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‘Something Rotten!’ was going on at CVU
OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY
The Minstrel (Frankie Fidler, right front) and the company open CVU’s production of ‘Something Rotten!’ with ‘Welcome to the Renaissance’ on Friday evening in Hinesburg. More photos on page 14.
Town budget proposal carries 18 percent tax increase Town administrators will be asking the average Williston property taxpayer for an additional $100-plus annually if the selectboard approves their budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. Town Manager Erik Wells presented the proposal to the board Tuesday, beginning a series of budget discussions through mid-January, when the board is required to finalize a proposal to present for voter approval on Town Meeting Day, March 1. The proposed $13 million budget carries an increase in spending of nearly $1.5 million (13 percent) over the current fiscal year — a stark contrast to the budget voters approved last March for the current fiscal year, which had a $100,000 decrease in spending over the previous
year. The spending increase would result in an 18.4 percent increase in property taxes, according to Wells, with the tax rate jumping from 27 cents per $100 of property value to 32 cents. The increase would cost the owner of a median-priced Williston home (roughly $300,000) about $145 more annually. “We are going to be asking taxpayers for a big increase in their taxes,” board member Ted Kenney said. The spending increase is driven by the proposed addition of nine firefighters to the Williston Fire Department, as recommended by a recent staffing study. It also includes a new police dispatcher position, a recreation coordinator position and hiring capacity for the short-
staffed police department. New money is also needed for pay increases for union and non-union employees based on a cost-ofliving adjustment of roughly 3.5 percent, Wells said. The board has been discussing the possibility of adding an energy coordinator to town staff, but that position is not included in Wells’ initial proposal. It may be added in upcoming budget discussions. Board members Jeff Fehrs and Greta D’Agostino both said that the energy coordinator position — which would work with the newly formed town energy committee to implement greenhouse gas-reducing and renewable energy-producing strategies — is as important as additional firefighters. — Jason Starr
Selectboard mandates masks indoors BY JASON STARR Observer staff
With temporary authority bestowed by the Vermont Legislature in November, the Williston Selectboard adopted a townwide mask mandate on Tuesday, enabling fines for people who don’t cover their mouth and nose in public indoor places. The unanimous decision came after neighboring municipalities like Essex, Burlington and South Burlington enacted similar ordinances in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19, while other communities, like Hinesburg and Huntington, have declined the authority.
Williston’s law took effect Tuesday and will remain in effect for 45 days, at which time the board can consider extending it in 30-day increments through April. The board carved out exceptions for children under age 2, people with disabilities that prevent them from safely wearing a mask, and people while eating or drinking in a restaurant, as recommended by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns. The board added exemptions for places of worship and for people temporarily removing their masks to communicate with a group of people — the see MASKS page 5
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Page 2 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
Toys for Kids collecting through Dec. 20
Toys for Kids of Vermont, a volunteer program sponsored by the Vermont Marine Corps League, collects toys during the Christmas season and oversees their distribution to needy children in Vermont. Bright red collection barrels, monitored by members of the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club, are located throughout town through Dec. 20. To contribute, drop off new, unwrapped toys at one of these locations: Community
Registration open for holiday decorating contest
Bank, Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Hannaford, New England Air Systems, NEFCU, Kismet Place, People’s United Bank, Simply Divine Café, Thomas Chittenden Health Center, Union Bank, UPS Store, Williston Central School and Williston Fire Department. Richmond residents may donate toys at Richmond Dental on Bridge Street. For more information go to www.toysforkidsvt.com.
The deadline for homeowners and business owners to register for the second-annual Williston Holiday Decorating Contest has been extended to Dec. 12. Participants can register their outdoor lighting and holiday displays for drive-by viewing and online judging at www.willistonrec.org or by calling the Williston Recreation and Parks Department at (802) 876-1160. Judging will take place from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 17-22. Winners will receive prizes donated by contest sponsors Healthy Living Market, the Williston Coffee Shop, Adams Farm Market, Shaw’s and Vermont Meat & Seafood. There are three residential categories — traditional/refined, fun/festive and multi-family housing — and one general business category. The displays will be judged on originality, color, creativity and curb appeal. Winners in each category will be announced Dec. 30.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS - NOVEMBER 2021 • Orion Pro Fried KP LLC
bought commercial property on Williston Road from SIC Property LLC for $250,000. • Lisa Marie Rounds bought a condominium on Honeysuckle Lane from Karen Yager Rounds for $200,000. • Kimberly Bleiler bought a home on Lawnwood Drive from Walter Daly for $640,000. • Andrew Austin bought a home on 4 acres on Yantz Hill Road from Thomas Pasley for
$950,000.
• Kathleen Ferretti bought a
home on 2 acres on Jasmine Lane from Allen Neville for $800,000. • Marvin Boyd bought a home on 4 acres on Oak Hill Road from the Alan J. Ritchie, Jr. Trust for $824,000. • Stephen Devries bought a home on Chloe Circle from Northridge-Williston LLC for $652,150. • Yves Ngu bought a home on
•
•
• •
Lamplite Lane from the Estate of Gary D. Greene for $339,000. Jonathan Eric Whitehouse bought a home on Southridge Road from Searby Jesse Brady for $640,000. Matthew Mitchell bought a home on Chloe Circle from Northridge-Williston LLC for $668,051. Lindsay Herbert bought a home on 2 acres on Wild Ginger Lane from David Deluca for $899,000. Richard Walker bought a
home on Chloe Circle from Northridge-Williston LLC for $683,053. • Green State Realty LLC bought 4 acres of open land in the Robear Subdivision on Williston Road from Pidgeon Farm Properties LLC for $100,000. • George Wood bought a condominium on Churchview Drive from the Robert Mitchell Trust for $446,000. • Richard Than bought a home on Porterwood Drive from Geof-
frey Pollitt for $75,000. Minnick-Napawanetz Joint Trust bought a home on Fieldstone Drive from Frank Devita for $725,000. • David Mitchell bought a home on Porterwood Drive from Jessica Phillips for $210,000. • Richard April bought a home on Creek’s Edge Drive from Gary Warner for $689,000. • Cameron Steinmetz bought a condominium on Eastview Circle from Sheri Hill for $265,000.
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December 9, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 3
Tree-trimming time in town
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Snow blanketed the town green as folks gathered to take part in Williston’s Community Tree lighting celebration organized by the Williston Federated Church, on Sunday evening. The Williston Community Tree, above, proudly takes its pride of place in the gazebo on the town green. S. D. Ireland’s fully lit and decorated cement mixer (below), always a huge crowd pleaser, made an appearance as well as an equally well-decorated vehicle promoting a toy drive at Essex Junction High School. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
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Page 4 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
Bridge to South Burlington reopens
The bridge over the Muddy Brook separating Williston and South Burlington opened to traffic Friday after five months of construction and a traffic detour. The bridge was destabilized by heavy rains in 2017 and 2019. The project costs were split between Williston and South Burlington. The new bridge is wider, with more pedestrian and cyclist space, and has a rebuilt culvert underneath. Construction will continue through the end of the year, with periods of onelane alternating traffic, according to the Vermont Department of Transportation. The project will be finished, including finalizing the pedestrian crossing, in the spring.
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Williston schools enact new protocols for vaccinated children Vaccines now available for ages 5-11 Covid-19 vaccines for children between the ages of 5 and 11 are now available at local pharmacies, in school-based clinics and at pediatric offices. Parents and caregivers can make appointments at www.healthvermont.gov/kidsvaccine or by calling 855722-7878. The vaccine requires two doses. Children are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose. The following guidelines will apply to fully vaccinated children attending Williston’s public schools. If a fully vaccinated child is identified as a close contact to a positive case (at school or outside of school, including living with someone who tested positive in the household), they do not need to quarantine if they do not have Covid symptoms. They should get a Covid test 5-7 days after they were ex-
posed and can attend school while waiting for their test results. If a fully vaccinated child is identified as a close contact of a positive case and has Covid symptoms within 14 days of being exposed, they should be tested right away. The child will need to quarantine at home and away from other people while awaiting the test result. They will not be allowed to attend school until they receive a negative test result. If a fully vaccinated child develops Covid symptoms and is not a close contact of a positive case — even if symptoms are mild — they should be kept home and tested for Covid. They should remain at home and away from other people while awaiting the test result. They are not allowed at school until they receive a negative test result. This article was provided by Williston schools.
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Masks continued from page
1
practice town officials have been using during municipal meetings at Town Hall. The fine for a violation is $50. There is no requirement that businesses post signs about the mandate. Debate about the ordinance lasted about 45 minutes Tuesday, with residents expressing both support and opposition from inside Town Hall and via video-conference. Town Manager Erik Wells said he had received about 60 emails about the issue
before the meeting. Police Chief Patrick Foley advised the board that enforcing the ordinance would be a low priority for the police department, given its ongoing staffing shortage. He recommended the board continue to let businesses make their own mask rules. Police could use trespass laws to resolve conflicts, he said. Resident Bill Burbank noted Williston’s uniqueness in Vermont as a hub of retail stores and office space, where the population nearly doubles with out-oftowners during the work day. “I believe wearing a mask is a
sign of respect and love for others,” he said. Mitch Kimbrell, pastor at Christ Memorial Church, said that, without an exemption for houses of worship, the mandate would violate “our constitutional right to worship as we see fit.” Residents Pam Cowan, Cindy Roy and Cindy Provost described the mandate as a violation of everyone’s rights. “We should have the freedom to choose, and I feel like we are all smart enough to do that on our own,” Provost said. “The people in this room should not decide the fate of everyone walking around
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town … We all need to live our lives, and the people who are afraid, protect yourselves.” Other opponents of the mandate said wearing a mask restricts their breathing and makes them sick. Brian Wheel said the mask mandate will prevent him from participating in democracy at Town Hall and going to the grocery store for food without risking mask-induced illness. “That’s not a choice that any American should have to make,” he said. Leah Schulz said a mask mandate will support people with dis-
abilities and compromised health who have been fearful of entering indoor public places where people have been unmasked. “It’s important for our leaders to support our most vulnerable population,” she said. In crafting Williston’s mandate, board member Ted Kenney invoked the bravery of past generations, who were drafted into service to fight wars on the country’s behalf. “It’s just a facemask,” he said. “It’s minimally intrusive. I don’t like wearing a mask, but I do think it’s something we have to do.”
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Page 6 • Williston Observer • December 9, 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
TO ADVERTISE Submission deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. for next Thursday issue. rick@willistonobserver.com
ADVERTISING Rick Cote Associate Publisher Sales & Marketing rick@willistonobserver.com 802-373-2136
CLASSIFIED ADS Paid Classifieds: There is a fee for business, real estate and help wanted ads. Free Classifieds: Must be 25 words or fewer. Printed on a space-available basis. Submission deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. for next Thursday issue. susan@willistonobserver.com
EDITOR Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Jan Kenney jan@willistonobserver.com BILLING INQUIRIES Michael McCaffrey office@willistonobserver.com MEMBER:
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SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS Send to editor@willistonobserver.com • Deadline is Monday at noon • News/story tips welcomed • Letters must be 300 words or fewer • Include your name, address and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the letter’s author. Phone numbers and street addresses will be kept confidential • Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity • Letters that have been submitted to multiple media outlets may not be printed CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Send to editor@willistonobserver.com Must include • Name of event and organization • Date, time and place of event • Contact information We print submissions for nonprofit groups and organizations only.
The Williston Observer reserves the right to edit or refuse submissions or advertising. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the paper.
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Prop 5: weirdly unclear, dangerously unspecific BY ROB ROPER When the Vermont House of Representatives returns in January, one of the first orders of business they will take up is a constitutional amendment called Proposal 5. Proposal 5 is being sold as a statewide protection for women’s rights guaranteed under Roe v. Wade. This isn’t an accurate portrayal of what Proposal 5 would do. In fact, Proposal 5 is a legal mess that no one on either side of the abortion debate should be okay with. The Ethan Allen Institute has no position on abortion, but we do have an interest in our Constitution, and Proposal 5 is a word salad so vague it could open the door to a number of truly horrid unintended consequences. How weird is it? It supposedly protects women’s rights and abortion rights, but doesn’t mention anywhere in its language the words “woman” or “abortion.” Proposal 5 states, in its entirety: “That an individual’s right to personal reproductive autonomy is central to the liberty and dignity to determine one’s own life course and shall not be denied or infringed unless justified by a compelling State interest achieved by the least restrictive means.” What does that mean? “Personal reproductive au-
tonomy” as something that “shall not be denied or infringed” is not a clear concept, which is why everybody with a shred of common sense and imagination should be adamantly opposed to this becoming the law of our land. Whether you are pro-life or pro-choice in the Roe v. Wade sense of the term (a guaranteed right to an abortion
Even if you are the most ardent supporter of a woman’s right to choose, Proposal 5 is not for you. … It mentions neither women nor abortion. only through the first trimester of pregnancy, after which some reasonable regulations of abortions make sense, and no guarantee of a late-term abortion in the third trimester) you should oppose Proposal 5 because it opens the door for unregulated abortion on demand throughout all nine months of pregnancy up to the day of birth. Even the most ardent proponents of Proposal 5 squeamishly admit that this is “technically true,” which
is just a slightly longer way of getting at the fact that it’s true. But it gets worse. Proposal 5 could conceivably make ageof-consent laws unconstitutional. Does a 12-year-old girl have a constitutional right to her personal reproductive autonomy? Can she pursue that right by sexually engaging with an adult? Or vice versa? There is a very strong argument that Proposal 5 says “yes,” and the state shall not deny or infringe that right. This goes way beyond Roe v. Wade. Even if you are the most ardent supporter of a woman’s right to choose, Proposal 5 is not for you. It does not specifically guarantee a woman’s right to choose an abortion; it mentions neither women nor abortion. It guarantees to everyone, people of every gender, “reproductive autonomy.” Therefore, it arguably gives the father of an unborn child an equal constitutional say over whether or not a baby is carried to term. The right to reproduce, after all, is the specific language in the law, not the right to an abortion. If the father of an unborn child, under Proposal 5, sues the mother of his child demanding she carry the baby to term under the premise that her having an abortion would violate his constitutionally protected right to see ROPER page 7
December 9, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 7
GUEST COLUMN
This is Vermont’s chance to protect abortion BY CATHERINE COTEUS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Tree sales finished We have closed our Christmas tree sales this year. We were unable to get extra large trees delivered from up north as the company had no one to cut the trees. Also, some of our trees need more growth. We apologize not writing sooner. The sign by the road offers thanks and says “See you in 2022.” We have been so grateful to all who have supported the farm and enjoyed seeing you at the holidays. Merry Christmas to all. Ginger Isham Isham Family Farm
Roper continued from page
6
reproductive autonomy, where would a court go with that? Who knows? There are many more scenarios like this one that you can imagine a creative lawyer coming up with on both sides of the abortion debate. Word counts prohibit my getting into more here but spend a few minutes thinking about this on your own and I’ll bet you can come up with half a dozen over breakfast. The authors of Proposal 5 bent over backwards to placate the most extreme elements of to-
Amendment (Proposal 5) is slated to be voted on this legislative session. Let your representatives know you support it, now. Vermonters have an opportunity to put in place the protections and support systems to preserve this essential right before it’s too late. Affordable, unrestricted access to care should be decided here, created here and fostered here, not left up to nine Supreme Court justices in Washington D.C. Catherine Coteus is a Montpelier mother, business owner and board member of Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom. day’s politically correct gender special interests, but in doing so they crafted a constitutional amendment that is weirdly unclear and dangerously unspecific about what it is supposed to do. If Vermonters want a constitutional amendment that protects a woman’s right to choose an abortion under the principles of Roe v. Wade, then let’s have an amendment that actually says that in clear and unambiguous terms. Proposal 5 fails to do this in the most spectacular fashion. Rob Roper is president of the Ethan Allen Institute, online at www.ethanallen.org.
LETTER POLICY: 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
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The future of reproductive freedom is at stake. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, which challenges the constitutionality of Mississippi’s law banning abortions after 15 weeks. The Mississippi law is part of a growing trend among states to restrict, dismantle, hinder and eliminate abortion access that was firmly established in the U.S. through extensive case precedent that bases the right to an abortion in the Constitution. Now all of that is under threat.
Even here in Vermont, where such a restrictive law is unlikely to be passed, we have insufficient legal and social protections in place to support people seeking abortion access in the current political climate. What we need now more than ever are wider and more complete pathways to ensure people get the care they need when they need it. Want to join the fight? Support Vermont Access to Reproductive Freedom (www.vermontaccess. org). Also, support an amendment to the Vermont Constitution to explicitly protect the right to choose. The Reproductive Liberty
The Williston Observer is trying to collect as many pairs of socks as we can to gift to Williston seniors by Dec 15. Help us build the pile! Show our seniors that we care. Donate new, soft, comfortable socks. Drop off by December 15
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Page 8 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
State releases long-range plan for Camel’s Hump
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has completed a long-range management plan for the 26,000-acre Camel’s Hump area in Richmond, Bolton and Huntington. The plan’s top priorities are to protect and conserve the area’s natural, cultural and scenic resources; to provide a range of recreational opportunities; to harvest forest products sustainably; and to maintain and enhance wildlife habitats. “This plan exemplifies our decades of experience managing public lands for many uses and values,” said Vermont Forests, Parks and
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Recreation Commissioner Michael Snyder. “I am proud of our team for their talents, work and dedication to this process. We are excited for Vermonters to see the results.” Included in the plan are new opportunities for cross-country skiing, mountain biking and the management of backcountry skiing terrain, as well as enhanced parking facilities. The plan also designates areas that are off-limits to new recreation, underscoring the importance of remote experiences and areas without trails. The plan authorizes a 15-year schedule of sustainable forest management on approximately 3,750 acres. Forest management will emulate natural disturbance patterns and will diversify forest structure to make the area more resilient to climate change. The plan also identifies a 17,000-acre area that is unavailable for timber management due to terrain or legal constraints. A draft of the plan was released in late 2017 and was followed by public meetings and a 16-week public comment period. The plan includes a responsiveness summary that addresses the public comments received. To see the plan, visit www.fpr. vermont.gov/camels-hump-management-unit.
Camel’s Hump peak.
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The proliferation of gypsy moths last summer was aided by generally dry conditions in the spring. PHOTO BY STATE ENTOMOLOGIST JUDY ROSOVSKY
A return of the gypsy moths? MAX DODSON Community News Service Last summer, the gypsy moth population in Vermont exploded. There were so many caterpillars, people compared the sound of their feces falling off trees to the sound of rain. Sidewalks and pathways were occasionally covered in larvae. There seemed to be gypsy moth caterpillars everywhere. Chittenden County Forester Ethan Tapper said the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is closely watching the population by “monitoring egg masses this fall and formulating recommendations for next year based on findings.” Should an outbreak occur next summer, officials are prepared to intervene to try and stop their spread, he said. The moths defoliated swaths of forests last summer. A 1991 gypsy moth outbreak was the last major infestation in Vermont. What stopped the 1991 outbreak was a fungus that targets only gypsy moth caterpillars. The fungus’ growth that year was helped by heavy rain. Without damp conditions, the fungus won’t proliferate. “The reason for the present outbreak is thought to be droughty conditions over the past few years, which are suppressing the population of the fungus,” Tapper said. Tapper said people can protect the trees on their own property with a bacteria-based pesticide. “This strain of bacteria is specific to moth larvae, and its toxic properties get activated when it interacts with the caterpillar’s digestive tract,” Tapper said, adding that it is harmless to everything but the moths.
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Page 10 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
Smith steps down at Agency of Human Services
Deputy Samuelson to take over at end of year
Secretary of Human Services Mike Smith will retire at the end of the year, after his second stint leading the state’s largest agency, Gov. Phil Scott announced Monday. “When I asked Mike to come back to his old job in late 2019, it’s fair to say nobody expected what came next,” Scott said in a news release. “Just months into his return to state government, we were hit by a once-in-a-century crisis that demanded the very best of us all. “Vermonters are very fortunate that Mike agreed to come back, because without him, we’d be in a much different place. Mike helped lead our world-renowned vaccination rollout, worked tirelessly with our health care providers to keep the system working, helped build our testing capacity and so much more. This is all on top of his day job, leading the largest agency of state government. “Most importantly for me, Mike has brought wisdom, invaluable counsel and a great sense of humor to the job. I wish him and his wife Mary nothing but the best in his well-deserved retirement.” The Agency of Human Services oversees six state departments, twelve district offices and a network of community partners and pro-
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viders. It is responsible for the implementation and delivery of all human service programs within the state. “The pandemic has kept me here longer than I anticipated but leaving will still be difficult. There will never be a good time to leave,” Smith said. “When I told the governor of my
VTDIGGER FILE PHOTO
intention to retire this summer, I thought we would be well on our way toward the endemic phase of this public health crisis. The delta variant has made our jobs a bit more difficult, but nonetheless, we have testing and vaccination programs that are the envy of the rest of the country and we have protected many
Vermonters from the more serious outcomes of this virus. I am very proud of the work that the agency has accomplished over the last two years, and I am confident the agency will continue to thrive.” Smith is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served first with Underwater Demolition Team 21 and then as a member of SEAL Team Two. He served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1977-78 and as deputy state treasurer from 1995-99. Smith also served as the secretary of the Agency of Administration and secretary of the Agency of Human Services in the administration of Gov. Jim Douglas. Deputy Human Services Secretary Jenney Samuelson, who has played an integral role in the state’s pandemic response, will serve as interim secretary following Smith’s departure. Samuelson began the deputy role in June of 2020. Prior to her appointment, she served as deputy commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access, with particular focus on the intersection of payment and delivery system reform, the adoption of value-based payments and organizational performance improvement. Samuelson has administered numerous community and statewide public health programs. She holds a Master of Science in Community Health Education from Southern Illinois University.
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December 9, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 11
State expects ‘unprecedented’ Ed Fund surplus $90 million surplus projected to be available
Another complication: A majority of Vermonters are able to pay their property taxes on the basis of their income, rather BY PETER D’AURIA than property value. With the $90 milVTDigger lion surplus, the average school income tax rate would drop from 2.5 percent to This spring, Vermont lawmakers may 2.2 percent. have a welcome question on their hands: Even if lawmakers spend all the surwhat to do with a $90 million surplus in plus money elsewhere, officials still exthe state’s education fund. pect a 2.5 percent decrease in tax bills, State tax officials unveiled the pro- with projected rates of $1.40 for homejected surplus in “the December 1 letter,” stead property taxes and 2.35 percent for a series of financial projections that the school income tax. tax commissioner is required to send to Education spending in fiscal year lawmakers every year. 2023, which begins next July 1, is expectThe anticipated windfall is mostly due ed to rise by about 4.28 percent, accordto “higher-than-expected performance” ing to the December 1 letter. from a number of revBut officials enue sources, includwarn that the preing meals and rooms dictions are still ‘It’s really unprecedented tax, sales and use taxvery preliminary. to have that much money es, vehicle purchases Such forecasts and state lottery taxes, have been wrong on the bottom line carrying according to officials. before: Last fisover from one year to “It’s really unpreccal year, officials edented to have that predicted that the the next. We’ve never much money on the Covid-19 pandemhad anything like this.’ bottom line carrying ic would blow a over from one year $58 million hole Craig Bolio to the next,” Craig in the education Vermont’s tax commissioner Bolio, Vermont’s tax fund. commissioner, said in Instead, betan interview. “We’ve ter-than-expected never had anything like this.” revenue from sales and use taxes created In the past few years, the state’s edu- a roughly $18.6 million surplus. cation fund has hovered between roughly Another key tax metric, the common $1.6 billion and $1.9 billion. level of appraisal, is set to be released Because of the surplus, the December later this month. The CLA ensures that 1 letter projects decreases in next year’s property across the state is being taxed at school tax bills. If lawmakers use all of an equitable rate; with Vermont’s boomthe projected $90 million surplus to off- ing property values, this year’s results set taxes, the average bill would drop could push property taxes up. about 9 percent, tax officials said. Tax officials will also have a clearThe current education property tax er picture of the fiscal landscape next rate for primary residences averages month, when they receive updated figabout $1.52 per $100 of property value ures for tax revenue. Local school bud— which works out to $1,520 for every gets, which are approved on the annual $100,000 of property value. The school Town Meeting Day in March, will also tax bill on a $300,000 house would be affect residents’ tax rates. $4,560. That $1.52 rate could drop to “In January, (things) may look differroughly $1.31 with the infusion of sur- ent,” Jake Feldman, a fiscal analyst with plus cash. the state tax department, said in an inThere’s generally a slightly higher tax terview. “Hopefully they still look good. rate for businesses and second homes. But with a pandemic, I think there’s a
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in an interview that she was unaware of any legislative priorities for the money yet. Ancel chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, which creates the legislation that provides the blueprint for all education taxes around the state. “I don’t have a plan for it,” she said. “And I look forward to hearing what my colleagues think.” In the past, she said, the House has usually opted to put the money toward offsetting taxes. But this year, with the potential size of the surplus, lawmakers could opt to spend it elsewhere. “I don’t know how that will play out,” she said.
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pretty high degree of uncertainty.” But if things go according to plan, state lawmakers will have to figure out what to do with the $90 million. Gov. Phil Scott’s administration proposed using half the surplus to offset property taxes and the other half for “school capital construction costs that will directly enhance workforce development programs,” according to the December 1 letter. The cash, officials wrote, presents an “opportunity to address some of the ongoing and upcoming education and workforce pipeline issues.” State Rep. Janet Ancel, D-Calais, said
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Millions incoming for water infrastructure
Page 12 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
Water projects in Vermont are set to receive a significant funding boost. Vermont will receive $63 million in the 2022 fiscal year from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for water infrastructure, the federal Environmental Protection Agency announced last Thursday. “$63 million — that’s the first year,” said Neil Kamman, director of the state’s Water Investment Division. “The bill has five years of appropriations, and they grow over time. It is a major big deal.” In using the water-related money, which totals $50 billion across the country, the EPA is urging states to “address disproportionate environmental burdens in historically underserved communities across the country,” according to an announcement from the agency. “As leaders, we must seize this moment,” said Michael Regan, EPA administrator. “Billions of dollars are about to start flowing to states and it is critical that EPA partners with states, tribes and territories to ensure the benefits of these investments are delivered in the most equita-
ble way.” While Vermont is still waiting on some EPA guidance to prop up guardrails for the funding, Kamman said it will be funneled into several state programs. There are two parts to Vermont’s Revolving Loan Fund program — one for projects such as sewage treatment and pollution prevention, and another for drinking water, Kamman said. Every year, the EPA makes grants available to states for those two purposes. “We pull down, let’s say, $10 million into the Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund,” he said. “Then we loan those dollars out to eligible borrowers at subsidized rates for them to build water infrastructure. The borrowers pay those dollars back over a period of time, the money comes back into the fund, and the fund revolves.” But this time, borrowers — municipalities and organizations who will be designing the projects — won’t have to pay all of that money back. “They’re making it so that the state is authorized to essentially give away at least 50 percent, if not 100 percent, of those dollars, depending on the specific programs for the money,”
The Burlington wastewater treatment facility on Lavalley Lane in Burlington. Jon Groveman, policy and water program director for the Natural Resources Council, said the upcoming federal windfall could be a good time to upgrade Vermont’s aging sewage treatment facilities — particularly those that treat wastewater and stormwater together in a single system. FILE PHOTO BY BOB LOCICERO/VTDIGGER
Kamman said. The programs include a general boost in the amount of money available for water projects through the revolving funds, financing for projects that reduce lead contamination in drinking water and funding for programs that address contaminants of emerging concern, such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
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substances, or PFAS. The lead-focused program would use $30 million per year to remove lead service lines, which lead from the street to a home, and distribution lines, which are pipes in the street. That’s valuable, Kamman said, because it’s expensive for a municipality to investigate each individual line. A recent project in Bennington cost $11 million. Over five years, $8 million per year will be allocated to prevent contaminants — with an emphasis on PFAS — from polluting drinking water supplies. Exposure to the toxic chemical group is known to cause an array of harmful health effects.
“There’s a growing set of communities whose water supplies have PFAS contamination that either need to move the wells, replace the wells or install treatment,” Kamman said. “And these dollars are going to give us a lot of flexibility and leeway to do that work.” PRIORITIZING FRONTLINE COMMUNITIES
In using the money, state officials should assign priority to vulnerable groups who are most at risk of being harmed by pollution, according to both the EPA and advocates from state groups. Bindu Panikkar, who focuses see WATER page 13
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BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger
Broadband grant eligibility expands
December 9, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 13
Water continued from page
12
on environmental justice issues as an assistant professor at the Rubenstein School for Environment and Natural Resources at University of Vermont, said she’s seen concerns pop up about water pollution throughout the state. Through her work with a group called Rural Environmental Justice Opportunities Informed by Community Expertise, or REJOICE, she’s learned that some mobile home communities are relying on bottled water, she said. “I would love to see the state prioritize infrastructure spending in the most vulnerable communities, and to engage them in identifying the local concerns in planning these steps,” she said. “The flood mitigation planning
in these communities, pollution mitigation, better sewage infrastructure in these communities are all things that come to mind.” Jon Groveman, policy and water program director for the Natural Resources Council, said it could be a good time to upgrade Vermont’s aging sewage treatment facilities — particularly those that treat wastewater and stormwater together in a single system. The problem often results in overflows that spill into local waterways, but it often costs tens of millions of dollars to fix the systems. The funding also could be used to create centralized wastewater systems in Vermont’s smaller villages, Groveman said. The infrastructure bill is part of a suite of federal funds coming to Vermont. Of the $1.02
billion allocated to Vermont through the American Rescue Plan Act, the Legislature has indicated a desire to allocate $200 million for water infrastructure projects. Another concern, Groveman said, is Vermont’s ability to efficiently distribute all of the federal money. He suggested that some of the money could be used, both at the state level and on a regional and local level, to hire staff who could review permits and implement the projects. Using American Rescue Plan Act funds, the state is creating a program that will specifically help residents of mobile home communities take on water infrastructure projects. Kamman said the EPA has guided the state to target these investments to vulnerable communities, and they’ve already had conversations with housing advocates.
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BY SARAH MEARHOFF VTDigger Nearly all of Vermont is now eligible for funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help cover the cost of building high-speed broadband infrastructure in rural areas, thanks to a rule change led by Sen. Patrick Leahy. USDA is accepting applications for its $1.15 billion ReConnect Program, which is designed to help offset the high cost of building broadband infrastructure to rural communities where it would be otherwise unprofitable and untenable. Loans and grants go to local, state, tribal and territory governments, as well as corporations, companies and cooperatives, in areas of the country where at least 90 percent of households lack broadband service at 100 megabits per second download and 20 upload. Funding priority goes to low-density rural areas with even slower and sparser service. Previously, a large swath of Vermont served by the Vermont Telephone Co. Inc., or VTel, was ineligible for the program. Leahy, in his capacity as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped change the eligibility requirements. Now, nearly all areas of the state with slow service qualify, except for those where VTel is providing fiber service.
Leahy said he is delighted the USDA changed its rules. Before now, he said “Vermont has been handcuffed from receiving any funds” from the program. “As a rural state, Vermont’s economic development hinges upon access to high-quality internet and telephone services, particularly as more Vermonters are working from home and more remote workers are moving to Vermont,” he said. “As school, work and access to health care shifted even further online, access to quality, highspeed broadband service will allow more Vermonters to learn, stay in touch with loved ones, and access essential government services from the comfort of their homes.” The ReConnect Program money is in addition to nearly $2 billion dedicated to broadband infrastructure in Congress’ and President Joe Biden’s infrastructure package signed into law in November. Vermont will get $100 million of that money to expand broadband coverage. Applicants to the ReConnect Program must commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet. USDA also considers community economic needs, service affordability, local or tribal government affiliation, and more factors when making funding decisions. Applications for the ReConnect money can be filed at www.usda. gov/reconnect.
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Page 14 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
A production of ‘Something Rotten!’ hit the CVU stage last weekend CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Set in 1595, the story follows the Bottom brothers, Nick (Ray Lindsley, left) and Nigel (Ben Fox, right), who struggle to find success in the theatrical world as they compete with the wild popularity of their contemporary William Shakespeare, (Avery Smith on the far right.) Soothsayer Nostradamus (Morghan Bourgeois, left) “sees” that Nick’s next successful production should be a musical. Below, (L to R) Bea (Rory McDermott), Nigel and Nick struggle with Bea’s desire to be Nick’s ‘Right Hand Man.’ OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
The Williston Observer is mailed to every home and business in Williston and St. George every Thursday. In addition, we provide rack distribution to locations in Williston, Richmond and Essex. 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 If you would like copies for your location call Rick Cote at (802) 373-2136 or email Rick@WillistonObserver.com
Essex Junction Essex Automotive Five Corner Variety Hannaford (at Essex Shoppes) Inn at Essex Mac’s Market Martone’s Deli Price Chopper Quality Bake Shop River Road Beverage Richmond Richmond Market Sweet Simone’s
December 9, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 15
The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is open for in-person service during the following hours: • Monday/Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tuesday/Thursday/ Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.damlvt.org to place holds, apply for a card, renew materials, get updates on programming, and access digital offerings. Public wifi is available 24/7 from the patio. Ages 2 and up must wear a mask inside the building. Consider supporting the library through a Giving Tree donation this holiday season. The festive trees in our lobby and youth reading rooms are adorned with gift tags that represent programs or items from our wish list. Donate in person or online at www.damlvt.org.
YOUTH PROGRAMS Children in fifth grade and up may use the library unattended, while fourth grade and younger must be supervised by a person over 16 years of age. Register for youth events at www.damlvt.org or by calling 878-4918. Indoor Preschool Story Time Mondays, Dec. 13 and 20, 1010:30 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Bonnie for stories, songs and a craft. Please register for only one session. Preschool Story Time on the Green Tuesdays, Dec. 14 and 21, 1010:30 a.m. Bundle up and join Danielle for outdoor stories, rhymes and songs. Register once for all sessions. After-School STEAM: Fun with Origami Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2-3 p.m. Grades three and up. Learn how
to make some new origami objects. Preschool Music (Indoors) Thursdays, Dec. 16 and 23, 10:30-11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Sing along with musician Linda Bassick. Please register for only one session. After-School Craft: Snowflake Garland Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2-3 p.m. Grades 3 and up. Make snowflake garlands out of recycled t-shirts. Lego Time Thursday, Dec. 23, 3-4 p.m. Build something fun with the library’s Legos. Kids in the Kitchen (Zoom Program) Monday, Dec. 27, 3-4 p.m. Make something yummy with a Hannaford dietitian. Grades 1-5 with a caregiver. Register to receive the recipe and a Zoom invitation.
MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS Gingerbread House Decorating Saturday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Decorate a seasonal favorite at the library and take your
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holiday creation home. Call 878-4918 to reserve a 30-minute time slot. The Talk Book Talk (Online) Monday, Dec. 13, 5-6 p.m. Pick up a Brave Book Bag that includes four family-friendly books and join our discussion over Zoom. Therapy Dogs at the Library Thursday, Dec. 16, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Visit with Lola, a certified therapy dog. Read her a favorite story or just spend some time with her. Call 878-4918 to reserve a 10-minute visit.
PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS All online programs are via Zoom. Email programs@ damlvt.org or call 878-4918 to receive an invitation, unless otherwise specified. Online Guided Meditation Fridays, Dec. 10 and 17, 1212:30 p.m. Maryellen Crangle leads a short Zoom meditation. Mah-Jongg Friday, Dec. 17, 1-3 p.m. Come to the library and play the
game of Mah-Jongg with other members of the community. All skill levels welcome. New Perspectives Book Discussion Tuesday, Dec. 21, 12-1 p.m. Join us online to discuss “Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times” by Katherine May. Available as an eBook in LUV/OverDrive or in print from the library. Current Events Discussion Wednesday, Dec. 22, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Connect with others online to talk about newsworthy topics. Brown Bag Book Discussion Tuesday, Dec. 28, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Join us online to discuss “The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley” by Hannah Tinti. Available as an eBook in LUV/ OverDrive or in print from the library. After Hours Book Club (NEW!) Wednesday, Jan. 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join us online to discuss “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann. Available as an eBook in LUV/OverDrive or in print from the library.
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Page 16 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
Mistletoe — why all the romance?
BY NADIE VANZANDT Special to the Observer
Goodbye to Reba, school therapy dog On Nov. 25, Williston Central School said goodbye to its therapy dog, Reba. Rescued in 2010 from Adirondack Save a Stray as a puppy, Reba was certified by Therapy Dogs of Vermont and began working at Williston Central School in 2016. She was a friend and adventurer, greeting people in the school’s front lobby, joining morning meetings, joining sports practices and watching games. Those wishing to celebrate Reba’s life are asked to make a donation to Therapy Dogs of Vermont or to K9 Duke at the Williston Police Department at www.willistonpdv t.org/comfor t-dogteam. — Photo and information provided by Williston schools
Hung in doorways to spread holiday cheer, mistletoe is rich in mythology and tradition. Mistletoe comes from the Old English word “mistiltan” in which “mistil” means “dung” and “tan” means “twig.” This reference to bird droppings is certainly counter-intuitive to mistletoe’s romantic symbolism. Mistletoe is the common name for more than 1,300 species of ancient hemi-parasitic plants of the Viscaceae family existing throughout the world. Hemi-parasitic plants are all plants of the order Santalales that can make food through photosynthesis while also getting water and nutrients from a host. The European mistletoe (Viscum album) and the American mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) are the two species of mistletoe sold at Christmastime. European mistletoe has oval evergreen leaves with smooth edges and two to six dense clusters of waxy white berries, while American mistletoe has shorter broader leaves and clusters of 10 or more berries. American mistletoe affects more than 100 species of trees, notably oaks. It is found from New Jersey to Florida and west to eastern Texas. It flowers from July to September. Each female flower produces a white berry with a single seed that ripens in winter. The plant spreads through seeds that hitchhike on birds’ feathers or are released in birds’ droppings. Each seed is covered with viscin, a glue-like substance that allows the seed to easily adhere to the bark of a host tree on which it germinates.
Mistletoe’s association with the Christmas holidays can be traced back to an 18th-century English folk song. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO
The medicinal and mythical history of mistletoe originated in Europe during the Classical era. The Greeks used Viscum album as a medicinal herb to treat a variety of ailments and the Romans as a balm against epilepsy, poisons and ulcers. Historians speculate that the romantic myth associated with mistletoe began with the Celtic druids in the first century A.D. Because the plant blossomed in winter, they believed it held supernatural powers of high fertility. They considered it sacred and used it to improve fertility among humans and animals. Historians are not sure how
this myth became a Christmas tradition, but they have traced it back to the lyrics of a folk song published in England in 1784. Mistletoe is easily spotted in trees in winter as it forms large green balls on bare branches. It grows best in full sun or part shade. Although parasitic, it is valuable to our ecosystem. This plant does not damage trees in areas where water is abundant. In general, mistletoe affects older and larger trees, providing safe cover and nesting places for birds. Its highly nutritious berries are an excellent food source for small animals, birds and insects.
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In fact, the American mistletoe is critical to all stages of the beautiful great purple hairstreak butterfly. For centuries, Europeans have used Viscum album in traditional medicine. Today, they use its extract in prescription drugs and dietary supplements and also are considering it in the treatment of cancer. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any form of mistletoe to treat any medical condition.
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OBITUARIES Allen William Shackett
Allen William Shackett of Burlington, VT passed away November 27, 2021 at the University of Vermont Medical Center following a brief illness. He was 87. Allen, known by everyone as Bill, was born June 14, 1934 in Benson, VT, to the parents of Quentin and Clarice (Couture) Shackett. He was raised alongside his siblings, Robert Shack-
ett, Brenda LaDuke and Tom Shackett. Bill attended Shoreham High School, noting how proud he was to be a member of his high school basketball team. During his high school years, Bill met and eventually married Marlene Carl. Following high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he was stationed at Paris Island, South Carolina. It is here that Bill and Marlene soon welcomed their first child Stephanee. Upon Bill’s honorable discharge on January 25, 1956 he began his career as an electronics technician. His career kept him at the forefront of the office automation industry. Bill received numerous technical training certificates and awards. Bill’s career began with the G.B. Rood Company where he earned the
title of service manager. Many years later he left to continue at McAuliffe Inc., which today is known as SymQuest. Bill eventually retired from SymQuest in 2004. After taking some much needed time off and traveling with Marlene, Bill discovered he missed working and helping people. Bill found a new passion, working for the local Aubuchon Hardware Store in Shelburne, VT. Bill was a known problem solver, and it was at Aubuchon’s where he could really put this talent to use. Many people would come to Aubuchon’s simply to have Bill work on their antique lamps. There are no words that can express what this job meant to him. Bill had a passion for woodworking, where he was extremely talented with finish carpentry. Bill was very proud of the work-
shop he had assembled in his basement over the years. Many who knew Bill know that he and Marlene had a passion for dancing. Just up until this year they would travel every Saturday night to either Rutland, Brandon, or Barre to dance with their friends at the local American Legion Clubs, of which Bill was a proud member. Bill and Marlene also enjoyed traveling around Vermont in search of its covered bridges and general stores. Bill is survived by his wife Marlene (Burlington, VT) of 68 years. His three children, Penny Barron (Syracuse, NY), Dennis and his wife Kathy (Shelburne, VT), Melanie and her husband Chris Olio (Berwick, ME); grandchildren: Sarah (Shackett) Murphy and her husband Moses (Williston, VT), Chris Shackett and his wife Kerry (Williston,
VT), Andrew Barron and his fiancé Michael O’Brien (Albany, NY), Emily Barron and her fiancé Andrew Falvey (Katy, TX); great-grandchildren: Finnegan Murphy, Whitaker Murphy, and Kenna Shackett. Bill was predeceased by his daughter Stephanee Shackett, parents Quentin and Clarice and his brother Robert. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the University of Vermont Medical Center for their care and compassion of Bill and Marlene during their stay. A funeral service to celebrate Bill’s life will take place on a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ready Funeral Home South Chapel 261 Shelburne Rd. in Burlington. Please visit www.readyfuneral. com to place online condolences.
Being a Full Time Caregiver Can Be a Heavy Lift. It’s a Good Thing We’ve Been Working Out. At Gazebo Senior Living, we’ve been providing quality assisted care to Vermont seniors Since 1985. Let us care for the ones you love so you can care for yourself.
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12/7/21 9:58 AM
View the current edition anytime at willistonobserver.com/digital-edition
Page 18 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
SENIORS
Social Security calculators that can help you decide when to claim
Honor the memory of your beloved pet.
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good resources that can help my wife and me determine the best claiming ages for maximizing our Social Security retirement benefits? Just Turned 62
It’s never easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet, but a well-chosen pet memorial can help soothe some of the pain and keep your pet’s memory alive. Let us help.
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Burlington - (802) 864-5682 | Elmwoodmeunier.net
Is your home getting to be too much?
Dear 62, Deciding when to start collecting your Social Security benefits is one of the most complicated and consequential decisions in retirement. The difference between a good decision and a poor one could cost tens of thousands of dollars over your retirement, so doing your due diligence now is a very smart move. FACTORS TO CONSIDER
As you may already know, you can claim Social Security any time between the ages of 62 and 70, but each year you wait increases your benefits between 5 and 8 percent. However, there are other factors you need to take into account, like health and family longevity, whether you plan to work in retirement, along with spousal and survivor benefits. Social Security Administration claims specialists are not trained, or authorized, to give you personal advice on when you should start drawing your
We make moving easier.
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Savvy Senior By Jim Miller
benefits. They can only provide information on how the system works under different circumstances. You’ll need to turn to other sources.
claiming ages), telling you which strategy is expected to provide the most total spendable dollars over your lifetime. But if you want a more thorough analysis, consider fee-based calculators like Maximize My Social Security (www.MaximizeMySocialSecurity.com) or Social Security Solutions (www.SocialSecuritySolutions.com). Both of these tools, which are particularly helpful to married couples as well as divorced or widowed persons, will run whatif scenarios based on your circumstances and show how different filing strategies affect the total payout over the same time frame. Maximize My Social Security’s web-based service costs $40 per year for a household, while Social Security Solutions offers several levels of web-based and personalized phone advice ranging from $20 to $250. IN-PERSON ADVICE
ONLINE TOOLS
Your first step is to go to www. SSA.gov/myaccount to get your personalized statement that estimates what your retirement benefits will be at ages 62 through 70. These estimates are based on your yearly earnings — also listed on your report. Once you get your estimates, there are a number online Social Security strategy calculators you can turn to that can compare your options so you can make an informed decision. The best one that’s completely free to use is Open Social Security (www.OpenSocialSecurity.com), which runs the math for each possible claiming age (or, if you’re married, each possible combination of
You can also get help through a financial planner. Look for someone who is a fee-only certified financial planner (CFP) that charges on an hourly basis and has experience in Social Security analysis. To find someone, use the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors online directory at www.NAPFA.org, or try the Garrett Planning Network (www.GarrettPlanningNetwork.com), which is a network of fee-only advisers that charge between $150 and $300 per hour. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.
Home is a garden overflowing with memories. We give people the help they need to live in the place they love™
Williston’s Home Town Home Care Agency 802-862-7200
YO U R PAT H O N WA R D A N D U P WA R D
GriswoldHomeCare.com/Northern-Vermont © 2019 Griswold International, LLC
December 9, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 19
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Pick-up just in time for the festivities on either December 23rd or 24th!
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Herb Crusted Beef Tenderloin
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The Holidays are all about celebration, joy, and of course deliciousness! Healthy Living is here to help with your holiday menu. With the perfect mix of items from our Meat & Seafood Department and our Cafe, take something off your to-do list by pre-ordering now.
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Ingredients:
Directions:
One 2-3 lb beef tenderloin, whole
Preheat ovenn to 350°F. Using a sharp knife, make a slit into the side of the roast, cutting lengthwise, almost all the way through. Now the tenderloin should lie flat like an open book.
2 cups fresh parsley leaves 1 Tbsp fresh thyme
ACROSS 1. Bible book 5. Greek fruit 8. Green soup 11. “All I wanna do” singer 12. Dynamic quality 16. Enjoy a smorgasbord 17. Ilk 18. Aggregate 19. “You ___ My Sunshine” 20. Quick 22. Bleachers’ features 24. Gridiron referee 27. Tailor 28. Take 31. “___, Two, Buckle My Shoe”: Christie 32. Pitches four balls to 35. Impenetrable 36. Like some socks 37. Manner 38. Had a spoonful of 39. Plate holder 41. Copycat’s request 42. Be disloyal 45. Visible part of an iceberg 46. Catch 49. Orderly display 50. Flung 52. Reminiscer’s word 53. Surprise attack 54. Encouraging word 55. Despised
Across
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DOWN 11. "All I wanna do" singer 1. Stage performance
12. Dynamic quality
2. “Big Girls Don’t ___” 3. Outdo 4. Give one’s word 5. Pedal pushers 6. Hostel 7. Understand 8. Country dweller 9. Place for a headphone 10. Chomped on 13. Gets promotions 14. Got taller 15. Nay’s opposite 21. Mutt’s mitt 23. “___ Boots Are Made for Walkin’” (1966 hit) 24. Menagerie 25. Termination 26. Every river has one
16. Enjoy a smorgasbord 17. Ilk
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27. Plane’s domain 29. Operate 30. Energy saving bulb 33. Not at home 34. Put (down) 35. Beaver’s work 38. Gift wrapping need 39. Exchange 40. “A drop of golden sun” 41. Madam’s counterpart 42. Keep out 43. Noteworthy period 44. Like tidy beards 45. Biblically yours 46. Baseball tool 47. Life measurement 48. First word of the British national anthem 50. Political analyst’s topic 51. British rock group 54. Quiz option 56. Cause to smile 58. It goes over the road 59. Assemble 60. “__ about that!” 61. Feeling of reverence 63. Large open vessel for liquids 64. Dessert 66. Silent signal 67. Pull 68. Metallic rock found in veins
In a food processor, combine the herbs, garlic, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and 2 of the 3 Tbsp of olive oil. Pulse until mixture becomes a paste.
2 Tbsp fresh rosemary 3 cloves garlic
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1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
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In a separate bowl, combine the panko, chopped shallots, remaining parmesan and olive oil. Mix together.
3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
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Spread half of the herb paste on the open side of the tenderloin. Fold tenderloin closed.
3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
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2 small shallots, finely diced
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Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper
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Butcher’s twine
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Place on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until an instant read thermometer reads 120°F (medium rare). Let the roast rest for 10 minutes out of the oven before slicing and serving.
Beef Tenderloin Roast
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31. "___, Two, Buckle My Shoe": Christie
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$2999/lb
We’re proud to sell beef that’s been raised without added hormones or antibiotics, and raised on a clean diet of grains and grasses. Each tenderloin is approximately 4-6 lbs and will feed 6-8 people. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! Prices effective through 12/18/2021. Sorry no rain checks.
Order online with this QR code or in-store at Guest Services.
r. Goslin and his dedicated, skilled dental team provide focused and personal care with your comfort and trust in mind through routine and complex treatments. • Whitening, Veneers • Comprehensive Dental Care • Implant Placement and Restoration • Clear Braces • TMD, Sleep Apnea & 3D Imaging • Crowns, Partials, Dentures
Press the panko mixture on top of the herb paste layer.
Available for pre-order on our Holiday Menu:
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Using twine, tie the tenderloin back together. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then spread the remaining herb paste over the top.
Dr. Ryan Goslin
75 Talcott Rd., Ste 20, Williston • 662-5966 • DRGOOSEVT.COM
Pre-order through 12/18 Pick up 12/23 & 12/24 (802) 879 - 2020 • 129 Market Street, Williston VT 05495 (802) 863 - 2569 • 222 Dorset Street, South Burlington VT 05403 healthylivingmarket.com
Page 20 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
Family Fun Page
Color your own wrapping paper. Color the ornaments on this page. Carefully cut this page out of the newspaper. Use it to wrap a small gift for someone special.
December 9, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 21
FIND WORKERS Reach potential employees in Williston, Stowe, South Burlington, Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Waitsfield and more… Nov. 21 at 1:10 a.m. — Police responded to a report of a noise disturbance on Lawnwood Drive. Upon arrival, the officer did not identify a disturbance. Nov. 21 at 7:36 a.m. — Police assisted a citizen in retrieving their property on Holland Lane. Nov. 21 at 8:05 a.m. — Williston Police assisted Colchester Police Department in serving a document on Williston Road. Nov. 21 at 9:25 a.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Hickory Hill. Nov. 21 at 10:13 a.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Blair Park Road. Nov. 21 at 12:06 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage at Taft Corners Shopping Center. Nov. 21 at 2:46 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Harvest Lane. Nov. 21 at 10:26 p.m. — Police responded to a request for assistance on Harvest Lane. The officer transported the citizen to a medical facility at their request. Nov. 22 at 9:55 a.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage at Eagle Crest. Nov. 22 at 10:21 a.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint by contacting the owner of the vehicle. Nov. 22 at 1:59 p.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Harvest Lane. Nov. 22 at 10:49 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Casey Lane. Upon arrival, the officer observed no suspicious activity. Nov. 24 at 8:53 a.m. — Police conducted an escort on Market Street. Nov. 24 at 12:26 p.m. — Police took an individual into custody for retail theft on Cypress Street. Nov. 24 at 12:43 p.m. — Police provided blue lights for a disabled vehicle on Williston Road. Nov. 24 at 1:39 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint on Hillside Drive. The officer made contact with the operator of the vehicle. Nov. 24 at 5:19 p.m. — Police conducted a welfare check on Terrace Drive. Nov. 24 at 6:25 p.m. — Police conducted a welfare check to assist Henrico County (Va.) Police Department. Nov. 25 at 1:45 a.m. — Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on St. George Road for speeding and took the operator into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Nov. 25 at 11:04 a.m. — Police responded to resolve a citizen dispute on Lamplite Lane. Nov. 25 at 2:26 p.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Essex Road. Nov. 25 at 2:39 p.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Whitney Hill. Nov. 25 at 3:57 p.m. — Police responded to assist Richmond Police Department with taking an individual into custody on Lower Circle. Nov. 26 at 4:39 a.m. — Williston Police assisted Vermont State Police with a vehicle collision on Interstate 89. The officer provided courtesy rides to the occupants of the vehicle. Nov. 26 at 5:38 p.m. — Police assisted a citizen on Cornerstone Drive. Nov. 26 at 6:35 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint on Oak Hill Road. Police stood by as a wrecker brought the vehicle back onto the roadway. Nov. 26 at 8:03 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint on Interstate 89. The officer was able to get the operator to get to a rest area. Nov. 26 at 8:35 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint on North Williston Road. Upon arrival, the vehicle was not on the roadway. Nov. 26 at 8:43 p.m. — Police as-
sisted a citizen on St. George Road. Nov. 26 at 9:04 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a traffic hazard on North Williston Road. Upon arrival, the officer was able to remove the tree from the roadway with the assistance of Williston Public Works. Nov. 26 at 11:30 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a vehicle stuck on Oak Hill Road. The officer coordinated a tow for the vehicle at the operator’s request. Nov. 27 at 6:15 a.m. — Police responded to a report of a traffic hazard on North Williston Road. Williston Fire Department was able to remove the tree from the power line. Nov. 27 at 11:12 a.m. — Police conducted a welfare check on Blair Park. Nov. 27 at 10:08 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious activity on Timothy Way. Upon arrival, the officer observed that all was well. Nov. 27 at 10:50 p.m. — Williston Police responded to assist Essex Police Department on Lida Drive. 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.
WE ARE HIRING!
• Nurse Practitioner/ • Physicians Assistant • Licensed Registered Nurse • Licensed Practical Nurse • Direct Care Staff
Medical-Surgical, Primary Care, ED Nurses are encouraged to apply! Founded in 2021, Sana at Stowe is a premier addiction treatment center located in the heart of the Green Mountains of Vermont. Our mission is to help individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders begin the journey of recovery in a beautiful, private setting with evidence-based treatments and outstanding service. Through our exceptional combination of medical expertise, comprehensive care, compassion and comfort, our facility creates an environment of wellness and serenity ideal for change.
Sana at Stowe is seeking qualified and highly motivated professionals to join our team! Benefits for full-time: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, vacation and holidays, continuing education and tuition reimbursement and 401(K) with employer contribution. Our work environment also focuses on achieving and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
sanastowe.health
TO APPLY: Contact the Sana Hiring Team at careers@sanastowe.health or visit indeed.com (and search for openings at Sana at Stowe)
…with one phone call. Call Rick at 802-373-2136 or email Rick@willistonobserver.com
Vermont Gas Systems is growing!
Service Technicians We are currently seeking Service Technicians to join our team to service, repair and install natural gas equipment in Chittenden and Franklin counties. Benefits include: » » » » » »
Comprehensive health insurance, available immediately 401K retirement plan with an average employer match of 7% Generous paid leave time Participation in annual bonus program $10,000/calendar year towards educational assistance And more!
Pay is based on experience: $24.93/hr - $36.75/hr. If you enjoy working in a dynamic, team-oriented atmosphere while performing meaningful, impactful work, please visit our website, www.vermontgas.com, for a full description and application. Voted one of the best places to work in the state, Vermont Gas Systems provides more than 53,000 families and businesses with clean, affordable and reliable energy services.
www.vermontgas.com
Essex Westford School District is currently hiring! EWSD serves approximately 4,500 preschool through 12th grade students in ten schools across the Essex Junction, Essex Town and Westford communities. Come be part of one of Vermont’s largest and most highly respected school districts! Full-time and Part-time opportunities available, including: • Custodian & Facilities Technicians • Lead Facilities Technicians • Hiring Coordinator • Instructional Assistants • Special Educators • Substitute Teachers and Paraeducators …And More! EWSD offers competitive pay rates. An excellent benefit package for eligible positions includes paid time off, medical and dental coverage, retirement savings and more!
Please visit www.ewsd.org/jobs to learn more and apply today.
Page 22 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
CLASSIFIEDS
1
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 – 7:00 PM Police Station Meeting Room (7928 Williston Road) or
DP 22-03 Rieley Cohen Partnership LLC requests a discretionary permit to establish an approx. 800 SF outdoor storage area at 156 Avenue B located in the IZDW. DP 09-01.24 Snyder FC Commercial Properties LLC and Rieley Properties LLC request a discretionary permit to construct Building F (senior living) on Holland Lane and Market Street in Finney Crossing located in the TCZD.
Why have a job you love? Why not have a job younot love? Join our dedicated team together build a community Join our dedicated team andand together we’llwe’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs. At CCS you receive a $500 sign-on bonus, comprehensive benefits package that includes affordable health insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement match and more. In addition, CCS has been voted one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” for the third year in a row and we want you to be a part it.
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
Our current openings of Direct Support Professionals, Service Coordinator, Senior Manager, Shared Living Provider and Asleep Overnight Supports offer the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life, and in yours.
FOR SALE
Why not have a job you love? Join us! Visit www.ccs-vt.org to apply today. ccs-vt.org EOE
LADIES BOWLING BALL & CASE — Almost brand new. Originally
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA
Due to COVID-19, virtual participation on Zoom is strongly encouraged. Masks required indoors.
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$150. Asking $60. Call 802-734-3521.
We just raised salaries at CCS. Significantly.
SERVICES PAINTING — Need a fresh start in
2021? Let Lafayette Painting give your home a beautiful new look. Our painters can do a lot in a day. LafayettePaintingInc. com or call 863-5397 to hear about our discounts.
To place a classified or service directory ad, email rick@williston observer.com or call 802-373-2136
Collectible Toys & Action Figures Closes Thurs., Dec. 16 @ 10AM 131 Dorset Lane, Williston, VT
Now hiring! 15 and over! Flexible scheduling – works great for high school and college students’ schedules.
Join our friendly and fun team and receive a
$2/hour premium
That increases to $4/hour for overnight stocking* Extra pay incentives on Sundays!
Full Time benefits include medical and dental insurance, 401K matching 5%, tuition reimbursement, PAID parental leave, professional development EMAILED ADVERTISEMENT assistance, My Hannaford Rewards incentives, and much more!
ADVERTISING INSERTION ORDER Thomas Hirchak Company * Currently offering a site premium for hourly positions applicable FROM:inLisa Rowell Chittenden County Vermont stores only. Please see Store Leadership for more information. Phone: 802-888-4662 Email: Advertising@THCAuction.com Apply online at
https://hannaford.careerswithus.com To: Rick & Susan Cote Paper: Williston Observer
Why you should advertise TODAY’S DATE: 12/2/2021 Williston Observer NAME OFthe FILE: 1354_WO DATE(S) TO RUN: 12/9/2021 • Ban Dai • Matel • Marvel • Cartoon Network Star Wars • Clone Wars Army of Republic • DC Direct • ERTL Star Wars
• McFarlane • Megablocks • Hasbro Xevoz • Hot Wheels Toy Shop • Johnny Lightning Star Trek • Star Trek Ornaments AND MANY MORE!
THCAuction.com • 802-888-4662
in
‘…print is not necessarily dying mid-sized markets. In successful markets, it EMAILED TO: Rick@Willistonobserver.com is living in tandem with the digital products. That’s because, for local Publishes in Williston Observer businesses, having a print option is vitally important for both reach SECTION: Classified Auction and efficiency. ’ SIZE 1/16 pagesmall (2” x 5”) and inOF AD: many
PO# 1354
Penny Abernathy, visiting professor, Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, 2021
Contact Rick: 802-373-2136 Rick@willistonobserver.com
And that’s on top of being a “Best Place to Work In Vermont” for three years running. Great jobs in management ($45k) and direct service ($18 per hour) at an award-winning agency serving Vermonters with intellectual disabilities. Make a career making a difference. Check current openings at https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/ ccs-vt.org EOE
Seeking Auto Auction Office Assistant
Looking for responsible, motivated, self-starter for busy Williston auto auction facility. Position works with the office manager completing tasks both inside and outdoors. This is a 32-40 hour per week position with the potential for one Saturday per month.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Customer service: answering phones, registering customers for auction • Automobile title paperwork, bills of sale, etc. • Processing payments, cashier duties, and bank deposits • General administrative office duties • Cross-train in operations as needed, including in-take of vehicles into computer for auctions • Computer skills • Automobile title experience a plus This job will require the ability to remain focused and change tasks as needed. Must possess a valid Vermont driver’s license.
Email Resume and Cover Letter to: Info@THCAuction.com We offer competitive wages, and a full benefits package for full time employees. No auction experience necessary.
THCAuction.com • 800-634-7653 or 802-888-4662
EMA ADVE Thom FROM Phon Emai
To: R Pape
TODA NAM DATE
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December 9, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 23
SERVICE DIRECTORY LOCAL MEATS
BASEMENT BASEMENT SYSTEMS SYSTEMS
SOLAR POWER
Pastured Pork 17 kinds of pork sausage Certified Organic Beef (reg. burger $7lb, lean $5lb) Pastured Lamb • Pastured Chicken, Duck
HEIRLOOM PORK SHOP
Customer-driven solutions designed engineered and built in Vermont, with over 3,000 installations in the state. allearthrenewables.com CALL 802.872.9600 x122
Go Solar with AllEarth Renewables
1547 Hardwick St. E. Hardwick (802) 472-5557 leblancfamilyfarm@emypeople.net
Available at our farm and at Richmond Market
HOME IMPROVEMENT
LAND MAINTENANCE
Bear Ridge Home Improvement • Remodeling • Bath renovations 10/08/2019 • General handy man services
Forestry Mulching Services for private and commercial projects
• Exterior siding • Painting 3.25 x 2 AD• Rot forreplacement Williston Observer • Decking • Construction services • Remodeling • InteriorWeeks painting services 52 Consecutive $18.00/week • Tile and hardwood flooring
Driveways, Ponds, Land Clearing, Trails, Farms, Ski Areas, Natural Disaster Recovery, Logging Cleanup, Invasive Vegetation, Excavation
$936
ANTIQUES WANTED Decluttering? Downsizing? Settling an Estate? We can help you discover, learn about and sell:
WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK We can field questions, review photos and coordinate estate work. Contact Brian Bittner 802-272-7527 bittnerantiques@gmail.com
Visit our website for more information www.vtlandmaintenance@gmail.com Brian Washburn 802-434-4533 • 802-373-1755 (cell)
26 years experience 802-343-2708 tfortin1007@gmail.com
REAL ESTATE Your Williston Neighbor
ANTIQUES
www.bittnerantiques.com
BUILDING SERVICES
BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC Remodeling & Additions
ALL TYPES OF SIDING Vinyl/Wood/Composite
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Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages
Michelle Desautels REALTOR®, PSA (802) 846-9503
RUG CLEANING
Monkton, VT
beaglebuilders@gmavt.net
802-453-4340 CALL US!
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IVE CORNERS ORNERS FIVE CORNERS FFIVE C ANTIQUES NTIQUES ANTIQUES A A Multi Dealer Shop A Multi Dealer A Multi Dealer Shop Shop
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11 Maple Street, Street, Essex Junction, VT VT 11 Maple Essex Junction, 11Open Maple Street, Junction, VT Mon SatEssex 10-5 Sun 11-4 Open-Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 Open Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 5CornersAntiques.com 5CornersAntiques.com 5CornersAntiques.com
Talk to more potential clients! Place a service directory ad. Email rick@willistonobserver.com or call 802-373-2136
Page 24 • Williston Observer • December 9, 2021
Our dog has his day Duke, left, is featured in a new book for kids called ‘K9 Duke: the Comfort Dog.’ Duke is the Williston Police Department’s therapy dog. The book was co-authored by Duke’s handler, Officer Matt Cohen, and Karen Sturtevant, pictured top left. Saturday they were all at Guy’s Farm and Yard in Williston to pose for pictures and sign their book for people. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
r e t n e o t e n i l d a De o t d e d n e t x e !
2 1 . c De
Holiday Decorating Contest
If you’ve decked your halls it’s time to call!
e e r f s ’ It fun!
Homes and businesses are invited to show off their holiday style! Sign up by December 12 at www.willistonrec.org Register to win great prizes from Williston businesses: Adams Farm Market • Healthy Living Shaw’s • Vermont Meat & Seafood Williston Coffee Shop
Win ! s e z i pr
s e s s e Busin s e c n e d & Resi ! e m o c wel