honored veterans on Nov. 11, many of us were thinking of the Farmer Veteran Coalition of Vermont. After discharge, many of our state’s veterans have the opportunity for a new focus, and some are choosing to work with the land. With a mission to mobilize veterans to feed America, the coalition has set up a robust network of a new generation of farmers and food leaders. Their work is to develop viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. This Veterans Day we also honored the Vermont National Guard. During the pandemic, the Guard provided valuable services to Vermonters, setting up health clinics and hospitals and providing critical support for food distribution. Without the help of the Guard, many Vermonters would have been alone or gone hungry. We are thankful for their ongoing help. And of course, in November, we are thankful for the harvest. Many will be fortunate enough to enjoy nature’s bounty; Vermonters are lucky to have so much local food to put on their tables. Thanksgiving will likely be bigger than last year, thanks to vaccinations and being able to gather in larger groups. Consider serving up a local turkey. Buy it right from the farm or find it at your favorite store. Vermont is blessed to have so many choices and so many ways to access some of the best food on Earth. Find fresh food at your local farm stand, farmers’ market, co-op or grocery store. We give thanks to our Vermont farmers and all those who collaborate to serve local food on our Thanksgiving table. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful to be a part of a caring and grateful agricultural community. Anson Tebbetts Secretary Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
‘Everyone Eats’ program extended as pandemic persists BY MAX DODSON Community News Service A program developed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic that feeds hungry Vermonters and supports local restaurants has been extended as the pandemic lingers. The Vermont Everyone Eats Program, which started in August 2020, has achieved nearly all of its goals, according to Jean Hamilton, the southeast coordinator for the program. It has been able to bring much needed funds to the restaurant industry, fed thousands of food-insecure Vermonters and empowered local farms by providing a buyer for their produce. The program hit the one million meals served mark in April,
according to a press release from Gov. Phil Scott’s office. Since then, the program has continued to support businesses and feed the hungry due to many different forms of funding. Funding for the program will continue at least to the end of the year. “The program was initially authorized with a $5 million allocation from the coronavirus relief fund,” Hamilton explained. “Since then, the program has been entirely paid for by FEMA reimbursement. This program is a suite of services that the state has pulled together as part of the food assistance response for the pandemic,” Hamilton said. She believes the federal money will keep coming in. “We anticipate that FEMA will
continue to reimburse because the conditions of the pandemic and crisis are continuing …” Hamilton said. “There’s a lot that will be carried forward intuitively and by default because of networks and connections that have been made between the farms and restaurant partnerships. Similarly, many of the restaurants are in direct relationships with community partners, actually delivering their meals to a food shelf or community organization each week. These relationships won’t end once the funding runs out. “I don’t think anyone who works with hunger wants to go back to the pre-pandemic normal of hunger, because it’s appalling.” Bliss Bee, a restaurant with see EVERYBODY page 9
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Accepting the challenge of diversity, equity work
Page 8 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
BY RENE SANCHEZ CVSD Superintendent
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I would like to share my thoughts on the status of diversity, equity and inclusion work in our beloved school district. In these first months of my tenure, we’ve had several equity issues come to light that are very concerning. Upon personal reflection and through conversations with those folks directly impacted, I understand that these concerns could have been addressed in a more thoughtful and collegial manner. As we, as an institution, continue to grow, we will improve our knowledge and implementation of practices that support students, staff and others in diversity, equity and inclusion work. I recognize that, often, growth comes with growing pains. In this case, the growing pains manifested in some of our staff feeling let down and frustrated. Folks have expressed that they feel vulnerable, targeted and even afraid to come to work. Our staff should never experience hostility while at work in our schools. These essential community members must be encouraged to continue their work focusing on the outcomes that we aim to achieve for every student in our care. As superintendent, I’ve learned that developing and strengthening relationships goes a long way toward solving personnel issues and furthering diversity, equity and inclusion work. With honest and open communication, we can face personal and professional discomfort and grow together while also learning more about each other in the process. But personal and administrative growth is only part of this complex picture. For significant change to occur as a district, it is essential to focus on the more significant systemic issues. A comprehensive equity policy can immediately call for a review of our board and administration policies and procedures to ensure they are equitable and fair. A sound equity policy has guidelines for formal and informal communication — how we talk to each other, how we provide access to co-curricular and other activities outside of the classroom, and how we measure and adjust for a student’s growth and progression through our system. To address these systemic issues, I am taking a proactive approach. But I realize achieving equity takes more than one person. We must come together and work together. So, I’m asking the Champlain Valley School District community to guide and hold your
Rene Sanchez CVSD Superintendent
district accountable along the way. Under my leadership, these are some upcoming diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that I am excited to share with you: • First, pending school board approval, we will contract with Mass Insight to undertake a formal equity audit that will review many current district systems. This audit will start, in full swing, in January. We will seek volunteers to participate in focus groups on specific topics. Based on the audit results, we may need additional feedback or budgetary steps to fulfill the recommendations. • Second, on Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m., the school district will hold its first Town Hall on diversity, equity and inclusion. Our goal is to have a structured meeting where attendees can work together to create immediate and long-term action steps. I plan to hold town halls bi-monthly through at least the end of the school year. The insights gathered at these forums will help guide us into our five-year strategic plan work. • Third, I have been thrilled to meet with many of our local diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) community and school groups this year. We have many folks interested in the district’s work. I’d like to recruit members of these committees — as well as students, parents, staff and others — to join a CVSD DEI Advisory Group. The purpose of this group will be to help the district engage the wide range of voices from our five towns, our schools and the broader community. Our aim is to better understand the needs of our students and staff and ensure that those needs are met in policy and practice. • Fourth, beginning this March and concluding spring semester 2023, the school district will undergo a process to develop a five-year strategic plan. This plan will involve stakeholders
across the district and use our equity policy as a lens throughout the strategic planning process. We will gather information to establish goals, metrics and action plans to guide our future budget, operational and educational planning. • Fifth, while not directly focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, I will create a Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee. This committee will consist of four students from each school who will provide me advice and feedback on the student experience in the district. Additionally, as a group, we will seek opportunities for leadership and service on their campuses and in the community. From these conversations, I hope to learn more about the daily and yearly experience of the students so my administration can use it as another data point for serving our students. I want to acknowledge that daily DEI work can be very challenging. DEI work is necessary work, but it will take time and patience to implement correctly. As in other Vermont districts, CVSD is in the beginnings of its DEI work. If we can move the needle forward each day, each week, each month and each year to improve the academic, personal and social-emotional outcomes for each of our students, we know we are making needed progress. It’s important to note that we are still actively managing the effects of Covid-19 on our students and systems. The pandemic has affected every student differently. Knowing and accounting for each student’s needs, especially after the nearly 20 months of irregular student access to school, is at the core of DEI work. Additionally, the pandemic continues to cause increased anxiety and decreased coping capacity, and strains the mental well-being of both students and staff. I recognize that this imperative work might seem overwhelming or be viewed as additional work on top of the regular course of business. But I assure you, as a district, we will strive to align our goals and target our outcomes to support this valuable DEI work. I am honored to be your superintendent during this time of growth, inclusion and curiosity. I am confident that this journey towards providing equity in our school district is the right path. And I am encouraged by the many passionate voices within the CVSD community who will join me on this journey.
Covid testing program keeps kids in class
BY GREG MARINO Williston Lead Principal
I am happy to report that as of 11 a.m. Friday, there have been no new Covid cases in the last 48 hours in Williston schools. We are very pleased with how the “Test to Stay” program has been going. Over the last two weeks, we have administered 444 rapid antigen tests to Williston students who would have otherwise been home quarantining because they were close contacts to Covid cases. Of these 444 tests, three individuals tested positive over the two-week period, which is a 0.7 percent positivity rate. For some more math, even when subtracting out 60 minutes for the testing logistics each morning, collectively
Everybody continued from page
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locations in Williston and South Burlington, participates in the program. Noah Palker, a Bliss Bee line cook, spoke about how the Everyone Eats program has benefited the restaurant. “It’s been all right, just know-
students had access to 2,646 hours of in-person learning at school that would not have otherwise been available to them. That is a big number for sure that we are celebrating. One hour of time in our testing space is a high average. Some students are in the space for as little as 20 minutes. This depends on arrival time of the student and the number of students being tested on a particular day. We have been using the Williston Central School Al Myers Theater and the Community Room as our testing spaces. The number of students tested on a given morning has ranged in size from about 30-75. When we have larger groups of students testing, we use the two spaces together and need to spread
the testing window and drop-off times over a longer period of the morning. We have used a district school bus to shuttle Allen Brook School students back over to Allen Brook School when their testing is complete. I would like to sincerely thank our school nurses, CVSD Health Coordinator Jocelyn Bouyea, the Williston and CVSD leadership teams and so many faculty and staff who have chipped in to staff “Test to Stay” each morning. It really has been an impressive team effort. Some students are now beginning the Covid vaccination process. They are not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks after their second dose. They can still participate in Test to Stay until then.
ing and having the satisfaction that hungry people are getting food, and we are getting paid for it regardless so I feel good making the orders,” said Palker. Another aspect of the program is that at least 10 percent of the food in each meal has to be locally sourced, which supports Vermont farms as well as restau-
rants. “The meals are pretty common items on the menu that everyone can enjoy,” Palker said. “It’s great that the meals are locally sourced, everyone wins. Farmers are making money off of their products, we’re making money off of flipping their products and feeding hungry people.”
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What parents need to know about vaccines for children
Page 10 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
Williston Community Food Shelf
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From Sesame Street to schoolbased clinics, the push to vaccinate children ages 5-11 against Covid-19 is well underway. As of Friday, more than 15,000, or roughly 35 percent, of the 44,000 Vermonters in that age group are scheduled for, or have already had, Pfizer shots at a state clinic, according to data from the state Department of Health. Health leaders hope to vaccinate 60 percent of children ages 5-11 by the end of December. The state health department said on Friday that roughly 5,500 children have received their first dose. Some 5,200 children at high risk for complications from Covid-19 have completed their two-shot series. The two-dose series is the
only Covid-19 vaccine regimen to receive emergency authorization for use in young children. As with the adult dose, children receive their second shot at least three weeks after the first dose, and full immunity kicks in roughly two weeks later. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend boosters for children in that age group for now. While the adult and child vaccines have the same active ingredients, the children’s shot has less of them. In Vermont, the children’s vaccine is already available at independent providers, such as some pharmacies and state-run clinics. The state plans to set up a total of 188 clinics with children’s doses in the coming weeks, according to Mike Smith, secretary of the Agency of Human Services.
Why should I vaccinate my child? Children can still get seriously ill from Covid-19, even if no Vermonters in that age group have been
hospitalized or died from the virus thus far. The coronavirus is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. for children ages 5-11, said Judy Orton, a pediatrician at Bennington’s Green Mountain Pediatrics. “We don’t expect children in that 5-11 group to die,” Orton said. “They’re not supposed to die … Have there been many deaths? No. But even one death is one too many.” Amy Pfenning, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Community Health in Rutland, said getting young children vaccinated protects the family from the realities of prolonged quarantine as well as missed school and workdays. As parents and guardians know, even mild illness in children can mean sleepless nights, doctor’s appointments and extra trips to the pharmacy. The time it takes to care for a sick family member could also mean lost income or using unpaid sick and vacation days. Getting children vaccinated also protects grandparents, immunocompromised siblings or parents with preexisting conditions from catching the virus, being hospitalized and possibly enduring lingering symptoms and long Covid, Pfenning said.
There are benefits to the vaccine even if children do not come in regular contact with people who are at high risk for serious infection. It lessens the overall transmission of the virus, an important protection against mutations that could give rise to versions of the virus that are better at bypassing the immune system. “It helps us get back to our normal lives,” Pfenning said.
Are the vaccines safe? Yes. The Food and Drug Administration reviewed vaccination data from 3,100 children before authorizing the Pfizer series for emergency use in that age group earlier this month. The vaccine was roughly 90 percent effective in preventing the coronavirus after two doses, according to the FDA, and none of the children had any serious or longterm side effects. Most children can expect to have a sore arm for a day or two, Orton said. Some children may feel tired, have low-grade fevers or swollen lymph nodes, but those symptoms, too, go away quickly. Lingering effects are uncommon, but none should persist after eight weeks after besee VACCINES page 11
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ing vaccinated, according to the CDC. The shot draws on decades of research on how the immune system behaves, the risks and benefits of vaccines and our understanding of viruses, Orton said. “This has probably been the most well studied and most followed-up vaccine in the history of vaccines, and probably the most public too,” Orton said. “So we have a lot of data to go by.” Parents should also feel encouraged by the fact that the vaccine is temporary, so delayed reactions years or decades down the road are unlikely, said Rebecca Bell, president of the Vermont chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Robust immunity is the only thing that lingers after the vaccine leaves the body, she said. Orton said parents worried about the safety of the vaccine should balance that with the dangers of the virus itself. Coronavirus can take a serious toll on children, and the symp-
Kate Rothwell, director of the Middlebury Regional EMS, prepares vaccine doses. PHOTO BY RILEY ROBINSON/VTDIGGER
toms can be unpleasant. Some kids lose their sense of taste and smell for a time. Others contend with fatigue, aches and pains, difficulty walking and labored breathing. Others may develop rare but serious conditions such as inflammation of the heart, known as myocarditis, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, which can damage internal organs. “We can’t predict who is
going to be a long haul, who is going to have long-term consequences, who might get pneumonia and need oxygen or, even worse, be in an ICU,” Orton said. “Vaccines can prevent a good share of those.”
Why does my child need 2 doses? Children need two shots for the same reason other routine
vaccinations require multiple doses: for better protection, Orton said. The first shot is a little like the blueprint that teaches the body to protect itself from the coronavirus, she said. The second shot helps the body to mount an even better response. The protection the vaccine grants is stronger and more reliable than natural immunity, according to a recent CDC study. Orton said natural immunity does not always protect people from a second coronavirus infection, which could be serious even if the child’s first bout of the virus was mild. That is especially true in winter, when other common respiratory illnesses such as the flu or respiratory syncytial virus circulate. “Your immune system would be pretty taxed, so you may have more severe disease,” she said.
My kid is afraid of needles. What should I do? When it comes to vaccine anxiety, children tend to take their cues from the adults in their
“
lives. That’s why Orton suggests that parents use a matter-of-fact tone when discussing the vaccine with their child. An adult may say something like “this vaccine is going to keep you healthy.” Orton suggests parents present simple solutions to children’s concerns about pain or other side effects. Parents could say, “If your arm gets sore, we’ll give you a little Tylenol. We’ll put a cool cloth on it. You’ll get a cool Band-Aid, and all is good.” Orton said parents can help children understand what to expect by giving a pretend shot at home ahead of the appointment. Other resources, including Sesame Street’s special episode on coronavirus vaccines, may also help children feel comfortable about the vaccine. In most cases, however, children find that the anticipation is worse than the shot, even when kids are very afraid. “I even say, ‘I’m pretty sure your sister pulls your hair harder than this is going to feel,’” Orton said. “And they’re like, ‘Oh, yeah, you’re right.’” — Mike Dougherty contributed reporting.
We found out that help with vaccine registration and a ride to get it is available and free.
”
Learn more about the COVID vaccine and how easy it is to get vaccinated. Call our Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 or visit Vaccine4Vermont.com
Helping older Vermonters age well. VT4A001-21_BANG_10.25x7.75_R2.indd 1
10/15/21 3:17 PM
Leahy to retire after 8 terms in U.S. Senate Page 12 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
BY LOLA DUFFORT AND SARAH MEARHOFF VTDigger After eight terms and nearly five decades in office, U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is retiring. Vermont’s senior senator announced his decision during a press conference at the Statehouse in Montpelier on Monday morning, in the same room where he announced his first Senate campaign as a 33-year-old Chittenden County state’s attorney in March 1974. In attendance Monday were numerous reporters and supporters, and at his side was his wife, Marcelle Leahy. “While I will continue to serve Vermont, Marcelle and I have reached the conclusion that it is time to put down this gavel,” Leahy said. “It is time to pass the torch to the next Vermonter who will carry on this work for our great state. “It’s time to come home.” At the close of his speech, his supporters gave him a standing ovation and he hugged Marcelle. Upon his retirement in January 2023, Leahy will close a 48-year career in the Senate that began, as he said Monday, “in the aftermath of a constitutional crisis” in 1975. With the country “broken by the Watergate scandal, the resignation of President Nixon and an endless war,” Leahy famously began his tenure casting the tie-breaking vote to end the Vietnam War. From there, he forged his political legacy as an environmental conservationist in the Agriculture Committee, advocate for
U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy is embraced by his wife Marcelle after announcing he will retire at the end of his term during a press conference in Montpelier on Monday. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
women and LGBTQ+ people in the Judiciary Committee and fiscal guardian for small states like Vermont in the Appropriations Committee.
Who’s next? The longest serving senator in Vermont history and fifth-longest serving senator in U.S. history, Leahy’s retirement will have profound implications for
the political landscape at home and in Washington. His retirement opens the door to Vermont’s first open congressional seat in 15 years, during an election cycle where Democrats and Republicans will be fighting tooth and nail to clinch a Senate majority. While his longevity in Congress has helped give the tiny state of Vermont an outsized influence on the national stage, it has also created a political bottle-
neck back home. Many would like to see a changing of the guard, and the opportunity for new leadership. But plenty fear the state will lose out on funding when Leahy, now 81, steps down. When there was last an open Senate seat in Vermont’s delegation in 2006, then-U.S. Rep. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., decided to vacate his seat and make a play for the upper chamber. His suc-
cessor in the House, U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., who has held Vermont’s lone at-large congressional seat for the last 14 years, is widely expected to follow in Sanders’ footsteps and run for Leahy’s now-open seat. Vermont is also the only state in the country that has never sent a woman to Congress, and there is enormous political pressure — particularly in Democratic circles — to change course. Three Democratic women are already considered top contenders in a congressional race: Vermont Senate President Pro Tem, Becca Balint, D-Windham; Democratic Lt. Governor Molly Gray; and Vermont Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D-Chittenden. All three have suggested that if they run, they would not challenge either Leahy or Welch. Balint and Ram Hinsdale both declined to specify any intentions to run in phone interviews with VTDigger on Monday, as did a spokesperson for Gray. All three said they wanted to keep the focus on Leahy for the day. Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican who enjoys extraordinarily high support among Democrats, is certain to face strong pressure to throw his hat in the ring. The governor and his team have long maintained that Scott has little interest in going to Washington, but in a glowing profile that appeared in The Atlantic this spring, Scott stopped just short of closing the door on a congressional run. Pressed on Monday, a spokesperson for Scott responded to VTDigger via email, “No chance! Governor Scott has been clear that he is not running for the U.S. Senate or House next year. That has not changed.”
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In a written statement Monday, Sanders commended his colleague’s work throughout his many years and several chairmanships in the Senate, calling him “a towering figure as chairman of the Agriculture Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Appropriations Committee.” “I know I speak for all Vermonters in expressing the deep gratitude we feel for the extraordinary role that Pat Leahy has played in representing Vermont in the U.S. Senate for the last 46 years,” Sanders said. “He leaves a unique legacy that will be impossible to match.” Welch said in a Monday statement that it was “a historic and bittersweet day,” and “it is hard to imagine the United States Senate without Patrick Leahy.” see LEAHY page 13
November 18, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 13
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“No one has served Vermont so faith- former chair of the Judiciary Committee, fully, so constantly, so honestly, and so he played major roles in the confirmation fiercely as Patrick,” he said. “Patrick’s life processes of federal judges, as well as the as our longest-serving senator has been reauthorization of the Violence Against dedicated to serving Vermont, always put- Women Act. ting Vermonters and their values and asBut the depth of his influence comes pirations first. Patrick loves Vermont and chiefly from his place within the all-powVermonters love Patrick.” erful Appropriations Committee. He beIn a written statement, Scott said Leahy’s came a ranking member of the panel in “leadership and expe2017, and this rience has ensured our year, after DemVermont is the only state in state is well representocrats took the ed in Congress.” Senate, he finally the country that has never “It is thanks to became its chair. sent a woman to Congress, him, and the funding “My approach he’s secured for our on Appropriations and there is enormous state, that Vermont is was simple: Help political pressure — in a position to come all states in alout of this pandemic phabetical order particularly in Democratic stronger than before — starting with circles — to change course. and tackle big chalthe letter V, Verlenges from broadmont,” he quipped band and infrastrucMonday. ture to the opioid crisis,” he said. “We are Leahy’s perch on the money committee indebted to him.” has helped steer billions to the state, and Gray said in a written statement that he is credited with creating the small-state Leahy is an “inspiration” to her, and that minimum that disproportionately benefithe has “served tirelessly with an increas- ed Vermont when the federal government ingly rare humility, compassion and com- doled out Covid relief aid. Leahy is also the mitment to service, good government and president pro tempore of the Senate, a largemeeting human needs. ly ceremonial position that nonetheless puts “Over the last five decades, when at him third in line for the presidency. times our nation’s moral compass has waBalint told VTDigger that even once Levered, Senator Leahy has remained steady, ahy retires, his impact will continue in Verstanding by Vermont’s values and working mont because the federal dollars funneled to ensure our nation respects and protects into the state under his chairmanship are those values,” she continued. “From hu- “going to be invested in things that are goman rights and civil liberties to interna- ing to be Leahy’s legacy until the day I die.” tional engagement and humanitarian re“We’re going to be able to see his work lief, Senator Leahy has served as Vermont visibly in communities around the state,” and our nation’s north star.” she said. “His impact is going to be felt long after he leaves that chamber for the Leahy’s legacy last time.” Luke Albee, who served as Leahy’s Leahy was in the national limelight chief of staff from 1993 to 2005, told Digwhen he presided over the second im- ger Monday that Leahy has “left an incredpeachment trial of President Donald ible mark on the state and on the country, Trump earlier this year. As former chair and really on the world.” of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forest“You can’t go anywhere in Vermont ry Committee, he oversaw the expansion without seeing the product of his efforts,” of school lunch programs and benefits for Albee said. “And I think so much of what the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance he’s done, the beneficiaries may never even Program, commonly known as SNAP. As know … He’s had a hell of a run.”
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Page 14 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
UVM faculty, staff diversity has improved little in 5 years BY PETER D’AURIA VTDigger
The University of Vermont’s faculty and staff are barely more diverse than they were five years ago, new data shows, highlighting the university’s longstanding struggle to diversify its workforce. Annual data released by the university’s Office of Institutional Research shows that, as of the fall semester of 2021, 13.4 percent of the university’s faculty and staff are people of color, while 81.8 percent are white. The remaining 4.8 percent are classified as either “unknown” or “international.” That’s just 0.3 percentage points higher than last year, when a reported 13.1 percent of the university’s employees were people of color. And it’s a gain of only 1.1 percentage points since 2017, when people of color made up 12.3 percent of the university’s workforce. The data highlights the challenge of attracting — and keeping — diverse employees in largely white Vermont.
Enrique Corredera, a UVM spokesperson, noted the slight uptick in the university’s employee diversity. As a fraction of UVM’s workforce, little has changed about employees of color. But, Corredera pointed out, the university has increased the number of faculty of color by roughly 11 percent — from 191 to 212 — since 2017. Over the same period, he noted, the number of nonfaculty staff of color has grown from 314 to 351, a roughly 12 percent increase. UVM has “had some success with our recruitment efforts,” Corredera said in an email. But the university still lags behind the national average. As of fall 2019, people of color made up roughly 29 percent of all college and university employees across the country, according to federal data. That’s more than twice UVM’s percentage. Amer Ahmed, UVM’s vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion, said in an interview that the state of Vermont poses
’s r e t n i W g n i m o C
unique challenges for attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. The housing shortage and high cost of living are significant obstacles, he said, and some candidates may be wary of the effects of the university’s ongoing reorganization. And in predominantly white Vermont, he said, there is a “need for a greater sense of community” for some people of color. “Retention is very complicated,” he said. “People move for very different reasons, depending on who they are.” The new data comes more than a year after professors raised concerns about “troubling” losses of faculty of color. In an August 2020 letter to administrators, a group of 42 faculty called on the university’s administration to attract and retain more diverse professors, citing the recent departures of over a dozen faculty members of color. “We are, indeed, at a crisis point,” the letter read. “At the very least, the largest higher ed institution in the predominantly white
state of Vermont should commit to recruit AND retain faculty of color in order to attract a more diverse student body and offer a richer educational and intellectual experience for all.” Pablo Bose, a professor in the geography department who signed last year’s letter, said he and other faculty members of color have raised concerns about the university’s lack of diversity for years. “That’s been here since I got here, and that’s been an ongoing issue,” Bose said. But he declined to place the blame fully on the administration. Many of the recent departures of faculty members of color, he said, happened simply because professors got better offers at other, better-resourced institutions. “As an employer, it’s hard for a place like UVM,” Bose said. “Like, what do you do if somebody offers to double someone’s salary, or presents a better opportunity?” Ahmed outlined a series of steps that UVM is taking to improve its diversity. The universi-
ty’s office of diversity, equity and inclusion is working on a “cultural resource guide” that will help connect faculty and staff to local institutions that cater to diverse residents, such as nonprofits, houses of worship and grocery stores. Officials are also working on a five-year plan to improve diversity across the university, Ahmed said, based partially on the data being collected by the university. “I would argue that there’s elements of how we’re proceeding — particularly the data-driven component of it — that’s unprecedented at UVM,” Ahmed said. “So that’s what we hope will be different about this next five-year implementation phase.” The UVM Faculty Senate is also pushing for more inclusive practices. Earlier this year, the Faculty Senate passed a resolution calling on the administration to improve its hiring and retention practices. And a month ago, the Faculty Senate formed a committee to examine better ways to attract and retain diverse candidates.
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Greens can be grown successfully in a variety of containers with good drainage and adequate light. Leafy green lettuce, mesclun mix, spinach, radishes and baby carrots are ideal choices for growing in containers indoors in winter. COURTESY PHOTOS BY DEBORAH BENOIT
Growing greens indoors in winter BY DEBORAH BENOIT Special to the Observer Temperatures have dropped, and the garden has been put to bed for the season. There’s not much to do except peruse garden catalogs and shop for veggies in the produce section of the supermarket. Right? Wrong. While your outdoor garden may be on hiatus until spring, you can still grow greens for a garden-fresh salad indoors. Leafy greens are easy to grow in containers and, with a little planning, you can enjoy fresh greens until it’s time to wake up the outdoor garden next year. And you won’t need to worry about insect pests and nibbling critters that plague your garden outside. First, decide what you want to grow. Leftover lettuce or similar seeds from the past growing season can be used. Or try something different. Leafy green lettuce, mesclun mix, spinach, arugula, kale and other greens are suitable for growing in containers. And if you have a favorite herb you enjoy in your salads, note that many herbs, such as chives, parsley and mint, will grow happily indoors as well. You also might consider including some salad extras such as radishes or small carrot varieties. Keep in mind that root crops and herbs will require a deeper con-
tainer to allow adequate room to grow. Garden centers may have seed packets available for purchase, and online ordering is always an option. Most seed catalog companies will ship seed orders any time of the year. Next, find a suitable place for your indoor garden. Select a location away from hot or cold drafts and where you can provide adequate light. Depending on what you’re growing, a sunny south-facing windowsill that gets direct sunlight most of the day might do the trick. A better option is to provide artificial lighting. A wide variety of grow lights are available, ranging from small lights suitable for a single plant to large, multi-shelf units. You also can create your own plant stand by using shelves and standard 48-inch shop lights. Hanging the lights from an adjustable chain allows you to keep the light within a few inches of the top of the plants as they grow. For more information on choosing and using grow lights, check out this link: www.uvm.edu/news/extension/tips-choosing-grow-lights. Containers can be anything from a single flowerpot to a window box planter or something larger. Shallow containers (approximately 3-4 inches deep) are fine for growing greens as their
root systems are shallow. If you opt to grow small root crops such as radishes or “baby” carrots, check the seed packet to be sure the container you select will be sufficiently deep and has good drainage. Next, fill the containers with potting mix and plant seeds according to the directions on the seed packet. Sow generously. Once they’ve sprouted, you can thin to allow room for them to grow. Simply clip the extra seedlings with a sharp pair of scissors near the soil. These thinned seedlings are your first reward, microgreens for use in salads or other dishes. When your greens have reached 3-4 inches high, begin harvesting. Cut off the outer leaves, leaving inner leaves to continue to grow. In order to harvest throughout the winter, plant another container of greens every 2-3 weeks. As one crop is growing, another will be ready to enjoy. Before you know it, you’ll be preparing to get back to work in the outdoor garden, though you may just decide to grow greens indoors all year long. Deborah Benoit is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from North Adams, Mass., who is part of Vermont’s Bennington County Chapter.
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Page 16 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
Family Fun Page BE THANKFUL!
Write, or draw, something you are thankful for in each of the turkey’s tail feathers.
Help hungry Henry
Can you help Henry make his way through the maze to get his Thanksgiving turkey?
The answer can be found on Page 20.
November 18, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 17 one-hour sessions will consist of a practice and scrimmage time. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams. Sign up to coach when registering your child. GRADE 3-4 BASKETBALL The Williston Recreation and Parks Department is located at the Annex Building at 7878 Williston Rd. For online program registration visit www.willistonrec.org. For department information, email recreation@willistonvt.org or call 876-1160. GYM SUPERVISORS AND BASKETBALL REFS SOUGHT The Rec Department is looking for two gym supervisors who can referee first/second-grade and third/fourth-grade basketball games this January and February. We are also looking for two-to-four high school students who would be interested in refereeing games. Are you looking for community service credit? Contact the Recreation
Department about these opportunities.
and 18-plus volleyball. Pre-register at www.willistonrec.org.
VOLUNTEER COACHES NEEDED
KINDERGARTEN BASKETBALL
Coaches are needed for our Youth Rec Basketball program. Sign up to coach when you register your child. If you don’t have a child in a program, fill out a “Volunteer Form,” which can be found at www.willistonrec.org. The basketball season is December through February.
This parent/child program is designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Each week, youngsters will be introduced to a new skill and fun activities that will enhance their learning. The program runs January through February. Instructors: rec department staff.
PICKUP PROGRAMS
GRADE 1-2 BASKETBALL
The following programs are by registration only. They are no longer free, drop-in programs. Pickup programs include: 20plus and 30-plus men’s basketball; 19-plus women’s basketball;
This program provides an opportunity for youngsters to learn the game, improve their skills and enjoy playing. The program meets on Saturdays in January and February. The
There are separate boys’ and girls’ programs offered if numbers allow. The programs provide the opportunity for youngsters to play and improve their skills. The program meets twice a week for one hour each time. There are one practice and one game per week. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child. GRADE 5-6 BASKETBALL There will be separate boys’ and girls’ leagues offered if numbers allow. The leagues meet twice a week for one hour each time with one practice and one game per week. Teams will play other towns. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child.
GRADE 7-8 BASKETBALL There is a league for boys if the numbers allow. The team meets twice a week for one hour each time with one practice and one game per week. Teams will play other towns. Parent volunteers are needed to coach. Sign up to coach when registering your child. SNOWMOBILE SAFETY Online course for Ages 12plus. The course provides the opportunity to earn the certification necessary to legally operate on Vermont’s statewide snowmobile trails system. Course can be taken online at any time. At www.snowmobile-ed.com/vermont/. MY HEALTHY VT ONLINE COURSES Want to be healthier and feel better? My Healthy VT can help. Find a free course that’s right for you and take it online any time at www.myhealthyvt.org/. Courses offered in chronic disease, chronic pain, diabetes and quitting smoking.
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How to help your overmedicated parent Dear Savvy Senior, My 75-year-old mother is currently taking 16 different prescription and over-thecounter medications and I’m worried she’s taking way too many drugs. Can you suggest any resources that can help us? Worried Daughter Dear Worried, Unfortunately, millions of older Americans are taking way too many medications today, which raises their risk of dangerous side effects and drug interactions. According to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, people aged 65 to 69 take an average of 15 prescriptions a year, and those aged 80 to 84 take 18 prescriptions a year. And that’s in addition to the myriad of over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and minerals they may take, any of which – alone or in combination – could cause more problems than they cure. Even when older patients are taking only necessary and effective drugs, the dosages need a second look. As patients age, they tend to metabolize drugs more slowly, meaning the dose that was perfect five years ago may now be too high, perhaps causing dizziness and falls. Doses need to be continually adjusted with age, and most of the time that doesn’t happen.
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cord” form that you can download and print at www.AARP-medical-record-form.pdffiller.com. Or, if your mom uses a smartphone, she can use a pill tracking app like Medisafe Pill & Med Reminder (www.MyMedisafe.com). OTHER TIPS
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If you have concerns or questions about the medications your mother is taking, gather up all her pill bottles, including her prescription and overthe-counter drugs as well as vitamins and supplements, put them in a bag, and take them to her primary physician or pharmacist for a comprehensive drug review. Medicare provides free drug reviews with a doctor during annual “wellness visits,” and many Medicare Part D prescription-drug beneficiaries can get free reviews from pharmacists, too. At the drug review, go through each medication and find out if there are any duplicate meds or dangerous combinations your mom is taking, and if there are any drugs she could stop taking or reduce the dosage. Then, make a medication master list and keep it updated so it can be shared easily whenever your mom sees a doctor. To help with this, AARP offers a free “my personal medication re-
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If possible, your mom should also use a single pharmacy to fill all her prescriptions. The software that pharmacies use to manage patient prescriptions is designed to cross reference all medications a patient is taking to ensure that there are no drug interactions that could cause harm. Also, the next time your mom’s doctor prescribes a new medication, she should ask about nondrug treatment options that might be safer. If the drug is indeed necessary, she needs to find out how long she’s supposed to take it and the side-effects it can cause. Another good resource that can help keep your mom safe is the American Geriatrics Society, which has identified 10 different types of medications that people 65 and older should almost always avoid because of the risk of serious side effects. They include the anti-anxiety drugs diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), and sleep drugs such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta). To see the complete list, visit www.HealthInAging.org and search “10 medications older adults should avoid.”
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November 18, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 19
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Stuffing is one of those must-have Thanksgiving dishes that simply has to make it to the table each year. It just ties everything on the plate together! There’s certainly no shortage of ways to make this holiday favorite. This take uses crunchy toasted hazelnuts and your choice of mushroom variety plus fresh herbs like thyme and sage. It can be made vegetarian, too! Our tip? Make sure to use stale bread for best result. Just cube up a loaf and leave it out on your counter overnight and you’re good to go. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Wild Mushroom and Hazelnut Stuffing
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Across
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4. Brighton brew 7. Portly
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14. Turned chicken 15. Cause of wrinkles 16. Chart type
17. Abstrusest
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Ingredients:
Directions:
1 loaf good quality white bread, cubed and staled
In a large skillet, sauté onions and celery in some olive oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant. Transfer to large mixing bowl.
1 lb assorted mushrooms of your choice
28. Chianti and merlot 31. Added fuel to
1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped
4 stalks celery, sliced 32. Blockbuster film's need, usually thinly
34. Himalayas continent 1 Tbsp each fresh thyme, marjoram and sage, chopped
35. Pond youngsters 38. Didn't participate 40. Wreckage
41. Arrangement
1 cup dried cranberries (optional)
1-2 cups turkey stock (or veggie stock) + pan holderdrippings if you have it reserved
42. Handle the expense
Olive oil
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Increase heat to high. In the same skillet with some more olive oil added, sauté mushrooms until golden and tender. Transfer mushrooms to the bowl as well. Add to the bowl: the stale, cubed bread, toasted hazelnuts, cranberries (if desired), herbs, 1 cup stock and pan drippings. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Place stuffing mixture in a greased baking dish, moisten with the additional cup of stock and bake at 350 degrees, uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. *If you are making a vegetarian version of this recipe add vegetable stock instead of turkey stock and omit pan drippings.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper
49. Field yield 50. Our boys
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22. Kitchen device
52. Rolls Royce radial
24. Disconnected
53. What X and Y chromosomes determine Organic Vegetable Broth
27. Ton's partner in soup
54. Not just well-done
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Page 20 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
Oct. 31 at 2:50 a.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Industrial Avenue. The officers were able to convince the individual to allow police to transport them to their residence. Oct. 31 at 4:51 p.m. — Police conducted a welfare check at Falcon Manor. Williston Fire Department responded and assisted with the citizen. Oct. 31 at 6:28 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Essex Road. The individual declined medical assistance but was given a courtesy ride to their vehicle. Nov. 1 at 12:50 a.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Williston Road. Upon arrival, there was no wrongdoing observed. Nov. 1 at 8:47 a.m. — Police completed a background check for local employment. Nov. 1 at 10:58 a.m. — Police took custody of found property from Industrial Avenue. Nov. 1 at 12:05 p.m. — Police responded to a 911 hang up on Avenue D. Upon arrival, there was no emergency observed. Nov. 1 at 2:08 p.m. — Police responded to a lockout on Boxwood Street. The officer was able to gain access to the vehicle for
the operator. Nov. 1 at 5:12 p.m. — Police responded to a lockout on Harvest Lane. Upon arrival, the officer was able to gain access to the vehicle for the operator. Nov. 1 at 7:01 p.m. — Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on Interstate 89 for an expired registration. Nov. 1 at 11:04 p.m. — Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on Interstate 89. The operator was issued a citation. Nov. 2 at 11:06 a.m. — Police conducted a background check for local employment. Nov. 2 at 12:57 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Harvest Lane. Nov. 2 at 8:04 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Harvest Lane. Nov. 2 at 9:23 p.m. — Police assisted Williston Fire Department with a call at Falcon Manor. Nov. 3 at 11:52 a.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Trader Lane. Upon arrival, the officer asked the individual to move along. Nov. 3 at 12:12 p.m. — Police completed multiple VIN verifications on Mountain View Road. Nov. 3 at 2:05 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Brookside Drive.
Upon arrival, the officer didn’t observe suspicious behavior. Nov. 3 at 2:49 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a dispute on Williston Woods Drive. Upon arrival, both parties agreed to separate for the evening. Nov. 3 at 4:42 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Essex Road. Upon arrival, the officer didn’t observe a suspicious circumstance that required law enforcement. Nov. 3 at 5:53 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Williston Road. Nov. 3 at 6:00 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on St. George Road. Nov. 3 at 8:50 p.m. — Police assisted Vermont State Police on Interstate 89. Nov. 3 at 11:39 p.m. — Police issued a citation on South Park Drive. Nov. 4 at 2:17 p.m. — Police assisted Vermont State Police on Interstate 89. Nov. 4 at 11:02 a.m. — Police took custody of found property from Avenue B. Nov. 4 at 12:32 p.m. — Police responded to a report of trespassing on Harvest Lane. The officer provided the individual with a courtesy ride. Nov. 4 at 2:04 p.m. — Police re-
sponded to a report of suspicious behavior at Maple Tree Place. Upon arrival, the officer provided transit information to the individual. Nov. 4 at 3:10 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Essex Road. Upon arrival, the individual was medically cleared by Williston Fire Department. Nov. 4 at 5:15 p.m. — Police took custody of found property from Marshall Avenue and contacted the owner. Nov. 4 at 7:19 p.m. — Police provided a case number for insurance purposes on Harvest Lane. Nov. 5 at 2:43 a.m. — Police located an unsecured premise on Miller Lane and cleared the building for the owner. Nov. 5 at 7:32 a.m. — Police responded to a report of theft on Day Lane. Nov. 5 at 9:55 a.m. — Police responded to a report of an animal problem at Maple Tree Place. Upon arrival, there was no problem observed. Nov. 5 at 11:35 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Harvest Lane. Nov. 5 at 12:33 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Essex Road. Nov. 5 at 1:18 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property
damage on Holland Lane. Nov. 5 at 1:56 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle stop on Vermont Route 289 to take custody of a wanted person. Nov. 6 at 3:56 a.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a fire alarm on Harvest Lane. Nov. 6 at 11:57 a.m. — Police responded to a report of a disabled trailer on Harvest Lane. The trailer was removed by a tow truck. Nov. 6 at 1:29 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Harvest Lane. The officer made contact with the operator of the vehicle and after Williston Fire Department evaluated them, assisted in transporting the citizen to the hospital. Nov. 6 at 2:27 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Marshall Avenue. Nov. 6 at 4:33 p.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on St. George Road. The incidents above are not a full recount of police activity, rather a highlight of some of the events that occurred. Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.
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Williston Adams Farm Market Belle’s Café Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Fairfield Inn Gardener’s Supply Green Mountain Bagel Hannaford Healthy Living Williston Korner Kwik Stop Marriott Courtyard Men At Wok People’s United Bank Ramunto’s Rehab Gym Shaw’s Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd) Simon’s Mobil Williston Simply Divine Café Sunoco Station Towne Place Suites Town of Williston Offices UPS Store Williston Coffee Shop
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November 18, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 21
OBITUARIES Albert J. LaCasse Albert J. LaCasse, 97, of Greensboro, VT passed away peacefully on November 11, 2021 with family members by his side. Albert was born in Essex, VT on September 1, 1924, the son of Oliver and Nora LaCasse. He was one of fourteen children who were all raised on the LaCasse farm on Brownell Road in Williston. Life consisted of chores, milking cows, field work and of course, raising chickens. Williston was much different in those days and the farm flourished. Brothers Frankie, Raymond and Albert started boxing as kids and continued as young men. Albert fought many matches at Memorial Theater in Burlington and the Vergennes Opera House and became the VT Featherweight Champion. With the attack on the United States in December of 1941, Albert and several of his siblings volunteered to defend our great country. His military career began on February 16, 1943 when he enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the 7th C-Battery 112th Anti-Aircraft Unit. He served in North Africa and France, receiving commenda-
Richard A. Young left us on November 11, 2021 to join his loving wife Cecile T. Young. Richard was born on May 22, 1932 in Stowe, Vermont. He was one of 12 children born to Harold Francis Sr. & Bessie Young. The family moved to Richmond in 1939 where he attended Richmond High School before joining the military in 1950 serving as a radio operator in Germany. After serving our country he started working at Collins Dairy and Adrian Thibault Construction Company. He then went to work for HP Hoods before starting his independent distributorship to peddle milk and dairy products door to door. Dick finished his career at Burlington Housing Authority. Dick was very active in the community being one of the original founders of the Burlington Amateur Hockey Association, spearheading all fundraising efforts. For 49 years he proudly served as the timekeeper for UVM Hockey. Dick was often seen at UVM Men’s and Women’s Basketball games and was a strong supporter of both high school boys’ and girls’ basketball and hockey programs. As a lifetime member of the Burlington Elks Lodge he often volunteered for Silver Towers, ran the annual clam bake and worked their booth
tions for: Rifle Marksman, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Metal, European/African Campaign Ribbon, and Special Merits Award for the 90mm Artillery Unit. He was honorably discharged after processing German prisoners on 1/3/46. Upon returning to VT after the war, he settled into life briefly on the family farm. During this time, he won the heart of Theresa Ducharme, and they were married on August 21, 1948. They raised a “baker’s dozen,” thirteen children who would complete their family. Albert and Theresa moved many times as Albert bought and sold farms, worked for other farmers, bred cows, and worked at the UVM bull barn. His hometown ended up truly being Hardwick where he spent many years. Albert was known throughout VT for his farming experience and poultry expertise. He raised a large assortment of laying hens and exotic birds, collecting and selling fly tying feathers and pullets to local folks and fly shops. He also enjoyed traveling back country roads taking pictures of foliage and old barns.
Richard A. Young
at the Champlain Valley Fair Grounds. In the summer, if you were looking for him you would often find him at the Williston Country Club and Kwiniaska Golf Club. In 1952 he met the love of his life Cecile Thibault at Harts Barn in Williston, VT. They were united in marriage on June 11, 1955 where they started their life on Winooski Avenue, settling in on Spruce Court before moving to their dream home at 734 North Avenue in 1977. Richard is survived by his 7 children: daughters Kathi, and Lisa (Richard) Gravel, 5 sons Richard (Judy), Bernard (Karyl), Thomas (Jenn), Mark (Sandy) and Alan (Simone), along with his 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren
Alberts’s wife Theresa predeceased him when she lost her brief battle with cancer in 1992. He was also preceded in death by two of
his children, Robert LaCasse, and Carol Lynch as well as six brothers and seven sisters. Albert is survived by his eleven remaining children; Ann LeFebvre/David of Colchester, Jimmy LaCasse/Marie of Essex, Tony LaCasse/Debbie of Barre, Steven LaCasse/Leann of Petersburg, IN, Pauline Lang/Bruce of Crossville, TN, Tommy LaCasse of Johnson, Charlene Fecteau/Charlie of East
whom he adored. He leaves his sister Pat Thibodeau, brothers Harold Jr., Edward (Opal), Larry (Charlene) and Raymond (Jean), brother-in-law Andre (Gisele) Thibault and sister-in-law Jeanette Thibault. We would be remiss without mentioning his very special friends Edward, Gerald and Robert Desautels. Many nieces, nephews, buddies at the Williston Country Club and numerous friends all too many to list individually. He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Bessie Young, brothers Fred (Al) and Robert, sisters Dorothy (Roger) Barnaby, Ruth (Francis) Lesage, Beverly Tanner, Mickey Young, Ramona, in-laws Herve and Robella (Ruel) Thibault, Gerard (Katherine) Thibault, Charles (Margaret), Ulysses, Adrian (Rosanne), Real, Claude and Fleurette Romprey. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday November 20, 2021 at 9:30AM at St. Marks Catholic Church on North Avenue in Burlington, interment immediately following at St. Francis Cemetery. Masks are required for all who attend. Online condolences can be shared with the family at www. lavignefuneralhome.com. In lieu of f lowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Vermont Respite House.
Fairfield, Andy LaCasse/Nancy of Pownal, Brian LaCasse/Debbie of East Hardwick, Kenneth LaCasse/ Darlene of Hardwick and Gregory LaCasse/Joann of Greensboro Bend. He also leaves behind 32 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The LaCasse Family wishes to thank the staff at the Greensboro Nursing Home for the excellent care they provided for Albert. A Funeral Mass will be held on No-
vember 20, 2021, at 10:00 am at St Norbert’s Church in Hardwick, VT followed by interment at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made payable to the Greensboro Nursing Home or American Legion Post #7 and mailed to Ann LeFebvre at 233 Walnut Grove, Colchester, VT 05446. The des Groseilliers Funeral Home is in care arrangements. Memories and condolences are welcome at dgfuneralsvt@ gmail.com.
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Page 22 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, November 23, 2021 7:00 PM Town Hall Meeting Room (7900 Williston Road) or Zoom Meeting ID 823 369 798 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656 Due to COVID-19, virtual participation on Zoom is strongly encouraged. Masks required indoors. DP 21-20 Taft Corners Associates, Inc. c/o JL Davis requests preapplication review of a proposed mixed-use development, including a 19,230 SF grocery store at the corner of Wright Ave (north of 115 Merchants Row). This 7.0-acre project tract involves property
west of Northfield Savings Bank (2424 St George Road) and north of the Hannaford supermarket (78 Marshall Ave) including the existing commercial buildings at 91, 101, and 115 Merchants Row in the TCZD. DP 22-01 Pre-App Trinity Baptist Church (c/o Billy Gotcher) requests pre-application review for their proposed residential subdivision (58 dwelling units) located on a 19.6acre parcel; and building additions to house a school addition and gym, 5 staff accommodation units and a relocated soccer field located on a 27.9acre parcel; located at 300 Trinity Drive in the RZD. DP 22-02 Pre-App Trinity Baptist Church (c/o Billy Gotcher) requests pre-application review for their proposed 3-lot residential subdivision on an 8.7acre parcel to create 2 new dwelling units located at 425 Mountain View Road in the ARZD.
APP 22-01 Marcia Urie, Georgeann Jenkins and John Lentine appeal the issuance of Certificate of Compliance 22-09 for 1505 Old Stage Road pertaining to permit AP 21-0120 and DP 18-08 in the ARZD. Project details and site plans are available online, go to bit.ly/ DRBagendas. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@ willistonvt.org
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service service directod November 18, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 23
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Page 24 • Williston Observer • November 18, 2021
SPORTS
Snowy championship game slips away from CVU
For three and a half quarters, the CVU High School football team took every shot that its oppponent, the weather and injuries threw at it in the Division 1 state championship on Saturday in Rutland. But midway through the fourth quarter, Essex broke through, scoring on a 6-yard touchdown run to go up 21-13. The Hornets made that score stand and held off a furious late push from the Redhawks to win the D-I state title 21-19. “Whether it’s a win or a loss, our guys feel the outcome of the game. We will remember this moment and we will be inspired by this moment to get better every single day, even in the offseason,” said CVU coach Rahn Fleming. “And we’ll come back next year.” CVU stepped onto the field to warm up for the game with rain pouring down. Quickly after kickoff, that changed to snow. “The weather created an equal
new dose of adversity for both the Hornets and the Redhawks. Adapting to that adversity became one of the competitive measures of the game,” Fleming said.
‘We will be inspired by this moment to get better every single day… And we’ll come back next year.’ Rahn Fleming CVU football coach
The two teams traded scores in the first half — Jack Sumner scored on a 1-yard scamper on the first play of the second quarter and quarterback Max Destito hit Alex Provost with an 11-yard TD catch in the final minute of the first half. Hornets running back Oliver Orvis had a 6-yard TD run to give the Hornets a 21-13 lead in
the second half. Then, in the final minutes of the game, CVU mounted a drive, converting two fourth downs, and hit pay dirt when Destito found Eric Guczek-Nasab with a 20-yard touchdown pass to close the lead to 20-19. But CVU could not convert on the two-point conversion and trailed by 2 with 3:31 to go in regulation. It looked like luck might be on their side when the Redhawks recovered an on-side kick, getting a chance to start a gamewinning drive on the 45-yard line. But the drive stalled and CVU could not convert a final fourth down, handing the ball back over to the Hornets, who ran out the clock for the state title. “I’ve got nothing but love for this team. They have reset the course of the program. They have reset the culture of the program,” Fleming said. “We are going to build on what we started this year.” — Lauren Read
CVU’s Alex Provost hauls in a touchdown pass during the Redhawks’ 2119 loss to Essex in the D-1 State Championship game on Saturday night at Rutland High School. PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL LAMONTAGNE, VERMONT SPORTS IMAGES
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