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WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM

‘That view is just priceless’

The Glaser property — 97 acres at the intersection of Mountain View Road and Old Stage Road — is being considered as a site for about 100 new homes.

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It’s never been tried for a residential development proposal in Williston before. Jack and Kate Glaser, owners of 97 acres at the intersection of Mountain View and Old Stage roads, are preparing a “Specific Plan” application to the Planning and Zoning Department that would green-light up to 100 new homes. Guided by their consultant, former Williston Planning and Zoning Director Ken Belliveau, the Glasers have held informal discussions with the Planning Commission and Conservation Commission over the past three months about the benefits and downsides of attempting the Spe-

then move on to Development Review Board hearings for building permits. But first, the Planning Commission is tasked with determining whether the development will provide a “substantial benefit.” At the March 1 Planning Commission meeting, Belliveau pressed members for an affirmative, if informal, ‘yes’ to that question. “It’s an elaborate process to go through a Specific Plan and we would want it to be worthwhile,” Belliveau said. He proposed that the preservation of about 50 acres on the north side of the property, fronting Mountain View Road, should qualify as a substantial public benefit. Homes would be built on about 50 acres at the south of the property, fronting Old Stage Road — excluding some wetlands on the property’s western edge. Planning Commission member Chapin Kaynor said many of

ST GERO GE RD

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

cific Plan approach. A Specific Plan allows a developer to create site-specific building standards that may not comply with the town’s land use regulations. It also allows a development to bypass the town’s growth management process that slows the pace of housing construction to no more than 20 new homes a year. In return, the developer is required to provide a “substantial benefit to the town,” according to the Williston Unified Development Bylaw, which could take the form of conserving open space, providing affordable housing or building a rec path. A successful Specific Plan process would take nearly a year to approve; it requires the Planning Commission to appoint a special advisory committee to create the site-specific rules, hold public hearings on the rules, vote to recommend it for approval to the Selectboard. If the Selectboard approves the plan, the developer can

BROW NELL

Property owner pitches ‘Specific Plan’ zoning to expedite housing construction

OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

The marker shows the location of the Glaser property under consideration for a housing development.

Taft Corners zoning rewrite slowed by developer opposition BY KARSON PETTY Community News Service A disagreement over whether a preplanned development project in Taft Corners should have to conform to a new set of zoning rules came to light during last week’s meeting of the Williston Planning Commission. The debate was sparked by developer Chris Snyder’s housing proposal for the Essex Alliance Church property along Route 2A, which has already received preliminary approval from the Development Review Board. Snyder’s proposal calls for rows of houses with private open spaces and outdoor recreation areas. But with a sprawling street layout and garages for every residence, some town

planners say it is more car-oriented than pedestrian-friendly. When Planning Commission Chair Meghan Cope first saw the plans last September, she thought they were out of line with what the Planning Commission was looking for in Taft Corners. “That was such a great opportunity for the first form-based development to hit the ground,” she said, “and instead it had tons of garages and the way it was arranged was not in line with what (the commission was) hoping for.” Planning Commission members are attempting to finalize new zoning rules for Taft Corners — called form-based code — while taking into consideration feedback from de-

velopers and residents submitted during public hearings in February. Snyder said the form-based code had been drafted without consideration of his project ― which he began planning in December of 2020. The Planning Commission began brainstorming the new set of zoning rules about a month later. “I think the way that (the code) has been developed is saying ‘we don’t care what you already did,’” Snyder said. Cope told Snyder that the Planning Commission had no intention of excluding his plan from their considerations in drafting the code. It was working to draft rules that would create a strong pedestrian element in Taft Corners.

“The (code) is not a matter of ‘let’s see who we can squeeze,’” she said, “it’s a matter of what we want in our town and how we want our town to be organized.” Planning Commission vice chair Chapin Kaynor was sympathetic to Snyder, realizing that it would be unrealistic for Snyder to redesign his project in order to fit the code. He suggested continued talks in hopes of reaching a compromise. “I don’t want this discussion to derail our entire thing about adopting form-based code,” Kaynor said. The Planning Commission continued the hearing on the form-based code to its March 15 meeting. “We still have work to do,” Cope said.

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March 10, 2022

Rotary Youth Leadership Academy applications sought The 2022 Rotary Youth Leadership Academy program, taking place June 2426, will once again be a lively in-person event hosted on the campus of Northern Vermont University in Lyndonville. Students gather for a weekend of fun outdoor activities aimed at building communication and problem-solving skills. The event also includes inspirational speakers, a talent show and a community service project to support the non-profit Rise Against Hunger. Julia Herberg, a student from Williston who participated in 2019, enjoyed the opportunity to make new connections. “I was able to meet people from all over and to this day

Food historian to speak at library

I’m really good friends with everyone I met.” Sophomores (aged 15-16) from the towns of Williston, Richmond and St. George, regardless of where they attend school, are eligible to apply through the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club, which will cover all program costs. Chosen participants will join students from throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Quebec. Applications are available on the Williston-Richmond Rotary website at www. clubrunner.ca/williston-richmond/ or by emailing Jude Hersey at vtheyjude@ yahoo.com. The deadline to apply is March 25.

The Vermont Humanities kin, and Vermont’s dynamic Council and the Dorothy duo of kale and Gilfeather Alling Memorial Library turnip. are teaming up for an event Find out why a lot of entitled: “Wolf Peaches, Poius don’t like beets, how a soned Peas, and Madame 17th-century pirate named Pompadour’s Underwear: the bell pepper, how carrots The Surprising History of won the Trojan War and how Common Garden VegetaGeorge Washington was Rebecca Rupp bles.” nearly assassinated with a The event is scheduled for plate of poisoned peas. 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16. The event is supported by the NationIt presents science and history writ- al Endowment for the Humanities. It is er Rebecca Rupp, who will discuss the free and open to the public. stories behind many favorite vegetables, For more information, contact the liamong them the much-maligned tomato brary at (802) 878-4918 or programs@ and potato, the (mostly) popular pump- damlvt.org.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS - FEBRUARY 2022 • Morgan Stanley Capital Trust bought a hotel on Hurricane Lane from L&C Burlington Hospitality SPE LLC for $7.65 million. • Julia Erdelyi bought a condominium on Kettlepond Lane from the Estate of Charles Erdelyi for $350,000. • Krista Stucke bought a condominium on Old Creamery Road from Sheryl Hunter for $335,000. • Jeremy Elliot bought a home on Churchview Drive from Susan Herr for $521,000. • Jamie Sheppard bought a home on 10 acres on Ridge Road from Nye Trust for

$524,500. • Mary Nguyen bought a condominium on Eastview Circle from Tracey Harriot for $295,000. • Prineet Amin bought a half-acre of open land in the Northridge subdivision from Northridge-Williston LLC for $250,000. • Sara Barry bought a home on Kadence Circle from Northridge-Williston LLC for $606,737. • Craig Sampson Jr. bought a home on 1.7 acres on Rosewood Drive from Merrick Hard and Hunter Hard Co-Trustees for $456,000.

• John Cronin bought a condominium on Bittersweet Circle from the Estate of George E. Passage Jr., for $400,000. • The John and Eileen Pomarco Revocable Trust bought a home on 2 acres on McJay Road from the Rebecca Becker Revocable Trust for $450,000.

home on Day Lane from Brett Grabowski for $412,000. • Tino Tomasi bought a home on Horseshoe Drive from Dennis Nazario for $450,000. • Mark Lurvey bought a home on 2 acres on River Cove Road from Mary Griswold for $400,000.

• Gregory Erianne bought a home on Old Creamery Road from Haven Homes LLC for $588,973.

• Devin Grandchamp bought a condominium on Jake’s Way from the Estate of Celeste Wallace for $265,000.

• The Rose G. Hanson Trust bought a condominium on Hideaway Lane from Sarah Conant for $299,000.

• Aaron Kinsey bought a mobile home on Mountain View Road from Shaun Richer for $369,000.

• David

• Vet Williston LLC bought a

Gerstle

bought

half-acre of commercial land on Williston Road from LTV Holdings LLC for $650,000. • Americo Real Estate Company bought 2 acres of open land in the Robear subdivision from James Robear for $430,000. • L5 Inc bought a condominium on Westview Circle from Sharon Rosenthal for $295,000. • The Ellen Wilcox Trust bought a condominium on Maidstone Lane from Carey Blaise for $549,000. • Madana Makhani bought a condominium on Eastview Circle from Jarvis Merrill for $97,035.

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Masks come off at school

March 10, 2022 •

Williston Observer

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Page 3

Sweet work

‘I look forward to seeing more smiles’

OBSERVER STAFF REPORT For the first time in almost exactly two years, local students are in school without masks on their faces. The Champlain Valley School District went to masks optional on Monday, following guidance from the Vermont Department of Education. “Anyone that wants the layer of protection that high-quality masks provide should feel free to wear them,” Superintendent Rene Sanchez said in a letter to the community. “It is critical that we are supportive and understanding of those who, for a variety of personal reasons, decide to continue wearing masks.” Although Williston’s indoor mask mandate installed by the selectboard continues to be in force at least through the middle of March, it does not apply to schools, Sanchez said. Students can expect more flexibility at lunch, with mixing of students from different learning cohorts now allowed. Allen Brook School Principal Angela Filion noted that some of the students in the K-2 school had never attended school without a mask before this week. I look forward to seeing more and more faces and smiles … in the coming days,” Filion wrote in

Mike Isham, top left, stokes the fire in the evaporator at the Isham Family Farm sugarhouse on Oak Hill Road on Monday afternoon. The sugarmakers, top right, (l to r) Helen Weston, David Isham and Mike Isham, stand in front of the evaporator. Steam pours from the stacks on the roof of the sugarshack, bottom right. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Allen Brook School second-grader Weston Carty at school this week. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

a letter to the community. School administrators are encouraging their communities to respect the mask choices of students. “I fully realize that this change will be met with differing responses,” Sanchez wrote. “These past two years have been full of emotions and, at times, division. All of us have been affected by this pandemic differently, so I ask everyone to be respectful and sensitive to the individual needs of our families and staff during this transition.”

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Page 4 •

Hospital doctors to form labor union

Williston Observer

•

March 10, 2022

BY LIORA ENGEL-SMITH VTDigger A month after leaders at Vermont’s largest hospital gave nurses immediate raises, the medical center’s lowest-ranking

doctors are also demanding better pay. Citing burnout, poor working conditions and patient safety concerns, residents at the University of Vermont Medical Center announced their inten-

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tion to unionize last week. The union would be a local chapter of the Committee of Interns and Residents, members said in a press release last week. The national organization is pushing to improve resident working conditions and pay as health care systems continue to struggle with staffing challenges. “I have studied for years to get to where I am, but as a resident physician, some weeks I make less than minimum wage,” pediatrics resident Becca Merrifox said in the press release. “We are locked into our contracts with no power to negotiate. It’s hard to take care of patients when you are worried about making ends meet.” A UVM Medical Center spokesperson said on Monday the hospital is “committed to a culture where people feel heard, respected and supported.” However, management declined to voluntarily recognize the union, spokesperson Annie Mackin said. UVM Medical Center has roughly 350 medical residents and fellows, or physicians in training. These newly graduated doctors complete their education at teaching hospitals, such as UVMMC. Notoriously underpaid and overworked, res-

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idents train for three years or more under the guidance of seasoned doctors. Residencies give new doctors a place to train and specialize. Hospitals, in return, get additional medical personnel for a fraction of the cost of hiring full-fledged physicians. The average resident earned $64,000 in 2021, according to an industry survey. The median income for

‘I have studied for years to get to where I am, but as a resident physician, some weeks I make less than minimum wage.’ Becca Merrifox Pediatrics resident

physicians in 2020, by comparison, was more than $200,000, the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows. The Burlington medical residents began organizing five months ago. The union’s statement from last week indicated that a “supermajority” supported the union, but a formal vote hasn’t taken place yet, union representative Taylor Haring said on Monday. Mackin, the hospital spokesperson, said on Monday that management respects “the right of our residents to decide whether they want to join a union.” “We have encouraged the

union seeking to represent our residents to work with the National Labor Relations Board on a process that will give everyone a voice,” she said. “We will continue our work to ensure access and service for our patients, families and communities.” Formal recognition from the medical center would have meant the union could form — and bargain on behalf of members — without an official vote, Haring said. Without recognition, however, the residents would have to go through an official vote and certification process with the National Labor Relations Board before bargaining can begin. Collective bargaining has immense power when it comes to wages and working conditions. Last month, management granted immediate pay bumps to most members of the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, a union that represents some 2,400 health care workers at UVM Medical Center. Residents at hospitals in Massachusetts, Oregon and Illinois have already formed local chapters of the Committee of Interns and Residents, according to the industry magazine Becker’s Healthcare Review. “By forming a union, we are hopeful that the administration will afford us the same opportunity to advocate for ourselves that they allow nurses, technicians and other vital members of the health care team,” neurology resident Kaley Kinnamon said in the press release.

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March 10, 2022 •

Williston Observer

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State to renew moose hunt for population control BY TALIA HEISEY VTDigger

Covered in thousands of blood-draining ticks, Vermont moose are struggling to survive. Based on continued studies conducted by the University of Vermont and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department on moose health, officials hope that decreasing the number of moose could reduce tick transmission and stabilize the population. To that end, the department plans to issue another 100 moose-hunting permits this October. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board approved the proposal last month, with plans to issue “60 either-sex moose hunting permits and 40 antlerless moose permits.” In 2021, the program drew almost 6,000 applicants for the 100 permits. A total of 62 moose were killed during the October 2021 hunting season. Although winter ticks do not spread diseases, they survive off of animal blood, with up to 90,000 winter ticks finding their home on a single moose, reducing the survival rate of calves as well as adult moose reproductive ability. The study, which equipped 126 moose with tracking collars, found that “survival of adult moose remained relatively good, but birth rates were very low and less than half of the calves survived their first winter.” Winter ticks have always been in the state, according to Nick Fortin, Fish & Wildlife’s lead deer researcher, but the department began noticing it becoming an issue for moose health about 10 years ago. The ticks cannot spread as easily in lower density moose populations, leading to a focus on the northeast corner of the state where there is currently more than one moose per square mile. “Moose densities greater than one per square mile support high numbers of winter ticks which negatively impact moose health and survival,” Fortin said in a press release. Fortin doesn’t expect the state’s moose population to ever return to its 2005 peak of around 4,800, nor does he want it to, saying it was an unsustainable number for the habitat. Beyond winter ticks, moose within the state are also threatened by a lack of available habitat, he said. “We should never have that many moose again and it’s unlikely that we ever could,” he said in an interview. Similar to 2021, 100 permits

A bull moose patrols the Northeast Kingdom.

will be up for bidding and auction for hunting for October’s moose season through a lottery drawing during the first week of August, with officials aiming for the hunt to reduce the population by 5 percent, or about 51 to 64 moose, according to a Fish & Wildlife press release. Although the program has run for several years, the depart-

PHOTO BY WAYNE LAROCHE

ment has yet to see significant improvements and expects it to continue for another few years. In the future, Fortin said, the department might consider issuing more permits to reduce the population more quickly. “We may want to back off if things change, but this is a longterm plan,” he said. Brenna Galdenzi, president

of Protect Our Wildlife, sees moose hunting as unnecessary and pointed to the use of a fungal biopesticide as an alternative to reduce the number of ticks. The Fish & Wildlife department sees it as a possible but unlikely solution, stating in the 2022 Moose Harvest report presented to the board, “reducing winter tick numbers directly,

either by treating moose or the landscape with some form of acaricide or fungal pathogen, is not currently a viable option. “Research in this area is ongoing, but the realities of treating an entire landscape or a sufficient portion of the moose population make it unlikely that this will be a practical option soon.”

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Page 6 •

Williston Observer

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March 10, 2022

GUEST COLUMN Williston’s Community Newspaper Since 1985

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

TO ADVERTISE Submission deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. for next Thursday issue. rick@willistonobserver.com

ADVERTISING Rick Cote Associate Publisher Sales & Marketing rick@willistonobserver.com 802-373-2136

CLASSIFIED ADS Paid Classifieds: There is a fee for business, real estate and help wanted ads. Free Classifieds: Must be 25 words or fewer. Printed on a space-available basis. Submission deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. for next Thursday issue. susan@willistonobserver.com

EDITOR Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Jan Kenney jan@willistonobserver.com BILLING INQUIRIES Michael McCaffrey office@willistonobserver.com MEMBER:

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SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS Send to editor@willistonobserver.com • Deadline is Monday at noon • News/story tips welcomed • Letters must be 300 words or fewer • Include your name, address and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the letter’s author. Phone numbers and street addresses will be kept confidential • Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity • Letters that have been submitted to multiple media outlets may not be printed CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Send to editor@willistonobserver.com Must include • Name of event and organization • Date, time and place of event • Contact information We print submissions for nonprofit groups and organizations only.

The Williston Observer reserves the right to edit or refuse submissions or advertising. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the paper.

A publication of Twin Ponds Publishing LLC Williston

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 Belle’s Café Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Fairfield Inn Gardener’s Supply Green Mountain Bagel Hannaford Healthy Living Williston Home2Suites 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 Sonesta Sunoco Station Town of Williston Offices UPS Store Williston Coffee Shop If you would like copies for your location call Rick Cote at (802) 373-2136 or email Rick@WillistonObserver.com

Essex Junction Essex Automotive Five Corner Variety Hannaford (at Essex Shoppes) Inn at Essex Mac’s Market Martone’s Deli Price Chopper Quality Bake Shop River Road Beverage Richmond Cumberland Farms Richmond Free Library Richmond Market Richmond Mobil Mart

Expanding parental choice in education BY JOHN MCCLAUGHRY This year and the ensuing biennium are likely to be landmark years for the future of parental choice in education in Vermont. In June 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Espinoza v. Montana that if a state offers education tax credits, it must offer them to students choosing sectarian schools as well as public schools. The court said that excluding sectarian schools burdened the plaintiffs’ right to the free exercise of their religion. That ruling triggered at least three similar cases by Vermont plaintiffs seeking to use state tax dollars to benefit their children in independent and sectarian schools. One case argues that parents in tuition towns — those without schools in certain grade levels — should be able to have their school districts pay their children’s tuition directly to a religious school. Last month, parents filed a suit to require Barstow Unified Union District to pay tuition for two children attending the same Roman Catholic school. Another case from Glover argues that if any student is allowed to take school district tuition funding to a sectarian school, then all students, not just tuition town students, should also enjoy that “common benefit.” Meanwhile, a very similar case (Carson v. Makin) has made its way from Maine to the U.S. Supreme Court, which held oral argument in December. But the government school lobby is urging the Vermont Legislature to put a stop to what could be a costly hemorrhage of students and money out of public schools. The four defenders of government schooling are the Vermont School Boards Association, Vermont Superintendents Association, Vermont Principals Association and the Vermont-NEA teachers’ union. Their Feb. 23 joint letter to the Senate Education Committee sets out their argument that expanding parental choice brings “a morass

of complicated legal and logistical questions.” Their central message comes through loud and clear: Forget funding of children: “Fund only public schools.” The lobby groups anchor their case by saying that the state must give all students an “equitable, quality education in order to keep democracy thriving.” They be-

When public schools start losing students, they need to improve the quality of their offerings, and jettison some ideological baggage, to win them back. But, the public school leadership wants to have the government eliminate the competition.

lieve that only government schools can deliver equitable, quality education. If parental choice is forced by the courts, non-public schools must be saddled with public school regulations controlling “curriculum, staff qualifications, open meetings and public records requirements, fiscal accountability and student assessment.” What should be obvious to any parent is that when parents with effective choice find a school is inadequately providing what the parents think is a quality education, they can choose to send their children to another school, public, independent or religious, that does a better job. But Senate Education Committee chair Brian Campion (D-Bennington) is all on board with the “government experts know best, parents know little or nothing” maxim. He was quoted in True North Reports as saying “we need to put some guard rails on (the

practices of religious schools) to protect the students and the staff.” Protect the students and the staff? Really? Somebody needs to explain to Mr. Campion and his committee members that when parents have effective choice, their children don’t need to be protected by overbearing government bureaucrats working to preserve their public school near-monopoly. They can choose another school. When public schools start losing students, they need to improve the quality of their offerings, and jettison some ideological baggage, to win them back. But, the public school leadership wants to have the government eliminate the competition. Wealthy parents can always send their children to St. George’s School (Howard Dean) or the Buxton School (Peter Shumlin). But the public school lobby simply can’t tolerate the state funding the children of everyone else to attend Rice Memorial. I strongly support the Vermont’s constitutional provision against compelled taxpayer support of worship, including pervasively sectarian education. Making sectarian schools dependent on public appropriations sets up a dangerous political dynamic that our founding fathers were well aware would be seriously divisive. But our constitution’s “no compelled support” clause speaks to individuals, not governments. It is satisfied when the state offers a pro rata rebate to taxpayers who object to tuition grants to faithbased schools. Tuition grants to parents to choose what’s best for their children will force complacent public schools to respond to competition, instead of coasting along untroubled by dissatisfied customers who can afford nowhere else to turn. John McClaughry is vice president of the Ethan Allen Institute, online at www. ethanallen.org.

Get a great photo shot? Send it to us! Email your unedited photo to editor@willistonobserver.com

March 10, 2022 •

Williston Observer

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Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Horse-riding community at risk with land development I am writing in support of Windswept Farm with regards to the development of the Glaser property (see story, page 1). In particular, I’m worried that, without the pastures that the horses currently use — leased by Windswept from the Glasers — that the farm will not be able to stay in business. Ideally the pastures would be sold to Windswept, which would keep this important community resource operating, preserve a bit of habitat for the wild creatures, and maintain a living bit of rural Vermont in the area. I do think development is inevitable, but I think we can do it without losing this place that is home to horses and people who love them. My daughter’s pony and my horse have called Windswept Farm home since last August and we love it there. It’s a wonderful community full of folks from grade school to their 90s. I enjoy watching the wild critters that make their home at Windswept and the surrounding field bunnies, owls, skunks, coyote, deer, etc. We enjoy being able to take our Bear Pony for a walk down to Adam’s Farm and chatting with the neighbors. My daughter attends Williston Central School and she sees some of her barnmates around school too.

I do worry, with the development of the Glaser property, that horse enthusiastic youth will lose this vital village. Our community is very based on providing support for each other, especially the kids. We have plenty of adults who are willing to mentor them and provide them with all sorts of life advice. I also worry that the wild creatures that call that place home will lose their habitat, and that Windswept may ultimately close its doors, which would be a hard loss for the community and for our family. Pam Allen Williston

The value of Windswept Farm I am concerned about the proposed property development at the corner of Mountain View and Old Stage roads (see story, page 1). This 97-acre parcel is in the early stages of a multi-unit housing development. At the Planning Commission’s March 2 meeting, emphasis was placed on preserving the property’s view corridor. There is additional acreage that is equally important to preserve: the fields surrounding Windswept Farm. Windswept Farm is a valuable community resource. This development could close it down. Windswept’s owners, Mike and Tina Mauss, are com-

mitted to making riding accessible to the community. Windswept offers summer camps for youth, and lessons and horse boarding for people of all ages and skill levels at affordable and reasonable rates. There is a welcoming community of horse enthusiasts at Windswept Farm, ranging in age from 6 to 92. Generations of Williston youth have grown up at Windswept, learning riding skills and horse care and developing self-confidence and personal responsibility. There are few remaining farms close to Williston village. It is valuable to Williston residents and visitors to be able to drive, bike, run and walk by this space and see open land and animals. It takes land to operate a horse farm. Horses need to run and graze, and they need hay to eat. The Mausses own the few acres on which their house and barns stand. For many years, the landowner has leased pastures and hay fields to them. In return, the Mausses have been able to offer affordable rates to the community while being stewards of the land. The loss of the pastures could drive the Mausses out of business. At the March 2 Planning Commission meeting, the landowner stated that he is very interested in seeing the ongoing operations of Windswept Farm

LETTER POLICY: We ask that letters run no longer than 300 words. We edit only for length, clarity, style, spelling and grammar. Please include your name, town or city where you live and a daytime phone number (which we won’t print) so we can verify you wrote the letter. The deadline is Monday at noon for letters to be printed in Thursday’s paper. Send to: editor@willistonobserver.com.

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A guide to achieving racial justice and harmony As we all close out Black History Month, here is a list of possible personal initiatives to achieve racial justice and harmony: Educate yourself; get connected; support racial justice every day; support and work with community members or organizations that strive for racial justice; stop expecting time to solve the problem for us; realize that ending hate is the begin-

ning, not the end, of the mission; accept the fact that equality and justice is not a halfway proposition; end American apartheid; stop playing the blame game; do better at leveling the playing field; be serious about fighting discrimination; keep the difficult conversation going; stop looking for one solution to all the racial injustices; seize opportunities for interracial collaboration; take political action, for instance, send a letter asking for change; financially support an organization in which you believe; read; converse with others; safely join a demonstration or protest. The Williston Racial Equity Partnership

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Williston Observer

•

March 10, 2022

SPORTS

Rice knocks Redhawks from playoffs

BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent

Redhawk Alex Provost drives the lane on South Burlington’s Ethan Sandberg for a bucket during CVU’s quarterfinal game vs. the Wolves Friday in Hinesburg. OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

For the first eight minutes of the Division I boys basketball semifinal, CVU and Rice were locked in a tight, back-and-forth affair. Then, suddenly, they weren’t. The Green Knights went on a 9-0 run to end the first half and never looked back as they beat the second-seeded Redhawks 54-33 on Sunday night at the University of Vermont’s Patrick Gym. “Our intent was come here and win, not just this one, but the next one,” said CVU coach Michael Osborne. “But we played a very good basketball team who played better basketball than us tonight.” After a run to end the first half, No. 3 Rice opened the second half on another run, this one 8-0, to fully pull way from the Redhawks.

The charge was led by Sharif Sharif (20 points) and Rice’s three-point shooting as the Green Knights scored 21 points from behind the arc. “It really wasn’t a defensive issue for me,” Osborne said of the team’s struggles. “I think it was an offensive issue. We make a few baskets and it makes it a lot easier on the defensive side for us, but we were stuck at 16 (points) forever.” The game started well for CVU, which was appearing in its third straight D-I semifinal. It opened up a quick 9-4 lead behind four points from Tucker Tharpe and a three-pointer from Kyle Eaton. But Rice quickly responded and the two teams settled into a back-and-forth rhythm. With just under three minutes remaining in the first half, the Green Knight offense caught fire. Carter Blanchard hit a

three-pointer, then Sharif scored the next six points of the half to put his team head 28-16. The Green Knights exited the locker room for the third quarter and stayed hot, with eight more points added to the scoreboard before the Redhawks could get one to fall. “We really weren’t able to get much else going all night long,” Osborne said. “Hats off to Rice, I thought their defense dictated to us on the offensive side. We needed to be better on offense.” CVU ended up with just five points of offense in the third quarter and faced a 41-21 deficit entering the final frame. “That’s a good defensive team,” Osborne said. “I thought we had some decent looks that I think we make a better percentage of more see SPORTS page 9

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SPORTS At play at UVM Left, UVM’s Ben Shungu drives to the hoop during the Catamounts’ America East quarterfinal game vs. the NJIT Highlanders on Sunday afternoon at Patrick Gym. UVM’s Emma Utterback, right, drives to the hoop during the Catamounts’ quarterfinal game vs. the Binghamton Bearcats on Saturday afternoon at Patrick Gym.

UVM’s Theresa Schafzahl, above, cuts for the UConn net during the Catamounts’ Hockey East semifinal game vs. the Huskies on Wednesday at Gutterson Fieldhouse. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Sports continued from page

often, but they didn’t go down tonight.” Alex Provost led the CVU scorers with 11 points, while Tharpe finished with eight points. The Redhawks end the season with a 17-5 record. GIRLS HOCKEY

Rutland 3, Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield 1: The

Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield comeback effort fell just short in a loss to Rutland last Wednesday in the Division I girls hockey quarterfinals. Tess Everett scored in the second period for the CougarHawks, closing the score to 2-1 with under ten minutes left in the frame. But CVU could not find the equalizer and ended up on the wrong side of a 3-1 score. Anna West earned an assist on the goal and Grace Ferguson

stopped 23 shots. With the loss, CVU-MMU finish the season with a 9-11-1 record. BOYS HOCKEY

BFA-St. Albans 6, Champlain Valley 0: BFA-St. Albans jumped out to a quick lead in the first period and did not look back in a win over CVU in the Division I boys hockey quarterfinals on Tuesday. Jack Averill made 25 saves in goal for the Redhawks, who finish the season with a 6-13-2 record.

March 10, 2022 •

Williston Observer

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Page 9

CVU skiers sweep state championships BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent In order to repeat as state champions, the CVU girls alpine ski team needed top results out of all four of its skiers. It got just enough. The Redhawks squeaked by Rice by one point to capture their second straight Division I state title at Burke Mountain last week. CVU earned a two-point lead after the giant slalom race in the first day of competition. Carolynn Strobeck came in seventh, with Dicey Manning right behind her 10th place. Kate Kogut finished in 18th place and Elizabeth Nostrund rounded out the top four finishers with a 28thplace finish. With a narrow lead heading into the slalom race, CVU needed its skiers to place just ahead of Rice’s. Manning came in 10th, Strobeck followed in 13th and Kogut finished 15th to put the Redhawks in solid position, then Ella Lisle came in 20th — four points ahead the fourth skier for the Green Knights — to give CVU just enough breathing room and the state title. The Redhawk boys alpine ski team also captured a state championship last week. It was CVU’s second title in a row after a dominating performance on the slopes of Burke. Jake Strobeck was CVU’s top finisher in Monday’s giant slalom, coming in second place. Ray Hagios was fourth and George Francisco (ninth) also finished in the top 10. Kyle Marvin was the

fourth finisher for CVU, coming in 13th place. The Redhawks continued their dominance in the slalom race, placing four skiers in the top 10. Francisco was fifth, Hagios came in sixth, Peter Gilliam followed in seventh place and Marvin was ninth to clinch the D-I crown.

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Page 10 •

Williston Observer

• March 10, 2022

Scott proposes tax rebates and tech center funding with ed fund surplus BY PETER D’AURIA VTDigger

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Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is proposing to use a nearly $100 million surplus in the state’s education fund for tax rebates and to improve career education across Vermont. On Town Meeting Day last week, voters weighed in on school budgets across the state. With those results tallied up, it’s become clear that the nearly $2 billion education fund, the pot of money that pays for Vermont’s local school budgets, is expected to enjoy a roughly $96 million surplus. That $96 million is a windfall for the state, caused by an unexpected jump in revenue from a number of different tax sources, and comes despite increases in school spending across Vermont. At the governor’s weekly press conference Tuesday, state officials released a proposal to return half of that money to taxpayers through tax rebates. “The proposal is to do a flat amount, which would be somewhere between $250 and $275 per homestead parcel in the state,” said Craig Bolio, the state Department of Taxes commissioner. The rest of the money would go toward career and technical education. Under the governor’s proposal, $28 million would fund a grant program focused on “facility and infrastructure upgrades at the state’s school-based centers for technology (CTE). Another $15 million would create a loan fund tailored toward career and technical education

Gov. Phil Scott

students working on construction and building rehabilitation projects. State officials billed the plan as a way to help solve Vermont’s workforce shortage, and to improve and expand the state’s housing. “Simply put, investing in CTE is an investment in our future,” Dan French, the Vermont secretary of education, said at the press conference. Career and technical education is a longtime priority of the governor, former owner of a construction company. “Some of the most successful people I know came from the trades, and I think that it’s a lucrative career,” Scott said Tuesday. Details of the plan came just a week after Town Meeting Day, when residents in most Vermont towns voted on school budgets, bringing next school year’s education spending into focus. Of the 102 school district budgets on Town Meeting Day ballots across the state, voters approved 96 and rejected six, according to

Jeff Francis, executive director of the Vermont Superintendents Association. Twenty districts have yet to vote, with most scheduled to do so later this spring. So far, those budgets show a roughly 5.36 percent spending hike compared to the current school year, according to documents provided to the House Ways and Means Committee by Brad James, the Agency of Education’s education finance manager. Much of that extra spending is driven by students’ increased needs during the pandemic. Districts’ business managers are expecting to spend more money to hire more staff and improve support for students, many of whom have fallen behind or struggled since March 2020, when the first Covid cases surfaced in Vermont, James told the committee Tuesday. “Delays are apparent in the skill level (of) a lot of the kids, especially in the early grades,” James said.

High school sports all-star games to be played next week The 36th Rotary Key Bank All-Star Hockey Classic is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, at the Essex Skating Facility next to Essex High School. Men and women are selected from high schools across Vermont to participate in the event. The women’s game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. and the men’s game will start at 6 p.m. Champlain Valley Union High School junior goalie Grace Ferguson was selected for the women’s game, and CVU’s Jack Averill (goalie) and Angelos Carroll (forward) were selected

for the men’s game. Tickets are $10 with all proceeds donated to charity by the Essex Rotary Club. Contact Jason Ruwet at (802) 876-7147 for more information. BASKETBALL ALL-STAR GAME COMES TO CVU MARCH 20

The Vermont Basketball Coach’s Association’s annual Senior All-Star Game will take place at Champlain Valley Union High School on Sunday March 20. There will be four all-star games between 11 a.m. and 5

p.m. as well as a 3-point shooting contest and award ceremonies for Player of the Year and Coach of the Year. Billed as “a celebration of all that is good about Vermont high school basketball,” the event is open to the public. Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults. It was moved to CVU this year after a decade at Windsor High School. “We are hoping the move to Chittenden County will bring in bigger crowds and reflect the excitement surrounding high school basketball in the area,” CVU coach Ute Otley said.

March 10, 2022 •

Williston Observer

DIABETES SELFMANAGEMENT PROGRAM

SUMMER CAMPS

Registration for day camps and enrichment camps is now open. Be sure to register early as there are limited spots and camps are filling fast. CAMP COUNSELORS WANTED

Applications are now being accepted for summer camp counselors. Positions are 40 hours a week from June 13- Aug. 12. Send resume and cover letter to recreation@willistonvt.org or get an application at www.willistonrec.org. BROMLEY DISCOUNT TICKETS

Ticket discount price is $81 per person. Visit the Bromley

website at www.bromley.com/ trip-planning/tickets-and-passes/lift-tickets/. Use Code: WVTREC2022 to get a discount. Ticket prices are subject to change. This promo code is valid any day but can only be used for single day lift tickets.

YOUTH PROGRAMS YOUTH LACROSSE

Grades 3-8. Separate competitive leagues are offered to boys and girls in grades 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8. Programs will start with outdoor practices in April. Volunteer coaches are needed. Be sure to sign up to coach when you register your child. Grades 1-2, Saturdays, May 7-June 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., parent-child program. SAFE SITTERS BABYSITTERS COURSE

Grades 6-8. Safe Sitter prepares teens in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re watching younger siblings or babysitting. The course offers four main

content areas: Safety Skills, Child Care Skills, First Aid & Rescue Skills, and Life & Business. Thursday, April 21, 9 a.m.3 p.m. $60. Instructor: Rec Staff NINJA KIDS

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Page 11

Speak up!

are by registration and payment only. Some are full but you can register for the waiting list. Visit www.willistonrec.org for more information.

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.

•

Send your letters and story ideas to email editor@ willistonobserver.com

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Williston Observer

•

March 10, 2022

Observer not yet arrived?

View the current edition of the Observer anytime at willistonobserver.com/ digital-edition

Feb. 20 at 7:43 a.m. — Police responded to assist Middlebury Police Department on Westview Circle. Feb. 20 at 12:45 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a parking problem on Ledgewood Drive. The department made contact with the owner regarding their vehicle. Feb. 20 at 4:58 p.m. — Police responded to a report of retail theft on Cypress Street. Feb. 20 at 7:15 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious activity on Dorset Lane. Feb. 21 at 2:51 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Essex Road. There were no injuries on the scene. Feb. 21 at 3:11 p.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Essex Road. There were no injuries on the scene. Feb. 21 at 8:21 p.m. — Police responded to assist Essex Police Department with a welfare check on Brennan Woods Drive. Feb. 22 at 7:10 a.m. — Police contacted an owner of a vehicle in response to a reported parking problem on Williston Road. Feb. 22 at 1:59 p.m. — Police responded to a report of retail theft on Harvest Lane. Police took an individual into custody upon arrival. Feb. 22 at 2:03 p.m. — Police responded to a

lockout at Maple Tree Place. Upon arrival, the officer was able to gain access to the vehicle for the operator. Feb. 22 at 4:18 p.m. — Police assisted Williston Fire Department with medical transport on Wildflower Circle. Feb. 22 at 6:12 p.m. — Police responded to a 911 hang-up on Cornerstone Drive. Upon arrival, the officer confirmed no emergency. Feb. 23 at 12:50 p.m. — Police responded to provide assistance at Maple Tree Place. Feb. 23 at 1:29 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage at Maple Tree Place. Feb. 23 at 2:10 p.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on St. George Road. There were no injuries or hazards on the scene. Feb. 23 at 4:14 p.m. — Police assisted a walkin citizen by providing information regarding restraining orders. Feb. 23 at 5:41 p.m. — Police responded to assist South Burlington Police Department by directing traffic on Williston Road. Feb. 24 at 9:02 a.m. — Police completed multiple VIN verifications on Mountain View Road. Feb. 24 at 10:10 a.m. — Police responded to a lockout on Harvest Lane. Upon arrival, the officer was able to gain access to the

vehicle for the operator. Feb. 25 at 8:16 a.m. — Police provided traffic control for a citizen’s vehicle on St. George Road. Feb. 25 at 8:47 a.m. — Police completed a background check for local employment. Feb. 25 at 10:11 a.m. — Police responded to a suspicious circumstance on Ledgewood Drive. Feb. 25 at 10:53 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on St. George Road. There were no hazards or injuries on the scene. Feb. 25 at 2:40 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint on St. George Road. The officer assisted the operators in turning their vehicles around on the roadway. Feb. 25 at 3:29 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint on Williston Road. Feb. 25 at 3:56 p.m. — Police responded to a lockout on Cypress Street. The officer was able to gain access to the vehicle for the operator. Feb. 25 at 4:44 PM —Police responded to assist Vermont State Police on Interstate 89. Feb. 25 at 6:06 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a suspicious event on North Brownell Road. The incidents above are not a full recount of police activity, rather a highlight of some of the events that occurred. Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorney Office and can be amended or dropped.

March 10, 2022 •

Williston Observer

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Page 13

Bill supports expanded hazardous waste collection BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger

Cows head back to the barn at Elysian Fields, an organic dairy farm in Shoreham owned by Joe and Kathleen Hescock, last September. Theirs is one of the Vermont farms whose contracts with Horizon Organic was set to be terminated. VTDIGGER FILE PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL

Organic Valley to take on farms dropped by Horizon, Maple Hill BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger National dairy distributor Organic Valley has offered to purchase milk from as many as 90 organic farmers in the region whose contracts with two organic producers, Horizon Organic and Maple Hill, will soon be terminated. When Horizon announced it would pull its contracts with 89 farmers in the Northeast, many farmers said they didn’t know if they would survive the blow. Maple Hill recently announced plans to terminate contracts with an additional 46 organic farmers in New York. National trends have made it more difficult for small, organic dairies in Vermont to survive, and other companies, including Organic Valley, have previously said they lack the capacity to take on milk from additional producers, leaving them with nowhere to sell their milk. Officials assembled several task forces at the state and regional levels, sending recommendations to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Organic Valley’s offer may provide a way forward for many of the producers. Of the more than 130 farmers who have lost contracts, 10 have signed on to Organic Valley’s offer, and 80 letters of intent have been sent to other farmers in the region, according to a statement from Organic Valley on Tuesday.

Dozens of the farms that received offers are located in Vermont, according to a statement from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. George Osgood operates one of them, located in Corinth. In a statement issued by Organic Valley, he said his family has farmed the land for more than 65 years and he’s “glad to partner” with the company to continue that tradition. “A cooperative owned by small family farms is the perfect fit for us,” he said in a statement issued by Organic Valley. “It gives us the chance to keep doing what we love.” Several state officials applauded the news. “This is a significant development, and we are grateful to Organic Valley for stepping up to offer this option to family farms in Vermont,” said Anson Tebbetts, secretary of Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., also expressed gratitude toward the company. “While this is terrific news for these farm families, challenges still remain for the organic dairy industry, and I will continue to work, along with others who support organic dairy, to help find or create new markets for organic milk,” he said in a statement. Organic Valley plans to release more information on its efforts in the Northeast in the coming weeks.

Around 640 tons of household hazardous waste from homes across Vermont end up in landfills each year. Lawmakers in the House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife voted unanimously Tuesday to support H.115, a bill that proposes a solution to that problem. Using funds from the manufacturers of the hazardous products, the legislation would create free opportunities for the public to dispose of household hazardous waste. If the bill becomes law, it would require manufacturers to create and belong to “stewardship organizations,” which will collect household products containing a hazardous substance free of charge to the public. Collection programs will cover “payment of collection, processing, and endof-life management,” the legislation says. Waste is considered hazardous if it is ignitable, corrosive, reactive or toxic. When released into the environment, that kind of waste “can contaminate air, groundwater, and surface waters, thereby posing a significant threat to the environment and public health,” the bill says. Items with those characteristics — pesticides, aerosols, containers of oil or gasoline, for example — are already banned from landfills. Municipal solid waste management entities are required to hold a minimum of two hazardous waste collection events

each year, but those events are expensive, often costing in the realm of $1.6 million, according to the text of the bill. Those costs, the bill says, are eventually passed down to people who need to get rid of household items. All of this leads to hazardous waste in the landfill. Generally, there’s agreement among the waste management districts and state officials at the Agency of Natural Resources “that additional collection sites and educational and informational activities are necessary to capture more of the (household hazardous waste) being disposed of in landfills,” the bill says. Under the proposed legislation, manufacturers will not be able to sell certain hazardous household products after Jan. 1, 2025, unless they are registered with a stewardship organization. Stewardship organizations will be responsible for developing approved collection plans for all of the manufacturers that belong to it, issuing annual reports, conducting audits and registering with the Agency of Natural Resources. The program will be a cost-saver for solid waste management entities, Michael O’Grady, deputy chief counsel of the Office of Legislative Counsel, told lawmakers. Those organizations “are very invested in this program working, and working to (get) the stuff out of the landfill and getting it out of their waste streams,” he told members of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife on Tuesday.

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Page 14 •

Williston Observer

• March 10, 2022

release dates: March 12-18, 2022

11 (22)

Next Week: Living in the extreme

Issue 11, 2022

Founded by Betty Debnam

Tuning in to U.S. Territories

Mini Fact: American Samoa is the only U.S. territory located in the Southern Hemisphere.

You know that the United States comprises 50 states, from Alabama to Wyoming. We sometimes forget about U.S. territories, though. A territory is land that may be treated as part of the United States in some ways, but not in others. For instance, it may have a separate, organized government that was approved by the U.S. Congress. The United States has five territories where people live permanently. They are: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea; Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands in the Northern Pacific Ocean; and American Samoa in the South Pacific Ocean. Together, these territories are home to about 3.6 million people. Let’s learn more about our country’s territories.

Puerto Rico

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1917. Puerto Ricans come from many different backgrounds. The Spaniards who landed there in the late 1400s found thousands of native people. The Taino (tah-EE-noh) Indians lived in villages and raised sweet potatoes and corn, among other foods. They became slaves to the Spanish conquerors. Many of the Tainos died from starvation or disease. Later, as more Spaniards arrived,

Nancy

African people were brought to the island to work on sugar plantations. Puerto Ricans speak Spanish, and many speak English. People on the island work in manufacturing, tourism, real estate and other services. Farmers grow many fruits and vegetables, including bananas, grapefruit, lettuces, onions, pumpkins, beans and herbs.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Guam became property of the U.S. in 1898, at the end of the Spanish-American War. For many years, the U.S. Navy used it as a military base. In 1950, it became a territory. The Chamarro language is spoken on the island, although English is widely used also.

Northern Mariana Islands The 14 islands of the Northern Marianas are very close to Guam, and the people there have similar histories. In 1914, Japan took control of the islands, but in a 1944 battle during World War II, the United States captured them. They did not become an official territory until 1975.

American Samoa

The three main Virgin Islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix (CROY) and St. John. The people who originally lived there were probably related to the Taino people of Puerto Rico. In the 1500s and 1600s, European settlers began to arrive, and in 1754, Denmark took control of the islands. The United States bought the territory from the Danish in 1917 so that naval warships could dock there while fighting in World War I. Most of the citizens of the USVI are Black people who are descended from enslaved African people.

Farther south in the Pacific Ocean is American Samoa, a group of five islands. Most of the people who live there are descendants of Pacific Islanders. The U.S., the United Kingdom and Germany fought over the islands in the 1800s until reaching an agreement to divide them between the United States and Germany. American Samoa became an official territory in 1900.

Guam’s indigenous, or native, Chamarro people probably arrived on the island by boat more than 3,000 years ago from Southeast Asia.

On the Web:

Guam

Resources • bit.ly/MPterritories

At the library:

• “A Kid’s Guide to Puerto Rico” by Jack L. Roberts and Michael Owens

BY OLIVIA JAIMES

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of U.S. territories are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward. See if you can find: AFRICAN, BASE, CARIBBEAN, CHAMARRO, COMMONWEALTH, EUROPEAN, GOVERNMENT, INDIGENOUS, ISLANDS, LANGUAGE, NATIVE, OCEAN, PACIFIC, SEPARATE, TAINO, TERRITORY.

O S T U H N A E C O

C W C Q T A I N O U

I S H P L P N S S T

F Z A I A A A D U N

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P A R T O E I S G R

Patsy: What did one flag say to the other flag? Pedro: Nothing! It waved!

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Eco Note Summer in the Southern Hemisphere has brought some of the hottest weather on record to northern Argentina and parts of western Australia. The Argentine heat wave caused the power grid around Buenos Aires to collapse, leaving 700,000 people

Spanish conquerors. Many of the Tainos died from starvation or disease. Later, as more Spaniards arrived,

probably arrived on the island by boat more than 3,000 years ago from Southeast Asia.

At the library:

• “A Kid’s Guide to Puerto Rico” by Jack L. Roberts Owens March 10,and 2022Michael • Williston Observer • Page 15

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

O S T U H N A E C O

C W C Q T A I N O U

I S H P L P N S S T

F Z A I A A A D U N

I E M Y E R E N O E

C E A R W N B A N M

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P A R T O E I S G R

Patsy: What did one flag say to the other flag? Pedro: Nothing! It waved!

N U O I M P R I I E

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Eco Note

You’ll need: • 1 (9-inch) refrigerated piecrust • 2 cups peeled, cored and diced Macintosh apples • 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

What to do: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Divide piecrust into 8 equal pieces and press pieces into bottom and up sides of 8 cups in a muffin pan. 2. In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Mix well. Spoon apple mixture into muffin cups, filling about 3/4 full. 3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. Serves 8. * Use any fruits you want; in summer, peaches, plums or nectarines taste great! Adapted from “The Robin Takes 5 Cookbook for Busy Families” with permission from Andrews McMeel Publishing (andrewsmcmeel.com).

News of the Weird This Gig Stinks

Omni, a plant-based pet food company in Britain, is offering a lucky(?) few dog owners more than $6,000 to “record their experience of introducing their dog to a plant-based diet, monitoring their bowel movements, stool odor, health, energy levels, behavior, sleep pattern and physical attributes, such as weight, skin and fur condition” over a period of two months, according to the company’s website. Omni will provide a free supply of its pet food for the

gig and will cover the cost of visits to a pet nutritionist, who will oversee the pets’ transition to plant-based food. Those dog owners who successfully complete the poop-monitoring period will earn the aforementioned cash for their work, while their dogs will receive a supply of dog toys and vegan treats.

Check, Please! Michael Spressler, 58, of Brick, New Jersey, thought he had broken a tooth when he bit

into a raw clam and felt something hard in his mouth. But instead Spressler found a perfectly round white pearl. “I’ve been eating clams all my life. This is the first time this ever happened to me,” Spressler said. Indeed, the odds of finding a pearl in a clam are said to be roughly 1 in 10,000, and The Pearl Source website says the little gem, which Spressler’s wife, Maria, would like to have set in a piece of jewelry, could be worth anywhere from $50 to $100,000.

Winter and Summer* Fruit Tarts

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

Cook’s Corner

Summer in the Southern Hemisphere has brought some of the hottest weather on record to northern Argentina and parts of western Australia. The Argentine heat wave caused the power grid around Buenos Aires to collapse, leaving 700,000 people without electricity as temperatures approached the hottest ever recorded in South America. A temperature of 123 degrees Fahrenheit in Pilbara, Western Australia, tied for the hottest ever recorded in Australia, and the entire Southern Hemisphere, since 1960. adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

For later: Look in your newspaper for articles about one or more of our U.S. territories.

Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

Golden Ticket On Oct. 26, 1984, Northwestern student Michael Cole attended a basketball game alone, having been unable to find a friend to use the extra ticket he had purchased for $8.50. Thirty-eight years later, on Feb. 27, Cole, now 55, watched that spare ticket, which he had held onto as a keepsake, sell for $468,000 at auction. What was so special about the ticket? It just happens to be the only known intact ticket from Michael Jordan’s debut game with the Chicago Bulls.

Saved Snowball A 15-year-old poodle named

Snowball has been reunited with his owner, Kathy, of Norfolk, Virginia. What kept the two apart? Only about five years and more than 900 miles. Snowball, who arrived recently at the Cape Coral Animal Shelter in Florida with matted fur, infected eyes and ears and severe dehydration, had gone missing from Kathy’s home in Norfolk some five years ago. But thanks to the microchip Kathy had implanted in her bestie, the poodle was quickly identified, and Kathy booked a flight shortly after receiving a call from the shelterand Snowball will be returning with Kathy to his Virginia home.

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SENIORS

What to do with cremated ashes

Dear Savvy Senior, A while back, I saw an article on different ways to scatter a person’s ashes after they’re cremated, but I’ve misplaced it. Can you help me with this? I’m preplanning my funeral and would like to include instructions on what to do with my remains that my family will appreciate. Planning Ahead Dear Planning, There’s no shortage of options when it comes to handling or dis-

posing of your cremated remains after you’re gone. Your family can keep, bury or scatter them in a variety of imaginative ways that reflect your life and personality. Here are some different options to consider.

olic Church, which specifies that ashes of the dead should be kept in sacred places like a cemetery or a columbarium and not kept at home or scattered. PLANT THEM

SCATTER THEM

The most popular option is to have your ashes scattered at a location you loved to be, e.g., a favorite fishing spot, camping area, golf course, beach, park or at home. If you choose this route, keep in mind that some places,

Savvy Senior By Jim Miller

such as national parks, require a permit. And many public areas, like parks or sports stadiums may prohibit scattering. STORE THEM AT HOME

We Help You Help. When you help care for a loved one, you take care of everything. But are you taking care of yourself? AARP can help with information and useful tips on how you can maintain a healthy life balance, care for your own physical and mental well-being, and manage the challenges of caring for a loved one. Because the better care you take of yourself, the better care you can provide for your loved one. You’re there for them. We’re here for you. Find free Care Guides to support you and your loved one at AARP.org/caregiving

Many families choose to keep their loved ones close, by storing them at home. If you and your family choose this option, you can purchase a decorative urn through your funeral provider or online at www.Amazon.com. Or you may want to use an old cookie jar or favorite container that reminds your family of you. BURY/INTER THEM

The burial option is good if you wish to have a special place for your family to visit. This is also the only option for cremated ashes sanctioned by the Cath-

If you’re the environmental type, you can have your ashes planted with a tree. There are companies that offer living urns — like www.TheLivingUrn.com or www.UrnaBios.com — that mix your ashes with other nutrients that can be used to grow a plant or tree in your yard or a place of your choosing. SCATTER THEM AT SEA

If you love the water, there are many businesses that offer ash scattering services at sea, especially close to coastal areas. Or your family could rent a boat and do it themselves. There are also companies like www.EternalReefs.com that offer reef memorials so your ashes can rest on the ocean floor. SCATTER THEM BY AIR

This option will scatter your ashes into the sky so the particles can be taken by the wind. To do this, your family could hire a private plane, helicopter or hot air balloon service, or use a balloon scattering service like www.Mesoloft.com. They could even send your ashes into outer space with www.Celestis.com. TURN THEM INTO A RECORD

If you love music, a UK com-

Honor the memory of your beloved pet.

GO OUT WITH A BANG

If you’re a hunter or a gun lover, a company called Holy Smoke (www. MyHolySmoke.com) will create loaded ammunition out of cremated remains. Your family could store the ammo in the engraved wooden box it comes in, or they can send you off in a gun salute. TURN THEM INTO ART

If you love art, arrange for an artist or family member to paint your portrait, or a picture, with some of your ashes mixed into the paint. Or, if your family is into tattoos, many tattoo artists will mix some ashes with ink to create a memorial tattoo. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

willistonobserver.com/ digital-edition

CREMATION CENTER

Burlington - (802) 864-5682 | Elmwoodmeunier.net

If you love jewelry or glass trinkets, there are companies — like www.CloseByMeJewelry. com, www.SpiritPieces.com and www.ArtFromAshes.com — that will turn your ashes into wearable jewelry or glass art memorials.

View the current edition of the Observer anytime at

ELMWOOD-MEUNIER &

TURN THEM INTO JEWELRY OR GLASS

Observer not yet arrived?

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet, but a well-chosen pet memorial can help soothe some of the pain and keep your pet’s memory alive. Let us help.

FUNERAL

pany called Vinyly (www.Andvinyly.com) will turn your ashes into a vinyl record. You supply the music (or voice recording) and cover image, and the company creates a memorial that your family can listen to for years to come.

SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 21

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CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 21

Almanac ANDREWS

MCMEEL

TODAY’S HISTORY: • In 1876, Alexander Graham Bell spoke the first intelligible words transmitted over a telephone: “Mr. Watson -- come here -- I want to see you.” • In 1969, James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. • In 1971, the U.S. Senate passed the 26th Amendment, which would lower the minimum voting age to 18. • In 2019, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed, leading Boeing to ground all 737 MAX aircraft worldwide days later. TODAY’S FACT: • From 1875 through 1893, the Bell Telephone Company faced 587 unsuccessful court challenges to its patents, including five decided by the Supreme Court.

These green, festive Leprechaun Zucchini Muffins are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. However, unlike most of the green treats you’ll find on St. Patty’s Day, these muffins are actually good for you! They are 100% vegan and almost sugar free aside from the 3 tablespoons of OJ, thanks to sugar-free monk fruit that gives these muffins their sweetness without the sugar! This recipe was created by Amazing Grass. The Superfood Greens Blend is what gives these muffins their festive green color. Find it on sale this month at Healthy Living!

Leprechaun Zucchini Muffins Recipe Ingredients:

Directions:

3/4 cup shredded zucchini, strained

Preheat oven to 350.

1 flax egg: 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water 3 tablespoons orange juice 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 1 scoop Greens Blend Superfood The Original 1 cup almond flour 1/4 cup powdered monk fruit 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Make a flax egg by combining flaxseed meal and water in a small bowl. While you make the rest of the muffins, let the flax egg sit to thicken. Shred zucchini using a grater or food processor. Using a nut milk bag or paper towels, strain the zucchini of most of its liquid. It will still be moist, but you should get as much moisture out of the zucchini as possible. In a medium-sized mixing bowl combine strained zucchini, orange juice, coconut oil and flax egg, assuming the flax egg has rested for at least 5 minutes. Add remaining dry ingredients to the bowl, minus the granola to the mixture and mix well until fully combined.

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Add 6 paper muffin liners and fill each liner about 1/2 of the way full.

pinch of salt

Bake for 30 minutes, adding the granola after 20 minutes. Muffins are done when a toothpick can be inserted and pulled out clean.

granola for topping, optional

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How to prepare for summer camp season Each summer, millions of children depart for camps around the country to swim, hike, craft and enjoy the companionship of friends. Summer camps in North America were first established in the 1880s and were attended by children without their parents for overnight stays. By the 20th century, summer camps had become an international phenomenon, and various organizations hosted traditional summer camps or camps geared toward religion, sports, music and other subjects and activities. According to the American Camp Association, each year more than 14 million children and adults in the United States attend camp. America is home to more than 14,000 day and residential camps (roughly 8,400 are overnight and 5,600 are day camps). Nonprofit groups are the largest sponsors of summer camps. Many people put off summer camp planning until it is too late. Parents should keep in mind that camps begin registration early in the year and have specific cut-off dates for enrollment. Parents who want to beat the

CAMP

crowds this year can use this guide to help plan a summer camp agenda. ATTEND AN ORIENTATION SEMINAR

Take the time to visit prospective camps for a tour, and use this open house as an opportunity to learn more about the programs offered. If available, find a camp employee to discuss your child’s eligibility for enrollment. Some camps may offer webinars for convenience. FILL OUT THE ENROLLMENT PACKAGE COMPLETELY

Each camp has their own requirements for registration. Expect to submit some personal information, including a medical background and proof of insurance, names and numbers of emergency contacts, and any other pertinent information as it applies to the camper. This may include allergies, fears, physical or mental disabilities, or even preferences in camp courses. ESTABLISH PAYMENT SCHEDULES

Summer camps vary in price. The ACA says camp costs range

OBSERVER PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM

from $100 to more than $1,500 per week. However, many accredited camps offer some sort of financial assistance for children from families with limited financial means. If cost is a factor, be sure to broach the subject. PREPARE CHILDREN FOR THE PHYSICAL CHALLENGES A CAMP MAY PRESENT

Summer camp activities may be rigorous and campers may need to be cleared by a physician before

starting. Be sure to schedule your child a physical and bring along any pertinent forms. Children also can increase their levels of physical activity compared to the often sedentary nature of winter. Such preparation can prevent injuries when engaging in outdoor and physical activities. SHOP FOR SUPPLIES

Camps are likely to provide a list of requirements with regard to clothing and other equipment

campers will need. Make sure kids have enough shorts, T-shirts, socks, athletic shoes, swimsuits, toiletries and other camp necessities before they leave. KEEP CHILDREN IN THE LOOP

Engage children in the planning process to help alleviate fears and get them excited about summer camp. Summer camp can foster lifelong memories. Parents can help kids prepare in advance for the fun that’s soon to arrive.

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CAMP Questions to ask when searching for the right summer camp 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15)

What are your finances like? Do you have a budget for summer camp? What size camp do you desire? Should the camp be co-ed or single sex? How far do you want your child to travel for summer camp? What are the options in your area? Are there any camps that have been recommended by friends or family members? What kinds of activities do your children enjoy? What is the philosophy of the camp? What is a typical day like at camp? What are the types of activities and facilities offered? What is the camper-to-counselor ratio? What is the camp’s drug/alcohol policy? Does the camp have insurance and security personnel? What percentage of staff return each year? How are staff selected and trained? What kind of health care is provided? What would the camp do in the event of an emergency?

OBSERVER PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM

A rundown of summer camp options

Summer camp is a beloved tradition. Many parents of young children fondly recall spending their summers at summer camp, where they made lifelong friends and learned the finer points of roasting marshmallows and competing in three-legged sack races. Parents looking for the right summer camp for their kids will soon discover there are various types of summer camps, each offering youngsters something different. The following are some of the summer camp options parents can expect to encounter as they search for the right camp for their kids. DAY CAMP

Day camps are not overnight camps, which means kids will return home each night rather than sleep over at camp. Day camps typically offer many of the activities people have come to associate with camps, including crafts, sports and even day trips to experience local culture or attractions. Many day camps are co-ed, and counselors typically live within the community. FAITH-BASED CAMP

Faith-based camps offer many of the same activities as more traditional summer camps, but do so while simultaneously offering campers the opportunity to celebrate and further explore their religious beliefs. Some faith-based camps may focus heavily on religion, incorporating faith into daily camp activities, while others may be more subtle with regard to integrating religious beliefs and lessons into camp activities.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

ther develop their athletic talents. Sports camps may or may not feature guest lectures and lessons from notable local athletes and coaches, with some even providing instruction from current and/ or former professional athletes. Some sports camps are overnight, while others are day camps. FAMILY CAMPS

Family camps are opportunities for the whole family to enjoy the summer camp experience. Family camps typically tailor their activities around things families can do together, with counselors providing assistance when it’s needed. Family camps may be faith-based or secular, and families typically stay overnight, sleeping in facilities on the campsite or in lodging away from home.

SPORTS CAMPS

Some summer camps focus on a particular sport, catering to young athletes who want to fur-

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

There are many camps that cater to youngsters with special

needs. Special needs camps may cater to campers who are blind, deaf, learning disabled, or mentally or physically disabled. Staff at special needs camps typically undergoes extensive training, Make it the best summer ever! which helps to • Overnight boys camp in North Hero calm some of the fears par• Boys learn skills, build confidence, ents may have and make friends about leaving • Incredible location on the lake, all their special technology-free needs children • Archery, sailing, campfires, more! at camp. Facilities at Sign up now! campabnaki.org special needs camps are ofThe Y’s Community Partner ten built to accommodate the specific needs of campers.

CAMP ABNAKI

Call Call (802) 446-6100 855-8661 (802)

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Family Fun Page

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ers and hills of Lamoille County. Karen later accepted a fundraising position at the Clarina Howard Nichols Center in Morrisville, a non-profit institution which cares for abused women and children. The satisfaction that she felt in this work derived from her fundamental character traits. Karen experienced some turbulent periods as her close-knit family suffered first the loss of her brother Matthew in 2016 and then the passing of her mother Winnie in 2018. She was a strong and loving family presence during those challenging times. Karen’s friends Koi Boynton and Jenniflower Laker provided great support to her, both then and later through her period of illness. Karen was an inherent optimist who saw the glass as more than half full. Although she spent parts of the last three years of her

life beset by medical problems arising from her disease and from the side effects of its treatments, she also created new avenues in her art, found a new spiritual life, and rediscovered her love of growing things. Her father did not mind that she turned their house into a collection of art studios encircled by plant jungles. During her illness, Karen continually expressed her gratefulness for the physical and psychological support shown by her friends, by Drs. Steven Ades and Zale Berry, and by Kathleen McBeth. Their sustaining care and love was especially important to Karen as, in her words, she “neared the clearing at the end of the path” and anticipated her reunion with Matthew and Winnie. The world was a better place owing to Karen’s 54 years in it. Karen is survived by her loving and grateful father Bill, by her sister-in-law Emily Geiger, by Amanda, and by aunts and cousins on the Pordum side. Visiting hours are scheduled at the LaVigne funeral home,132 Main St., in Winooski on March 9, 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Charlotte on March 10 at 10 AM. Donations in Karen’s name can be made to the Karen M. Geiger Scholarship Fund at the Community College of Vermont through the Director of Resource.

PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 16

Karen Marie Geiger died on February 26, 2022 after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. The daughter of William E. Geiger Jr. and Edwina (“Winnie”) Pordum Geiger, she was born in Ithaca, N.Y. on February 21, 1968. Karen moved to Vermont with her parents and her younger brother, Matthew William, in 1974 and was educated in Essex Junction schools. In her higher education she first obtained a degree from the Community College of Vermont (CCV) and then earned the B.A. in Art at the University of Vermont. Karen was a bright and high-spirited person with the innate characteristics of being aware of the needs of others and of providing help whenever possible. In terms of her personal interests and talents, Karen’s first love was the arts. She acted in local theater productions, but her prime attraction was to the studio arts. While employed in development at CCV, she curated the art galleries on the Winooski campus, wrote art reviews for Art Map Burlington, and continued to explore and show her own art through painting and photography. Eventually her professional interests took her to a position at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, where she grew in appreciation of Vermont country life and enjoyed interacting with artists and writers in the beautiful riv-

Karen Marie Geiger

SUDUKO SOLUTION

OBITUARIES

CROSSWORD SOLUTION PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 17

Robert K. Mitchell Robert K. Mitchell, 74, of Williston, Vermont, passed away on Dec 13, 2021. He was born July 17, 1944 to Elizabeth Ruth Mitchell and Elmer Arthur Mitchell in Middlebury, Vermont. He was raised in Mineville, New York and graduated from Mineville High School. Bob was a loving husband, a devoted father, a gifted athlete, a caring and committed member of the Williston community, an accomplished gardener and pig farmer, and a lover of dogs. All who knew Bob knew him as friendly, socially engaged, infinitely interested in others and possessed of a playfully wry sense of humor. His uplifting, positive attitude was all the more admirable given the decades-long valiant battle he waged against multiple sclerosis. In Mineville, NY he was a star athlete in baseball and football. His football prowess merited him a scholarship to UVM where he was admired by his teammates and where he won national acclaim as a fullback. He was inducted into the University of Vermont Athletic Hall Fame

and the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame. He was a life-long devotee of physical fitness and sports. He was a daily visitor to the gym and a dedicated golfer at West Bolton Country Club. The relationships he forged through his athletic endeavors helped form him as a person and build lifelong friendships. It was at UVM where he met his bride Jane Fisk Kimball. He was deeply devoted to her and she was a constant presence and companion to him even after she tragically predeceased him in 2006. They shared a passion for

education and both enjoyed long careers devoted to education. Bob was a beloved educator, beloved by both students and parents for more than three decades at Williston Central School. His wonderful ability to relate to kids and his interest in them invariably elicited their cheerful “Hey, Mr. Mitchell” greetings both inside and outside of school. After his retirement he continued to mentor students. His deep commitment to others led him to volunteer in many capacities, including restorative justice, Meals on Wheels, and helping to train companion dogs. He is survived by his granddaughter Emeline Jane Mitchell, his sons Daniel and David Mitchell, his siblings Pat, Sue, Paul, Danny, and Mary Jane, and his dear friends Tim and JoAnne Murad and Arthur “Rusty” Brink. A celebration of what he brought to our lives will be held on April 24, 2022. Further details will be provided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UVM Victory Club Scholarship Fund using the following: www.go.uvm.edu/mitchell

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Looking for…

Elder Care/Companion (Caregiver) Five days a week/5 hours per day in Williston. Salary is $20 per hour. Clean record, good recommendations, mobile, with many skills. For more details about the position, email: (rogerpell0147@gmail.com)

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE Love Seat - medium gray, chair and pillows, like new. $800 or best offer. 802-343-8597.

LEGAL TOWN OF RICHMOND, VERMONT SELECTBOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Richmond Selectboard shall hold a public hearing on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to hear public comment on proposed Rule Requiring Wearing Face Coverings Indoors In Public Spaces. This meeting may be attended by phone or online via Zoom. Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 87354929177?pwd=Qkxzb3IwR1NqWWV ldyt6dFk5RG5JUT09 Meeting ID: 873 5492 9177 Passcode: 963055 Join by Phone: +1 929 205 6099 Below is a table of contents for the proposed rule. Copies of the full proposed rule are available at the Town Clerk’s Office, 203 Bridge Street Richmond, or by calling 434-5170, and under “Documents” at www.richmondvt.gov.

Shared Living Provider Open your home to someone with an intellectual disability or autism and open a whole world to them, and to you. Working with our team of professionals, you’ll help someone live a safe and fulfilling life at home and in the community. There are a variety of opportunities available that could be the perfect match for you and your household. A $500 sign on bonus, generous stipend, paid time off, comprehensive training & supports are provided. Plus, CCS has been voted one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont for the fourth year in a row. Join us! Contact Jennifer Wolcott, jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 655-0511 ext. 118 ccs-vt.org EOE

All interested persons may appear and be heard. Persons needing special accommodations or those interested in viewing the ordinance should contact the Richmond Town Manager’s Office (802) 434-5170. Town of Richmond RULE REQUIRING WEARING FACE COVERINGS INDOORS IN PUBLIC SPACES Section 1. Authority Section 2. Purpose Section 3. Requirement to Wear Face Coverings Section 4. Exceptions Section 5. Other Laws Section 6. Severability Section 7. Effective Period

LEGAL TOWN OF RICHMOND SELECTBOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Richmond Selectboard shall hold a public hearing on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to hear public comment on proposed amendments to the Municipal Park Ordinance.

This hearing may be attended by phone or online via Zoom. Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 87354929177?pwd=Qkxzb3IwR1NqWWV ldyt6dFk5RG5JUT09 Meeting ID: 873 5492 9177 Passcode: 963055 Join by Phone: +1 929 205 6099 Copies of the proposed ordinances are available at the Town Clerk’s Office, 203 Bridge Street Richmond, or by calling 434-5170, and under “Documents” at www.richmondvt.gov. All interested persons may appear and be heard. Persons needing special accommodations or those interested in viewing the ordinance should contact the Richmond Town Manager’s Office (802) 434-5170. Summary of Changes to Municipal Park Ordinance Updates park map to identify parking areas Changes governing authority for park use requests from Recreation Committee to Richmond Administrative Offices. SECTION FOUR, subsection A clarifies that firearms may not be discharged SECTION FOUR, subsection B prohibits fires SECTION FIVE, prohibits the use or sale of cannabis SECTION SIX, clarifies signs must conform to Richmond Zoning Regulations SECTION SEVEN, changes park operating hours SECTION EIGHT, dictates that persons shall abide by any resolution in place at the time and any other agreements made prior to events being held in the park SECTION NINE, allows for the Constable to issue complaints for violations of the ordinance.

LEGAL

And that’s on top of being a “Best Place to Work In Vermont” for four years running. Great positions in Residential Program Management ($43K) and Direct Support Professionals ($18 per hour) at an award-winning agency serving Vermonters with intellectual disabilities. Plus a $500 sign-on bonus and an incredible benefits package. Make a career making a difference. Apply today at https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/ ccs-vt.org EOE

Passcode: 963055 Join by Phone: +1 929 205 6099 Copies of the proposed ordinances are available at the Town Clerk’s Office, 203 Bridge Street Richmond, or by calling 434-5170, and under “Documents” at www.richmondvt.gov. All interested persons may appear and be heard. Persons needing special accommodations or those interested in viewing the ordinance should contact the Richmond Town Manager’s Office (802) 434-5170. Summary of Changes to Traffic Ordinance Section 3 SPEED LIMITS: reduction in speed limits on sections of Hinesburg and Huntington Roads Separated Parking Regulations into Section 6A pertaining to roads and Section 6B pertaining to municipal lots and municipal parks. Removed reference to “Snow Removal Zones” in Section 6A Added section 6A which defines parking rules for municipal parks

LEGAL TOWN OF RICHMOND, VERMONT SELECTBOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Richmond Selectboard shall hold a public hearing on Monday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed RICHMOND CAPITAL BUDGET AND PROGRAM FOR FY23-FY27. This hearing may be attended by phone or online via Zoom. Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 86877674684?pwd=TUErYmxzL25pUy9jc 1JNRzdXUkJ5UT09 Meeting ID: 868 7767 4684 Passcode: 045751

TOWN OF RICHMOND SELECTBOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Richmond Selectboard shall hold a public hearing on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to hear public comment on proposed amendments to the Traffic Ordinance. This hearing may be attended by phone or online via Zoom. Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/ 87354929177?pwd=Qkxzb3IwR1NqWWV ldyt6dFk5RG5JUT09

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Join by Phone: +1 929 205 6099 The public hearing is for the purpose of distributing information and receiving comments regarding the Draft 2023 Richmond Capital Budget. The document is available for your review at the Town Clerk’s Office or online at www. richmondvt.gov. All interested persons may appear and be heard. Persons needing special accommodations or those interested in viewing the ordinance should contact the Richmond Town Manager’s Office (802) 434-5170.

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March 10, 2022

Glaser

tered rather than sprawled. “We believe in keeping as much of the wildlife and land in continued from page 1 conservation as we can.” Glaser has also assured his neighbors to the housing developments that have gone the south, Tina and Mike Mauss, the owners through traditional Development Review of Windswept Farm, that they will be able Board permitting and growth management to continue their horse boarding and riding have conserved a similar amount of land. school. For two decades, the Glasers have “There is a strong desire to keep it open. let the Mausses use 20 acres of the property I just don’t know if that qualifies as a sub- as horse pasture and allowed them to hay stantial benefit,” Kaynor said. the fields to feed the horses. The pasture is “Obviously they can apply for a Specif- essential to the business’ operation. But it’s ic Plan, but I can’t say ‘yes, I’m likely to also in the proposed building envelope of follow (through) with that process’ with the property. the amount of information we have now,” Windswept Farm could find other sourche added. “If you want es of hay, Tina Mauss a foreshadowing, I can’t said, “but the 20 acres ‘Residents of Williston give you one.” that the horses are on, Planning Commiswe would not be able to are extremely tired sion chair Meghan Cope stay in business without of development encouraged the Glasers that land.” to proceed with the SpeThe Mausses and in general and cific Plan application. As Glasers have met about construction in of Tuesday, no applicahow to keep the horse tion had been submitted, pasture if the property is particular.’ but Planning Director developed. Meghan Cope Matt Boulanger, who “We are very much Planning Commission chair worked under Belliveau interested in seeing the as a senior planner until operation of Windswept Belliveau’s 2018 retireFarm continue,” Glaser ment, said “I do expect we will see an ap- said. “And we have been in discussion with plication in the coming months.” the Mausses about that.” “I’m really motivated to save as much The neighbors have a long history of open space on this property as possible for maintaining a mutually beneficial relationthe town,” said Cope. “I feel like that view ship. is just priceless.” “Our relationship with the Glasers Landowner Jack Glaser, a 40-year res- has been very positive in the past and I’m ident of Williston, assured planners that assuming it’s going to work out,” Mike he similarly values the open space on the Mauss said. “We agree in concept but we property. haven’t come up with anything concrete “This is really a prime spot to do re- yet.” sponsible development,” he said, adding It’s unclear whether preserving the that construction of homes would be clus- horse pasture could qualify as a “substan-

Windswept Farm uses 20 acres of the Glaser property as horse pasture and would need to retain that under any development proposal in order to continue operating. OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR

tial benefit to the town” in the Specific Plan process. The Mausses believe that’s exactly what their horse farm and riding school has provided to the community. “It’s been a resource for the town because it’s a safe place for kids to come after school and then they communicate with each other and the horses and it’s a growth experience for them, and it turns them into really strong young people,” Mike Mauss said. “It’s not just kids,” Tina Mauss added. “We have a huge community of people here that, this is what they do. It’s their therapy, it’s their exercise. It’s their lives. We feel really strongly that what we do is a

TEE UP FOR THE

huge community resource.” When the Specific Plan application comes in, the Planning Commission’s first order of business will be to make a determination on whether the proposal presents a public benefit. An affirmative determination will allow the application to proceed through the myriad next steps. Cope, the commission chair, noted that there has been significant public opposition to development proposals on this parcel in the past, and she expects that will come out during the Specific Plan hearings. “Residents of Williston are extremely tired of development in general and construction in particular,” she said.

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