Williston Observer 4/14/2022 by Williston Observer

ECRWSS PRSRT STD US Postage

PAID

Permit #15 Williston,VT 05495 POSTAL CUSTOMER

RECIPE INSIDE!

School district sees ‘unnerving’ exodus APRIL 14, 2022

Board stands behind superintendent BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Ten Champlain Valley School District administrators plan to leave their jobs at the end of this school year, a rate of leadership turnover that is alarming some members of the school community. “This is unprecedented, and it serves as a red flag that something is wrong,” Jodi Sanders, a music teacher at Shelburne Community School and parent of a student in the district, said at the April 5 meeting of the Champlain Valley School Board. The departures include: Chief Operating Officer Jeanne Jensen, Director of Learning and Innovation Jeff Evans, Director of Student Support Services Megan Roy, Director of Network Services Mike Kanfer, Director of Early Education Shelley Henson, High School Activities and Athletic Director Dan Shepardson, Hinesburg Co-Principal John Pontius, Shelburne Lead Principal Scott Sivo, Shelburne Special Education Administrator Peggy Sue Van Nostrand and Charlotte Special Education Director Cassandra Townsend. “As both a staff member and a parent, this amount of change is both unnerving and concerning,” Sanders said, calling the departures “a mass exodus of

WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

highly skilled, well-liked, exceptional leadership.” All of the departures have come since the hiring of Superintendent Rene Sanchez, who is about nine months into his tenure after replacing 15-year Superintendent Elaine Pinckney. Sanders said departing administrators are “expressing that they do not feel supported by the systems of leadership and governance.” Similarly, an anonymous email sent to the Observer and to the school board pointed to Sanchez as the root cause of the administrator departures. School board chair Angela Arsenault told the Observer that the board has completed a performance review of Sanchez — including soliciting anonymous feedback about Sanchez from school staff — and that Sanchez “has the board’s full support.” “The administrative departures we’re seeing are due to a few different factors — including expected turnover with a change in leadership, personal decisions regarding career advancement, and obvious trends in our state and country in the education field — which are unrelated to Superintendent Sanchez’s performance,” said Arsenault. In her April 5 comments to the board, Sanders said she “respectfully disagrees” with framing the departures as an expected result of a change in leadership.

WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM

Director of Network Services Mike Kanfer, left, and Chief Operating Officer Jeanne Jensen are among 10 CVSD leaders who are leaving the district at the end of this school year. OBSERVER FILE PHOTOS

“As a 20-plus-year experienced teacher, I have experience in multiple districts … and I’ve never seen this kind of leadership change in a single year,” Sanders said. No board members responded to Sanders’ comments during the meeting. Arsenault acknowledged in an email to the Observer that the board could have set up a

smoother “onboarding” process during the transition from Pinckney to Sanchez. “There are things we would do differently if given the choice and a time machine,” she said. “Since that’s not possible, we’re looking forward and focusing our collective energy on supporting our superintendent, administrators, teachers and students as we move through this

transitional phase into the opportunity that change and progress provide.” The district has already hired a successor for one of the pending vacancies. On Tuesday it announced that the director of special services at CVU, Anna Couperthwait, will be promoted to the district’s director of student support services, replacing see DISTRICT page 24

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has recruited an engineering firm to oversee an assistance program for schools via a request for proposal process. The DEC had about $2 million in grants for stormwater drainage improvements, and last March, awarded the funds to Chicago-based GreenPrint Partners to distribute to schools where the permit applies. GreenPrint specializes in developing green infrastructure and administers programs that encourage towns to approve more environmentally friendly developments. “Our main focus is putting more green infrastructure in the ground,” said Laura Kenney of

GreenPrint Partners. GreenPrint Partners does the administrative work for the DEC-endorsed Vermont Green Schools Initiative. “We match schools that have enrolled for assistance through the Vermont Green Schools Initiative with local Vermont vendors, contractors and design firms — people that are able to help the schools meet the new permit requirements,” Kenney said. CVSD schools would probably not be as far along in the design and permitting process without assistance through the Green Schools Initiative, said CVSD Chief Operations Officer Jeanne Jensen.

“We appreciate the funding and expertise,” she said. All schools that applied for assistance are still in phase one of the initiative — the design, planning and permitting phase. Phase two of the initiative is when the construction of new stormwater infrastructure begins. Once construction plans are approved, schools will have five years to install new drainage systems or retrofit existing ones. Jensen said construction on CVSD school properties would begin as soon as plans are approved and funding is in place. State regulators initially estimated that 47 schools would sign up with GreenPrint Partners for

Schools work toward Clean Water Act compliance

Grants, technical assistance provided for stormwater improvements BY KARSON PETTY Community News Service

All six schools in the Champlain Valley School District will soon need to meet new standards for stormwater drainage. CVSD schools are among the 70 Vermont schools and colleges that need to improve their stormwater management infrastructure under the Vermont Clean Water Act of 2015. The schools will need a “3acre general permit,” which applies to all properties that have 3

or more acres of paved or roofed surfaces, making it difficult for rain and snowmelt to soak into the soil. The new stormwater rules also serve to update the permits that were issued under standards prior to 2002 and give permits to properties that do not currently have stormwater permits. Most public schools in the Lake Champlain basin are prime candidates for the permit because of their expansive parking lots, sidewalks and large buildings. State regulators anticipated that schools might need help applying for a new stormwater permit and designing stormwater treatment systems according to the new standards. The

see CLEAN WATER page 24

Page 2 •

Williston Observer

•

April 14, 2022

Library partners on foster care awareness event May is National Foster Care month. In recognition, the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library and South Burlington Public Library

will host a joint book discussion and conversation about foster care on Wednesday, May 4 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dorothy Alling Memorial library in Williston. The book “Keep the Doors Open” by Kristin Berry takes a look into the life of a foster care family and its 23 children. The author writes about the revolving door that has become her home and the joys and heartaches she and her husband have encountered in their foster care journey. Have you ever thought of what it’s like to be a foster parent? This event will be a way to connect with others about the role of foster families in the community. As of this past January, there were 1,117 children needing foster homes in

the custody of the Vermont Department of Children and Families. Berry’s book sets the stage for a conversation about fostering and all the ways to support high-need families in our cities and towns. Copies of “Keep the Doors Open” are available at both libraries. All are welcome to attend the May 4 event, even if you haven’t read the book. For more information, contact programs@damlvt.org.

the United Church of Christ’s One Great Hour of Sharing to benefit refugees in Ukraine and around the world. The concert is open to the public (masks are required) and streamed live at www.facebook.com/willistonfederatedchurch. For more information, visit www.steeple.org.

2022

Ukraine, refugee benefit concert planned for May 1

Church rummage sale set for April 29-30

Williston/Richmond Rotary

DEB BECKETT MEMORIAL

The Williston Federated Church will host a farewell concert for its longtime music director, Martin Hain, at 3 p.m. on May 1. The concert will double as a fundraiser for United Methodist Committee on Relief and

event is sponsored by the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club and part of the town’s July Fourth celebration. The race will start at 9 a.m. Register at www.willistonrec.org. The cost is $20 for runners 17 and older and $15 for those under 17. Proceeds will support Rotary Club initiatives.

Beckett 5k registration opens Registration is open for the Deb Beckett Memorial 5K Run, which will be held at Village Community Park on July 2. The

The Williston Federated Church will hold a rummage sale Friday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. Gently worn clothing for all ages will be on sale at the church at 44 North Williston Rd. On Saturday, fill a 30-gallon trash bag with clothing for $5. Masks will be required. Visit www.steeple.org for more information.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS - MARCH 2022 • Robert Langevin bought a home on Industrial Avenue from Patrick Ploof for $175,000. • Kathryn Robinson bought a home on Zephyr Road from William West for $17,650. • Robert Casey Purcell bought a home on Southfield Drive from Jon Algot (Esping Trustee) for $660,000. • Elise Polli bought a home on Chloe

Circle from Northridge-Williston LLC for $848,821.

on 1 acre on Williston Road from 8016 Williston Road LLC for $625,000.

Miller for $737,000.

from Ronald Hunt for $245,000. • Douglas Haney bought a condominium on Whitewater Circle from the Novembrino Revocable Living Trust for $475,500.

• BR Williston 2 LLC bought a commercial building on River Cove Road from Lincoln Real Estate LLC for $950,000.

• Sheri Gates bought a condominium on Chelsea Place from Joshua Kernoff for $315,000.

• Joshua Kernoff bought a home on Chloe Circle from Northridge-Williston LLC for $747,142.

• Jameson Koptiuch bought a home on Old Creamery Road from Kelli Brown for $437,000.

• Shannon Bessery bought a condominium on Hideaway Lane

• Kamran Hassan bought a home on Ledgewood Drive from Robert

• Cory Barnett bought roughly 3 acres of open land on Lawes Drive from Kirk Shamberger for $265,000.

• BL Properties LLC bought a home on Williston Road from David Herskowitz for $625,000.

• Erik Leduc bought a home on Southridge Road from Conor Carpenter for $625,000. • Penny Lane Properties LLC bought a commercial property

• Ann Messier bought a mobile home on Stone Hill Road from Maxine Rogers for $109,845.

Property Transfers sponsored by Polli Properties.

We Sold These Homes in Quarter 1 of 2022! Call Elise for a FREE Home Value Estimate

1066 North Avenue,

11 Ira Allen Drive,

Burlington

Essex Junction

25 Forest Street,

88 Spear Street, South

Burlington

102 Catkin Drive,

1 Costes Court,

South Burlington

St. Albans

46 Hayden Parkway, South Burlington

802-399-0134 Elise@PolliProperties.com

50 Drew Lane, Shelburne

Elise Polli is your local Williston real estate agent! 501 Dalton Drive, F Colchester

April 14, 2022 •

The Jr. Iron Chef Vermont team from Champlain Valley Union High School, top left, prepares a meal for the Vermont FEED Jr. Iron Chef competition on April 2 at the Champlain Valley Exposition. The finished dish, top right, from Burlington’s Hunt Middle School team. A CVU team member, bottom right, flips patties.

Jr. Iron Chef makes sizzling return

PHOTOS BY MADELINE WATERMAN/COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

CVU’s ‘Chefhawks’ are the crowd-pleasers BY PAX LOGIODICE Community News Service

Champlain Valley Union High School’s “Chefhawks” won the Crowdpleaser Award for overall taste at the Jr. Iron Chef competition earlier this month at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex. It was the first Jr. Iron Chef Vermont competition in two years due to Covid cancellations in 2020 and 2021, and it drew roughly 30 middle and high school teams from around the state. “For kids who don’t do sports in winter, this is their big competition,” said Betsy Rosenbluth, project director of Vermont FEED, which has been involved with the

event since its inception in 2008. Teams had an hour to cook their chosen dishes and were graded on execution, teamwork, taste, creativity, use of local produce and compliance with competition guidelines. In addition to the Crowdpleaser Award, a Lively Local Award was given for best use of local produce and a Mise en Place Award was given for execution and teamwork. Burlington High School’s “Turnip the Heat, Get with the Beet” team won the Lively Local award in the high school division, and Milton Middle School’s “Teen Cuisine” won it in the middle school division. Bellows Falls High School’s “The Smoke Daddies” won the Mise en Place Award in the high

VERY ACTIVELY PURCHASING • Antique, Vintage and Modern Jewelry • Platinum, Gold, Silver, Diamonds and Precious Stones • Sterling Silver Flatware and Holloware • Gold and Silver Coins • Watches

Certified Precious Metal Dealer State of Vermont Dealers Cert# 0028

Now Is The “PERFECT” Time To Sell Your Jewelry, Diamonds, Gold and Watches Call Us For A Private Appointment You will receive a quote within five days. There is NO CHARGE for this evaluation.

802.253.3033

91 MAIN STREET, STOWE (N EXT TO THE TOWN HALL) STOWE@F ERROJ EWELERS.COM | WWW.F ERROJ EWELERS.COM /STOWE

school division and Lake Champlain Waldorf School’s “The Starry Knives” won it in the middle school division. Hunt Middle School’s “Whisks and Rewards” team, representing Burlington, won the middle school Crowdpleaser Award.

Good Friday· April 15 • 6:30pm Easter Sunday· April 17 · 9:30am

Williston Observer

•

Page 3

Page 4 •

Williston Observer

•

April 14, 2022

A biweekly trip down memory lane with members of the Williston Historical Society

Outdoor fun in 1960s Williston BY ELIZABETH ALLEN Special to the Observer

In “Joe’s Story: Growing Up in Williston,” Joe Jordan collects tales of growing up in an 1804 farmhouse at 8225 Williston Road. Joe’s 38-page booklet illustrates how he and his neighboring friends made their own outdoor fun in rural Williston of the 1960s. Born in 1950, Joe spent lots of time as a boy next door at Pepere Lefebvre’s small cow farm. His friends Edward, Francis and Gloria Mungeon and their parents lived there, as did the Mungeon kids’ maternal grandfather, known as Pepere, who ran the place. “Pepere’s farm was the center of our play time with many places to explore and venture,” he recalls.

Joe, who retired from a four-decade career in residential construction, showed an interest in carpentry and construction at a young age. Joe, Edward and Francis built their first platform treehouse about 2 feet off the ground in a stand of pines near the eastern edge of Pepere’s property. The treehouse was an actual small house with four walls and a roof. Another — and more elaborate — endeavor took lumber that the Mongeon boys’ dad was saving to build a new family home. (Unsurprisingly, he did not appreciate this theft.) Their three-story structure boasted locking doors, a small window on each floor, and an elevated walkway out of the third floor that extended to a planned second treehouse. After a windy storm, however, the walkway nails loosened, and the walkway broke,

JOB FAIR APRIL 27 5-8pm McClure Gymnasium 1138 Pine Street, Burlington

Please join us to learn more about Howard C enter

dumping Francis 10 feet to the ground. days … sliding down those hills on pieces Shaken by this, the kids removed the walk- of cardboard boxes, runner sleds … and way and just played in their three-story tree my father’s 14-foot-long toboggan,” Joe recalled. palace. Cold weather also brought snow warfare. Espionage games occupied the kids in warm weather. Joe and Francis formed one Teresa and Edward squared off against Joe team, Teresa (Joe’s 1-year-older sister) and and Francis, each pair in a snow fort, with about 25 feet between them. They pelted Edward the other. “Each pair tried to find out where the each other with their stocks of snowballs, at other group’s secret hideout list was hidden least until someone introduced painful ice and steal it,” Joe wrote. “Then we tried to balls into the artillery. Besides Pepere’s farm, Allen Brook find where the other two were hiding … in the barn, under the barn, in the ferns … in also provided the setting for many activities, especially the tiger lilies, where red alder and in the swamp If you read Joe’s story, you can sticks were inout back.” volved. At 12 In the summer travel back to a time when, for feet tall and 3 and early fall, Joe a boy and his friends, Williston inches in diamwatched Pepere eter, red alders cut hay, haul it to was the whole world. made excellent the barn, and carfighting staves ry it by conveyor or vaulting poles belt to the loft. for catapulting oneself over the brook. (At There it made perfect piles for jumping in. When Pepere switched from loose hay the time, Allen Brook had lower banks, in 1962 and bought a hay baler, the kids about 8 inches high, with much less sedbuilt tunnels and forts as they were stacking iment.) “It was a lot of fun jumping across until the 3-foot-long bales. Their constructions, complete with vertical shafts and lookout you slipped and fell in,” noted Joe, wryly. Summer brookside activities also inpoints, extended through all levels of the cluded picking the tiny strawberries that 12-foot-high piles of bales. During winter, an old semicircular grav- grew near the water, swimming by the el pit near Pepere’s barn turned into “the landmark “Big Rock” on the brook’s edge perfect sliding hill. We spent many winter see PAST TIMES page 5

Beautiful

New Arrivals for all your

Special Events

Visit howardcenter.org for unique career opportunities in Administrative Services, DEI, Facilities, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Information Management. Rewarding Work • Flexible Schedules • Great Benefits 802-488-6946 howardcenter.org 802-488-6946 howardcenter.org

Jonathan simkhai, Shoshanna, Alice & Olivia, Shona Joy, Trina turk, Ted Baker, Halston, Julie Vos, DVF, Monique L'huillier, Toccin, Mac Duggal, tadashi shoji, Marella, Alexis...

April 14, 2022 •

Past Times continued from page

in Jon Thompson’s cow pasture (now the Siples’), and even making temporary pools. “We would go to the other side of Ward Johnson’s cow pasture and form swimming holes” with sod dams cut from the bank of the brook, Joe reported. Unfortunately, “the sod dams never lasted too long, as the brook overwhelmed them.” When it froze over, Allen Brook became a skating rink, as did the nearby fields. “During a thaw, the brook would easily overflow eight-inchhigh banks and flood the fields on both sides of the road,” Joe said. Then the skateable area expanded to “acres and acres.” Teresa and the other girls waited for Joe and the boys to clear snow from the ice before skating. Not all of Joe’s pursuits were innocuous; in fact, some were injurious or just plain messy. Joe, Francis and Edward unearthed bottles from Pepere’s barn dump, lined them up and smashed them. The broken glass caused the occasional nasty wound. Shooting arrows at crows with the Beaudry boys — David and Stephen — led to a fight, with David and Stephen shooting at each other. “Luckily, both of them missed,” Joe wrote. Less dangerously, the wild cucumber bombardments with Micky and Ricky Fleming and the Santimore twins in late summer and early fall splattered everyone with pulp from the 2-inch-long spiky fruit. Joe’s explorations also led him into some risky spots. He, Micky and Ricky played in the abandoned dairy barn on the Flemings’ property, which was used to store hay and equipment. They tunneled through hay bales, walked on crossbeams about 20 feet in the air, and climbed the roof, slid

down the tin, and then jumped 10 feet to the ground. “I’m surprised that no one ever broke a leg or an ankle,” observed Joe. Construction of the Interstate, which began in 1962, brought dramatic changes in the land and new, impromptu playgrounds. In the process of leveling ground for the roadbed, earth-movers created a sand pit behind Twist o’ Hill Lodge at 9505 Williston Road. Joe and friends looked for Indian arrowheads there and tried to scale the sand cliffs. When the Interstate was being built, the Allen Brook was temporarily diverted. “Micky, Ricky and I went over to check out the construction, and someone suggested crawling through the now-abandoned twohundred-foot-long culvert under both (lanes) of the Interstate,” Joe reminisced. Though dry and dark, the culvert seemed eerie, especially when they were in the middle and could see no light from either end. Worried mostly about being ambushed by a skunk, the three

Williston Observer

•

Page 5

The Jordan family in 1967 — back row left to right: Loretta (mother), Richard (father), Joe and Joan; front row left to right: Louise, Elizabeth, Patricia, Tom, Teresa and Veronica. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZ AND JOE JORDAN

traveled through the culvert without incident. Joe’s family’s new black-andwhite TV (which only got two channels when purchased in 1955) and the arrival of the Interstate signaled the upheaval he was liv-

ing through as a boy. Cars and screens soon took up greater portions of the day, while swifter travel and communication expanded Vermonters’ horizons. Joe’s childhood experiences — very local and largely outdoors —

CHEESE &WINE

became a thing of the past. But if you read Joe’s story (available at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library), you can travel back to a time when, for a boy and his friends, Williston was the whole world.

TRADERS

SWEE T EST SP RING

Celebrate Spring with some of the freshest cheeses, wines, gifts, and more! A treasure hunt for foodies! Looking to shop from home? Scan your phone and check out our weekly sales list!

cheeseandwinetraders.com 1186 Williston Rd, S. Burlington VT - 802-863-0143

20% OFF

Island Memorial Pet Service

April 8-24

-Family owned since 1998 -Premium nutrition without the premium price

In store sale only

Premium Compassionate Care for Your Pets Because

-No rendered meats -No grain or potato -High meat content -100% proceeds donated -Cooked in small batches

-No rendered meats -No synthetics or preservatives -Gently cooked and air dried -organic sprouted seeds

2455 Shelburne Rd In Store Shopping 2500 Williston Rd Mon-Fri 9am-6:30pm S. Burlington, VT Shelburne, VT Sat + Sun 9am-5:30pm (802)985-3302 (802)862-5514

Gomer & Gunther

“LOYALTY DESERVES DIGNITY”

We understand the love you have for your pets and the importance they hold in your life. Our compassionate staff is devoted to easing the difficulties at this challenging time.

Our staff is here for you 24/7 • The Island Memorial Difference: • Pet Funerals • Cremation Services • Your Pet is Always in Our Care • Dignified Pet Transportation from Your Home or Vet • Immediate & Witness Cremation Available • Full Line of Pet Loss Products

Tiger & Buster

1176 Main St. • Fairfax, VT 57 Main St. • Essex Jct., VT www.islandmemorials.com Northwestern Vermont’s Only Pet Crematory A Member of the A.W. Rich Funeral Home Family • www.awrfh.com

802-316-2284

Page 6 •

Williston Observer

•

April 14, 2022

GUEST COLUMN

Reflecting on the parenting time warp

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:

BANG

Burlington Area Newspaper Group

waba williston

area business association

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

BY BRIAN RICCA Part of the reality of being an AAU basketball family is that we spend some weekends on the road, away from home, attending outof-state tournaments. It’s a chance to leave the Green Mountain State for a couple of days and experience hotel life. The weekend of March 25-27, outside of Portland, Maine, we had a moment with another family on the hotel elevator that really stayed with me. Our oldest son and I were getting on the elevator, and we were joined by a family of four: parents and two children. They were clearly going to the pool and had all the equipment they needed with them. The young boy had a small kickboard, which he was using (not surprisingly) to bang on anyone and anything within reach. Much to my own child’s chagrin, and dismay, I was chatting with the parents as the elevator descended to the lobby. During the course of the conversation, the kickboard interrupted what we were saying, and the mother apologized to me, to which I responded, “Please don’t apologize. I’ve been there. This guy (pointing to my son) and his brother were the same way.” As my own child rolled his eyes, the young boy went back to whacking the side of the elevator. When the elevator doors opened, the two children sprang

DIRECT CREMATION SERVICESSERVICES DIRECT CREMATION SERVICES DIRECT CREMATION

Our Locally Owned Owned & Operated On Site Crematory Our Locally Owned &isOperated is On Site Our Locally &Crematory Operated Crematory is On Site Your Loved One is always in Our Care Your Loved One is always in Our Care Your Loved One is Always in Our Care Providing Families with Compassionate an Affordable price. Providing FamiliesCare withat Compassionate Care at an Affordable price.

Providing Families with Compassionate Care at an Affordable Price AAmember of the W.AA.W. Rich Funeral Home member the A. W. Home Rich Funeral Home member of A. the RichofFuneral Family Family Serving families for over 100 years. Family Serving families for over 100 years.

Family Serving Families for over 100 years

No Cremation Society Fees 24 Hours Staff Available No Cremation Society Fees

Outside Chittenden, Lamoille, Franklin, Washington, Grand Isle,and Addison Counties, add $500

Compare our save Compare our pricesCompare andprices save ourand prices and save $1,065. Service Charge Service Charge: $1,065.00 Service Charge: $1,065.00 $390. Crematory Crematory Charge Crematory Charge $390.00 $390.00 $25. Medical Examiner Medical Examiner Permit $25.00Permit MedicalPermit Examiner $25.00 $10. Certified DeathDeath Certificate $10.00 Certified Certificate Certified Death Certificate $10.00 Transit Permit $5. $5.00 Transit PermitTransit Permit$5.00 Total Direct Cremation Charges: Total Direct$1,495.00 Cremation Charges: $1495. $1,495.00 Total Direct Cremation Charges

Also included at no extra charge is a cremation our signature Also included at no extra chargecontainer, is a crematon container, our signature high Also included at no extra charge is a cremation container, our signature high quality “Going Home” urn, newspaper obituary notice assistance andnotice assistance and life quality “Going Home” urn,quality newspaper obituary high “Going Home” urn, newspaper obituary notice assistance and life tribute placement on our website. Price effective January 1, 2020. placement on our website. Price effective tribute placement on life ourtribute website. Price effective January 1,January 2021.1, 2020.

(802) 879-4611 (802) 849-6261 www.dcsvt.com • (802) 878-2220• (802) www.dcsvt.com (802) 879-4611 (802)(802) 849-6261 (802) 879-4611 www.dcsvt.com 849-6261 878-2220 57 Main St. 1176 Main St. 57 Main St. Main 57 Main St. 11761176 Main St.St. www.awrfh.com (802) 878-2220 Essex Jct., VT 05452 Essex Jct., VT 05452 Fairfax, VT 05454 www.awrfh.com Fairfax, VT 05454 Essex Jct, VT 05452 Fairfax, VT 05452 www.awrfh.com

FP-SPAD0128053938 FP-SPAD1009161937

out and ran off to the pool, with their parents trailing behind them. Watching them go, there was a pang in my heart. I thought of all the moments on vacation we had when our boys were younger, and we were the family that apologized for the ruckus. I could

Parenting is essentially a constant state of learning. While there are stages, more often than not, when we think we’ve mastered a stage, there’s a variable, or the next stage appears. picture them with their floaties, goggles, noodles and kickboards, disrupting elevator moments for complete strangers we would never see again. We would get to the pool, and their shrieks would echo in the enclosed hotel space — splashing, jumping and playing for hours, whacking each other, the water and anything they could get their pool toys on, until it was time to go back up to the room, dripping wet but full of the joy of life in a hotel pool. As I watched that family disap-

pear, I turned to look at the young man left on the elevator with me. I was immediately filled with pride. Our Patrick is almost as tall as I am, having earned a spot on the varsity basketball team this year as a freshman in high school, learning and struggling valiantly with the realities and inequalities of our world in 2022. While part of my heart ached for those moments of years past, I was also anxious for the anticipation of his next life chapters. For me, parenting is essentially a constant state of learning. While there are stages, more often than not, when we think we’ve mastered a stage, there’s a variable, or the next stage appears. I remember those early years well, and sometimes long for what I think is their ease. But I also know every stage has it challenges, which we rarely remember as fondly as the moments that were wonderful and mark those years in our hearts indelibly. It’s bittersweet for sure to watch Patrick and Brendan grow as they yearn for more and more independence. And as I trailed behind Patrick briefly while we walked to the car to drive to his basketball games, I lamented the all-too-swift passage of time, only to promise myself to hold onto the moments, be more present, and treasure our time together. Brian Ricca is the superintendent of schools in St. Johnsbury. He lives in Williston.

W I L L I S T O N

OPTOMETRY Do you need… An eye exam? New eye glasses? New contact lenses?

We can help you with that! Call us today! Welcoming new and returning patients. We accept most insurances.

Dr. Thomas Clark • 862-1947 33 Blair Park Rd., Williston www.willistonoptometrist.com

www.WillistonObserver.com

Children’s hospital kicks off ‘Big Change Roundup’ April 14, 2022 •

The annual “Big Change Roundup for Kids” is officially underway. From now through April 29, civic organizations, community members, businesses and key partners including New England Federal Credit Union, Maplefields and Med Associates, Inc., will round up donations to support specialized care and vital services provided at The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital. The program is the largest annual fundraiser for the medical center, and is a joint project of 98.9 WOKO-FM and the UVM Children’s Hospital.

“The programs, services and equipment funded, thanks to the many who contribute to the Roundup, are why we can continue to provide the high-quality, child-friendly family-centered pediatric care that makes our UVM Children’s Hospital such a special place for the thousands of young patients in Vermont and Northern New York who need us to be there for them each and every year,” said Chief of Pediatrics Lewis First. Funds raised last year supported innovative and essential programs, including: social support services for

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Drawn to Windswept Farm Unlike so many local children who were introduced to horses through Windswept Farm, I was simply a Williston resident who drove by the farm on a daily basis. Every summer, I would instinctively slow down as I approached the farm because I knew that summer horse camp was in full swing. I would drive past ever so slowly so that I could watch young people falling in love with creatures 40 to 50 times their size. I eventually introduced myself to owner Tina Mauss and asked if I could muck stalls for exercise. I had not anticipated the fun and social atmosphere that I was joining. During summer camp season, the back barn is transformed from a series of stalls into compartmentalized classrooms. Pictures of favorite horses are drawn and colored with a combination of love and pride. Stall doors are decorated with equally col-

orful chalk art and words to describe the special steed of choice at the barn. Some of that art was also applied to the horses themselves with costumes. Manes and tails were lovingly adorned with ribbons and fresh picked wild flowers. Dandelions never looked so appealing. I happily found a very mixed collection of people at Windswept Farm. Some are horse owners, some are UVM students earning extra cash while attending college, some are teenagers exchanging labor for riding lessons, or just someone like me, looking for constructive exercise in a soothing environment of equines. Vermont farms are disappearing at an alarming rate and once they are paved over, they are gone. Let’s hope a strategy can be devised so that Windswept Farm can continue to be such a vital part of Williston. Sue Roberts Williston

Routes 15 & 100, Morrisville, VT • thecharlmontvt.com RESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 802-888-4242

Easter Sunday April 17, 2022

Breakfast Buffet Served 8 to 11 a.m.

Egg Station • Omelette Station • Waffle Station • Home Fries French Toast and Pancakes with Maple Syrup • Bacon • Sausage Links Sausage Gravy Biscuits • Fresh Fruit • Pastries • Assorted Juices Adults...$13.95 Kids Under 8...$8.95

Dinner Buffet

Served Noon to 5 p.m. • Includes Salad Bar and Dessert Table Carved Maple-Glazed Ham and VT Roasted Turkey Breast Leg of Lamb • Fried Shrimp • Baked Haddock Gravy • Cornbread Stuffing • Roasted Red Potatoes Rice Pilaf • Vegetable Medley • Homemade Rolls Adults...$25.95 Kids Under 8...$9.95

Monday Closed • Tuesday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m. Wednesday/Thursday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 4-7 p.m. Friday/Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 4-8 p.m. • Sunday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (for Easter) Last Reservation and Takeout Order is a half hour prior to closing time!

Williston Observer

•

Page 7

children in need or that were food insecure, mental health support for families of children with chronic illness, child life programs to help make children smile, and emergency equipment that helped save lives. Learn how to participate online at www.BigChangeRoundup.org. Register to become a fundraising bandit (individual) or posse (team), or simply click the “Donate Now” button. Checks can also be mailed to: ATTN: Big Change Roundup, 111 Colchester Avenue, Given Courtyard 3 North, Burlington, VT 05401. OPEN every day!

Get in shape for Spring

Cardio Equipment Spin Studio Weight Room Personal Training Juice Bar

Come try us out for

FREE!

Stop by or call us to find out about our free one-week membership! We make fitness fun! Join our community today! 426 Industrial Ave. • Suite 180 Williston • 881-0553

www.synergyfitnessvt.net

Page 8 •

Williston Observer

•

April 14, 2022

GOLF

Succession planning in the air at Williston Golf Club Fourth-generation owners hope to keep the club in the family BY JASON STARR Observer staff As it nears its 100th anniversary, the Williston Golf Club is starting its transition into a fifth generation of ownership. Club co-owner Larry Keefe is dropping to part-time this season as course superintendent and his nephew, David Keefe, is ramping up his responsibilities to eventually fill Larry’s role full time. “I know most of the ins and outs, but I (will) probably shadow him a little bit more this year on a day-to-day basis,” David said. Retirement is also on the horizon for club co-owner Jeff Murray, who, like Larry, is a great-grandchild of the course’s founder, Frank Talcott. While Larry has been responsible for keeping the 80-acre course consistently playable, Jeff has run the business side of the operation, from payroll to book-keeping and clubhouse/pro shop operations. Talcott built the course in 1927 on farmland north of Williston Road as a nine-hole amenity for himself and his friends; it has been passed down to family members in successive generations since then. “It was a little personal project he had — he and his buddies playing golf,” Jeff said. “Back in that day there weren’t a lot of golf

courses … It’s been a work in progress from my great-grandfather all the way to today. Hopefully the next generation will continue it on and do what they think is best.” Talcott’s son, George, took it over in the mid-20th century. Then George’s daughter, Shirley, and son-in-law Ben Murray operated it in the latter half of the century, redesigning the course and adding nine holes to make it the full 18hole course that is seen today from the top of Golf Course Road. Jeff, the son of Ben and a fourth-generation owner, lives in a cabin on the course where he grew up. Now, though, he winters in Florida and is starting to think about who will take the reigns of the course when he steps away. “It’s my turn to think about succession,” he said Tuesday from the clubhouse deck, where preparations are underway to open the course for the 2022 season later this month. Jeff has no children, and Larry’s two daughters have teaching careers to consider. “When the time comes, maybe they are looking for a career change, and this is an option. If not, we’ll explore other avenues,” Jeff said. “They are certainly going to get the first shot at it. We will try to keep it in the family.” David, who has worked on the course since he was young and lives in a home on the property, will be “instrumental in carrying it forward,” Jeff said. In an interview Tuesday, David

George Talcott, left, the original builder of the Williston Golf Club course, poses with his golfing buddies circa 1930. COURTESY OF WILLISTON GOLF CLUB

said he’s committed to keeping the course operating into the future. He also has two teenage children who are no strangers to course operations and who project as the sixth generation of family owners. “I’d like to keep it in the family because it’s been here so long and you don’t see a lot of that these days anymore,” David said. “It’s a pretty unique situation we have here … My intentions are definitely to keep it the way it is and hopefully my kids will keep it going too.”

THE SWING OF IT

Golf Club Kwiniaska is a newly designed 18-hole semi-private championship course with stunning scenic mountain views of Vermont and New York.

• Daily Green Fees • Memberships (Almost Sold Out!) • Member Clinics • Events • Players Cards • Gift Cards

FOOD & DRINK Visit our renovated clubhouse - the Pub is open for lunch daily and drinks anytime!

GOLF SHOP Our shop is stocked with men’s and women’s clothing, equipment and accessories.

Kwiniaska Golf Club 5531 Spear Street, Shelburne, VT 802-985-3672 • @kwiniaska www.kwiniaska.com

Jeff Murray, fourth-generation owner of the Williston Golf Club, is starting to think about retirement in the coming years. OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR

April 14, 2022 •

How to get kids into golf Golf is a difficult game, and that difficulty may discourage some youngsters from playing. However, parents can overcome that hurdle and get their kids excited about playing golf using the following tips. — Enroll kids in a youth organization. An organization like Youth on Course excites many youngsters because they see children their own age playing golf. That means they can go golfing with friends and talk about the game when they’re not on the course. — Get the right gear. PGA of America recommends getting kids a putter and a wedge that are made for kids their height, noting

the availability of clubs specifically made for juniors. An age-appropriate wedge is short and easy to get the ball in the air with. That should make it easier for kids to play, increasing the chances they’ll enjoy themselves. — Keep it light and fun. Golf can frustrate even the most skilled professionals. It’s important to downplay any frustration kids feel. Parents playing alongside their children should avoid growing frustrated if their own rounds aren’t going well. PGA of America advises parents to not put any expectations on youngsters as they learn the game. Focus instead on how much fun it is to play a round at a beautiful course.

Williston Observer

• Tee box: This is the area where players start a game of golf. There are 18 holes on a golf course, and each hole has its own tee box. • Fairway: A long stretch of neatly maintained grass that is located between the tee box and the green. • Rough: The area of tall grass that surrounds the fairway. • Bunker: Sometimes referred to as a “sand trap,” a bunker is a pit-like area containing sand. Golfers typically want to avoid hitting balls into a bunker. Holes may have more than one bunker.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS

• Green: The area at the end of a fairway where the hole is located. Grass on the green is typically smooth and cut considerably lower than grass on other areas of the course.

• Fore!: This is a warning golfers shout when they strike the ball and notice it is heading toward another person on the course. • Drive: A drive is a golfer’s first shot on a hole. A drive is taken from the tee box. • Approach: An approach is a shot hit toward the green from the fairway. • Putt: A shot taken, typically gently, while on the green as golfers try to get the ball into the hole.

Page 9

GOLF

Golf terms for young beginners to learn Children can learn a host of life lessons from participating in the challenging yet rewarding sport of golf. It is a difficult game to master and can be especially tough on beginners. Learning some of these commonly used golf terms is a great way for young athletes to begin familiarizing themselves with the game. • Par: The Professional Golfers’ Association defines par as the score an accomplished player is expected to make on a hole. Par is either a three, four or five. Parents and coaches of young golfers should not overlook the words “accomplished golfers” in the PGA’s definition of par. Young players need not worry about par as they learn the game, as it’s often hard for even seasoned golfers to make par.

•

Page 10 •

Williston Observer

• April 14, 2022

Lawmakers mull proposals to overhaul school funding system BY PETER D’AURIA VTDigger

For years, experts have called for changes in Vermont’s school funding formula. The current system, experts say, effectively relies on incorrect math — with the end result being that some school districts have access to more money than others. Now, in a bid to fix the formula, lawmakers are deciding between two competing versions of the same bill — both of which would result in a significant overhaul of the way Vermont funds its schools.

Estate Planning, Elder Law & Medicaid Planning Peace of mind for families and loved ones What we do: • Protection of assets without spending all down to qualify for Medicaid • Wills & Living Trusts • Assistance with Medicaid Applications

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

26 Railroad Avenue Essex Junction, VT (802) 879-7133 For FREE consumer reports, articles, and estate planning webinars, please visit us at www.unsworthlaplante.com

“It’s not that nobody’s got opinions about it,” said Rep. Janet Ancel, D-Calais, chair of the Ways and Means Committee, which is deciding between the bills. “But as a committee, we’ve not made a decision about which direction we want to go.” Under current law, Vermont’s school funding formula relies on mathematical tools known as “equalized pupils” to determine how much money school districts can raise. The nigh-impenetrable system attempts to account for the fact that certain categories of student — those who are learning

English, living in rural towns, or low-income, for example — cost more to educate than their classmates. When a school district tallies up its total number of students, a student who falls into one or more of those categories effectively counts for more than a counterpart who does not. Hence, a district with a high number of English-learning students could have a greater number of “equalized pupils” than a district with only native English speakers — even if both districts contain the same number of students.

Vermont’s local property tax rates are based on a district’s spending per equalized pupil. So the more equalized pupils in a district, the more money the district can raise without hiking its residents’ taxes. But in 2020, a landmark study conducted by University of Vermont researchers found that the system essentially relied on bad math. Researchers found that the statistical tools that the state used to calculate the number of equalized pupils were effectively historical artifacts, and had no bearing on the actual costs of educating students. Now, members of the House committee are deciding how to fix that. They’re deciding between two versions of the same piece of legislation, S.287. One version, which was passed by the Senate last month, would essentially update the existing equalized pupil values. That bill would give districts with more low-income, rural, or English-learning students additional tax capacity — allowing them to raise more money without hiking taxes. The other version, which is still being written by the Ways and Means Committee, would create a whole new funding setup, known as the “cost adjustment” model. Under that proposal, districts would simply receive a certain amount of money from the state’s Education Fund for each student who falls into a series of costly-to-educate categories, such as those who are learning English, living in rural areas, or low-income. For every student receiving English language learning services, for example, a district would receive $25,335, and for every student whose household income was at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level, a district would receive $10,480. Those amounts would not count toward a district’s tax rate; instead, they would be meant as a cushion that would allow districts to spend more on those students. “I think the appeal of doing the cost adjustment (model) is the transparency, and the fact that we don’t need to continue to talk about equalized pupils,” Ancel said. “The difficulty with equalized pupils is that everybody in the state gets to vote on school budgets — they don’t all do it, but they can — and that nobody understands what it is.” She emphasized that the committee has not yet chosen its preferred version of the bill. But backers of the original bill say that the cost adjustment model would not go far enough to level the educational playing field. Because that model relies on the statewide average cost of ed-

ucating rural, low-income, or English-learning students, it fails to account for regional differences, said Marc Schauber, executive director of the Coalition for Vermont Student Equity, a group of 27 school districts and supervisory unions backing the Senate-passed equalized pupil approach. “One example of that is there are parts of the state where hiring teachers is really difficult,” Schauber said. “They’re out of the way, they’re not close to any city, there’s no industry for a spouse to be able to get a job. Those areas need to pay teachers more.” The Senate’s legislation, they say, will give districts the flexibility to raise the actual amounts they need to spend. Vermont Secretary of Education Dan French also gave a slight endorsement of that model, saying it would be easier for districts to put in place amid the many Covid-19-related challenges facing schools. “I am concerned about school district capacity to implement changes in the funding system, and to explain those changes to local taxpayers,” French wrote in testimony submitted to the Ways and Means Committee. “I think the best solution now would be the simplest one from an implementation standpoint.” French noted that he is open to both funding models. But Jeff Fannon, the executive director of the Vermont chapter of the National Education Association, endorsed the cost adjustment model. That model “is simpler (and) seems to be more transparent, and I think because of that, it’s more understandable to people,” he said. “And I think that’s a good thing for the system as a whole.” Emilie Kornheiser, D-Brattleboro and the vice chair of the Ways and Means committee, said that lawmakers could also combine aspects of the bills. “I don’t think that it’s like the House version or the Senate version, that are each sort of do or die,” Kornheiser said. Lawmakers are “looking at all the possible options on the table.” The question of which funding model to use is at the heart of the committee’s discussion, though lawmakers are also hashing out a number of other issues, including how quickly to phase in the new system and how to measure its success. But it’s unclear when committee members might conclude their debate and choose a path forward. Asked when her committee might vote on a bill, Ancel said she didn’t know. “We’re aware that time is running short, and that this is a bill that needs to pass,” she said. “So that’s very much on our mind.”

April 14, 2022 •

Williston Observer

•

Page 11

Trooper shortage curtails VSP’s response to local calls BY TIFFANY TAN VTDigger Vermont State Police warn that severe staffing shortages are curtailing their ability to assist local police departments — restricting troopers’ responses in three communities to “violent crime, in progress crimes, or other calls that are clearly emergencies.” Police departments in Shelburne, Springfield and Hardwick have received the notices this year after asking for help because of staffing shortages of their own, said Col. Matthew Birmingham, director of the state police. In his memo to Shelburne on March 4, Birmingham said state police could only provide assistance after the town undertook a six-point action plan that included reorganizing police department personnel and creating an on-call system. And even then, assistance would be limited to the most serious situations. “Our desire to help is stymied by the fact that we are experiencing the same challenges,” Birmingham wrote. “We are currently operating at our lowest staffing levels in decades.” Last year, he said, state police lost three officers for every one it hired. Its applicant pool also shrank from the annual target of 700 to around 300. Under these circumstances, Birmingham said, local police should first exhaust other alternatives before asking state police to cover calls for service. The reorganization outlined in his action plan included moving all sworn personnel to patrol functions and eliminating detective divisions, specialized units and specialized assignments. He also advised the Shelburne Police Department to maximize its officers’ overtime hours, and to hire officers from surrounding agencies to cover shifts at an overtime pay rate

The Vermont State Police barracks in Williston.

“to make the work more compelling.” In an interview, Birmingham acknowledged that eliminating specialized units, such as detective divisions, could slow down investigations but said responding to emergency situations is the most important job for police. “The reason we asked for that is that the state police can’t come in and help you if you’re not willing to strip your staffing down to its core emergency function,” Birmingham said. “We just don’t have the capability to absorb workloads from these police departments.” His memo stressed that state police are always available to assist with any incident that requires specialists, such as the Major Crime Unit and Technology Investigation Unit. Birmingham said the Hardwick and Springfield police departments received a similar memo back in February, when they reached out to Vermont State Police for assistance. Shelburne and Springfield police are now being augmented by state police — for no charge — after showing that they still needed help even after implementing Birmingham’s action plan. Shelburne police said state troopers cover them from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. every

OBSERVER FILE PHOTO

day. “We’ve never had to do this before,” Birmingham said, “especially for police departments as big as Springfield and Shelburne.” The Shelburne Police Department has funding for 12 officers but only has seven on staff right now — not enough to patrol the town around the clock and respond to calls for service. Before state police provided reinforcements starting March 21, the Shelburne department reached out for help from the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Department and from the Hinesburg, Williston and South Burlington police departments, offering overtime pay for willing officers. But all those police forces were similarly understaffed and overworked, according to Mike Thomas, Shelburne’s acting police chief. “Those departments are working on overtime right now themselves, so their officers weren’t going to want to take on additional overtime in another town,” he said. State police responses to calls for service in Shelburne and Springfield follow a certain process, as specified in the memo. Troopers will respond to emergency incidents, such as

violent crimes and crimes in progress, once they are screened by the local police department. Birmingham emphasized that low staffing levels don’t affect its service to towns with no police departments of their own. About 200 of Vermont’s 246 municipalities rely on state police for law enforcement. So far, Birmingham said, all of the state police’s patrol shifts are being covered, though more troopers are working overtime to meet the demand. Vermont State Police is authorized to have 332 troopers, but right now has only around 290. “It puts pressure on the troopers who have to work more and then it puts pressure on our budget,” Birmingham said. Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are struggling to retain and recruit officers. This has become more pronounced in the past couple of years amid factors such as the coronavirus pandemic, worker shortages and calls to defund the police after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020. In Vermont, according to a 2021 survey conducted by state police, there’s been a 14 percent decline in the total number of officers available for duty between 2018 and 2021. Thomas, head of the Shelburne police, said he didn’t want to ask state police for assistance, knowing of the trooper shortage. But he also didn’t want the quality of policing in his town — or the physical and mental health of his officers when some were working 70 hours a week — to suffer. Still, having no Shelburne police officers patrolling for certain hours of the day apparently took some getting used to. “That first night when we left here, and we knew there was nobody from Shelburne on patrol, it was kind of an eerie feeling,” Thomas said.

MORTGAGES

BUYING A HOME IN VERMONT?

Whether you’re buying or refinancing, Vermont Federal is your trusted partner in accomplishing your home ownership goals. Our experienced Mortgage Originators are here to help you every step of the way. Fixed Rate Mortgages VHFA Mortgages Adjustable Rate Mortgages VA Mortgages

WHY NOT PARTNER WITH A VERMONT MORTGAGE LENDER? INSURED BY NCUA NMLS Institutional ID #466013

vermontfederal.org | 888.252.0202

Page 12 •

Williston Observer

•

April 14, 2022

SPORTS

Unified fun

CLOCKWISE from left: Redhawk Ezra Wiggins-Millington puts up a short jump shot during CVU’s game vs. the Lyndon Institute Vikings on April 7 in Hinesburg. Connor Turnbaugh drives the fast break. Matt Lollis brings the ball up court. Josh Avery (44) comes up the court with teammates Connor Turnbaugh (14) and Evan Statton (30). Eliza McLean launches a jump shot from just inside the arc. Henry Eaton gets into the paint for a shot. Delaney Ruggles takes a shot from the lane. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

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.

Donate Your Stuff to Help Build Homes! Have gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, or housewares you no longer need? Donate to the Habitat ReStore! Proceeds will help build affordable homes in Chittenden County.

Now accepting clothing!

Drop donations off, or call 802-857-5296 to schedule a free pickup!

528 Essex Rd, Williston | 414 Rt. 7, Milton Mon-Fri 10-6 | Sat-Sun 10-5 | vermonthabitat.org

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

April 14, 2022 •

VSP dispatch enacts emergency plan due to Covid outbreak BY RILEY ROBINSON VTDigger The Vermont State Police dispatch center in Williston had to enact portions of its emergency contingency plan last weekend after several employees contracted Covid-19, according to Lance Burnham, emergency communications commander for Vermont State Police. This was the first time state dispatchers had needed to use the contingency plan, Burnham told Vermont’s Enhanced 911 Board at a routine meeting Tuesday morning. “We could not keep up with the volume of work that was happening,” Burnham said to the board. The Williston Public Safety Answering Point is one of two state police call centers, which receives 911 calls and dispatches more than 100 local police, fire and EMS departments, according to Burnham. The center fields emergency calls for the Williston Police Department during off-hours. The contingency plan was in effect from Friday afternoon until about 7 a.m. Tuesday, Burnham said. Life-threatening incidents and other emergencies were handled as normal, Burnham said in an interview, but state police asked local agencies and

troopers to keep a cellphone on to take non-emergent calls that state police would’ve otherwise managed. State police did not mandate overtime, according to Burnham, but employees have been taking on extra shifts to keep dispatch running. Out in the field, Vermont State Police have also warned that severe staffing shortages are limiting their ability to assist local police departments (see story, page 11). State police have restricted troopers’ responses in Shelburne, Springfield and Hardwick to “violent crime, in progress crimes, or other calls that are clearly emergencies.” The Williston call center was already short-staffed, with eight vacancies out of their 37 positions, Burnham said. About a month ago, the site had 13 vacant positions. Six employees were ill, some with Covid, when state police shifted to the contingency plan, Burnham said. “It really hampers our ability to maintain normal operations when we only may have four people working,” he said. While state police have filled some of the vacancies in recent weeks, it takes about five to six months of specialized training before a dispatcher can work independently, Burnham said.

Williston Observer

•

Page 13

A 911 dispatcher works at the emergency communication center in the Vermont State Police barracks in Williston in 2019. The state police dispatch center had to enact portions of its emergency contingency plan last weekend after several employees contracted Covid-19. FILE PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Our locally-owned store features popular luxury vinyl brands in a variety of styles offering incredible performance features and powerful warranty protection.

Put ting the Farm bac k into the Farmer’s Market!

Market

AT THE ISHAM FAMILY FARM

Beginning Tuesday, June 7!

EVERY TUESDAY THRU SEPTEMBER

• Looking for Vendors •

Join multiple vendors selling produce, crafts and the Williston Dorothy Alling Memorial Library book mobile, food trucks, live music and other surprises.

Isham Family Farm OAK HILL ROAD • WILLISTON • 802-872-1525 WWW.ISHAMFAMILYFARM.COM

Natural wood and stone looks so real that no one will believe they’re vinyl.

Waterproof - will not expand, curl or shrink. Durable, highly adaptable, and easy to clean and maintain.

Call or stop by our showroom for more information!

Sp F in a e cial Av a n cin g il a b l e! FRE E In-Home Consult!

800 Marshall Ave. Williston • 862-5757 www.FlooringAmerica-VT.com Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat.10 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment

Page 14 •

Williston Observer

• April 14, 2022 March 28 at 9:41 p.m. — Police responded to a request for assistance on South Brownell Road. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that the issue was civil and the officer cleared the scene.

March 27 at 12:15 a.m. — Police responded to assist Vermont State Police with a motor vehicle complaint on Interstate 89. March 27 at 1:22 a.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on South Brownell Road. March 27 at 1:51 a.m. — Police received multiple calls from Cornerstone Drive. Upon arrival, the building was secure. March 27 at 7:59 a.m. — Police responded to a request for assistance on Essex Road. Upon arrival, the officer provided the citizen with a tool to assist them. March 27 at 1:29 p.m. — Police responded to assist Williston Fire Department with a medical call on Interstate Corporate Drive. March 27 at 1:51 p.m. — Police responded to a report of retail theft on Harvest Lane. Upon arrival, the officer was informed there was no emergency and that the call was a mistake. March 27 at 2:02 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a suspicious circumstance on St. George Road. Upon arrival, the officer confirmed that there was no emergency. March 27 at 2:44 p.m. — Police re-

sponded to a vehicle collision on St. George Road. There were no injuries or hazards on the scene.

March 29 at 7:41 a.m. — Police completed a background records check for local employment.

March 27 at 4:30 p.m. — Police responded to a report of retail theft on Trader Lane. Upon arrival, the officer documented the incident.

March 29 at 7:43 a.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint on Oak Knoll Road. Dispatch contacted a wrecker to retrieve the disabled vehicle.

March 28 at 3:30 a.m. — Police responded to a report of a disturbance on Industrial Avenue. March 28 at 9:55 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on St. George Road. Upon arrival, there were no hazards or injuries on the scene. March 28 at 11:23 a.m. — Police contacted Community Outreach services at a citizen’s request at Maple Tree Place. March 28 at 12:28 p.m. — Police assisted Williston Fire Department with a medical call at Maple Tree Place. March 28 at 1:38 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle collision on St. George Road. There were no injuries or hazards on the scene. March 28 at 2:57 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Day Lane. Police contacted Community Outreach services to assist the citizens.

March 29 at 9:27 a.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Essex Road. Upon arrival, Williston Fire Department evaluated and transported the citizen. March 29 at 12:04 p.m. — Police responded to a request for assistance on Lamplite Lane. Upon arrival, the officer found that there was no need for assistance. March 29 at 12:30 p.m. — Police responded to a report of retail theft at Maple Tree Place. March 29 at 1:31 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on St. George Road. March 29 at 3:00 p.m. — Police processed a set of fingerprints at a citizen’s request. March 29 at 4:29 PM — Police responded to a vehicle collision on St. George Road. Upon arrival, there were no injuries or hazards on the scene.

March 30 at 9:07 a.m. — Police processed a set of fingerprints for employment purposes.

Stage Road. Upon arrival, Williston Fire Department transported the citizen for medical attention.

March 30 at 9:50 a.m. — Police responded to an alarm activation on Williston Road. Upon arrival, the alarm was observed to be false.

March 31 at 4:34 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a vehicle collision on Williston Road. Police provided the operator with a case number for insurance purposes.

March 30 at 9:58 a.m. — Police responded to a report of a traffic hazard on North Williston Road. Police stayed on the scene until a crew could arrive to resolve the issue. March 30 at 2:11 p.m. — Police completed a background investigation for local employment. March 30 at 4:27 p.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Marshall Avenue. Upon arrival, there were no hazards, and operators were evaluated by Williston Fire Department. March 30 at 6:04 p.m. — Police responded to a request for assistance on Harvest Lane. March 30 at 6:47 p.m. — Police responded to a report of retail theft on Harvest Lane. The officer retrieved the property and cited the citizen accordingly. March 30 at 9:48 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint on Williston Road. March 31 at 8:10 a.m. — Police responded to a 911-hang up. Upon arrival, the officer confirmed that there was no emergency. March 31 at 2:54 p.m. — Police responded to multiple calls on Old

March 31 at 4:50 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Essex Road. Upon arrival, the officer documented the incident at the citizen’s request. April 1 at 7:31 a.m. — Police responded to a report of vandalism on Shunpike Road. April 1 at 10:02 a.m. — Police responded to an alarm activation on Blair Park Road. Upon arrival, the alarm was observed to be false. April 1 at 10:59 a.m. — Police responded to a report of an assault on Williston Road. Williston Fire Department responded to evaluate the citizen. April 1 at 1:30 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint on Park Avenue. April 1 at 6:48 p.m. — Police responded to a report of retail theft at Maple Tree Place. The officer cited the citizen accordingly. April 1 at 10:01 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on St. George Road. Upon arrival, South Burlington Police Department was on the scene and took the individual into custody. April 2 at 12:21 a.m. — Police responded to assist Vermont State Police on Martel Lane.

Expand Your View

April 2 at 1:06 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Hawthorne Street. Upon arrival, nothing suspicious was observed in the area.

with a new home at Harborview Senior Living

Harborview is a great choice for adults 55+ looking for:

April 2 at 5:33 p.m. — Police responded to a 911 hang-up on St. George Road. Upon arrival, the officer confirmed that there was no emergency.

• Spacious and airy one and two bedroom independent living apartments • Large fully applianced kitchens • Balconies or walkout patios

April 2 at 5:47 p.m. — Police responded to a report of an animal problem on Holland Lane.

• Highly attractive rental rates • Wonderful social opportunities • Varied daily exercise and fitness classes

April 2 at 7:22 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior at Maple Tree Place.

• Gardening plot and raised beds to enjoy • Delicious high quality chef prepared meals

April 2 at 9:34 p.m. — Police responded to a report of an animal problem on Abbey Road. Upon arrival, the animal was being brought to its residence.

• Resident focused stimulating intellectual and entertainment programming • Attentive and friendly staff • Natural setting, walking areas and beautiful sunsets

April 2 at 10:30 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Connor Way. Upon arrival, the officer did not observe anything suspicious in the area.

AY CALL TOD LE U TO SCHED R! U YOUR TO

-1525 802-559 16 Harbor View Rd. | South Burlington, VT. 05403 HarborVillageSeniorCommunities.com

PROUDLY MANAGED BY MERIDIAN SENIOR LIVING

The incidents above are not a full recount of police activity, rather a highlight of some of the events that occurred. Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorneys Office and can be amended or dropped.

April 14, 2022 •

The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is open for in-person service during the following hours: • Monday/Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tuesday/Thursday/ Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.damlvt.org to place holds, apply for a card, renew materials, get programming updates and access digital offerings. Public wifi is available 24/7 from the patio. The library is now a mask-optional space. If you need help accessing materials or services, please call 878-4918 or email daml@damlvt.org.

YOUTH PROGRAMS Children in fourth grade and younger must be supervised by someone over 16 years of age. Register for programs online at www.damlvt.org or by calling 878-4918.

APRIL STORYWALK ON THE GREEN “A Chair for My Mother” by Vera B. Williams. Stroll and share a story on the Town Green. STORY TIME ON THE GREEN Tuesdays, April 19 and 26, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Join Danielle for outdoor stories, rhymes and songs. LEGO TIME Wednesday, April 20, 10:30-12 p.m. Ages K and up. Enjoy the library’s LEGO collection. PRESCHOOL MUSIC Thursday, April 21, 10:30-11 a.m. Ages birth to 5. Sing and dance with local musician Linda Bassick. KIDS IN THE KITCHEN (ONLINE) Thursday, April 21, 4-5 p.m. Grades 1-5 with a caregiver. Make something yummy with a Hannaford Dietitian. Register to receive the recipe and an invitation. TEEN NIGHT: ADOPT A HOUSE PLANT Monday, April 25, 5-6 p.m.

Grades 7 and up. Register to reserve a plant and paint your plant’s new pot at the library.

other community members. Bring a friend or come on your own. All skill levels welcome.

AFTER-SCHOOL CRAFT Wednesday, April 27, 2 p.m. Grades 3 and up. Make your own wildflower seed bombs to celebrate local flora and pollinators.

ADULT CRAFTERNOON: EARRING MAKING Saturday, April 16, 12-1:30 p.m. Design and make your own pair of beaded earrings with the guidance of Lori, our program services librarian. Register online.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS READ TO A DOG Thursday, April 21, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Call to reserve a time slot to read to, or hang out with, Lola the therapy dog. VERMONT READS Write an anonymous letter to our friends at South Burlington Public Library and read their letters to us at the letterboard in the library.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS Online programs are held via Zoom. Email programs@damlvt. org or call 878-4918 to receive an invitation, unless online registration is specified. ONLINE MEDITATION Fridays, April 15 and 22, 1212:30 p.m. Maryellen Crangle leads a short Zoom meditation. MAH-JONGG Friday, April 15, 1-3 p.m. Play this classic tile-based game with

NEW PERSPECTIVES BOOK CLUB ONLINE Tuesday, April 19, 12-1 p.m. Join us via Zoom to discuss “The Authenticity Project” by Clare Pooley. TECH TUTOR Wednesday, April 20, 4-6:00 p.m. Sign up for a half-hour appointment to receive one-on-one help with your technology questions. Call 878-4918 to schedule. BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB Tuesday, April 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Join us at the library to discuss “The Friend” by Sigrid Nunez. CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION ONLINE Wednesday, April 27, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Meet with others to discuss the topics of the day. SPANISH CONVERSATION ONLINE Wednesday, April 27, 4-5 p.m. Join our guided conversation. All skill levels. Register online for all sessions.

Williston Observer

•

Page 15

Coming In May SPECIAL EVENT: ‘KEEP THE DOORS OPEN’ BOOK DISCUSSION Wednesday, May 4, 6:307:30pm. May is National Foster Care month. DAML will be hosting a discussion in partnership with South Burlington Public Library about the book “Keep the Doors Open” by Kristin Berry. This event will be a wonderful way to connect with others to learn about the work of foster families and their role in our community. Books are available now at both libraries. All are welcome to attend, even if you haven’t read the book.

Vermont is springing back! It’s time to expand your reach to everyone in northern Vermont’s thriving communities — in print and online! Advertise in the Williston Observer, South Burlington Other Paper, Shelburne News, The Citizen, Valley Reporter, Stowe Reporter, and News & Citizen. Choose two — choose them all — with just one email or phone call!

7 PAPERS. 1 AD PURCHASE. rick@willistonobserver.com • 802-373-2136

Page 16 •

Williston Observer

•

April 14, 2022

release dates: April 16-22, 2022

16 (22)

Next Week: All about rainbows

Founded by Betty Debnam

A Spark in the Sky

American beauties

Mini Fact: The best place to find hummingbirds in the U.S. is in Arizona.

An endangered species

photo by Matthew Gilford

Unusual feathers

photo by John/Flickr

Hummingbirds get some of their colors from pigments, or chemical colors, just like most birds do. These pigments always show the same color. For example, a blue jay is always blue, no matter how the light hits its feathers. But the hummingbird’s brightest colors come from the way its feathers are made. Tiny layers of feather cells break the light into brilliant colors, just as water breaks light into a rainbow. Unless the light hits the bird just right, you can’t see the bright colors at all. The bird just looks dark.

A colorful strategy

The ability to display colors when they want is a great help to hummingbirds. A male flashes his bright colors to attract a female or scare off an enemy. Even a hawk can be scared off if it sees a sudden burst of color. Many females have white tips on their tail feathers. Although most females are not as brightly colored as males, they often flash their white-tipped tail feathers to scare off enemies.

Nancy

Fantastic flyers

Hummingbirds get their name from the hum coming from the superfast beat of their wings. The smallest ones beat their wings the fastest, up to 80 times per second. Even the slower beat of bigger birds, 20 times per second, is so fast that people see only a blur. A hummingbird’s flight muscles make up about one-third of its weight, a bigger amount than in any other bird. They are the only birds that can fly backward, upside down or sideways for more than a few seconds. They are so good at flying that most don’t ever walk. They use their feet only to perch. Even when they are just changing position on a branch, they fly.

Finding food

Hummingbirds are so active that they need to eat at least every 30 minutes when they’re not sleeping. They eat some insects, but their main food is nectar from flowers or trees. Water makes up about three-fourths of nectar. Sucrose, or ordinary table sugar, makes up the rest. They need to eat twice their body weight in nectar every day. To get enough nectar, they must feed from hundreds of flowers. During the night, or when there is not enough food, they can go into a kind of hibernation.

photo by Michael Malz

Hummingbirds were called “glittering fragments of the rainbow” by the famous bird artist John Audubon. They are the only birds with so many super-bright, shiny colors.

The only place the Juan Fernández Firecrown lives is on Robinson Crusoe Island in Chile. These birds are endangered. They have lived on this island for hundreds of thousands of years. But when humans discovered the island in the 1500s, rats, rabbits and goats came too. The rabbits and goats destroyed much of the groundcover of the The Juan Fernández Firecrown hummingbird island, part of the hummingbirds’ habitat. Then, about 100 years ago, humans brought in plants that choked out the native plants hummingbirds need. The Hummingbird Society and other groups are working to save their habitat, cutting down invasive species and replanting native plants.

Resources On the Web:

• hummingbirdsociety.org

At the library:

• “Hummingbirds” by Quinn M. Arnold • “Hummingbirds: Facts and Folklore From the Americas” by Jeanette Larson

BY OLIVIA JAIMES

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of hummingbirds are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ACTIVE, ATTRACT, BRILLIANT, COLORS, ENDANGERED, ENEMY, FEATHERS, FEMALE, FLY, HUMMINGBIRD, INSECTS, LIGHT, MALE, NECTAR, PERCH, PIGMENT, SPECIES, TAIL, WINGS.

Hummingbirds are found only on the American continents and Caribbean islands. The areas near the equator have the most species, or types. Colombia has 153 species, the most of any country. Sixteen species nest regularly in the United States. There are 331 known species. About one-tenth of these are endangered.

photo by Héctor Gutiérrez Guzmán

Issue 16, 2022

S T B X Y I A T S F

E P O M S N B A R E

I C E K G S R C O N

C N S R N E F T L D

E A N H I C E I O A

P T E U W T A V C N

S T C M T S T E T G

E R T M N T H X H E

L A A I A N E B G R

A C R N I E R P I E

M T F G L M S E L D

E A L B L G Q R E K

F A Y I I I P C L Q

V W A R R P W H A O

V T E D B O S R M C

Harlan: Why does a hummingbird hum? Henrietta: Because it doesn’t know the words!

Eco Note Octopuses are being observed and photographed using discarded cans, bottles and other trash as shelter, and even places to safely lay their eggs, hidden from predators. Researcher Maira Proietti at Brazil’s Federal University of Rio Grande says

feathers. Although most females are not as brightly colored as males, they often flash their white-tipped tail feathers to scare off enemies.

• “Hummingbirds” by Quinn M. Arnold • “Hummingbirds: Facts and Folklore From the Americas” by Jeanette Larson

During the night, or when there is not enough food, they can go into a kind of hibernation.

April 14, 2022 •

Try ’n’ Find

•

Page 17

Mini Jokes

Williston Observer

S T B X Y I A T S F

E P O M S N B A R E

I C E K G S R C O N

C N S R N E F T L D

E A N H I C E I O A

P T E U W T A V C N

S T C M T S T E T G

E R T M N T H X H E

L A A I A N E B G R

A C R N I E R P I E

M T F G L M S E L D

E A L B L G Q R E K

F A Y I I I P C L Q

V W A R R P W H A O

Harlan: Why does a hummingbird hum? Henrietta: Because it doesn’t know the words!

V T E D B O S R M C

Eco Note

You’ll need: • 1 (10-count) package refrigerated biscuits • 5 tablespoons tomato sauce

• 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning • 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

What to do: 1. Place biscuits in pockets of a greased muffin tin (larger size). Press biscuits flat. 2. Mix Italian seasoning into tomato sauce. 3. Spoon 1/2 tablespoon of mixture on top of each pressed-down biscuit. 4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cheese evenly over all biscuits. 5. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until done.

Pizza Biscuits

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

Cook’s Corner

Octopuses are being observed and photographed using discarded cans, bottles and other trash as shelter, and even places to safely lay their eggs, hidden from predators. Researcher Maira Proietti at Brazil’s Federal University of Rio Grande says her team examined hundreds of images to see how the creatures are using such trash. “They clearly see that there’s a lot of litter around, and it can therefore act as a kind of artificial camouflage,” said Proietti. adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

For later: Look in your newspaper for articles about signs of spring in your area.

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

News of the Weird Robo goat One exhibit at the March International Robot Exhibition in Tokyo attracted a lot of attention: Kawasaki’s Bex, a prototype robot goat that can carry 220 pounds of cargo (or humans). The Bex is named after the ibex, a large wild goat of Eurasia and Africa that’s famously sure-footed, Engadget reported. However, on f lat surfaces, Bex moves along on wheels attached to its

“knees,” and on rougher terrain, it walks at a slower pace. Kawasaki reportedly envisions it being used to transport construction materials and to carry out remote industrial site inspections.

Hot foot Need socks? Need exercise? Souki Socks, a small factory in Japan’s Nara Prefecture, has you covered -- or at least your toes. The company devised a contrap-

tion that combines a stationary bike with a sock-knitting machine and called it Charix. Before customers sit down, Oddity Central reported, they choose the size and colors for their socks. Riders pedal for about 10 minutes; the staff sew the toes and finish the socks on the spot, and happy clients take the new pair home.

Tiny terrors Around Corsham, Wilt-

shire, England, people, sheep — even a former police German shepherd — are being terrorized by two aggressive canines, Metro News reported. “There were two unpleasant Chihuahuas who attacked the German shepherd, so the size of a dog is no ref lection on their aggressiveness,” said councillor Ruth Hopkinson. “They weren’t leashed, and the owner thought, ‘They’re only little, they’re only friendly.’ But you have to be

really careful.” Hopkinson warned that the little dogs are causing havoc during a sensitive time of year: “If in a lambing field, please keep to the paths and your dog on a leash. When they’re spooked, the ewe and lamb can become separated and (because they’re not very bright creatures) they can’t find each other, and it is leading to lamb deaths. The dogs may just be ‘playing,’ but that’s not how the sheep see it.”

Page 18 •

Williston Observer

•

April 14, 2022

SENIORS

When to expect your Social Security checks Dear Savvy Senior, I am planning to retire and apply for my Social Security benefits in July. When can I expect my first check, and is direct deposit my only option for receiving my monthly payment? Almost 62

Savvy Senior By Jim Miller

Dear Almost, Generally, Social Security retirement benefits, as well as disability and survivor benefits, are paid in the month after the month they are due. So, if you want to start receiving your Social Security benefits in July, your July benefits will be distributed in August.

The day of the month you receive your benefit payment, however, will depend on your birthdate. Here’s the schedule of when you can expect to receive your monthly check. If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of a month, expect your check to be deposited on the second Wednesday of each month; the 11th through the 20th, expect your check to be deposited on the third Wednesday of each month; the 21st through the 31st, expect your check to be deposited on the fourth Wednesday of each month. There are, however, a few exceptions to this schedule. For example, if the day your Social Security check is supposed to be deposited happens to be a holiday, your check will be deposited the previous day. And, if you are receiving both Social Security benefits and SSI payments, your Social Security check will be deposited on the third day of the month.

You should also know that for Social Security beneficiaries who started receiving benefits before 1997, their Social Security checks are paid on the third day of the month. To get a complete schedule of 2022 payment dates, visit www. SSA.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031-2022. pdf. RECEIVING OPTIONS

There are two ways you can receive your Social Security benefits. Most beneficiaries choose direct deposit into their bank or credit union account because it’s simple, safe and secure. But if you don’t want this option, or you don’t have a bank account that your payments can be deposited into, you can get a Direct Express Debit MasterCard and have your benefits deposited into your card’s account. This card can then be used to get

ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT SENIOR COMMUNITY

Call today to plan for your future home at The Pines.

Spacious 1- and 2-Bedroom Apartments Chef-Prepared Meals • Hair Salon • Massage Studio Art Gallery • Expanded Outdoor Patio and Grilling Area Mature Landscaping • Resident Garden Vibrant Social Atmosphere with Weekly Events and Activities

Honor the memory of your beloved pet.

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF SOUTH BURLINGTON

7 Aspen Drive, South Burlington, VT • 802. 865.1109

www. SummitPMG. com

cash from ATMs, banks or credit union tellers, pay bills online and over the phone, make purchases at stores or locations that accept Debit MasterCard (and get cash back when you make those purchases) and purchase money orders at the U.S. Post Office. The money you spend or withdraw is automatically deducted from your account. And you can check your balance any time by phone, online or at ATMs. There’s no cost to sign up for the card, no monthly fees and no overdraft charges. There are, however, some small fees for optional services, like multiple ATM withdrawals. Currently, cardholders get one free ATM withdrawal per month, but additional monthly withdrawals cost 85 cents each. To learn more, visit www.USDirectExpress.com or call 800-333-1795. WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY

The Social Security Administration recommends that you apply for benefits three months before you want to start receiving checks. This will give you enough time to make sure you have all the needed information to complete the application. See www.SSA.gov/hlp/isba/10/isba-checklist.pdf for a checklist of what you’ll need. You can apply for your Social Security benefits online at www. SSA.gov, by phone at 800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office (call first to make an appointment). 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.

Home is a garden overflowing with memories. We give people the help they need to live in the place they love™

Speak up! Send your letters

and story ideas to email editor@ willistonobserver.com

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.

ELMWOOD-MEUNIER FUNERAL

CREMATION CENTER

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

Williston’s Home Town Home Care Agency 802-862-7200

April 14, 2022 •

Williston Observer

•

Page 19

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 22

Almanac ANDREWS

MCMEEL

TODAY’S HISTORY • In 1865, John Wilkes Booth shot and fatally wounded President Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. Lincoln died the next day. • In 1939, John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” was published by Viking Press. • In 1986, the United States launched airstrikes against Libya in retaliation for an April 5 bombing in West Berlin that killed two U.S. servicemen. • In 2003, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium announced the successful completion of the Human Genome Project. TODAY’S FACT: • Research indicates that genetic heredity plays a major role in only about 5% to 10% of all cancers. The rest are caused by aging and other environmental factors.

Bring a new flavor to your table this week! Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend with a full and complex flavor. Sumac is bright and citrusy, oregano’s slight bitterness balances the sweet marjoram, and sesame brings an earthy, almost nutty base. You can use any combination of ground meat you like with this recipe. You can do two-parts beef and one of pork, all beef, all lamb, etc., but try to get three pounds of meat total. Enjoy!

Za’atar Spiced Meatballs with Tomato and Yogurt Ingredients:

Directions:

1 lb. ground beef

In a large mixing bowl, combine the meat, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and Za’atar. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

1 lb. ground veal or lamb 1 lb. ground pork 1 onion, finely minced 3 cloves garlic pressed or minced 1 egg

Use your hands to combine, mixing and folding as if you are kneading bread—the mixture should be evenly distributed. Form into 2” balls and place them on a sheet tray. Heat a large Dutch oven over high heat and add 2 Tbsp. of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches so that the pan does not get crowded (add more oil, as needed). Place cooked meatballs on a separate tray or plate.

1/2 cup breadcrumbs When all the meatballs are browned, reduce or cooked rice the heat and add the tomato product. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden

1 Tbsp. Za’atar spice spoon to scrape up all the browned bits of 1 large can diced tomatoes 2 cups whole-fat Greek yogurt Fresh dill Vegetable oil

meat. Put all the meatballs back into the pot—now you can pack them tightly together. Place lid on the pot and simmer very gently on low heat (or place in a low oven, 300 degrees F) for 30 minutes. To serve, divide meatballs into bowls and spoon some of the tomato sauce over them. Each portion should get a big dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of fresh dill. Serve with roasted eggplant on the side for extra awesomeness!

Salt and Pepper

Smart Savings on Black River Ground Beef! Black River 80/20 Ground Beef

$6.99

SAVE $2.00

16 oz

Bulk Gryffon Ridge Spice Merchants Syrian Za’atar

r. Goslin and his dedicated, skilled dental team provide focused and personal care with your comfort and trust in mind through routine and complex treatments. • Whitening, Veneers • Comprehensive Dental Care • Implant Placement and Restoration • Clear Braces • TMD, Sleep Apnea & 3D Imaging • Crowns, Partials, Dentures

$4.01 Dr. Ryan Goslin

75 Talcott Rd., Ste 20, Williston • 662-5966 • DRGOOSEVT.COM

1 oz

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! Prices effective through 4/19/2022. Sorry no rain checks.

(802) 879 - 2020 • 129 Market Street, Williston VT 05495 (802) 863 - 2569 • 222 Dorset Street, South Burlington VT 05403

Page 20

•

Williston Observer

•

April 14, 2022

Vermont reports rising Covid cases, hospitalizations as subvariant spreads BY ERIN PETENKO VTDigger

SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 22

Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations continued to tick up over the past week due to the ongoing spread of the BA.2 subvariant, officials said at Gov. Phil Scott’s weekly press conference on Tuesday. The average number of cases each day has risen 29 percent, to about 196 per day, Health Commissioner Mark Levine said. Hospitalizations increased as well, hitting 35 Covid patients as of Tuesday, the highest since Febru-

ary. Levine said this was “not unexpected,” given that the BA.2 subvariant is even more transmissible than its viral cousin, Omicron. He also said the numbers so far are “an order of magnitude different than the original Omicron,” when the state reported a record-breaking two weeks with more than 100 Covid patients. Public health experts have expressed concern with the changing nature of data collection in Vermont, where testing has shifted from PCR to antigen-based tests. They told VTDigger this

Add Some Color This Spring

week that the changing data could be hiding a surge in infections. When it comes to the next potential surge, “we’re looking very carefully at the slope of that curve,” Levine said, “particularly when it comes to hospitalizations.” “If you really start looking through all the news media, you’re going to be hard pressed to find someone who will actually predict for you … what the modeling shows,” he said. “Because frankly, we’ve heard this before: We learn from this virus every day.” Beyond its typical daily report of cases detected through PCR tests, the health department also released the latest data on self-administered antigen test results reported by Vermonters. More than 1,000 people submitted their test

‘We’re looking very carefully at the slope of that curve, particularly when it comes to hospitalizations.’ Mark Levine Health Commissioner

91 MAIN STREET, STOWE ~ 802.253.3033 ~ STOWE@F ERROJ EWELERS.COM ~ FERROJEWELERS.COM/STOWE ~ FACEBOOK.COM/F ERRO.J EWELERS

Comprehensive Dentistry Quality Care for Your Entire Family

Gentle Expert Dental Care for your Beautiful Smile

Bundle up for savings

Dr. Jonathan Bloom Accepting New Patients Emergencies seen promptly. We now contract with all major dental insurances.

When you choose Allstate to protect what matters most, you get an expert agent who will make it easy for you to save. Like with bundling your insurance. It’s the simplest way for you to save time and money, while getting protection for the things that matter most. Stop by or call today and let’s get you bundled up.

The Coburn Agency 802-658-7800

1134 South Brownell Rd. Williston, VT 05495 michaelcoburn@allstate.com

802-860-3368

www.dorsetstreetdental.com

11963183

165 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT

Personalized service. Trusted advice.

results, with about 790 reporting a positive result, a new high. Asked about data from The New York Times showing Vermont has the highest case rate in the nation, Levine said, “We’ve had discrepancies in the data before based on the data that they scrape versus what we have in our own database.” The latest case average for Vermont on the New York Times website appears to match the health department’s reporting in recent days. The Times reported that Vermont had a case rate of about 31 per 10,000 people, compared to a national average of about 10 cases per 10,000 people. Levine also responded to news that Philadelphia reinstated its mask mandate, citing a 50 percent case increase in the past 10 days. He said he didn’t know Philadelphians’ appetite for more stringent restrictions, but in Vermont, “most people are kind of not in the place where they want to hunker down.” Vermont reported no additional deaths on Tuesday. In total, 623 people have died in Vermont since the beginning of the pandemic, including two so far in April.

April 14, 2022 •

Williston Observer

•

Page 21

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Join Our Auto Auction Team We are looking for DYNAMIC INDIVIDUALS to keep our Williston Auto Auction offices running smoothly. OPEN POSITIONS: Auto Auction General Manager Overall management of our Williston Auto Auction leading and overseeing all activities to obtain optimum growth and maximize results. Auto Auction Office Manager Office management in our Auto Auction with a focus on customer service, basic accounting, computer skills and vehicle title work. Please submit a letter of interest, resume and current references to

info@THCAuction.com

THCAuction.com 800-634-7653

Hire Local. Find workers right in your neighborhood. Advertise in The Observer.

email Rick@ willistonobserver.com or 802-373-2136.

EMAILED ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISING INSERTION ORDER Thomas Hirchak Company FROM: Dakota Ward Phone: 802-888-4662 Email: Advertising2@THCAuction.com To: Rick & Susan Cote Paper: Williston Observer

DELIVERY DRIVERS

TODAY’S DATE: 04/08/2022 NAME OF FILE: AutoAdmin_WO DATE(S) TO RUN: 04/14/2022 SIZE OF AD: 1/16 page

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.

High Standards II Inc. is an EMAILED independent service provider TO: Rick@Willistonobserver.com A $500 sign on bonus, generous stipend, paid time off, for FedEx Ground. Applicants for this position will not be comprehensive training & supports are provided. Plus, CCS Publishes in Williston Observer working directly for FedEx Ground. High Standards II Inc. has been voted one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont for the fourth year in a row. Join us! Contact Jennifer Wolcott, is a small business based in South Burlington, VT. We are SECTION: Employment jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 655-0511 ext. 118. agile, professional and fast-paced looking to immediately hire multiple delivery drivers. ccs-vt.org EOE Our work environment includes: • Relaxed atmosphere with growth opportunities • Medical insurance option after 90 days • On-the-job training (two weeks of paid driving training available) • Paid time off available after 6 months of employment • $500 sign-on bonus eligible 90 days after paid training (plus a holiday bonus) To be eligible for this job, you must have the following: • Must pass a federal criminal background check • Must be 21+ • Must have a valid Class D driver’s license • Be authorized to work in the United States • Be able to move packages up to 50 lbs. • Be fluent in English • Be able to get in and out of a delivery vehicle multiple times a day • (No prior commercial driving experience or CDL required)

Interested applicants can contact Jo for more information: 802-782-1014 jo.highstandards@gmail.com

Great positions in entry level and management at an award-winning agency . . . ... 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

GUEST SERVICES COORDINATOR Boundless Journeys, an active-travel, international luxury tour operator based in Stowe, is seeking Guest Services Coordinator with exceptional organizational skills to join our team. This person will be responsible for a wide variety of essential, complex duties in providing support to our travelers and operations team. This position requires the ability to consistently produce accurate and professional results in a fast-paced work environment. The right candidate will be able to demonstrate an aptitude for customer service, will be a zealot for details, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. For more information: boundlessjourneys.com/careers

998 South Main, Ste 2, Stowe, VT info@boundlessjourneys.com

The World’s Great Adventures

Page 22 •

Williston Observer

•

April 14, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

DELI

positions available in Williston Join this friendly and fun and Essex! Deli team and earn OVER…

$17/hour

($15/hr. + $2/hr. premium) Pay increases with ANY work experience. Hiring for FT Deli Leads, FT Deli Associates, and PT Deli Associates. We will train you!

Please contact Sara at (802) 391-0059 for more information. *Currently offering this $2/hour site premium at Essex and Williston Hannaford locations ONLY, for all hourly positions!

REWARD — Lost braided gold ring

in Williston on April 10, 2022. If found, please call Nancy at 802-879-1087.

FOR SALE Cemetery plots — Four full burial plots in East Williston Cemetery, Section 4, A-1 (5 thru 8), nice corner lot with perpetual care. Family stone in place. You can use back side: included in price - $4,000. (802) 895-4186. Ask for Tom.

LEGAL TOWN OF WILLISTON Notice of Adoption Temporary Events Ordinance On April 5, 2022, the Williston Selectboard adopted a Temporary Events Ordinance. Adoption followed a public hearing that was held to receive comment on the Ordinance that took place on April 5, 2022. The Ordinance acts to repeal the Town’s Public Festivals Ordinance. The purpose of the Ordinance is to protect the public health, safety and welfare through the issuance of Temporary Event permits for temporary uses and events occurring on, or having the potential to negatively impact, public and private property, including but not limited to public highways, private roads, sidewalks, parks, parcels of land,

buildings or portions of buildings, and sites. Further, the purpose of this ordinance is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of participants, observers, abutters and other members of the general public at and adjacent to these events. The ordinance will take effect on June 4, 2022 unless a petition signed by at least five percent of the voters of Williston is filed with the Town Clerk by May 19, 2022 asking for a vote to disapprove the adoption. If a petition is received, the Selectboard will warn a special meeting and the voters may vote on that question pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 4442. Copies of the text of the complete Ordinance are available at the Town Clerk’s Office in the Williston Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, Williston, VT. Copies are also available on the Town’s website at http:// town.williston.vt.us. (Public Records Legal Notices). Any questions about this Ordinance should be directed to Town Manager Erik Wells at ewells@willistonvt. org or 802-876-1168. Dated at Williston, VT this 8th day of April 2022.

LEGAL TOWN OF WILLISTON Selectboard NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Tuesday, May 3, 2022 7:30 PM Pursuant to 24 V.S.A., Chapter 59, and Section 4 of the Town of Williston Sewer

Allocation Ordinance, the Williston Selectboard is considering the adoption of amendments to the Sewer Allocation Ordinance referred to as “Attachment A” - an existing ordinance pertaining to the allocation of public sewerage. Upon adoption, this attachment will designate the portion of the uncommitted reserve capacity that will be available for use during the next fiscal year which starts July 1, 2022. The public hearing on this matter is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 7:30 P.M in the Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room in the Williston Town Hall located at 7900 Williston Road. A remote participation option using the online platform zoom is also available using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81776116540 Below is the proposed Attachment A.

Allocation category New commercial/industrial New residential Residential additions Affordable housing Planned public facilities Pollution abatement Specific development Reserve Total allocated

Amount (gpd)* 13,000 11,650 1,500 4,750 0 1,500 10,000 75,600 118,000

*gpd = gallons per day Attachment A may become effective 60 days, after the public hearing by vote of the Selectboard. If you have any questions, please contact Planning Director Matt Boulanger at mboulanger@willistonvt. org. Notice is hereby given that any ordinance or amendment thereto adopted by the Town of Williston may be disapproved by a vote of a majority of the qualified voters at an annual or special meeting as provided in 24 V.S.A. §1973.

PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 20

SUDUKO SOLUTION

https://hannaford.careerswithus.com

LOST

Copies of the entire text of the proposed Attachment A are available for review on the Town’s web page at http://town.williston.vt.us. Dated at the Town of Williston, Vermont this 8th day of April 2022. Erik Wells Town Manager

CROSSWORD SOLUTION PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 19

Photos from the Williston Observer are available for purchase! Digital and prints are available.

AlFreyPhotography.com Place your order online or email afrey202@gmail.com

00/week $936 April 14, 2022 •

Williston Observer

•

Page 23

SERVICE DIRECTORY CAT RESCUE

BUILDING SERVICES

BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC Remodeling & Additions

ALL TYPES OF SIDING Vinyl/Wood/Composite

Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches

Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages

Monkton, VT

beaglebuilders@gmavt.net

802-453-4340 CALL US!

POWER WASHING

REAL ESTATE

RUG CLEANING

Your Williston Neighbor

Spring House Washing

Specializing in Low-Pressure Vinyl Siding Washes Washing Decks, Gutters, Patios, Walkways & More

Michelle Desautels REALTOR®, PSA (802) 846-9503

Owner operated - Call Greg Mack

802-238-3386

LANDSCAPING

ANTIQUE SHOP ANTIQUE SHOP

IVE CORNERS ORNERS FIVE CORNERS FFIVE C ANTIQUES NTIQUES ANTIQUES A A Multi Dealer Shop A Multi Dealer A Multi Dealer Shop Shop

802.878.6167 802.878.6167 802.878.6167 11 Maple Street, Street, Essex Junction, VT VT 11 Maple Essex Junction,

11Open Maple Street, Junction, VT Mon SatEssex 10-5 Sun 11-4 Open-Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 Open Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 5CornersAntiques.com 5CornersAntiques.com 5CornersAntiques.com

BASEMENT SYSTEMS BASEMENT SYSTEMS

Complete Landscape Overhauls • Design and Installations Mini-Excavator Work, Driveway Culvert Replacements, Paver Driveways, Walls, Walkways, Patios, Edging and Mulching Fully Insured-30+ years experience

www.kingfishvt.com/1-802-345-4280

EXCAVATION

HOME MORTGAGE LOANS

ANTIQUES

ANTIQUES WANTED Our experience will get you home. Jeff Teplitz Loan Officer NMLS #184421 P: (802) 448-7935

We specialize in service, customer education, and experience in the industry. We are proud to serve you and your family with a phenomenal home loan experience.

Contact me today for your home loan needs!

jeff.teplitz@academymortgage.com Corp NMLS #3113 | Equal Housing Lender

MAC322-1474155

CARPET CLEANER

Decluttering? Downsizing? Settling an Estate? We can help you discover, learn about and sell:

Residential & Commercial

“The Carpet Cleaner”

(800)286-1441•(802)372-8444 www.ussteamer.com

We can field questions, review photos and coordinate estate work. Contact Brian Bittner 802-272-7527 bittnerantiques@gmail.com

“OUR REPUTATION IS BUILT ON SOLID GROUND.”

802-279-0895

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

LAND MAINTENANCE Forestry Mulching Services for private and commercial projects

United States Steamer

WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK

Driveways, Ponds, Land Clearing, Trails, Farms, Ski Areas, Natural Disaster Recovery, Logging Cleanup, Invasive Vegetation, Excavation Visit our website for more information www.vtlandmaintenance@gmail.com Brian Washburn 802-434-4533 • 802-373-1755 (cell)

www.bittnerantiques.com

OBSERVER PHOTOS

Photos from the Williston Observer are available for purchase. Place your order online or email afrey202@gmail.com

AlFreyPhotography.com

Page 24 •

Williston Observer

•

April 14, 2022

Clean water continued from page

Due to the amount of impervious surface on the property, Williston Central School will have to obtain a new stormwater permit through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. OBSERVER FILE PHOTO

District continued from page

Roy. Of course, that creates an administrative opening in her current role at CVU. Couperthwait is a graduate of CVU and UVM. “She brings both local CVSD historical knowledge as well as a full K-12 system perspective to our central office,” Sanchez said. Her position oversees the district’s special education programs. “I’m looking forward to joining the central office leadership team in the work of supporting the students of CVSD,” she said. “I’ve learned so much over the years as a CVSD student, teacher and administrator, and I’m excited to continue my professional journey at the

district level.” Of the 10 administrative departures, five are retirements (Evans, Kanfer, Pontius, Jensen and Shepardson). Jensen plans to return on a part-time basis to handle special projects for the district, according to Communications Director Bonnie Birdsall. Three of the departures involve career advancement, including Roy, who will take over as superintendent at Washington Central Unified Union School District; Van Nostrand, who takes a central office student support position in another Vermont district and Townsend, who takes a director-level position at UVM in January. Two are resignations, including Sivo and Henson, who are both moving to similar positions in other Vermont districts, Birdsall said.

designing and permitting assistance, but 65 have applied. “We confirmed that we had additional funding to cover those 18 additional schools,” Kenney said, “so if they enrolled, they will receive assistance if they haven’t already.” State regulators anticipate awarding $30,000 grants to every school that applied, but Kenney explained that some schools needed more and some less funding based on the complexity of their stormwater treatment plans. “It’s 100 percent funded based on what (the school) needs,” Kenney said, “and the only thing that schools would be responsible for financially is filing for a permit.” The Green Schools Initiative is a com-

bined effort of the DEC, GreenPrint Partners, the Lake Champlain Sea Grant and UVM Extension to provide funding and technical assistance to schools that fall under the permit, and to educate local communities about the effects of stormwater runoff on Vermont lakes and rivers. “(The Initiative) is really aimed at reducing runoff and pollution entering Lake Champlain through the Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog basins, that’s coming from public school grounds,” said Lake Champlain Sea Grant Watershed and Lake Education Coordinator Ashley Eaton. Lake Champlain Sea Grant’s Soaking Up Stormwater curriculum is available for upper-elementary, middle and high school teachers and aims to help students and teachers understand waterways and how stormwater runoff can affect them.

Rene Sanchez, left, has been the superintendent of schools for nine months. Anna Couperthwait has just been named new district director of student support services, leaving open her role as CVU director of special services. OBSERVER FILE PHOTOS

Bringing readers tips and resources for their homes and gardens.

Want to see your business in the best local guide to spring home projects in some of Vermont’s fastest growing areas? Ads will be grouped with a special banner and editorial content in the April 21, May 5 and May 19 editions. Advertising deadline is the Thursday before publication. Discounted rates and half-price color. Contact Rick at rick@willistonobserver.com or 802-373-2136