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Unsworth acquires Edge building BY JASON STARR Observer staff The former Edge Sports and Fitness building in Williston has sold to Unsworth Properties for $5.1 million. The 58,000-square-foot building near the intersection of Marshall Avenue and South Brownell Road is listed with VT Commercial for lease as a flexible warehouse/industrial space. The listing touts the building’s 30-foot-high ceilings and easy access for trucks. “It will not be a health club in the future,” James Unsworth of Unsworth Properties said. The company, based in Burlington, bought the building and 6-acre parcel under the name Nautilus LLC. The LLC was incorporated in September and the sale was finalized in December. The Unsworth family has a history with the Edge. Unsworth said his grandfather, Ray Unsworth, founded the fitness center that eventually evolved into the Edge. Unsworth’s father, Stephen, still owns part of the business. “When they decided to close this location, we were just kind of the obvious buyers,” James said. “We are real estate investors. This was a good opportunity to own some more industrial space in a really great area for those sorts of uses, and we’re excited to get a company in there to occupy the space.” In the fall of 2020, Unsworth bought the industrial properties along Avenue D and Miller Lane in Williston in a $28 million transaction. Since then, Beta Technologies and iSun have moved in. The Edge still operates two locations in South Burlington and one in Essex. CEO Michael Feitelberg told members in September about the decision to close the Williston location, citing a need to consolidate operations due to the pandemic. The Williston Edge had two pools, a fitness center and physical therapy services. South Burlington resident Monica Farrington used to frequent the therapy pool in Williston with a group of regulars. She remains mostly satisfied with her membership, but laments the longer drive and reduced hours of the Essex pool — as well as some quirks about the layout of the facility temperature fluctuations of the water. “I would take Williston back in a heartbeat if I could,” she said.

The Edge Sports and Fitness location in Williston is being remodeled for lease as an industrial/warehouse space. Unsworth Properties bought the building in December. OBSERVER FILE PHOTO

A picture of an Aldi market in Ohio was included with the application for a Williston store in Taft Corners.

Grocery store, apartment project gets preliminary nod

COURTESY OF WILLISTON PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT

BY JASON STARR Observer staff Williston’s Development Review Board approved a preliminary plan Tuesday for an Aldi grocery store and three-story apartment building in Taft Corners. The development is slated for 2 acres of vacant land that was once the site of the Skateland roller rink, which was torn down in 2003. The approval allows the grocery store portion of the project to proceed to final review and the 24-unit apartment building to compete with other residential proposals for allocation under the town’s growth management process. At 20,000-square-feet, Aldi would be a smaller option than the Hannaford grocery store located about a quarter mile away. “It fills a nice niche in the grocery store market,” said applicant Jeff Nick of J.L. Davis Realty. Between the two buildings, a parking lot, green space and artwork are planned. The development will require an extension of Wright Avenue and construction of a portion of Trader Lane. It is at the heart of what is envisioned as a walkable neighborhood under new zoning regulations that town planners are creating for Taft Corners. The board reviewed the application

‘Requiring at least two stories … leads to a more efficient use of land that encourages the creation of housing and prevents further development of the single-story big box form.’ Matt Boulanger Williston Planning and Zoning Director

under the existing regulations. If J.L. Davis submits an application for final review before the new regulations are in place, it would also be reviewed under the existing regulations, according to Planning and Zoning Director Matt Boulanger. The new regulations, a complete rewrite of zoning rules for Taft Corners, are expected to be in place by the end of the fiscal year in June. Boulanger said the proposal as presented Tuesday would not comply with the new regulations. The Planning Commission is in the final stages of drafting the new regulations and plans to hold a public hear-

ing on them at its Feb. 1 meeting. The regulations would then go before the selectboard for a public hearing and potential approval. The new regulations would change Taft Corners to a “form-based” district, where buildings are reviewed based on their look, materials and relationship to their surroundings, rather than their uses. The draft sets a minimum height of two stories for buildings, mandates sloping roofs and outlaws parking lots that front a street. “Requiring at least two stories … leads to a more efficient use of land that encourages the creation of housing and prevents further development of the single-story ‘big box’ form,” Boulanger wrote in a Dec. 28 memo to the selectboard. The new code also prescribes the location of streets and alleys “rather than developers choosing on a project basis.” “(It) sets the stage for a development pattern of human-scale, walkable, interconnected blocks that will be fronted by attractive buildings,” the memo states. The new regulations draft was created after a series of public visioning sessions last year and with the help of a consultant. More information about the project is available at www.mytaftcorners.com.

Federal windfall arrives for public schools

Page 2 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

State receives $95 million in latest round of pandemic relief funding OBSERVER STAFF REPORT

Last week, the State of Vermont received $95 million in federal funding to be used in public K-12 schools for pandemic relief and recovery. In releasing the funds, the U.S. Department of Education approved the state’s plan for use of the money, known as Elementary and Secondary School

Emergency Relief (ESSER) in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. The state had already received nearly $200 million in federal ESSER funds. The Vermont Agency of Education’s plan to use the funds includes a vaccination rate incentive for schools; investment in K-3 literacy; and embedding medical, mental health and social supports in schools, especially in rural settings. “With the input of stakeholders statewide, Vermont devel-

oped a plan to leverage these transformative federal funds through pandemic response to education recovery and beyond,” Vermont Secretary of Education Dan French said. “The plan addresses the pressing social, emotional and academic needs of Vermont students in our schools today, while making investments that will transform brick and mortar facilities and reimagine education for Vermont students in the future.” Vermont’s Congressional delegation also commented on

the funding. “It is no secret that this has been a disruptive time for all of us, but especially for our young people,” Sen. Bernie Sanders said. “It is absolutely essential that we do everything we possibly can to support Vermont students in the coming months and years as we recover from these challenges. That is why I am very proud to have secured significant funding for summer and after school programming and community schools in the American Rescue Plan and this new fund-

ing from the Department of Education gives us a real opportunity to continue the programs that our students want and need.” Sen. Patrick Leahy added: “This pandemic has been incredibly difficult for everyone, including learning losses for our students … These investments in Vermont will promote safe learning and help us deal with learning loss and the social and emotional toll that the last year has taken on Vermont’s students, educators and communities.”

PROPERTY TRANSFERS - DECEMBER 2021 • Cathy Conrad bought a condominium on Seth Circle from Stefan Gramatzki for $276,000. • The Champlain Housing Trust, Inc. bought a hotel on Zephyr Road from the Williston Inn Group, LLC for $13,450,000. • Nautilus Holdings LLC bought a commercial property on 6 acres on Wellness Drive from Sports and Fitness Edge, Inc. for $5.1 million. • Richard Mitchell bought a condominium on Holland Lane from Aulis Lind for $350,000. • Richard Gokey bought a mobile home on Meadowbend

Road from Jodie Peck for $245,000. • Joseph Waidl bought a mobile home on Williston Woods Road from Wanda Bushey for $155,000. • Robert Merritt bought a home on 9 acres on Oak Hill Drive from Erin McIntyre for $533,200. • Mary Beth Morrisseau bought a condominium on Meadowrun Road from Eveline Corey for $430,000. • 665-669 Essex Road LLC bought a home on 10 acres on Essex Road from Bruce Barry

for $950,000. • John Elowson bought a home on 5 acres on South Road from Ricky Limoge for $480,000. • Donald Gill bought a home on Ledgewood Drive from Jason Tiballi for $720,000. • Group Five Investments LLC bought an office building on Talcott Road from Morris Switzer Properties LLC for $2,000,000. • Mathew Fraser bought a multi-family home on Maple Road from JCN Properties LLC for $460,000. • Amer Ahmed bought a home

on Hanon Drive from Donald Gill for $720,000. • Susan Slane bought a condominium on Jakes Way from Nelson Floyd for $285,000. • Zahra Nora McGinley Winter bought a condominium on Shirley Circle from Robert Spaulding for $196,000. • Ana Mihailov bought a home on Day Lane from Jared Johnson for $447,000. • The Vietnamese American Buddhist Association of Massachusetts bought a home on Essex Road from Thu Chau for $85,000.

• Peter Flint bought a home on Chapman Lane from Shelley Marshall for $190,000. • Andrew Chase bought a home on Country Lane from Timothy Holmes for $387,5000. • Dwight Jerolmon bought a condominium on Churchview Drive from Jeremy Zeliger for $425,000. • Susan Callahan bought a condominium on Zephyr Road from Nathan Graber for $515,000. • Mahendra Singh bought a condominium on Churchview Drive from Leon Bruno for $430,000.

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Hinesburg votes to eliminate traditional Town Meeting Lawmakers move to clarify pandemic Town Meeting Day rules JOIA PUTNOI Community News Service The town of Hinesburg’s December vote to move all Town Meeting Day decisions to a ballot instead of a traditional town meeting has caught the attention of state lawmakers and Town Meeting Day advocates, who say the town improperly applied a pandemic-era safety measure. Senators passed a bill last week updating last year’s Town Meeting Day guidelines, with a provision that specifically disallows a town asking its residents to adopt an Australian ballot on a permanent basis, as Hinesburg’s vote did. The bill now moves to the Vermont House, which will likely send it to Gov. Phil Scott’s desk soon. Seven Days first reported the issue, and noted that Rockingham also misinterpreted last year’s law, according to bill author Sen. Jeanette White (D-Windham). Hinesburg’s vote determining whether or not to hold all votes by ballot item passed by wide margins among the 407 people who voted in the election, representing about a quarter of the 1,700-person town electorate.

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The decision to hold the special election was made by the town selectboard in early November. Hinesburg’s choice to move to Australian ballot for Town Meeting Day was prompted by last year’s Act 162, which gave towns agency to hold Covid-safe town meetings. White said the law was intended to be used as a temporary measure to help towns adhere to Covid guidelines. As intended by the law, towns must hold an in-person floor meeting when voting on making the permanent switch to the Australian ballot, however, Hinesburg did not do so, White said. “I am just appalled at towns that want to do away with town meeting and just have Australian ballot. It’s just the worst thing for democracy,” said White. Susan Clark, Town Moderator of Middlesex and coauthor of the book “All Those In Favor,” said she believes that Hinesburg should have waited to discuss the change in person. “It is contrary to the spirit of the law as written,” said Clark. “They were passing a public health emergency law, and inadvertently, they made a gross alteration.” Vermont town meetings, where in-person voters act as citizen-legislators, is one of the few modern examples of direct democracy — not dissimilar to the democrat-

ic decision-making born in ancient Athens. The vote to eliminate town meeting is unsettling to Hinesburg resident Richard Watts. Watts has lived in Hinesburg for 30 years, and has long valued town meeting’s capacity for face-to-face deliberation. “I would have liked to see the town make more of an effort to have a conversation about how we could retain some of the elements of town meeting before just giving up on it,” said Watts. Merrily Lovell, selectboard chair in Hinesburg, told Seven Days that the vote was held because town leaders were worried they would not have guidance from state lawmakers in time for Town Meeting Day, and they wanted to be sure a vote could be held safely. “As far as we could understand it, we were very clearly following the law as it was written at the time,” she said. “If it’s not permanent, that’s fine with me.” Lovell said she values the Town Meeting Day format, according to Seven Days, and hopes “that Covid turns out to be something that guides us in ways to keep that going. It’s real democracy.” Disclosure: Richard Watts is the director of the Center for Research on Vermont, the parent organization of the Community News Service.

‘Covid Summit’ planned for Williston church Williston’s Ignite Church on Brownell Road will be the site of a “Global Covid Summit” organized by VT Grassroots (www.vtgrassroots.com). The summit is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Jan. 15. Tickets are $30 at www.vtgrassroots. com. It will follow a similar event the organization is putting on at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Montpelier a day earlier. The event will feature discussions led by doctors, attorneys and ethical leaders. “We are standing up to put an end to big government running away with our freedom to choose our own destiny,” a VT Grassroots spokesperson told the Vermont Daily Chronicle. “Join physicians, scientists and frontline professionals to discuss insights and analyze findings regarding Covid-19 treatment and care,” an event description on www.vtgrassroots.com states. “Are Covid-19 vaccines safe and effective? Do we have safe and effective options for treatment? What about legal options?” A VIP dinner with doctors for $90 is also being planned, the website says.

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Page 4 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

Labor leaders, lawmakers back pension reform plan BY LOLA DUFFORT VTDigger

A long-awaited pension reform proposal is finally out. On Monday, a special legislative task force charged with finding a way to pay down the ballooning debts of the Vermont teachers’ and state employees’ pension systems unanimously endorsed a package of recommendations. The reform plan still has a ways to go. It must be crafted into a bill — it will make its legislative debut in the Senate Government Operations committee — and pass both chambers before it could garner Gov. Phil Scott’s signature. But it has significant momentum behind it. When lawmakers took a first pass at pension reform last

Steve Howard, executive director of the Vermont State Employees Association, speaks on Aug. 27, 2020. FILE PHOTO BY MIKE DOUGHERTY/VTDIGGER

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spring, a proposal put forward by the House faced immediate backlash from labor unions and was shelved within days of its unveiling. The new proposal was crafted by a task force composed of lawmakers and representatives from the Vermont-National Education Association, the Vermont State Employees Association and the Vermont Troopers Association — and is being applauded by labor and legislative leaders alike. “The state has never made a commitment like this before to the pension systems for both state employees and teachers,” said Andrew Emrich, a VT-NEA representative on the task force who teaches at Brookside Primary School in Waterbury. Both sides are making concessions. Employees are agreeing to modest benefit reductions and higher contributions. (Current retirees would not be impacted.) Lawmakers, in exchange, are offering $200 million in one-time money to pay down the system’s debts as well as 50 percent of any general fund surpluses going forward. The unions representing educators and state employees had been emphatic earlier in the process that any deal would require the state to pony up dedicated revenues. But lawmakers — and Scott — remained dead set against creating any new taxes to pay for retirement benefits. By promising a share of any future general fund surpluses, lawmakers are pledging new forms of ongoing support without having to agree to new taxes. And while employees are agreeing to shoulder part of the burden of reform, Emrich argued that the concessions in the package were a far cry from the cuts initially contemplated in proposals discussed last winter and

spring. Earlier plans, for example, envisioned teachers working an additional 10 years — and seeing annual cost-of-living bumps to their pensions axed entirely. The deal before lawmakers now keeps the retirement age for teachers as-is, and it preserves — with some tweaks — a cost-of-living adjustment. “I think there’s a lot of great positives to take away from this,” Emrich said. Steve Howard, the executive director of the VSEA, said the deal eliminates changes to the pension that would require the union’s members to work longer for a less secure retirement. Another key win, according to Howard, is that the panel promised to look into creating a new pension benefit group for staff at the Department of Corrections, which is facing unprecedented levels of turnover. Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce would be tasked with finding a cost-neutral way to pay for it by April 15. “That’s a major victory. We haven’t finished the work on that yet — but we’ve never gotten this far,” Howard said. “We’re there. We’ve got all the ingredients, and we can put it together.” The deal comes after weeks of intense back-and-forth negotiations between union representatives and top lawmakers, who cheered the package’s unanimous endorsement by the panel. “This is a hopeful day for Vermont public employees and for Vermont taxpayers. The agreement we’ve struck will protect the public pension system and will save Vermonters millions and millions of dollars over the coming years,” Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint, D-Windham, said in a statement issued minutes after the task force’s adjournment. “This big financial investment will right a wrong, give public employees peace of mind, and will benefit all of us.” Balint was echoed by her counterpart in the lower chamber, House Speaker Jill Krowinski, D-Burlington, who called it a historic moment. “We must use the momentum and energy of the task force members to get this bill passed and into law. We will continue to show the rest of the country that difficult issues, like pension reform, are issues we can tackle in Vermont,” Krowinski said in a statement. Scott, who said he wanted lawmakers to take the lead on pension reform, has yet to weigh in. The lone administration official on the task force, Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Mike Pieciak, voted alongside the rest of the panel for the overhaul but said he had not conferred with the administration about it.

January 13, 2022 • Williston Observer • Page 5

Extreme cold closes schools, endangers the vulnerable BY ETHAN WEINSTEIN VTDigger As windchills plunged to more than 30 degrees below zero on Tuesday, schools closed and community organizations scrambled to keep residents safe and warm. At temperatures that low, frostbite can occur in 10 minutes, said Seth Kutikoff, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Burlington. Kutikoff described Tuesday’s chill as likely a “one-in-three-year or one-in-five-year event,” and in response, the National Weather Service helped advise Vermont schools on how to handle the freezing temperatures. The Barre Unified Union School District shut down operations Tuesday, partly due to the cold. Superintendent Chris Hennessey called it a perfect storm of extreme weather, Covid-related staff shortages and high Covid case counts across the district. Between one-third and one-quarter of staff at the district’s two pre-K-8 schools are missing work due to Covid, he said. The staffing shortage at Spaulding High School is only slightly better. “On a day like this, you can’t bring kids outside, so then it creates big problems in terms of managing what they’re going to do during that time and who’s going to staff it,” Hennessey said. “This was not just about the cold. It was a convergence of everything.” South Burlington closed its schools Tuesday as well. Jenn Baudreau, the parent of a second grader who attends Rick Marcotte Central School, said they already had a plan given the school closures they have faced over the past two years. “We pretty quickly defaulted into what we’ve been doing all along in the pandemic with school closures, which is reach out to a friend who also has a kid

in school and arrange a ‘childcare playdate,’” Baudreau wrote in an email to VTDigger. “We all work, so it’s helped reduce the stress by taking turns doing the childcare and also by having our kids have a friend to play with.” Typically, the children play outdoors to minimize the risk of Covid infection, but given Tuesday’s temperatures, Baudreau said the kids played indoors and masked. State troopers did not encounter any particular cold weather issues, but Vermont State Police spokesperson Adam Silverman reminded residents to keep a cold-weather kit in their car and have plenty of fuel before driving anywhere. Capstone Community Action, which works in Lamoille, Washington and Orange counties, experienced increased demand for emergency fuel in the past week — a worrying trend before Tuesday’s chill. “People are finding that between the price of fuel oil, and the fact that they’re running low, that they’re giving us a call because they’re finding themselves in a little bit of trouble,” said Dawn Butterfield, family community support services director at Capstone. Capstone has performed more than 350 fuel assists across its three-county network this year. The organization receives state and federal funding, as well as donations, to provide that support, Butterfield said. “There’s been an influx of funds from the feds because of the pandemic,” Butterfield said. Upper Valley Haven, a White River Junction food bank and homeless shelter, no longer runs its warming shelter due to the risk of Covid transmission. In past years, the Haven helped Vermonters experiencing homelessness stay in free motel rooms during adverse weather conditions such as extreme cold, according to Michael Redmond, the nonprofit’s

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A pedestrian braves the cold in St. Johnsbury on Tuesday. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

executive director. This year, Vermont did away with its old weather requirements, allowing motel accommodations throughout the winter regardless of the weather. The relaxed requirements — ostensibly positive — have had an unexpected consequence: motels are full, and the Haven has not

been able to get everyone sheltered during the current cold snap. “We’re concerned by that. Unfortunately, we don’t have a ready response,” Redmond said. The Haven provides camping gear and fuel to people who choose to camp as a preference or as a last resort, Redmond said.

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Ellen B. LaPlante, Esq. Stephen A. Unsworth, Esq. Wendy S Hillmuth, Esq. Members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys & National Association of Elder Law Attorneys. 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

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Page 6 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

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Notes from the Legislature

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BY REP. ERIN BRADY

P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 | 802-489-5499 PUBLISHER Susan T. Cote susan@willistonobserver.com 802-489-5499

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The 2022 legislative session has officially begun and, like ever y thing these days, it is requiring constant adaptability to the continuing pandemic. We will be operating remotely until at least Jan. 18 given the extraordinarily high case count in our communities and transmissibility of the Omicron variant. While I am anxious for life to return to normal and for the Legislature to be able to return safely to Montpelier, I am thankful for vaccines, increased access to testing and the individual and collective actions so many of us have taken to protect one another. In my announcement to run for this seat during the lockdown of 2020, I said “we are at a pivotal moment and the Covid-19 crisis is an opportunity to rethink so many things about our society as we experience such upheaval, strain and loss. I’m hopeful that we’ll rebuild something better and more equitable.” That optimism admittedly feels more distant as the pandemic continues to disrupt our lives and cause collective loss almost two years later. Yet I remain deeply committed to that ambition and am anxious to get to work. This session our work will include investing Ver mont’s remaining federal American Rescue Pla n Act f u nds a nd

building a budget that will boost recovery in all 14 counties and set the stage for a strong future. My highest priorities this year are: • Tackling and funding the interconnected challenges of housing, childcare and workforce issues • Implementing recommendations from the Climate Council to reduce Vermonters’ contributions to climate change • Supporting Prop 5, an amendment to the Vermont Constitution that would guarantee personal reproductive liberty to all Vermonters • Continuing work to dismantle systemic and institutional racism and reduce barriers across state systems and our communities

T he Legislat u re will also be dealing with reapportionment, education finance and the weighting study, rural broadband buildout and increasing access to mental healthcare. Of cou rse, ou r work must also include protecting public health and safety during the ongoing pandemic through evidence-driven strategies, sound data and the advice of medical experts. As a high school teacher, parent to school-aged children and a member of the House Education Committee, I am acutely aware just how challenging conditions are in

ou r schools r ig ht now. T he strain on faculty and staff, as well as on students, cannot be overstated. We are in the midst of some very difficult weeks. W he n t he pa nde m ic f i r st started and parents were commiserating about the immense challenges of schools being shut down and navigating “remote learning,” I was optimistic that a silver lining of this awf ul pandemic would be a new level of commitment to our schools. I am extremely concerned that the opposite may be true. Schools are one of the few community institutions almost all families are still connected to during this pandemic and they have of ten become the object of criticism and second guessing. When administrators have to close classrooms due to Covid cases, or keep them closed because tests are not available and contact tracing is cumbersome, it is often the schools that are scr utinized rather than our infrastructure for responding to the pandemic or our community measures to suppress it. As we navigate the challenge of Omicron, I see this tension continuing to build. My work on the Education Committee will be focused on supporting schools as they bear the weight of another pandemic tur n and, when appropriate, looking for oppor tunities to support recovery. Despite the challenges of see BRADY page 7

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Reagan: Uniting for MLK’s dream

The following is the text of President Ronald Reagan’s proclamation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, delivered Dec. 23, 1988. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established by law in 1983 and first observed in 1986. This year, it falls on Jan. 17.

During January, America celebrates a national holiday in honor of the birthday of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. We do so in memory of a man who asked to be recalled by his countrymen not for any earthly honors he had won but as “a drum major for justice.” That title he deemed greater than any other because earning it would mean that he had not lived his life in vain. Today, America does remember Dr. King as a drum major for justice, as a giant whose life was far from being in vain. In a sermon on the eve of his assassination, he surely described his own mission when he asked, “Who is it that is supposed to articulate the longings and aspirations of the people more than the preacher? Somehow the preacher must be an Amos, and say, `Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.’” Martin Luther King, Jr., did exactly that. He gave eloquent voice and powerful leadership to the long-cherished hopes of millions as he headed a crusade to end bigotry, segregation and discrimination in our land; to foster equal opportunity; and to make universal America’s promise of liberty and justice for all. Dr. King’s work is not done, but

We must reaffirm in every generation the lessons of justice and charity that Dr. King taught with his unflinching determination, his complete confidence in the redeeming power of love, and his utter willingness to suffer, to sacrifice, and to serve. neither is his witness stilled. He urged again and again that all of us come to love and befriend one another, to live in brotherhood and reconciliation, to nourish each and every individual’s dignity and self-respect. We must reaffirm in every generation the lessons of justice

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and charity that Dr. King taught with his unflinching determination, his complete confidence in the redeeming power of love, and his utter willingness to suffer, to sacrifice and to serve. We must, and we can, all be drum majors for justice. That is our duty and our glor y as Americans. On Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and every day let us unite in prayer and promise to be true to the American Dream he loved and renewed. By Public Law 98-144, the third Monday in January of each year has been designated as a public holiday in honor of the “Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.’’ Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Monday, January 16, 1989, as Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth.

January 13, 2022 • Williston Observer • Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Building the pipeline to employment Our region is experiencing high demands for skilled trade employees in almost every sector. For decades, career and technical centers in Vermont have helped fill the needs of our employers, preparing students for high-skill, high-wage and in-demand jobs. In response to needs in the construction industry in Vermont, the Center for Technology, Essex (CTE) will be re-launching its Building Systems: HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical program beginning in the fall of 2022. This program will provide students with the learning opportunities, apprenticeships and certifications to be successful in three different construction trade sectors:

Brady continued from page

our remote start to the session, we’ve sent our first bill to the Governor — S.172, which will give our local election officials the flexibility they need to plan for safe Town Meetings across the state. I am honored to represent Wil-

HVAC technicians, electrical and plumbing. Employees in each of these three sectors can ear n up to $45,000 within a few years of employment, with the correct certifications and experience. CTE currently provides pathways for students in 16 different programs leading to nationally recognized certifications while providing students a way to graduate high school. Students who complete programs at CTE are uniquely prepared to enter the workforce in high-paying positions and continue their education at the post-secondary level. To learn more about the Center for Technology-Essex, contact Christine Chase at (802) 857-7542 or cchase@ewsd.org. Ben Dickie Essex Westford School District liston during these challenging times and I strive to be accessible and responsive. I look forward to providing monthly updates on our legislative session. Please email me at ebrady@leg.state.vt.us with your questions, concerns or ideas anytime. Erin Brady represents Williston in the Vermont House of Representatives.

Page 8 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

SPORTS

CVU-MMU’s Mackenzie Rivard, above, gets a pass off in front of South Burlington’s Reese Bailey during the Cougarhawks’ game vs. the Wolves on Dec. 29 at Cairns Arena. Right, CVU-MMU’s Sabina Brochu celebrates a goal with her teammates. The goalie for the Cougarhawks, below, Gracie Deavitt makes a save. At the bottom, CVU-MMU’s Tess Everett gets around South Burlington’s Annika Erickson. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Girls hockey off to fast start under new coach

BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent

There is a new voice leading the the Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield co-op girls hockey team, and its a pretty big one. Maggie DiMasi is one of the most accomplished female hockey players to come out of Vermont. She takes the reins this season of the CVU-MMU team as its new head coach. DiMasi played at Northeastern University for four years, then played professionally for the Boston Blades of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League and ESC Planegg in Germany. She joined Norwich University women’s hockey team as an assistant coach in 2017 and now takes the helm of the CougarHawks. “We have 24 skaters … and they have all just been willing to come in with an open mind and ready to play and ready to learn,” DiMasi said. “It’s been really great so far.” DiMasi’s tenure has started off well. The CougarHawks got off to a 3-1 start. The team has pitched two shutouts and the offense scored 18 goals over the first four games. “I think one thing that we definitely do is we always respect each other and we respect our oppo-

nents,” DiMasi said. “We’ve been successful already this year … I think we’re gonna hopefully have some high hopes later in the season if the players are buying in, like they already are.”

‘If our players are having fun and they’re learning, then that’s a win.’ Maggie DiMasi CVU-MMU hockey coach

DiMasi has not made a ton of changes since taking over. After working under former coach Scott Bushweller, she knows the team and the system and is just adjusting for the large group of skaters this season. “I would say the biggest change is that we’re looking to give every player a chance right now,” DiMasi said. “Every game we are playing all three lines, and I think that’s a little different than previous years, but it’s also different because we have the numbers.” The current Covid situation still hanging over winter sports and the co-operative nature of the CVUMMU program means that DiMasi and the players have some different

challenges this season. But the coach’s familiarity with the program has made the transition an easy one. “If the players don’t see us having fun, then they’re not gonna have fun,” DiMasi said. “Really I could care less if we win any more games in the season. If our players are having fun and they’re learning, then that’s a win.” DiMasi is also hoping to help inspire the next generation of female ice hockey players, teaming up with the youth teams and Girls For Hockey, a non-profit aimed at introducing girls to the sport. “One thing that we’re trying to do every day is be a good role model for any youth organization,” the coach said. “Girls aren’t going to want to play unless they see other players and girls having fun.” While the coach and team are focused on improving on the ice and setting up community relations off of it, DiMasi said the CougarHawks still have their sights set on making a playoff push. “I think the strengths would just be our communication, our comittment to working hard and our ability to support each other,” DiMasi said. “I think with our players being able to support each other on and off the ice, we’re going to see massive growth.”

January 13, 2022 • Williston Observer • Page 9

SPORTS Boys blades blaze CVU’s Nic Menard, right, beats his South Burlington defender to the puck during the Redhawks’ game vs. the Wolves on Saturday evening at Cairns Arena. Below, CVU’s Kalle Glader chases down the puck. CVU goalie Jack Averill makes a solid save. CVU’s Alex Zuchowski gets off a point blank shot.

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Page 10 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

Basketball win streak snapped at 57

The CVU girls basketball team saw its 57-game regular-season winning streak snapped in a 3420 loss to Rice on Friday. Shelby Companion had 11 points to lead the Redhawks, who had closed the deficit to 20-17 in the third quarter but could not complete the comeback. With the loss, CVU falls to 5-1. GIRLS HOCKEY

Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield 1, Middlebury 0: The Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield girls hockey team pitched its fourth shutout of the

season in a win over Middlebury on Saturday. Hannah Schmid had the lone goal of the game, striking in the second period. With the win, the CougarHawks move to 4-1.

SPORTS Redhawk girls court the Green Knights

Redhawk Addi Hunter, left, looks to drive on Rice’s Ava MacDonough during CVU’s game vs. the Green Knights on Friday evening at Rice. Redhawk Elise Berger, below left, shoots a 3-point attempt. On the defense, Redhawk Samara Ashooh, below right, goes up to block a shot by Rice’s Cassie Beste. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

BOYS HOCKEY

Champlain Valley 0, South Burlington 0: The Champlain Valley and South Burlington boys hockey teams battled to a 0-0 tie on Saturday. With the tie, the Redhawks move to 1-3-1. — Lauren Read

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UVM’s Shungu on fire UVM’s Ben Shungu, left and above, goes off for a career high 29 points as the Catamounts win their America East Conference opener 82-68 over the Wildcats of UNH on Jan. 6 at Patrick Gym. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

January 13, 2022 • Williston Observer • Page 11

SPORTS Gymnastic gems Redhawk Sally Wahl, top left, leaps to the vault during CVU’s tri-meet with Burr & Burton and BurlingtonColchester Dec. 28 at Green Mountain Training Center. Redhawk Warner Babic, top right, works the high bar. Completing a pirouette on the 4” wide beam, middle left, Redhawk Cadence Haggerty finds balance. Redhawk Ruby Opton, bottom, in mid-tumbling run during her floor exercise. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

i w ho my t e m HOW DID YOU MEET? For Valentine’s Day, the Williston Observer is looking for the love stories of our community. Do you have one to share? Stories of first meetings, details of the moments when you just knew, the pillars of long relationships and retellings of the romantic moments that have kept you together. We’d love to hear about relationships that started online, or that have survived long distances or that began in a funny or unique way. Please describe the love stories you would like to share with the community in writing and email them to editor@willistonobserver.com by Feb. 7 for publication in the Feb. 10 edition. Prizes will be awarded to those who get published. With love, The Observer team

Williston

Page 12 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

Coding class registration opens

Students in grades 5-12 will have a chance to create their own custom chatbot through a free online course offered on consecutive Thursdays from Feb. 3-March 10. Offered through the University of Vermont Extension 4-H, the “4-H World Changers — Learn to Code” course is designed to introduce middle and high school students to coding. The classes will be held from 7-8 p.m. The course is inspired by Girls Who Code, a national non-profit that engages girls in learning about technology and

engineering. It is open to any student with an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), coding or developing workforce skills. Enrollment in 4-H is not required. Participants will learn how to use the Trinket coding platform to write and run their own chatbot in a web browser using the Python programming language. A chatbot, a simple form of artificial intelligence, is a computer program that simulates conversations with a real person. Registration will close on Feb. 1. To register, go to www.go.uvm.edu/4hcoding.

Volunteer court guardians needed The Vermont Judiciary is seeking volunteers to serve as Guardians ad Litem. These volunteers are appointed by the court when the Department of Children and Families seeks to take a child into custody. The Guardian ad Litem protects the child’s best interests in cases that usually involve allegations of abuse or neglect. A Guardian ad Litem works closely with a child’s attorney, meets with the child regularly and gathers information from people involved in the child’s life to understand the child’s needs and advocate for their best interests in court. The goal is to ensure the child has a safe, stable and

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permanent home as quickly as possible. Guardians ad Litem come from all walks of life, and no prior experience in the courts or the child welfare system or specialized education is required. Successful applicants must be compassionate, have a flexible schedule, pass a background check and have reliable transportation and internet access. All Guardians ad Litem must complete 32 hours of training and a mentorship prior to being appointed to their own case. The program’s next training will be virtual beginning on Jan. 24. For more information visit www.vermontjudiciary. org/GAL, or call 800-622-6359.

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VSAC releases findings about Class of 2012

lowest degree attainment rates — 34 percent and 36 percent, respectively. These findings reinforce the imporSince the spring of 2012, the Vermont tance of local and statewide effor ts Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) to expand the availability of career has followed the Vermont high school and education counseling. Giles noted Class of 2012, collecting data on the that state-funded partnerships, such students’ college enrollment plans and as the VSAC Aspirations Prog ram, degree completion rates. VSAC has now have produced significant gains in the post-secondary education and training released its final study of this group. The data revealed that 46 percent of aspirations of students at participating students from the high school Class schools. Further, Giles said, those who do enof 2012 had obtained a college degree roll in college still need support to make — either an associate’s or bachelor’s sure they finish with a degree. deg ree — withi n six years of high According to the report, 30 percent of school graduation. This level of educational attainment is consistent with the students who enrolled in the fall of 2012 had not obtained a U.S. Census data on the degree within six years. educational attainment Chittenden and The Lumina Foundation level of the Vermont adult estimates that there are population: as of 2020, 47 Washington 55,000 working-age Verpercent of Vermonters 25 counties had the monters who have some and older held at least an college educat ion, but associate’s degree. highest … degree no degree, which means “While our results arattainment rates they don’t benefit from en’t necessar ily a su rthe higher wages and in— 54 percent prise, they do remind us creased opportunities that that we have work to do,” and 51 percent, usually come with a colsaid Scot t Giles, CEO lege degree — but they respectively. of VSAC. “After all, our still often carry the burdata show that more than Lamoille den of student loan debt. half of the Class of 2012 The final check-in with and Orange — 54 percent — had not the Class of 2012 at the obtained a two- or fourcounties had the six-year mark following year degree within six high school graduation lowest degree years of high school gradalso offered an opporuation. We know that the attainment rates tunity to evaluate some highest-paying and most — 34 percent college enrollment stratin-demand jobs require egies that have increased education beyond high and 36 percent, in popularity in recent school. So, unfortunaterespectively. years, such as taking a ly, more than half of our gap year, or planning to young people are still not start at a two-year school prepared for the jobs of and later transfer to a four-year college. the future. “Our state leaders have, rightly, made VSAC’s data suggests that additional it a priority to increase those numbers,” supports need to be provided to students Giles continued. “Advance Vermont has seeking to employ these strategies. Among the students who planned a proposed a goal that by 2025, 70 percent gap year after high school graduation, of Vermonters will attain a credential almost half did not enroll in college of value. To achieve this goal, we must within six years of high school graduaincrease Vermonters’ educational attion. Among the students who planned tainment.” a transfer from a two-year institution, Giles suggested that those efforts beonly 20 percent followed through with gin with more concentrated support and those plans. Among the students who outreach efforts to the most underserved demographic groups. The research iden- started part time in a two-year school tified challenges for first-generation and did obtain a bachelor’s, 95 percent students, males and residents of the started at the Community College of Vermont. state’s more rural counties. This series of reports marks the third This latest report, as well as earlier time VSAC has followed a high school VSAC studies of this student group, class cohort over several years to study showed that f irst-generation college college en rollment and completion. students — or those whose parents did VSAC previously studied the classes not go to college — were less likely of 2008 and 2010, and in this report, to obtain a postsecondary degree than concluded that the four- and six-year were second-generation students; and degree attainment rates have remained males, especially first-generation males, relatively stable since 2008. were less likely to obtain a degree than VSAC is a public, nonprofit agency females. And while Chittenden and Washing- established by the Vermont Legislature ton counties had the highest overall in 1965 to help Vermonters achieve their six-year degree attainment rates — 54 education and training goals after high percent and 51 percent, respectively — school. Learn more at www.vsac.org. Lamoille and Orange counties had the

Less than half completed college degrees

State-sponsored ice fishing clinics begin

January 13, 2022 • Williston Observer • Page 13

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has scheduled a series of free ice fishing clinics for anyone who would like to learn the sport. Topics to be covered include ice safety, hole drilling, equipment and techniques, regulations and different techniques for different fish. All experience levels are welcome. Participants will have the opportunity to practice what they have learned near the end of each event. Everyone is urged to wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Register at www.vtfishandwildlife.com or call (802) 5055562 for more information.

Upcoming Ice Fishing Clinics • Friday, Jan. 21, 2:30 p.m. Trout Clinic at Lake St. Catherine State Park Boat Launch, Poultney • Saturday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m. Introduction to Ice Fishing at Singing Cedars Fishing Access, Orwell

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s ice fishing clinics offer an opportunity to learn about the different kinds of ice fishing. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

• Saturday, Feb. 26. 9 a.m. Introduction to Ice Fishing at Retreat Meadows Fishing Access, Brattleboro

Report: Hunters harvest 15,600 deer

The final number of deer taken in Vermont’s 2021 hunting seasons is estimated to be around 15,600, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Those deer will provide approximately 3.1 million servings of venison. The buck harvest will be close to 9,000, which will be down slightly from 2020 (9,255) but near the 10 -year average of 8,938. The final antlerless deer harvest will be around 6,600, down considerably from 9,735 in 2020 but similar to antlerless harvests prior to 2020. Some of that decrease was due to the department issuing fewer muzzleloader antlerless permits this year. The archery season harvest, which accounts for much of the total antlerless deer harvest, will also be down substantially from 2020. “Some decline in the harvest was expected this year, as we’ve

Hunter Daniel Gonzalez with a 178-pound buck in Windsor County. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO BY VERMONT FISH AND WILDLIFE

been working to reduce deer numbers in some areas to keep them in balance with the available habitat,” said Nick Fortin, the department’s deer project leader. “Hunting conditions were also challenging again this year.

Warm weather and abundant fall foods limited deer movement and made it difficult for hunters to locate them. Changes in hunting participation and effort related to the pandemic likely affected this year’s harvest as well.” The primar y goal of Vermont’s deer management strategy is to keep the deer herd stable, healthy and in balance with available habitat. “Maintaining an appropriate number of deer on the landscape ensures deer and the habitats that suppor t them remain in good condition and productive,” said Fortin. The full deer hunting report will be published at www.vtfishandwildlife.com in early March. Beginning in late March, the department will be holding informational hearings to share biological information and to listen to public feedback.

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The Hinesburg Town Forest is a hub for hiking, mountain biking, hunting and wildlife-watching.

Hike the Hinesburg forest with Tapper

PHOTO BY TOM ROGERS/VERMONT FISH AND WILDLIFE

Join Chittenden County Forester Ethan Tapper and state wildlife biologist Andrea Shortsleeve for a free guided walk of the forest management project in the Hinesburg Town Forest. The event will be held 1-3 p.m. on Jan. 22. The walk will highlight winter wildlife ecology, wildlife tracking and how active management of the Hinesburg Town Forest is expected to inf luence wildlife habitat and behavior. The Hinesburg Town Forest is an 839-acre property owned by

the Town of Hinesburg and managed by the Chittenden County forester. It is a hub for hiking, mountain biking, hunting, bird and wildlife-watching and other activities. Walkers can meet at the trailhead on Hayden Hill Road East, just past the intersection with Texas Hill Road. Be prepared to spend two hours out in the elements, including some walking over slippery and uneven surfaces. For more information, visit www.linktr.ee/hinesburgtownforest.

Student Roundtable - Tues, Jan 25th Join us on Tuesday, January 25th, 7pm via Zoom to meet Vermont Commons students! Learn about classes, faculty, extracurriculars, and the VCS community from the experts. Register to attend: jstrawbridge@vermontcommons.org

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Page 14 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

UVM Health Network names new leader

Jason Sanders has been appointed to fill three leadership roles for the University of Vermont Health Network, the UVM Health Network Medical Group and the UVM Larner College of Medicine. Sanders, who comes to Vermont from the University of Oklahoma, will fill the role of president and CEO of the medical group, network executive vice president for clinical affairs and senior associate dean for clinical affairs at the Larner College of Medicine. He will begin his work in February, succeeding Claude Deschamps, who stepped down at the end of September. He will focus on clinical research, education and the health system’s transition to value-based care. “I’m excited to join U VM Health Network at a critical time in its evolution,” Sanders said. “This network is a national example of how a health system can work collaboratively with a multi-specialty medical group to improve the care experience and achieve better patient out-

Jason Sanders

comes. I look forward to drawing on my experience to help further unify the network. “I’m also eager to help define what value-based care looks like in rural and community settings, as well as promote the unique abilities of an academic health system to bring innovative care to patients and educate the future clinical workforce.” Sanders earned his medical degree and a master’s degree in

business administration from Harvard, and was an intern and resident at Massachusetts General Hospital. As senior associate dean for clinical affairs, he will join the senior leadership team in advancing research and education at the UVM Larner College of Medicine, ensuring all three missions of the academic health system — clinical, research and education — continue to be realized. “These are extremely challenging times for health care providers, and we k now Dr. Sanders is the right leader at the right time for advancing our clinical, research and educational missions,” said John Brumsted, president and CEO of the UVM Health Network. “He will continue to integrate our academic health system, further our transition to value-based care, and ensure we can meet our patients’ and communities’ needs in a high-quality, sustainable way, now and into the future.”

Scott names new commissioner of health access

Andrea DeLaBruere has been appointed the new commissioner of the Department of Vermont Health Access. DeLaBruere transfers from the Agency of Human Services (AHS) where she was executive director. “Andrea is a proven leader and an effective manager,” Gov. Phil Scott said. “Since joining AHS, she’s been instrumental in supporting the agency and I’m confident she’ll excel in this new role.” DeLaBruere joined AHS at the beginning of 2021, assisting with oversight of all six of its departments, the pandemic response and taking a special focus on housing, refugee resettlement, communications and legislative affairs. “I want to thank Gov. Scott for this opportunity,” said DeLaBruere. DeLaBruere will fill the role currently occupied by Acting Commissioner Addie Strumolo, who

Andrea DeLaBruere

took the department’s leadership position on a temporary basis last June. DeLaBruere received a bachelor of science degree in health education from Norwich University, and a master of science in health care administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

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Turning over a compost pile on a regular basis will ensure a good supply of organic compost to naturally enrich and feed soil in the garden.

Garden resolutions for the new year

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

No. 5: Incor porate more pollinator-friendly plants, such as milkweed, which has beautiful flowers and provides As we head into the heart of winter, important food and habitat for the monarch you may find yourself thinking about the butterfly, a species in decline. If milkweed warmth of summer and getting back into doesn’t grow naturally in your garden or the garden again. This daydreaming is a on your property, you can buy milkweed good opportunity to reflect on the past plants or seeds from local greenhouses that growing season and set goals for next sell native plants. year’s garden by making some New Year’s No. 6: Garden sustainably by conserving resolutions. water with use of a drip irrigation system Here are 10 gardening resolutions to or rain barrel to collect water. inspire you to create your own list. No. 7: Start a compost pile and be dilNo. 1: Spend time reigent about turning it flecting on the gardenover frequently to ening season that has just A good New Year’s sure a good supply of passed, and take notes organic compost to natresolution is to plant on what went well, what urally enrich and feed didn’t work and what more pollinatorthe soil in your garden. you’d like to do differNo. 8: Keep weeds friendly plants, such ently in future seasons. under control by pullNo. 2: Do some reas swamp milkweed, ing when small and search in preparation mulching with straw or to provide food for the next growing other organic mulches, season. Did you strugand habitat for the a practice that also regle with blighted tomaduces water loss. monarch butterfly toes or wish you had No. 9: Leave perena more consistent letand other species. nials that have strong tuce crop throughout stem structures, attracthe summer? Did your tive seed heads or interturnip leaves have tiny esting colors in your garden through the holes, but the turnip roots were healthy? winter instead of cutting these back. In A quick internet search including key- addition to aesthetics, these provide seeds words for your topic and “cooperative for birds and habitats for insects, such as extension” will result in many options to bees that may overwinter in the stems. review. Focus your research on resources No. 10: Spend time enjoying your garden from your region or from states that share next summer. Stop and smell the flowers. similar climates. Observe butterflies and caterpillars, and No. 3: Take advantage of the resourc- check plants for chrysalises to watch them es available through the University of change into moths or butterflies. Vermont Extension Master Gardening Program. Check out its Gardening ReWhile your garden is tucked away for sources page (www.go.uvm.edu/gar- the winter, take time to dream of warmer den-resources), which includes helpful weather and make some resolutions to articles and information about upcoming have your best garden yet in 2022. events, courses, classes and volunteer opportunities. No. 4: When ordering seeds and plants, Bonnie Kirn Donahue is a UVM choose a few new varieties to try, such as Extension Master Gardener and landscape an heirloom vegetable or flower or unusual designer from central Vermont. native grass or perennial.

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Page 16 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022 release dates: Jan. 15-21, 2022

03 (22)

Next Week: Welcome to Beijing!

Issue 03, 2022

Founded by Betty Debnam

Playing With Math

Mini Fact: “Eleven plus two” and “Twelve plus one” are anagrams of each other, and both are equal to 13!

Do you enjoy math? Some kids think it’s scary, but it really can be fun. Math becomes easier when you learn to break down problems into smaller pieces.

Keep it simple

You don’t have to keep big numbers in your head. The main trick is to break down big numbers into simpler ones. When you do that, hard problems become easier. For example, when you read, you probably break things down into simple parts without even thinking about it. When you sound out a word, for example, you are breaking it into different parts. People who can solve one kind of problem are probably good at solving other kinds of problems. They’ve learned how to break things down into simple pieces. They can also see patterns and how things fit together.

Use rhymes to remember

If you want to multiply by 5, how would you do it? What is 5 x 66? An easy thing to do is to multiply 66 by 10 and then cut it in half. (Five is half of 10.) Half of 660 is 330. In the book “The Grapes of Math,” author Greg Tang uses poems as an aid: “A group of 5 you’ll find with ease. “Half of 10 is just a breeze.”

Now try multiplying by 9. Can you multiply 9 x 6? How about 9 x 89? Remember to break the problems into simpler parts. Here’s Greg’s poem to help you: “A group of 9 requires tact. “Start with 10 and then subtract.” (10 - 1 = 9) Try it! We’ll give you the answers first:

9 x 6 = 54 So ... 10 x 6 = 60 60 - 6 = 54

9 x 89 = 801 So ... 10 x 89 = 890 890 - 89 = 801

Number tricks

Once you understand how numbers work, you can play all sorts of games with them. For example, you can learn to multiply two-digit numbers by 11. Let’s start with: What is the same about the middle number in each answer? 72 x 11 792

81 x 11 891

44 x 11 484

In all these answers, we added together the two digits in the original number. (7 + 2 = 9, 8 + 1 = 9, 4 + 4 =8) The sum is now in the middle of the multiplication answer. You can also remember that when you are multiplying by 11, you are really multiplying by 10, then multiplying by 1. Then you add the answers together. 45 x 10 450

45 x 1 45 =

45 x 11 495

Learning to improvise

“The secret to being smart is taking something complicated and breaking it apart,” Greg Tang said. “It is knowing how to break things into the groups that make the most sense.” He said doing math is like being a good cook. Once you learn the basics, you can start improvising, or trying new things. Most good cooks don’t follow recipes exactly. They get creative. They might put extra walnuts in the chocolate chip cookies. Or they might add peanut butter pieces instead. If you followed every recipe exactly, you might get bored. It’s the same with math. When you’re learning, you probably need to follow the formulas. But once you get going, you can spot connections between different ideas. Solving a problem can be exciting!

Resources On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPmathtricks

At the library:

• “Do the Math! Challenging, Fun Math Puzzles for Kids” by Steven Clontz and Jessica Clontz

Nancy

BY OLIVIA JAIMES

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of solving problems are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ADD, ANSWER, CONNECTION, FORMULA, GAME, IMPROVISE, MATH, MULTIPLY, NUMBERS, PATTERNS, PROBLEM, RECIPE, RHYMES, SIMPLE, SMALL, SOLVE, SUM, TRICK.

X K S E P I C E R Y

I X M L J M B S I U

C M E J S V U N M C

D C L F I M X R P M

R O B H M T P E R U

F N O K P R G T O L

S N R G L I A T V T

O E P M E C M A I I

L C D A F K E P S P

V T A L L A M S E L

E I B N D U K R D Y

N O A D S I M A T H

M N Q H A W R R O N

R H Y M E S E X O Q

M N N U M B E R S F

Manny: What did the magician who liked math do for fun? Mary Catherine: Arithmetricks!

Eco Note Falling rabbit populations across the United Kingdom have prompted the National Heritage organization to ask landowners to create rabbit “hotels” to help the bunnies survive. A new viral disease caused rabbit numbers to decrease by 43% across all of Britain between 2008 and

Math,” author Greg Tang uses poems as an aid: “A group of 5 you’ll find with ease. “Half of 10 is just a breeze.”

45 x 10 450

45 x 1 45 =

45 x 11 495

• “Do the Math! Challenging, Fun Math Puzzles for Kids” by Steven Clontz and Jessica Clontz

January 13, 2022 • Williston Observer • Page 17

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

X K S E P I C E R Y

I X M L J M B S I U

C M E J S V U N M C

D C L F I M X R P M

R O B H M T P E R U

F N O K P R G T O L

S N R G L I A T V T

O E P M E C M A I I

L C D A F K E P S P

V T A L L A M S E L

E I B N D U K R D Y

N O A D S I M A T H

M N Q H A W R R O N

R H Y M E S E X O Q

Manny: What did the magician who liked math do for fun? Mary Catherine: Arithmetricks!

M N N U M B E R S F

Eco Note

• 1 cup panko (Japanese You’ll need: bread crumbs) • Cooking spray • 3 tablespoons grated • 4 cups prepared macaroni and cheese, Parmesan cheese chilled • 1 cup pasta or pizza sauce • 2 large egg whites What to do: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat large baking sheet with cooking spray. 2. Using wet hands, form chilled mac ’n’ cheese into 4 equal patties about 1 inch thick. 3. Place egg whites in shallow dish. Mix panko and Parmesan in another shallow dish. 4. Dip patties into panko mixture and turn to coat. Dip into egg whites, turn to coat, and repeat in panko mixture. 5. Transfer croquettes to baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. 6. Heat pasta sauce and use for dipping or drizzle over croquettes. Serves 4. Adapted from “The Robin Takes 5 Cookbook for Busy Families” with permission from Andrews McMeel Publishing (andrewsmcmeel.com).

News of the Weird BY THE EDITORS AT ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Wait, What? Ever watched a cooking show and wished you could sample the finished product? A professor in Japan has created a prototype TV screen that you can lick to taste a particular food. It works by spraying flavors on a film that rolls over the TV screen, Reuters reported. While such a product might seem misguided during a global pandem-

ic, Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita sees it differently: “The goal is to make it possible for people to have the experience of something like eating at a restaurant on the other side of the world, even while staying at home,” he said. Miyashita said a commercial version could be made for about $875.

Scrooge Is Real ☞ Gina Sheldon of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, arrived home from Europe and opened her luggage to find $3,000 of gifts gone, WMUR-

TV reported on Dec. 24. The items were “replaced with dog food, an old T-shirt, a shaving cream bottle,” Sheldon said; she believes those items were used because they look like a “real luggage product” when scanned. She had spent 11 days in Italy and a few in Paris and believes the switcheroo happened in the baggage area of Charles DeGaulle Airport in Paris. Sheldon had bought a leather jacket for her teenager and “these really cute leather wristlet band purses” for other family and friends. Delta Airlines and their partner Air France are looking into

Mac ’n’ Cheese Croquettes

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

Cook’s Corner

Falling rabbit populations across the United Kingdom have prompted the National Heritage organization to ask landowners to create rabbit “hotels” to help the bunnies survive. A new viral disease caused rabbit numbers to decrease by 43% across all of Britain between 2008 and 2018. The Shifting Sands project asks people to arrange piles of branches around rabbit warrens to provide safety from predators and to create new sites for females to give birth. adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

For later: Look in your newspaper for numbers you can try new tricks with.

Teachers:

Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

the incident. ☞ In this story, Scrooge is a hyperactive rodent with a bushy tail: The vendor who usually installs holiday lighting at Mears Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, declined to take the job this year after squirrels chewed through the wires in 2020, Lee Ann LaBore, co-chair of the Friends of Mears Park, told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “Our vendor reuses the lights, and they can’t afford to ... have the squirrels destroy them again,” she said. This year organizers used a projector with moving images of snowflakes. People “want to see the twinkly lights,” LaBore said. “Well, we can’t have twinkly lights. It was probably this or nothing.”

Weird Christmas Tradition Since 1966, the city of Gavle, Sweden, has erected a huge straw goat in its downtown square at Christmastime. The goats are pagan symbols that preceded Santa Claus as a bringer of gifts, the Associated Press reported. But in what has become an adjunct to the town’s tradition, the goats have been torched dozens of times during the past 55 years, including this year on Dec. 17. Police arrested a suspect in his 40s who had soot on his hands and matched a description from witnesses. Send your weird news items with subject line WEIRD NEWS to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com.

Page 18 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

SENIORS

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Before you start writing your dad’s obituary, your first step is to check with the newspaper you want it to run in. Some newspapers have specific style guidelines or restrictions on length, some only accept obituaries directly from funeral homes, and some only publish obituaries written by newspaper staff members. If your newspaper accepts family-written obits, find out if it has a template to guide you. Most funeral homes provide forms for basic information and will write the full obituary for you as part of the services they provide so check with your dad’s chosen funeral provider. Most range bet ween 200 and 600 words. OBITUARY CONTENTS

Depending on how detailed you want to be, the most basic

information in an obituary usually would include your dad’s full name (and nickname if relevant), age, date of birth, date of death, where he was living when he died, significant other (alive or dead), and details of the funeral service (public or private). If public, include the date, time and location of service. Other relevant information you may also want to include: cause of death (optional); place of birth and his parents’ names; his other survivors including his children, other relatives, friends and pets and where they live; family members who preceded his death; high school and colleges he attended and degrees earned; his work history and military service; his hobbies, accomplishments and any awards he received; his church or religious affiliations; any clubs, civic and fraternal organizations he was a member of; and any charities he feels strongly about that he would like people to donate to either in addition to or in lieu of flowers or other gifts. You may also want to include a photo of your dad. NEED HELP?

If you need some help writing your dad’s obituary, there are free online resources you can turn to like www.Legacy.com, which

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Many families today also choose to post their loved one’s obituaries online and create digital memorials. Some good sites that offer this are www.MyKeeper.com, www.GatheringUs.com and www.EverLoved.com, which provide a central location where family and friends can visit to share stories, memories and photos to celebrate your dad’s life. Or, if your dad used Facebook, you could also turn his profile into a memorial (you’ll need to show proof of death) where family and friends can visit and share anytime.

Get a great photo shot?

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FUNERAL

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Send it to us! Email your unedited photo to editor@willistonobserver.com

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provides tips and articles. Or consider the 25-page e-book “Writing an Obituary in Four Easy Steps” available at www. DearPersonObits.com for $5. This guide will help you gather the details of your dad’s life so you can write an obituary that will reflect his personality and story.

Contact Rick Cote at

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January 13, 2022 • Williston Observer • Page 19

CROSSWORD New Year - new puzzles! Introducing the Observer’s new crossword puzzles! We know that many of you look forward to solving the puzzle every week and felt it was time for an upgrade. You will notice that it has a slightly different format from before. The biggest change that you will notice is that the solution will no longer be in the same edition as the puzzle - you’ll have to wait a week to see how you fared. However, we know that some people may find that wait to be unbearable, so we will post the solution to our website on Thursdays. Happly puzzling!

These beets are sweet, savory, and full of flavor. The tart apple cider vinegar is balanced with sweet honey in a perfect way. Add thyme and you’ve got a perfectly balanced side dish! Marinated beets are also a great addition to salad, particularly one with goat cheese. Great leftover!

www.willistonobserver.com

Beets Marinated in Honey and Thyme

Ingredients:

Directions:

6-8 medium beets

Preheat your oven to 400° F.

2 Tbsp olive oil

Wash beets and trim the stems and roots. Place them in a baking dish, coat them with the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water into the bottom of the pan and cover tightly with foil.

1/4 cup water 2 Tbsp honey 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 1/2 shallot, minced 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped Salt and pepper

Place in oven and cook for 1-1 1/2 hours or until a knife inserted into the center of the beet comes out with no resistance. Cooking time will depend on the size of the beets. When beets are done, let cool slightly and then remove skins by rubbing them with a dry cloth or paper towel. While beets are still warm slice them into wedges and place them in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the honey, vinegar, shallot and thyme. Mix well and pour over beets. Toss together, season with salt and pepper as needed and let marinate for 30-60 minutes before serving. Pair with fresh goat cheese for a perfect side dish!

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Page 20 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

(age 18-plus) the necessary skills for, not only passing the test, but also for working successfully as a therapy dog team. Jan. 31-March 14, 7:30-8:30 p.m. PICKUP ADULT PROGRAMS

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.

rink will be posted on Facebook and at www.willistonrec.org under “Announcements.” Please be respectful of the rink. Stay off it when it is closed so ice can be formed that is safe to use. Respect the users of the rink and share in the use. No one group has priority or allocated time. All are welcome. BROMLEY DISCOUNT TICKETS

ICE RINK

Rink is located near the warming hut at Village Community Park. It has a temporary fence around. The rink will be open when it is safe to use, and closed when unsafe or ice is being made. The opening and closing of the

Discou nted lif t t icket s at $81 per person are available at www.bromley.com. Use Code: WVTREC2022. Ticket prices are subject to change. This promo code is valid any day but can only be used for single day lift tickets. It cannot be applied to already

discounted lift tickets (multi-day, etc.) or any other products. SNOWMOBILE SAFETY

Online course available for ages 12-plus. 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. Go to www.willistonrec.org for a link to the course. THERAPY DOG TRAINING

So, your dog wants to be a therapy dog? Well, we’ve got a course for that! This six-week course gives dogs and handlers

Volleyball and basketball programs for men and women have begun. Pickup programs are by registration and payment only. Some are full but you can register for the waiting list. Visit www.willistonrec.org for more information. DANGEROUS GIRLS CLASS

Age 14-plus. This is a women-only cardio-kickboxing class that combines strength and conditioning with practical combat skills. Learn trips and throws, bounce to Beyoncé, hit hard, laugh a lot. Wednesdays, Jan. 26Feb. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Instructor: Zachary Stevens, ONTA Studio. NINJA KIDS

Ages 4-8 or 7-11. The playbased cu r r iculu m increases

strength and self-confidence while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the con nection between mental and physical well-being. Programs start the week of Jan. 25. Instructor: Zachary Stevens, ONTA Studio. NINJA TEENS

Ages 9-15 or 12-17. The playbased cu r r iculu m increases strength and self-confidence while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the con nection between mental and physical well-being. Programs start the week of Jan. 25. Instructor: Zachary Stevens, ONTA Studio. MY HEALTHY VT

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. Go to www.willistonrec.org for a link to the My Healthy VT website.

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January 13, 2022 • Williston Observer • Page 21

Police make arrest in Town Fair Tire burglary Dec. 26 at 12:42 p.m. — Police responded to assist a citizen on Hurricane Lane. The officers delivered a trespass notice and provided a courtesy ride. Dec. 26 at 1:57 p.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Williston Road. There were no hazards or injuries on the scene. Dec. 26 at 3:26 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Harvest Lane. Dec. 26 at 3:31 p.m. — Police documented lost property from Harvest Lane. Dec. 26 at 3:58 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Retail Way. Dec. 26 at 4:52 p.m. — Police responded to educate an individual regarding a town ordinance. Dec. 26 at 7:17 p.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Dunmore Lane. Dec. 27 at 9:35 a.m. — Police completed multiple VIN verifications on Mountain View Road. Dec. 27 at 10:34 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Williston Road. There were no hazards or injuries on the scene. Dec. 27 at 12:19 p.m. — Police responded to a report of illegal dumping on Redmond Road. Dec. 27 at 12:38 p.m. — Police responded to an alarm activation on Chad Lane. Dec. 27 at 1:51 p.m. — Police responded to provide education regarding a town ordinance on Chad Lane. Dec. 27 at 3:07 p.m. — Police responded to a 911 hang-up on Echo Place. Upon arrival, the officer verified that there was no emergency. Dec. 27 at 3:57 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a suspicious event on Harvest Lane. Dec. 27 at 5:53 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a suspicious event on Zephyr Road. Dec. 27 at 6:00 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a suspicious event on Cypress Street. Upon arrival, the officer cited an individual and trespassed them from a business. Dec. 27 at 6:37 p.m. — Police provided education regarding a town ordinance on Cypress Street. Dec. 27 at 7:05 p.m. — Police responded to a 911 hang up on Knight Lane. Upon arrival, there was no emergency observed. Dec. 28 at 1:26 p.m. — Police responded to a report of an animal problem on Rabbits Run. Dec. 28 at 1:43 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Boxwood Street.

Dec. 28 at 3:11 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Harvest Lane. Dec. 28 at 3:25 p.m. — Police processed a set of fingerprints at the citizen’s request. Dec. 28 at 3:53 p.m. — Police assisted a citizen on Harvest Lane. Dec. 28 at 6:43 p.m. — Police responded to a report of retail theft on Cypress Street. Dec. 28 at 8:41 p.m. — Police responded to a report of trespassing on Shunpike Road.

sponded to a report of a suspicious event on Peterson Lane. Dec. 31 at 11:35 a.m. — Police responded to a report of a suspicious event at Maple Tree Place. Upon arrival, the officer cited an individual accordingly. Dec. 31 at 12:25 p.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Governor Chittenden Road. Dec. 31 at 2:19 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a suspicious event on Cypress Street.

Dec. 28 at 10:13 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a traffic hazard on Marshall Avenue. Upon arrival, the officer was able to move the hazard from the road.

Jan. 1 at 12:21 a.m. — Police responded to assist Vermont State Police on Interstate 89.

Dec. 29 at 9:17 a.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department on Terrace Drive.

Jan. 1 at 7:35 p.m. — Police documented lost property on Chad Lane.

Dec. 29 at 11:42 a.m. — Police provided education regarding a town ordinance on Cypress Street.

Jan. 1 at 9:39 p.m. — Police responded to a lockout on St. George Road. The officer was able to gain access to the vehicle for the operator.

Dec. 29 at 12:13 p.m. — Police provided education regarding a town ordinance on Harvest Lane. Dec. 29 at 3:59 p.m. — Police documented lost property on Boxwood Street. Dec. 29 at 4:40 p.m. — Police responded to provide education on a town ordinance on Cypress Street.

Jan. 1 at 1:57 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Williston Road.

Williston Police charged David Oleson of Colchester on Jan. 6 with burglary after allegedly seeing him flee Town Fair Tire in Williston around 10 p.m. Police said Oleson has had several contacts with police over the past year, including after an alleged burglary in South Burlington last month. Anyone with information about Oleson is asked to contact Williston Police at (802) 878-6611.

EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT South Burlington, VT Law firm in South Burlington seeks an administrative assistant to fill a part-time position (20-24 hours/week). Our practice is limited to Estate and Elder Law. Primary duties include answering phones, greeting clients, providing general office support and preparing legal documents. Looking for a positive, “can-do” person, who likes to engage with clients and can multi-task. Confidentiality and professionalism is required. Experience with MS Office products is also required. We offer competitive hourly pay, commensurate with experience. Please email cover letter and resume to holly@vtelaw.com.

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 Attorneys Office and can be amended or dropped.

Dec. 29 at 5:33 p.m. — Police conducted a background check for local employment. Dec. 29 at 6:04 p.m. — Police responded to a lockout on Harvest Lane. The officer was able to gain access to the vehicle for the operator. Dec. 30 at 3:17 a.m. — Police conducted a commercial vehicle inspection on St. George Road.

Let it snow!

Dec. 30 at 11:39 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Williston Road. There were no injuries on the scene upon arrival. Dec. 30 at 12:25 p.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Cypress Street. Dec. 30 at 12:51 p.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Commons Road. Dec. 31 at 1:17 a.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a fire alarm on Hurricane Lane. Dec. 31 at 4:51 a.m. — Police assisted a citizen with a disabled vehicle on Essex Road. Dec. 31 at 8:58 a.m. — Police completed a request for an escort on Market Street. Dec. 31 at 9:34 a.m. — Police re-

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Page 22 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

OBITUARIES Rita Marie Doherty of Richmond, VT, passed peacefully during the morning of Dec. 26 at The Arbors, Shelburne, VT. Born July 23 1928 to John E. and Katherine (Carney) Hogan, she grew up in Chelsea, MA, as the youngest of three siblings. She graduated from Chelsea High School and then worked as a switchboard operator, while also being a devoted caretaker to her parents. She was united in Holy Matrimony to her beloved husband Donald in 1955. The couple resid-

ed in Dover, NH, and Williston, VT, before settling permanently in the village of Richmond, VT. While raising three lively sons, she remained active as a volunteer for Catholic charity. She lived life as a true daughter of the Catholic church and ensured her three sons were also raised in the Faith. She was a superlative protector and guardian, always had a kind word for all, and never an unkind word about anyone. She was a devoted wife and joyful mother, daughter, sis-

Rita Marie Doherty ter, and friend. It gave her great pride to see her three sons grow up, marry, and enjoy successful careers in medicine and business. She enjoyed much time researching and collecting antique buttons. As a member of the Verd Mont Button Club, she hosted many lively get-togethers at her home, and was very active on the New England button show circuit, winning many awards and prizes for her ingenious displays. She enjoyed singing and playing the

(1365) Toys, Antiques & Collectibles

We just raised salaries at CCS. Significantly.

Online Lots Closing Mon., Jan. 17 @ 10AM

131 Dorset Lane, Williston, VT

Preview: Jan. 14, 12-2PM

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Notice of Public Hearing Amendments to Williston Unified Development Bylaw: Taft Corners Form-Based Code and Town Official Map

Police Station Meeting Room, 7928 Williston Road

131 Dorset Lane, Williston, VT

Contact Jennifer Wolcott at: jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 802-655-0511 x 118 for more information

boundaries of the Form-Based Code Overlay District To: Rick & Susan Cote

February 1, 2022, 7:00 PM

Online Lots Closing Wed., Jan. 19 @ 10AM

Provide an accessible home for an easy-going 38-yearold, gentleman who enjoys being part of a dynamic household. This individual has a comprehensive team, strong family support, along with respite and weekday supports. The ideal provider will have strong interpersonal communication and personal care skills as all aspects of ADL’s will be provided. This position includes a comprehensive training package, tax-free stipend and a handicap accessible van for transportation.

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ria of Los Angeles, CA. She also leaves on earth grandchildren Jessica Marshall, Andrew Doherty, Hannah Shaw, Morgan Doherty, and great grandson Tommy Marshall, all of whom she loved dearly. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated Jan 7, 2022 at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Richmond, VT. Spring Interment will be in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Richmond, . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 64 West Main St., Richmond, VT, EMAILED ADVERTISEMENT 05477. Arrangements are by ElADVERTISING ORD mwood-Meunier FuneralINSERTION Home, Thomas Hirchak Company Burlington. FROM: Dakota Ward Phone: 802-888-4662 Email: Advertising2@THCAucti

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piano from an early age. She was a talented green thumb, filling and surrounding her home with vibrant flora. She was a shrewd and cunning Skip-Bo player, always keeping a twinkle in her eye. Nobody baked a better chocolate chip cookie, brownie, or apple pie than her. She is preceded in death by parents John E. and Katherine Hogan, brother John Hogan Jr., sister Irene Hogan, and husband Donald Doherty. Loved by all, she leaves behind son Mark Doherty and his wife Blanca of Carlsbad, CA, son Dennis Doherty and his wife Laurie of Waterbury, VT, son Brian Doherty and his wife Dana-Ma-

The Williston Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider amendments to the Williston Unified Development Bylaw. Public comment at this hearing is welcomed and encouraged. Due to COVID-19, virtual participation is strongly recommended. Masks are required indoors regardless of vaccination status. The proposed amendments to the Town’s Unified Development Bylaw will replace most of the zoning requirements in the Taft Corners Growth Center with a Form-Based Code Overlay District, will establish an Official Map for all of Williston, and will generally include: • A Regulating Plan that specifies the location and type of new streets, alleys, bike paths, public parks, and green spaces to be constructed and dedicated as a requirement of new development in Taft Corners and also identifies parking setbacks and building build-to lines, • Architectural Requirements for all new buildings in the Form-Based Code Overlay District • Building Form Standards regulating building height, maximum width and footprint, and placement in the FormBased Code Overlay District • An Amended Zoning Map showing the

• A Town-wide Official Map showing Paper: Williston Observer planned public streets, paths, trails, green spaces and facilities within and outside of the Form-Based Cod overlay District TODAY’S DATE: 1/7/2022

NAME OF FILE:Chapters 01142022_WO • General amendments to WDB 1-46 to incorporate the Form-Based RUN: 1/14/2022 Code into DATE(S) the existingTO bylaws.

The proposed form-based code language, bylaw amendments, amended zoning map (2” x 10” SIZE OF AD: 1/8 page and new official map may be viewed at the Williston Planning Office, 7878 Williston Road or online at this link: https://bit.ly/ mytaftcornersEMAILED TO: Rick@Willistono Contact Matt Boulanger at the Williston Planning Office at (802) 878-6704 Publishes in Williston or mboulanger@willistonvt.org for additional information.servicesPublic

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St. George Community Co-op RFP for Infrastructure Assessment Civil engineering firm proposals are requested by the St. George Community Co-op to undertake a comprehensive infrastructure assessment (water, wastewater, storm water, electrical) of this 118-unit manufactured home park. The RFP is available from: Liz Curry, CommonLand Solutions at curryliz21@ gmail.com. Deadline for written questions is February 4, 2022 and proposals are due by Feb. 21, 2022. This work is funded by HUD CDBG, so federal pass-through provisions apply, including but not limited to: Qualified disadvantaged (DBE), women (WBE) owned businesses, and residents living in HUD-assisted homes are encouraged to submit proposals. The St. George Community Cooperative, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Closing Deadline for proposals is noon, February 21, 2022.

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Page 24 • Williston Observer • January 13, 2022

Farm management or climate change?

Vorsteveld trial wraps up in Addison County BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger

By the time attorneys had called and cross-examined all witnesses in a high-profile farm runoff trial over the course of six days, there appeared to be little disagreement among them that a vast amount of runoff is likely flowing from a Panton dairy farm through the neighbors’ property. The question now before the judge in Addison County Superior Court is whether the farmers should be held responsible for that runoff and make changes to prevent it. The trial — which started in mid-December and resumed last week — wrapped up Tuesday. Judge Mary Teachout is expected to reach a decision sometime after attorneys submit final documents in the coming weeks. The flow from the farm — owned by the Vorsteveld family — has repeatedly belched plumes of milky brown water into Lake Champlain’s Arnold Bay. Attorneys for the neighbors — the Hopper family — said it’s a nuisance, a continuing trespass to their property and a product of changes the farmers made to their practices. Water running through the property and into the lake contains “high concentrations of nitrate, phosphorus, total suspended solids and other pollutants” and “very high levels of e-coli — at times close to levels found in sewage before treatment,” according to the Hoppers’ complaint against the Vorstevelds, filed in April 2020. It’s coming from the farm’s tile drainage system, a network of perforated underground

pipes that carry the water away from the field, the Hopper family alleged. Neighbors want the court to require that the farm implement a specific plan to stop it. They proposed a series of measures the farmers could take, compiled by Harold van Es, a professor of soil and water management at Cornell’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Throughout their past three days in court, attorneys for the farmers argued the water is a result of precipitation and more extreme weather due to climate change and not due to the Vorstevelds’ management decisions. While both sides brought a number of witnesses before the court, a moment during testimony Tuesday encapsulated much of the trial. Rob Woolmington, an attorney for the Hopper family, was cross-examining Joshua Faulkner, a witness for the Vorstevelds. Faulkner coordinates the farming and climate change program at the University of Vermont’s Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and he’s conducted studies on the Vorsteveld’s fields related to the tile drains they installed. He had testified that the increased runoff coming from the Vorstevelds’ farm likely comes from increased and more extreme precipitation due to climate change, rather than from management changes. As he did with many witnesses, Woolmington held up a photo of a brown plume splaying into Lake Champlain and asked whether Faulkner agreed that the sediment was coming from the Vorsteveld farm. Faulkner agreed. “This is not acceptable agricultural practice,” Woolmington said. “That’s difficult to say,” Faulkner said. “We don’t know how much sediment there is entering

This exhibit presented by the Hoppers’ attorneys shows runoff in Lake Champlain near the Hopper and Vorsteveld properties. PHOTO COURTESY OF ADDISON COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

the bay.” Faulkner previously testified that the clay soils found throughout Addison County are colloidal — that is, the particles are so small that they’re easily suspended, making water look more turbid than it is. On the other hand, van Es, the Cornell professor who testified on behalf of the Hoppers last month, said colloidal soils decrease the amount of filtration that takes place in the soil. Water running through those soils likely sends sediment and manure into the lake, van Es told the court. Referencing the photograph, Woolmington pressed Faulkner, asking: “This is not a condition that you endorse at UVM, or soil scientists working at Extension, is that correct?” “That’s correct,” Faulkner said.

Still, Faulkner said, the Vorstevelds have implemented a number of practices that are intended to slow or control the flow of water off their lands, and he did not think the measures proposed by van Es would stop the runoff. “I don’t want to say for certain that the Vorstevelds could do anything on their property that would change the effects — the discharge of water, the flow rates, the sediment, all of the things we’ve been discussing,” Faulkner said. Meanwhile, environmental groups including the Conservation Law Foundation, the Lake Champlain Committee and the Vermont Natural Resources Council recently sent a letter to Anson Tebbetts, secretary of Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, asking that he work to strengthen farming regulation in the face of climate change.

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