Williston Observer 7/28/2022

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JULY 28, 2022

Town moves forward with broadband vote

WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM

Special election planned for November

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Williston will be one of the leaders in Chittenden County spearheading a new governmental entity whose sole role will be working to connect every home in the area with high-speed internet service.

While most of the homes and businesses in town already enjoy high-speed service, there are pockets that can’t currently connect — totaling roughly 130 homes, according to Town Manager Erik Wells. Other Chittenden County towns have similar coverage gaps.

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission and the Vermont Community Broadband Board are urging municipalities to band together — as they have done in several instances in more rural parts of Vermont — and form a “communications union district” (CUD) to achieve a critical mass of unserved homes that will attract available grant funds and ultimately a service provider.

“Forming a CUD is the current best approach to access federal funding through the Vermont Community Broadband Board to assist with this work,” Town Manager Erik Wells said.

The selectboard last week endorsed the idea of holding a special election to coincide with the Nov. 8 general election to ask for voter approval to join other municipalities in the formation of a Chittenden County Communications Union District. At least two municipalities in the county will have to vote yes in order for the CUD to form, according to Rob Fish of the Community Broadband Board.

The Town of Essex and City of South Burlington are also planning to hold votes in November, Fish said. All three municipalities are finalizing their ballot wording and plan to hold selectboard meetings next week to officially set their November special elections.

If Williston does not vote to be part of the formation of the CUD this year, it could decide, through selectboard vote, to join at a future date — assuming at least two municipalities do vote to launch the CUD this November.

Being involved from the beginning has its advansee BROADBAND page 2

Drawings of some of the apartments, above, planned for the Annex at the former Essex Alliance Church property off Route 2A. The project, seen below, proposes 341 homes built in two phases.

COURTESY OF WILLISTON PLANNING AND ZONING

DRB tables decision on Snyder’s phase 1

BY JASON STARR Observer staff The Snyder Homes proposal to develop the first phase of what it is calling the Annex neighborhood on the former Essex Alliance Church property off Route 2A is not ready for an endorsement from Williston’s town planners.

“Several major items need to be addressed before staff recommends approval,” a July 26 report from the Planning and Zoning Department states.

On the department’s advice, the Development Review Board has put off a decision on whether to approve the application, which, in two phases, calls for 341 homes — a mix of apartments, single- and multi-family homes and senior housing — on 52 currently vacant acres just north of Finney Crossing. Board members digested more than 20 planning documents, neighbor criticisms, architectural renderings and planning staff analysis at a hearing Tuesday, then tabled the discussion to their Sept. 13 meeting.

In the interim, they have asked Snyder Homes to provide more details on plans for the neighborhood’s parks and

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paths and the alignment of some of the buildings and their parking spaces. They also recommend Snyder ask the selectboard for an exemption to the street width standard for the northern entrance to the parcel (Beaudry Lane).

Meanwhile, the town is lobbying the Vermont Agency of Transportation to install turning lanes on Route 2A at

Beaudry Lane and the other primary entrance to the proposed development so that north-south traffic can continue to flow even as people turn into the neighborhood.

Managing the increased traffic sure to accompany the hundreds of new homes is the main point of concern from see SNYDER page 21

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July 28, 2022

Broadband continued from page

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tages, Fish said.

“The founding members have a little more say crafting bylaws and in initial decisions,” he said. “It’s a vote of confidence, an announcement to both your residents and (broadband) providers that you are on board and that your residents need service.

But if you join later, you’re certainly still going to be welcome.”

The Vermont Community Broadband Board has already begun handing out federal funds to communication districts throughout the state. In its latest round of grants announced last week, $48 million went to four communication districts in the Northeast Kingdom, central Vermont and southern Vermont. The board has distributed $100 million since its formation through Act 71 a year ago.

“Getting Vermonters connected to future-proof fiber technology will ensure that all Vermonters can have equal access to educational, energy, health and remote work opportunities,” said Vermont Community Broadband Board Executive Director Christine Hallquist. “There has never been such an equalizing force that touches on so many issues impacting rural Vermonters.”

Driver injured after car rolls off interstate A driver was injured last Thursday when their vehicle crashed through a guardrail on Interstate 89 in Williston and tumbled down an embankment about 40 feet.

First-responders from the Williston Fire Department reported that the driver was stuck in the vehicle for several hours before rescuers arrived. The driver was transported to the hospital as Williston firefighters worked with the Vermont State Police to control traffic during removal of the vehicle and driver. One lane of the interstate was closed for about an hour.

State police are continuing to investigate the crash.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLISTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

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Williston Observer

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Humming along Williston photographer Al Frey spotted a little visitor in the neighborhood catching a snack at a local flower and at rest between meals.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Hinesburg finalizing easements for village sidewalk

BY HARRISON GAYLORD Community News Service

Construction in Hinesburg to extend sidewalks in the village area may finally be moving forward.

Right-of-way concerns have taken longer than expected to solve, but officials are finalizing easements with the last two people whose properties cross spots where the town wants to build the sidewalks, Alex Weinhagen, planning director for Hinesburg, said.

“I’m hopeful that we will be able to put the project out for bids later this year, with construction anticipated in 2023,” Weinhagen said.

For years, Hinesburg planners have envisioned developing the village area, and officials have made sidewalks a priority. Town leaders say more sidewalks will foster economic growth, plus promote fitness and alternatives to driving.

The anticipated construction centers on a stretch of Route 116 between the Hinesburg Community School and Friendship Lane. The cost is estimated at $290,000, with most of the funds coming from two Vermont Agency of Transportation grants, Weinhagen said.

The grants require a 20 percent local match, which will be covered by the developers of Meadow Mist, a 24-unit housing project under construction nearby. Town officials

approved the development on the condition that a sidewalk be built, and local leaders agreed to seek grants to help. Right now, those matching funds total about $59,000, Weinhagen said.

About $63,000 of the total has been spent so far on engineering, right-of-way acquisition, permitting and more, he said.

Hinesburg’s town plan calls for filling in gaps between existing sidewalks in what officials term the “village growth area” — which runs from Champlain Valley Union High School to the north and the community school to the south.

In 2014, the town paid for a two-year study to look at gaps to fill and sidewalks to extend. That study identified several spots for construction: a 350-foot gap in a sidewalk on Mechanicsville Road; a stretch between Farmall Drive, Charlotte Road and Route 116; and the part of the state route between the elementary school and Buck Hill Road.

But work has been held up because of the complexity of trying to build on private property.

“It is very common for public projects to need a significant amount of time to acquire the required rights-of-way and easements,” Hinesburg Development Review Board coordinator Mitch Cypes said.

Rotary scholarship winners, from left Tyler Morehouse, Grace Andrews and Amelia Worth.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Area students earn Rotary scholarships The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club recently awarded scholarships to three local graduating seniors. The grants of $1,500 will help each student pursue their education beyond high school.

In addition to providing their grade point average, extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation as part of their application, each student was asked to share their thoughts on how Rotary could make a difference in their community.

Grace Andrews of Richmond graduated in June from Mount Mansfield Union High School.

She will be attending the Uni-

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versity of New England in Maine and plans to study nursing. In her application, she spoke of the isolating impact of the Covid pandemic on local seniors. She recommended that Rotary find ways to encourage more socialization with seniors and ensure they feel valued by their community.

Tyler Morehouse of Williston graduated from the Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, Mass., and plans to study data analytics at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania.

A high school basketball player who will go on to play in college, Morehouse wrote about the value

of making sports participation and training available to all students regardless of family income.

Amelia Worth of Williston graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School and will study microbiology at the University of Vermont starting this fall. Worth recommended that Rotary continue to focus on well-loved annual events that bring people together and create a sense of community, while increasing the involvement and contributions of younger people to bring fresh ideas and nurture a new generation of community-minded individuals.

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July 28, 2022

Vermont Law School rebrands, expands

School to start offering non-law graduate degrees TAYLOR SLONAKER Community News Service

The Vermont Law School unveiled a slight name change, along with an outline for long-term growth and restructuring plans at the school’s Burlington office on St. Paul Street last Tuesday.

Starting this month, at the same time it welcomes its new president, Rodney Smolla, Vermont Law School will shift its name to Vermont Law and Graduate School, signaling an expansion into non-law-related degree programs.

Interim President and Dean Beth McCormack was joined by Interim Graduate School Dean Jenny Rushlow and board chairman Glenn Berger in unveiling the strategy as well as an $8 million anonymous gift that the school recently received.

The plan was formed over two years in collaboration with faculty, staff, students, alumni and professionals.

The $8 million donation, given over a three-year period, will be used for phasing in the strategic plan to add new master’s degrees, separate the graduate and law schools, create more cross-disciplinary approaches in degrees, and bolster the school’s existing environmental programs. A portion of the donation may also go toward the expansion of the current Burlington office.

Glenn Berger, the chair of the Vermont Law School board, shown here during the school’s commencement in May, was on hand in Burlington recently to announce a rebranding and expansion of the school.

COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE PHOTO BY TIM CALABRO

“The gift has unrestricted support for our strategic plan and some components of restricted support for specific programs,” McCormack noted, adding that the entire sum will be applied in one way or another toward either the school’s strategic plan or

Elect Lewis Mudge for State Senate in the newly formed Chittenden County Southeast District

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Will advocate for affordable housing that actually meets the needs of lower income families.

Will help protect Vermont’s green spaces so that future generations can enjoy.

Will fight for the right for every parent to access affordable child care.

Will promote economic plans that address our demographic crisis now.

Will help ensure broadband and reliable cellular service is a reality for all in Chittenden County.

its environmental programs.

Vermont Law School is also planning The school is adding three new mas- to hire new faculty during that same timeter’s degree programs that will have their frame as the new degree programs are addfirst incoming classes in the fall of 2023. A ed.

Master of Climate and Environmental Pol“One of the first faculty hires that we’re icy degree will be available in residential starting with — it really underscores our and online forms, an Executive Master of commitment to social justice and the pubEnvironmental Policy will be online only, lic interest — is a professor to specialize and a Master of Animal Protection Policy in environmental and climate justice,” said will be residential and online.

Rushlow, who underscored the growth of A new part-time juris doctor program the public policy offerings at the school as will begin this August and have an online a reason for the separation of the graduate and in-person component, which will be and law schools and a new focus for the hosted at the school’s Burlington office. school.

“The hybrid juris doctor program is a “With our new master’s degrees, we’re part-time program and it’s designed to re- really going to double down on the focus on ally reach a new public policy,” she class of students added. “And so our who work full time degrees will be as ‘We learned that after … or perhaps have strong as any of the the pandemic, students parenting responwonderful public sibilities. And bepolicy degrees that wanted more flexibility with cause it’s a hybrid are out there.” their graduate degrees.’ program, that will The Executive give the flexibility Master of EnvironBeth McCormack for those students mental Policy deInterim Dean to continue to work gree is a mid-career Vermont Law School and attend law degree that is inschool part time” tended for students said McCormack. with at least three The Burlington location currently hosts years of work experience. The degree is an immigration clinic and admissions of- entirely online so students can continue to fice. Going forward, the location will host work alongside their studies, Rushlow said. the hybrid juris doctor program, as well as Vermont Law School’s changes signal the National Center on Restorative Justice. a future for higher education amid declinMcCormack also said that the school is ing numbers. McCormack called the Covid looking for a larger location in Burlington pandemic a learning opportunity for the to expand its offices in the city. school since it had to move all programs McCormack emphasized that Vermont into remote instruction.

Law School will not be downsizing the “We switched over to (remote) operaSouth Royalton campus. The law school has tions on a moment’s notice, like every othbeen looking to bolster its current enroll- er school, and we really excelled at that, I ment numbers, which sit at 450 residential think based on our long-standing leaderstudents and 150 online. With the expan- ship and online learning,” McCormack sion of programs, particularly at the Burl- said. “We were able to quickly pivot to that ington campus, the school hopes to increase and we learned that after the pandemic, its enrollment by 100 students over the next students wanted more flexibility with their couple of years. graduate degrees.”

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July 28, 2022 •

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July 28, 2022

GUEST COLUMN

Williston

Williston’s Community Newspaper Since 1985

The people paradox

www.willistonobserver.com

BY KEVIN CHU

P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 | 802-489-5499

From the Statehouse to the kitchen table, Vermonters agree that something must be done to fix the workforce and housing crises.

The data circulated in recent months has rapidly become common knowledge: 26,000 open jobs and 2.3 percent unemployment, meaning even if every unemployed person in Vermont finds a job, there would still be over 18,000 jobs open.

Furthermore, workers need more housing options, so, as we attract more people to the state, we don’t exacerbate the issues in our existing tight housing market.

This seems like a paradox with no good answer.

Just as we’ve agreed on identifying the problems, we must also collectively choose growing our population as the solution, and work to increase housing capacity. Otherwise, we risk reduced economic productivity.

We need more people — especially younger people and people from diverse backgrounds — to create an economically secure, sustainable and equitable future for Vermont.

Why? Because our population and houses are both getting older. In order to sustain the values

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

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Free Classifieds: Must be 25 words or fewer. Printed on a space-available basis.

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

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

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SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS Send to editor@willistonobserver.com • Deadline is Monday at noon • News/story tips welcomed • Letters must be 300 words or fewer • Include your name, address and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the letter’s author.

Phone numbers and street addresses will be kept confidential • Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity • Letters that have been submitted to multiple media outlets may not be printed CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Send to editor@willistonobserver.com Must include • Name of event and organization • Date, time and place of event • Contact information We print submissions for nonprofit groups and organizations only.

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

we espouse as a state and achieve well-being for Vermonters, we need to embrace growth and change. Our natural population change (births vs. deaths) has been trending downward for decades.

…increasing our population and building more homes might seem to conflict with environmental sustainability…

[A person] who can’t find anything suitable in Vermont doesn’t just disappear.

They find a home somewhere else.

The largest age cohort in Vermont is 55-64. Workforce shortages will only get worse with a wave of retiring baby boomers over the next decade. Retirements won’t provide any relief for the housing market either. With the growing trend of aging in place and the lack of new homes being built, it’s unlikely the

housing market will become more affordable without building significantly more homes.

Setting a goal of increasing our population and building more homes might seem to conflict with environmental sustainability values that are part of the Vermont ethos.

However, we exist as part of a global system; people and pollutants move around. A person in need of a home who can’t find anything suitable in Vermont doesn’t just disappear.

They find a home somewhere else.

Let’s take the lead on smart growth and embed sustainable practices into new development.

Vermont passed a Global Warming Solutions Act and has a Climate Action Plan. If we are genuine in our desire to have an impact on a global scale, we should be inviting more people to come live here and participate in the solutions we’re building.

The Vermont Climate Action Plan states that “Vermont will need to prioritize helping the people who will be most affected by climate change.” The people who are most affected are not currently living in Vermont. They are vulnerable populations living in areas that will soon become uninhabitable due to drought, wildfires, flooding and other conditions exacerbated by climate see CHU page 7

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July 28, 2022 •

Williston Observer

• Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

As a restaurant co-owner, I experience first-hand how much waste is generated in the food industry.

We are a mission-driven company and try our best to reduce the amount of waste we send to the landfill. Vermont offers ample opportunities to recycle, but a large amount of waste is still not recyclable or compostable and sadly ends up in the landfill.

Therefore, I was very excited to hear about the plans to update the

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change. Displaced climate refugees will be forced to leave their homes in search of a new place to settle. If Vermont truly believes in helping the people most affected by climate change, then we should be proactively preparing to make our state a viable place to relocate.

There may already be climate migrants moving to Vermont, but the current economic conditions mean that they are mostly those with wealth and privilege coming here by choice with the resources to compete in a scarce housing market.

This increases the burden for people already living in Vermont. Without embracing population growth and intentionally creating capacity for it, Vermont will become more stratified and increasingly inaccessible to low- and middle-income fami-

I write this letter in support of the candidacy of Ted Kenney who is running for Chittenden County State’s Attorney in the Aug. 9 Democratic primary. Ted is a com-

lies that want to call this state their home.

Many of the open jobs in Vermont are entry-level positions and do not require a college degree.

These working families are the lifeline for our economy. Growing our population needs to be done equitably to sustain a robust economy and resilient communities where opportunities exist across the socio-economic spectrum.

If our long-term goals are to strengthen the economy and contribute to climate solutions, planned and sustainable population growth via in-migration can be the answer.

Paradox solved.

Kevin Chu of South Burlington is the executive director of the Vermont Futures Project, whose goal is supporting and encouraging long-term economic growth for Vermont.

m

ily Fam Far

m

Chu

Supporting Kenney’s candidacy

s

Full support for CSWD recycling upgrade

passionate individual committed to criminal justice reform that is balanced with public safety. His work as a defense attorney, leadership role in the VT Attorney General’s office and service on volunteer boards bring solid judgement and informed perspective in this transformative time.

As a former civil rights investigator, prison educator and restorative justice volunteer, I recognize the importance of working toward equity. As an avid walker and bus rider, I’ve witnessed a shift in civility and safety.

I now walk past businesses with bullet holes. I encountered a boarded up window at a local shop and asked what happened. The teenager behind the counter said, “someone just smashed the window. It was a real mess for my co-workers to clean up.”

I suspect it was also traumatizing. I stood 10 feet away in a store when a customer yelled at a shoplifter to put down the two 12-packs of soda he was attempting to steal. I witnessed a fellow bus rider proudly hold up items he said he’d just stolen from a store. I spoke with first responders expressing sadness that some of them have been physically assaulted when responding to 911 calls.

Vermont is not unique in the present dysfunction; it is happening across the U.S. The Chittenden County State’s Attorney cannot prevent crime; but they are able to impact how our community responds to crime. Statistics demonstrate the incumbent’s policies are not working. Williston is particularly impacted by retail theft.

Housing, substance use treatment and mental health treatment

Su

ie

I’d like to offer a big thank you to everyone who made the 2022 Library Friends Book Sale such a success. It was wonderful to be back in the school gym for two days.

We really appreciate everyone who volunteered — sorting books in June, setting up the tables on July 1, moving and unpacking books on July 2, working at the sale on July 3-4, and helping with “tear down” by packing up unsold books and stacking pallets and tables.

We couldn’t do the book sale without so many generous donations of books (you can start to save them up for next year!) We were happy to see so many shoppers on both days of the sale.

Our net profit for this year’s sale is $5,882. Every year that we have a book sale, the Friends of the Library choose a nonprofit to get 10 percent of what we make. This year we will be donating $600 to the Williston Food Shelf.

Once again, thank you so much to the Williston community.

Ann Park Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library

Chittenden Solid Waste District facility, which will enable it to increase its capacity and recycle black plastic and smaller plastic parts like snap-off can covers.

Pingala Cafe alone sells about 8,000 canned drinks per year, most of which come packed in snap-off pack covers. This new facility would enable us to divert these from landfill.

In 1993, when the facility was first built, Vermont didn’t have nearly as many businesses generating trash and recycling. The existing facility is now at capacity and is in desperate need of modernizing. The project will benefit both the people who work there and the folks like me who want to do the right thing and recycle as much as possible.

Because the current recycling facility is at capacity and because the people who work there deserve updated equipment to make things more efficient and improve their work environment, and because CSWD must modernize to keep up with present and future packaging demands, I will be voting “yes” on my November general election ballot to approve the bond for CSWD to build a new facility in Williston.

An up-to-date recycling facility is crucial to achieve Vermont’s climate goals and rebuild back better following the Covid pandemic. This plan is an obvious way to make that happen.

Lisa Bergström Pingala Cafe & Eatery Burlington

Ish a

Celebrating a successful book sale

r m m er S e

are desperately needed, as is measured accountability. Ted Kenney proposes a compassionate, thoughtful approach to foster equitable safety and justice.

Katherine Bielawa Stamper Burlington

A ready deputy Chris Winters, deputy Secretary of State, is running for the top job, and I’m supporting him.

Think of that word — deputy. It means that for the past seven years, Chris has been second in command at the Secretary of State’s office, following Jim Condos’ lead, and doing the work.

As deputy Secretary of State, Chris led Vermont to ensure safe and secure elections by putting in place a sophisticated cybersecurity plan. He was critical to our state’s success in enabling Vermonters to vote by mail during the pandemic. He figured out how to make election-day voter registration secure. He even stood up to the federal commission that demanded access to Vermont voters’ personal data.

I could mention more, but it should be evident that Chris has the relevant experience to run the agency.

As a non-profit executive for many years, I appreciate the lived experience of managers who take on huge tasks. In Vermont, this means leading an 80-person agency with a $17 million budget.

We need that experience; it is essential to maintaining our strong democracy. Please join me in voting for Chris Winters for Secretary of State in the Democratic primary.

Ruth Wallman Williston

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July 28, 2022

It’s easy to electrify, Part ll

BY MARIA GINGRAS Williston Energy Committee

A Williston home with rooftop solar.

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Here in Vermont, the combination of solar-friendly utilities, progressive policies and state and federal tax incentives currently available for many residents means we have an ideal policy and business climate for using solar power to generate electricity. However, some of the most advantageous incentives are changing later this year, impacting how easy and affordable it will be to go solar.

In light of these changes, the Williston Energy Committee partnered with a few of our stellar local solar companies for this second installment of our “it’s easy to electrify” series to get their expert input on how the current incentives work and what’s at stake for our residents and businesses who want to go solar when these incentives change in the coming months.

The first major change will affect the net-metering rate. What is net metering?

When a home or business produces energy using their solar panels, some energy may not be used by the owner. That energy is sent back to the grid for others

to use. A credit for the amount produced minus the amount consumed, the net energy, is applied to the owner’s electric bill. On days of low solar output, such as during the winter months, the owner can use these credits to pay for the electricity they use from the grid. If the solar system is sized properly, the owner won’t see a single electric bill. (Note: State and federal taxes and fees will still apply).

The amount per kilowatt hour credited to the owner is called the net metering rate. Starting this September, the net metering rate in Vermont will decrease by one cent per kilowatt hour, which means, according to Lilly Baron, communications director at Green Mountain Solar, solar owners “… will be credited roughly 3-4 percent less for their solar credits and in turn need to upsize their systems” in order to cover the cost of the electricity they use from the grid.

The good news is that you don’t need to install a solar system before the deadline to lock in the higher net-metering rate for 10 years. You have to complete a solar assessment and apply for the permit, which any of our solar companies can do

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for you. The other good news is, even if you miss the deadline to lock in the higher net metering rate, you’ll still save money over time as you will be buying less electricity from the grid, insulating your energy costs from electric rate increases over time.

The second major change involves the federal tax credit for solar. Starting in 2023, the tax credit for installed solar will decrease from 26 percent of the installed cost to 22 percent. In 2024, that credit will decrease to 0 percent for residential installation and 10 percent for commercial installation.

What is the tax credit? As Tim Patterson, a SunCommon solar home advisor based in Richmond, explains: “The federal tax credit is not a rebate — it’s a credit that can be applied to tax liability.” In other words, if your solar system costs $30,000, it’s currently eligible for up to $7,800 (26 percent) of that cost to go back to the owner in cash, provided the owner paid at least that much in taxes. If the owner paid less in taxes, they would only receive up to the total tax they paid back in cash.

Lower tax incentives mean higher out-of-pocket costs for solar, whether you pay in cash or finance the project. According to Patterson, this is why the tax credit is an important benefit for homeowners. But, he adds that the “… tax savings for businesses that go solar can be even better, because qualified businesses can also take advantage of a state tax credit and accelerated depreciation,” further lowering the out-of-pocket cost of solar.

There are several options for

Green tips Calculating your carbon footprint A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions.

The average carbon footprint for a person in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. Globally, the average carbon footprint is closer to 4 tons. To have the best chance of avoiding catastrophic global warming, the average global carbon footprint per year needs to drop to under 2 tons by 2050, according to the Nature Conservancy.

Lowering individual carbon footprints from 16 tons to 2 tons doesn’t happen overnight. But by making small changes to our actions, like eating less meat, taking fewer connecting flights and line drying our clothes, we can start making a big difference.

The Nature Conservancy offers a Carbon Footprint Calculator where you can answer a few questions about your habits and lifestyle — such as how you heat your home, how you travel and your diet — and receive your carbon footprint estimate.

See www.nature.org for more information.

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paying for a home solar system.

The most common option is financing. David Mullett, general counsel for All Earth Renewables, says: “… a well-built and installed solar project can offset a good portion of monthly electricity costs from day one, thereby providing funds from which to make payments on the loans. And that project will continue to operate for many, many years after the loan is paid off.”

This means many people can swap an electric bill for a similar solar loan payment.

This doesn’t work for everyone but there are other options too.

“For those whose financial or living situations are such that going solar may not be feasible at present, entry into ‘purchase power agreements’ or other community solar arrangements with the owners of larger net metering projects is another way to both gain electric bill savings and make a meaningful contribution to combating climate change,” Mullett said.

If you’ve ever thought of going solar, whether a business or a private resident, now is the time to act to capture what equates to roughly 8 percent cheaper costs compared to systems installed after the incentive change. Give one of our local solar companies a call to get an assessment of your solar potential and have a permit filed on your behalf before Sept. 1. Once you are ready to move forward, they will work with you to find a combination of solar technology, system size and financing that works with your budget and solar-related goals.

We invite you to reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at MScott@Willistonvt. org or attend one of our public meetings, held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.

• Page 9

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Williston Observer

• July 28, 2022

State awards $1 million for EV charging stations at apartments, condos

At-home composting is on the rise, and so are encounters with bears in residential areas, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

COURTESY PHOTO BY JOHN HALL

Backyard composting?

Bear this in mind

With more people composting in their yards since the ban on food scraps in the landfill-bound trash went into effect two years ago, the problem of bears looking for food in residential areas has increased, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife.

“We have been receiving lots of reports of bears on decks, tearing down bird feeders, wrecking beehives, killing chickens, and getting into trash, compost and garbage containers,” said bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau. “We are offering some guidance on how to compost at home without attracting bears.”

Comeau’s first recommendation is to remove bird-feeders until there is snow on the ground — at least a foot of snowpack.

“Then, make sure anything else that might smell like food is picked up,” she said. “And keep your trash container secured inside a sturdy building and don’t put it outside until the morning of pickup. Beehives, chicken coops and compost bins can be protected with electric fencing.”

Food scraps can also be taken

to Chittenden Solid Waste District drop-off centers.

If composting at home, follow these practices.

• Use three parts of brown material for one part of green material. Browns can be dried leaf and yard debris, wood chips — which often can be delivered to your house free by a local tree service company — or shredded paper. Greens include kitchen scraps, vegetables and small amounts of fruits. Adding lots of brown material minimizes smells and speeds up composting.

• No meat, bones or seafood leftovers. They do not break down quickly and are strong wildlife attractants. The food scrap ban allows people who compost at home to dispose of meat, bones and seafood in the trash, so they can be kept in a freezer until trash day.

• Give your compost oxygen by frequently mixing it or turning it over if it is in a container. This reduces odors and speeds up composting.

• Does your compost smell? If so, turning it, adding more brown material and adding a layer of wood shavings or sawdust to the top should solve the issue.

• Enclose your composter with electric fencing or compost in a hard, durable container with a lid that will be challenging for a bear to open. Some types of tumblers are bear-proof.

Electric fencing, with food scent added to the wires, will discourage even persistent bears.

• If you are currently having a bear issue, delay starting your your compost pile until the bear issue resolves. Until then, keep food scraps in the freezer or bring them to a collection site.

To learn more about properly composting food waste, go to the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website at www.

VTrecycles.com. For information about living with bears and to report bear damage, visit Fish and Wildlife’s website at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

The Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded $1 million in grant funds to subsidize the cost of purchasing and installing electric vehicle charging stations at multiunit properties to provide residents with at-home charging access.

The program focuses on affordable and non-profit multiunit housing providers. The first round of awarded projects will result in 84 new charging ports at 37 locations across eight counties, impacting 6,230 homes in affordable multifamily buildings.

“We are making it easier to install convenient and reliable athome charging solutions for residents living in affordable multifamily housing,” Gov. Phil Scott said. “Steps like this are critical as we work to electrify the transportation sector, make electric vehi-

cles more accessible, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

The department received 16 applications for the first pilot round of the grant program for 44 locations across eight counties.

Grant awards were given with regard to equitable geographic distribution across the state.

“This was a pilot program, and we didn’t know what the demand would be,” said Housing and Community Development Commissioner Josh Hanford.

“The geographic spread of applications and diversity of housing types that applied was impressive and showed us that there is a high level of interest in providing electric vehicle charging for multiunit residents statewide.”

Gov. Scott approved another $3 million for the program to be awarded next fiscal year.

Dept. of Environmental Conservation gets new leader has been aphas strong repointed comlationships missioner of the within the Department of agency, as well E nv i r o n m e n t a l as throughout Conservation. Bestate governling has served as ment and the interim commisVermont ensioner since April v i r o n me nt a l 15, and as DEC’s com munit y,” general counsel said ANR Secsince 2018. Belretary Julie ing replaces PeMoore. ter Walke, who Currently a John Beling served as DEC commissioner for resident of East Montpelier, Beling two years. has also served as an attorney with “John is an important member the U.S. Department of Justice, the of our team and a proven leader in U.S. EPA, the Vermont and Massastate government,” Gov. Phil Scott chusetts attorneys general offices, said. “He will be a valuable asset in the Vermont Department of Public leading DEC, protecting our envi- Service and the Massachusetts Deronment and serving Vermonters.” partment of Environmental ProtecBeling will lead DEC’s 300 em- tion. He is a graduate of Tufts Uniployees working to promote clean versity and St. John’s University air, clean water and healthy com- School of Law. munities in Vermont. DEC is one “I appreciate the opportuniof three departments in the Agency ty to serve as commissioner and of Natural Resources (ANR), along look forward to continuing to work with the Fish and Wildlife Depart- with the talented and hard-working ment and the Department of For- staff at DEC,” said Commissioner ests, Parks and Recreation.

Beling. “We have an exceptional “John brings a wealth of ex- group of employees who are up to pertise in the multi-faceted work the challenges and opportunities of environmental protection and present here in Vermont.”

July 28, 2022 •

Williston Observer

•

Page 11

Burlington bumps police pay, addresses oversight

BY KORI SKILLMAN VTDigger

The Burlington City Council on Monday night voted to ratify a three-year contract with the union that represents the city’s police force, signing off on a 20 percent base pay raise over the length of the contract.

The agreement with the Burlington Police Officers’ Association also addresses issues of police oversight and accountability, in part by extending the amount of time the city can keep disciplinary records and increasing the role the Police Commission plays in the disciplinary process.

It replaces a four-year contract that expired on June 30 and, according to a press release issued Monday night by Mayor Miro Weinberger, builds upon the $1.2 million “Rebuilding Plan” that the council approved last month.

Councilors approved the contract on a 10-1 vote, with Perri Freeman, P-Central District, casting the sole vote against it. Ali House, P-Ward 8, was absent.

“There are just some points that don’t meet the threshold for … some of the main things I was particularly concerned about,” Freeman said before the vote.

In Monday’s press release, Weinberger hailed the contract as “major community progress at a time when we are facing serious public safety challenges and an urgent need to rebuild the Burlington Police Department.” It comes during a spate of gunfire incidents in the city and as the department grapples with high attrition and depleted ranks.

Progressives were more muted in their support. Councilor Gene Bergman, P-Ward 2, called the contract “only one piece of the transformation that we need to make.” He and Councilors Joe Magee, P-Ward 3, and Zoraya Hightower, P-Ward 1, openly expressed disappointment with the contract, characterizing it as a necessary compromise.

The 20 percent pay increase over three years includes a 12 percent increase in fiscal year 2023.

Weinberger’s office said in the press release that the raise puts Burlington “in a very competitive position with respect to other Vermont police departments, including the State Police,” to attract and retain members of its force.

Supporters of police reform won extensions of the amount of time the city can keep disciplinary records. Under the contract, records concerning use-of-force violations and other serious policy violations can be retained by the department permanently. Records of suspensions will be retained for four years. Letters of reprimand and other disciplinary records

short of suspension will be kept for two years.

In addition, according to Weinberger’s office, the contract allows for changing the disciplinary interview process to be “consistent with best practice from police oversight advocates,” clarifying and enhancing the Police Commission’s and mayor’s access to records during misconduct investigations, and codifying that the Police Commission can play both an advisory role to the chief prior to the issuance of a disciplinary decision, and serve as an appeals body.

New contract provisions also prevent the city from hiring officers who have been fired for disciplinary reasons by other law enforcement agencies.

This is the first contract agreement since the council cut the force by 30 percent two years ago, from a cap of 105 officers down to 72, in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd in Min-

neapolis and public pressure to “defund the police” and reallocate city funds to more social services.

The council raised the cap back to 87 last October.

This is the first contract agreement since the council cut the force by 30 percent two years ago in the wake of the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and public pressure to “defund the police.”

The Burlington Police Department currently has 62 sworn officers, down from 66 in May,

according to acting chief Jon Murad, but only “52 effective officers” who can actually serve, 22 of whom conduct patrols. (Others are unable to serve for reasons such as military deployment and medical leave.)

Murad called his current police force “maxed out” from the amount of investigatory work on his limited staff, noting the city has experienced 18 gunfire incidents since the start of the year. “‘Maxed out’ is frankly an inadequate euphemism,” he clarified.

The number of officers on the force was top of mind for Shimmy Cohen, who formerly lived in Burlington for more than three decades and was at the scene of the shooting on Monday.

“It bothers me that Burlington Progressives have cut the police department funding,” said Cohen, a longtime employee of Boucher & Pritchard Funeral Home near the site of the old North End shooting.

“We need more cops — they just don’t seem to have the respect or caring for the police, until something happens on their property.”

According to national reports, an increased public demand for police accountability and confronting racial biases on police forces across the country has led to an influx in retirements and failure to attract potential new officers, decreasing morale for remaining officers.

A summer 2021 survey from the Police Executive Research Forum looked at nearly 200 departments and found a 45 percent increase in retirement and almost 20 percent increase in resignations from 2020-21 compared to 2019-20.

In an effort to recruit more officers, the City Council last month authorized the use of $270,000 for officer signing bonuses and another $150,000 for such incentives as housing, education and child care assistance.

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2 killed, 1 seriously injured in Burlington shooting Page 12 •

Williston Observer

•

BY SHAUN ROBINSON, KORI SKILLMAN AND EMMA COTTON VTDigger

A former University of Vermont student fatally shot a current student and critically injured another person in an Old North End apartment early Monday morning before turning the gun on himself, according to police and school officials.

Mikal Dixon, a 27-year-old from New Hampshire who was formerly enrolled at UVM, broke into the apartment at 47 North Winooski Ave. through a window, Acting Police Chief Jon Murad said at a press conference Monday afternoon.

Using an AR-15 rifle, Dixon shot 22-year-old Kayla Noonan, a UVM student from New Jersey, and another 22-year-old woman who police have not identified, striking her multiple times, Murad said. Dixon subsequently shot and killed himself, the chief said.

Noonan was pronounced dead at the scene.

Murad said the unnamed victim suffered “serious, life altering injuries” and was in critical but stable condition at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

All three people involved in the shooting knew one another, Murad said, though Dixon and Noonan specifically had a relationship “going back several years.”

“This morning’s murder and attempted murder of two young women was a terrible act of violence — among the very worst the city’s seen in the last decade,” Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said. “Our thoughts right now are very much with the sur-

July 28, 2022

viving victim.”

Police said Monday they received “a number of calls” about the sound of gunfire at the firstfloor North Winooski Avenue residence at around 2:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with the unnamed victim — whom police said lived at the residence — at the door while she was on the phone with an emergency dispatcher, Murad said. He said police could not initially get into the building through the door and broke a window to get inside.

Once inside, they found Noonan and Dixon both deceased, and the other woman “very close to death,” he said.

Dixon initially tried to break down the door of the residence, Murad said, before turning to the window.

Weinberger said Dixon’s family had “local roots,” noting that the 27-year-old attended Burlington High School a decade ago.

The chief added Dixon was known to police and had been arrested in the past, though only for “relatively low-level incidents,” such as retail theft and trespassing.

He also believes Dixon has had restraining orders taken out against him, though they are no longer in effect and did not involve either victim in Monday’s shooting. Police believe Dixon was legally allowed to purchase and possess a gun, the chief noted.

Police have recovered the AR15 rifle they believe was used in the shooting, Murad said in the press release. At the press conference, he said Burlington police have “seen this kind of weapon before” in the city, but noted it was

Acting Police Chief Jon Murad discusses the shooting deaths of two people and wounding of a third during a press conference in Burlington on Monday.

PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

ington this year.

Burlington police distinguish between gunfire incidents and shootings; the latter indicates that someone has been struck. Murad said that as of Monday, the city has seen eight shootings in 2022.

The number of times guns were recklessly fired in the city this year is on a steep rise, data show. Acting Deputy Police Chief Wade Labrecque noted that Monday’s shooting appears to be unrelated to other recent gunfire incidents in the city.

Monday’s shooting was the second gunfire incident in the city last weekend, according to police.

In a separate press release, officials said a man in his 40s was injured after being struck by a bullet just before midnight Saturday on Church Street.

He went to the emergency room at UVM Medical Center with a gunshot wound, but his injuries were not life-threatening, police said. Two “unknown males” fled the scene downtown in separate directions after the shooting, according to police.

They did not release any additional information about the Saturday incident.

At around 9 a.m. Monday, the

somewhat unusual.

The chief added that police “believe that all involved persons are accounted for,” and there is no additional danger to the public.

He said the investigation is in its earliest stages.

UVM President Suresh Garimella said in a statement Monday afternoon he was “deeply saddened” by the news that the school’s community was impacted by the shooting.

“My thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy, especially families on or before August 9th and other loved ones,” Garimella Fight for consumers and said. small businesses M o n d a y ’s shooting marks Protect the environment the 18th gunfire Prioritize public safety and incident in Burl-

North Winooski Avenue building was blocked off by police tape, and a portion of the street remained closed. By midday, police reopened North Winooski Avenue to traffic, and the Vermont State Police Major Crime Unit had arrived on scene. Officials could be seen removing evidence from the apartment in plastic bags.

Police also loaded a live animal cage, which held a cat, into a Burlington Police Department vehicle, according to Burlington Police Lt. Jim Trieb, who was present at the scene. Trieb confirmed the cat lived in the apartment where the shooting took place.

Walkers and cyclists passed by the apartment, which is located in a highly trafficked area near the edge of downtown.

Residents who live near 47 North Winooski Ave. told VTDigger on Monday morning they felt uneasy, particularly because of the increase in gun violence in the city this year. None heard the gunshots.

“It’s unsettling to see,” said DJ Sejovic, who lives near the location of the shooting. “Burlington is a nice city, but it’s tough to feel comfortable sometimes.” see SHOOTING page 13

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Williston Observer

• Page 13

LandAir trucking company files for bankruptcy

BY FRED THYS VTDigger

LandAir, a trucking company with Vermont facilities in Windsor and Williston, has filed for bankruptcy, according to court documents.

The company, whose legal name is North East Freightways and which is headquartered in North Easton, Mass., filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy — which means the company will be liquidated — in federal Bankruptcy Court in Massachusetts on July 14.

Vermont Labor Commissioner Michael Harrington had written to the company on July 7 about reports that it had abruptly shut its doors.

LandAir was founded as Allied Air Freight in 1968 by Fred Spencer,

Shooting continued from page

according to the company website, which says Spencer partnered with airlines and airfreight forwarders at Burlington International Airport.

The family eventually sold LandAir to a private equity firm. Spencer died in January.

The company specialized in shipping loads smaller than a truckload but larger than a parcel. In the industry, such companies are known as LTLs, standing for “less than truckload.”

LandAir had 135 drivers and 450 employees, according to FreightWays, an industry publication that first reported that the company was shutting down.

The company said only one of its Vermont locations — a 20-door truck terminal on Ruth Carney Drive in Windsor — was among the

11 properties that needed immediate attention out of concerns for vandalism or because of the presence of hazardous materials.

The company also owns an 18door truck terminal in Williston.

The company said it has $1.3 million in assets and $44.4 million in debt, including $33.8 million it owes to the Los Angeles private equity firm that owns LandAir, Corbel Capital Partners.

Harrington, the labor commissioner, said his department contacted the company “so that we could get the names and contact information for employees so that we can make sure we provide services.”

Harrington said the department also wants to make sure employees get all the pay and benefits they are due.

“It obviously takes a different

turn because they filed in bankruptcy court,” Harrington said. “And so that does cause us to look at other ways that we can work with the company to make sure the employees get what they are entitled to.”

Harrington said his department has now obtained a list of Vermont employees from attorneys for LandAir and has begun reaching out to the employees to provide unemployment compensation and reemployment services. He said his office has been in touch with the attorney general’s office in case the state wants to file a claim on behalf of employees, as it did when Koffee Kup Bakery folded last year.

In the Koffee Kup case, a federal bankruptcy judge ordered the company to deliver more than $800,000 in back pay to its employees.

Harrington said fewer than 50 Vermont employees are affected by LandAir’s bankruptcy.

Most of the thresholds triggering a requirement for employers to notify state and local officials and employees of layoffs under the federal WARN act and Vermont’s Notice of Potential Layoff Act are when 50 or more employees are affected, Harrington said. But he added that, if a small company closes a facility completely, it may still have to comply with the warnings required by federal and state law.

As of Monday, LandAir had not filed a WARN act notice of impending layoffs in Vermont.

Attorney Justin Kesselman, who is representing LandAir in its bankruptcy filing, did not respond to an email requesting an interview.

12

Earlier this month, 21-yearold Hussein Mubarak was fatally shot in the head on Luck Street in the Old North End, roughly three-quarters of a mile from the shooting Monday. Police have named a person of interest in connection with the Luck Street shooting whom they arrested July 15 on unrelated charges.

Allen Parker said he lives two blocks from where Mubarak died July 7, and that he had coached Mubarak in Little League. He said he coaches at Roosevelt Park, where a different gunfire incident took place in June. In that incident, shrapnel from the gunfire wounded a former city council member.

“You have a ballgame going on over there, and the next thing you know, there’s gunfire going on,” he said.

Parker, who said he’s lived in Burlington for more than 30 years, has “never seen it like it is now.”

Murad said at the press conference that he understands how Old North End residents may be concerned about the safety of their neighborhood, but he wants them to know that Monday’s shooting was “a very contained incident.”

“We are doing everything that we can, with what we’ve got, to make certain that we are living up to our obligation to work with the community to keep it safe,” he said.

Hilary Wailonson, a University of Vermont student who lives in the neighborhood where Monday’s shooting took place, moved to Burlington two months ago from a more rural area. Wailonson said she was prepared for a change when she moved to the city, but the frequent gunfire is beyond what she expected.

“I definitely don’t feel 100 percent safe,” Wailonson said.

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Williston Observer

• July 28, 2022

Daniel Arthur Baillargeon

Daniel Arthur Baillargeon, 74, a longtime area resident and U.S. Army War Veteran, passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, July 16th, 2022, with his family at his side.

Born on July 6th, 1948, in Burlington, he was one of seven to the late Armand and Julia B. Baillargeon.

On August 23rd, 1969, in the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Burlington, he married Wanda L. Morris, who survives him.

Dan was educated in Essex and then joined the U.S. Army in 1966 and received an honorable discharge in 1969. During his working career, he was in manufacturing for many years and then security until his illness forced him into retirement.

He was very active with the Boy Scouts of America, having served for 25 years with St. Joseph’s Pack #615 and then as a founding member of St. Albans Cub Pack #87.

He was very active with the Foster Parent Program of Franklin County for 10 years, as well as an AA sponsor for many years.

He was an avid bowler, loved snowmobiling and playing cards, but his great enjoyment was being with his family on camping trips and was known to them as the “Last Minute Adventurer.” He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his grand-doggers.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda, of 52 years; their children, Bonnie Allen (Matt) of East Montpelier, Jason Baillargeon (June) of Milton, and Brandy Welsh (Tom) of Tucson, Arizona, his precious grandchildren, Keisha Pollard (Adam Lloyd), Victoria Pollard (Conner Wright), Kohl Pollard, William Pollard, II, John- Christian Allen,

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Peyton Allen, Alexxander Allen, Stacy Bessette (Craig), Samantha Sears, James Turner, Kywrin Welsh (Macy Mickelson), and Kaiden Welsh as well as his great-grandchildren, Avery Lowry, Drew Bessette, Scarlett Sears and one that is due in January.

Dan is also survived by his sisters, Jeanne Wescott (Russell) of Essex Junction, Leona Nichols of St. Albans, Pauline O’Connor (Rod) of Essex and Janet Bean (David) of Williston. His in-laws, Richard Morris (Cathy) of Montana, Sharyn Pinard (Ron) of Williston, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dan was predeceased by his brother, Armand Baillargeon and sister, Loretta Trepanier.

Dan’s family wishes to express sincere thanks to Sheree, Heather, and Deena from FCHHH for their care, compassion, and support.

Dan’s family will receive family and friends on Saturday, July 30th, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM with Reverend Father John G. Feltz officiating at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main St., St. Albans.

Military honors will be accorded following the service. Celebration of Life reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, it was Dan’s family’s wish that memorial donations be made to the Josh Pallotta Fund, Josh’s House 162 Hegeman Avenue, Colchester, Vermont, 05446.

Honored to be serving the Baillargeon family is the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.

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www.WillistonObserver.com

Richard Max Harris II

Richard Max Harris II, 52, born November 2nd, 1969, died Thursday, July 7th, 2022. He ended his courageous fight against cancer with his wife, Sherry, his son, Hagen, and his daughter, Cecilia, by his side.

Max beat cancer at age 51, participated in two clinical trials at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute after his second diagnosis, and ultimately passed at the UVM Medical Center.

Max leaves behind his devoted wife, Sherry Sumner Harris; his children, Hagen Sumner Harris and Cecilia June Harris; his sisters Tracy Harris and Amy Harris and spouse, David Bissonette; his stepmother Susan Harris; his fatherin-law, Albert Sumner; his sister-in-law, Carrie Sumner; and beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father, Richard Max (Dick) Harris, and his mother, Carol June Luebke.

At 11, Max moved to Colchester, Vermont, where he met his future wife and formed a group of lifelong friends. Max was a talented tennis player and skier in high school. His love for the mountains led him to Colorado, where he attended CU Boulder and found a crew of friends that would support him from anywhere, at any time, through the rest of his life. Max graduated, founded and wrote at the paper, Buffalo Sports News, and then moved to Florida to continue his career in journalism. He spent time with the Tampa Tribune and combined his passion for sports and writing while working at Sun Times. Max frequently visited his father and step-mother in NYC, and eventually reunited with his wife Sherry in the city.

They began their family in Florida, but soon after moved with their son, Hagen, to Richmond, Vermont, and then welcomed their daughter, Cecilia.

Max lived in Richmond for 24 years. Max was an incredible father, community member, neighbor, and friend. He shared with his family his love for skiing, tennis, spending time on the lake, food and cooking, gardening, traveling, and his pets. He loved coaching his son’s baseball teams, supporting local businesses, and spending time with family and friends.

Max spent 23 dedicated years working at Gardeners Supply Company, where he held the positions of E-Commerce Manager and Chief Marketing Officer. He transformed GSC’s online presence and prided himself on participating in initiatives to make gardening accessible and sustainable.

Max was loved by many; the family is incredibly grateful to the outstanding team of caregivers and doctors that helped him fight cancer these past few years. If you would like to honor Max, the family asks that you make a contribution in his honor to either the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, or the American Cancer Society. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Beverly E. Hopwood

Beverly E. Hopwood, born June 28, 1924, passed away peacefully at her home in Colchester, VT, on July 16, 2022, surrounded by family. Beverly was born in St. Johnsbury, VT to Bernard H. and Josephine (Lougee) Daniels. She grew up in St. Johnsbury and was proud of her extensive Northeast Kingdom heritage.

Later moving to Montpelier, VT, she attended Montpelier High School, Vermont Junior College (now Vermont College) and the University of Vermont. On August 10, 1944, she married Gardner Hopwood of Middletown Springs, VT. Together, they purchased several telephone companies throughout the state and operated them until they were sold in 1967. Soon after, they were both involved in the creation and operation of Pine Ridge School in Williston, VT for over 20 years.

They were married for 63 years until Gardner’s death in 2007. In her later years, Beverly volunteered for almost two decades at Replays Resale Shop, a secondhand store associated with the UVM Medical Center Auxiliary.

Beverly is survived by her four children, Christopher (and wife Kimball Butler), Robert (and wife Kerstin Hanson), Susan (and husband Christopher May), and Richard (and wife Cynthia Felch); eight grandchildren, Josie and Calhan Hopwood, Alexandra and Erik Hopwood (and wife Erica Hopwood), Chelsea Vail (and fiancé Mark Benjamin), and Celina, Bronwen, and Quentin Hopwood; and three great-grandchildren, Gus Hopwood, Anya Hopwood, and Aera Benjamin. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Baker, nine nieces and nephews, and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, infant daughter, and great-grandson.

Beverly delighted in following her children’s activities/sports, skiing, canoeing, square dancing, and reading. She was especially fond of flowers, birds, traveling, chocolate, Jeopardy!, and a Perfect Manhattan on the rocks with a twist!

Beverly loved following all sports. In particular, she was a UVM Men’s Hockey enthusiast, holding season tickets for over 50 years, and a Boston Red Sox fan. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Burlington, Eastern Star, and the PEO sisterhood.

On her 90th birthday, she chose to zipline with several of her children and grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Home Care Assistance of Greater Burlington and especially UVM Health Network Home Health & Hospice for their caring, supportive, and professional staff. Per Beverly’s wishes, no public service will be held. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in her name to the charity of your choice.

July 28, 2022 •

The Williston Recreation and Parks Department is located at the Annex Building at 7878 Williston Rd. For online program registration, visit www.willistonrec.org. For department information, email recreation@willistonvt.org or call 876-1160.

FALL PROGRAMS

Registration opens on Monday Aug. 1 for fall programs. There will be a listing of fall programs in an ad in the Observer in early August. Be sure to register for the programs for you and your family before they fill up. New programs are always being listed at www.willistonrec.org so be sure to check it regularly.

Instructors Wanted The Recreation Department

is looking for Instructors to offer programming this fall to kids in pre-school through high school seniors. If you have a program that you are offering or would like to offer to the community, please email recreation@willistonvt.org. We would love to collaborate with you to bring your program offering to the community of Williston. A Program Proposal Form can be found at www.WillistonRec.org.

SOCCER PROGRAMS

Registration is now open for all programs for 3-5-year-olds and kindergarteners through fifth-graders. Register at www. willistonrec.org. There is an early registration discount before Aug. 28.

Soccer Shorts — Ages 3-5.

These programs teach the fundamentals of soccer using a fun and energetic curriculum

that has been tailored to the age group. All sessions are held in a fun and positive environment, where players are encouraged to learn and play with a parent and each other. This is a child/ parent program — a parent or other adult is required to be on the field with their child. Saturdays, Sept. 10- Oct. 8. Mini’s (age 3), 9:45-10:30 a.m. Mights (age 4-5), 10:40-11:30 a.m. Instructors: Rec Department staff.

KinderRec Soccer — For children entering kindergarten this fall. Youngsters will be provided with the opportunity to learn, practice and develop their skills. Each Saturday will consist of a half-hour practice followed by a half-hour scrimmage. Volunteer coaches are needed. The program relies on parents and community members to volunteer their time to work with groups of children that are looking for a positive soccer experience. Please sign

up to coach when you register your child. Saturdays, Sept.

3-October 8, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Instructors: Rec Department staff Youth Soccer — Grades 1-5. Youth Rec. Soccer is geared for those who want to learn, play and experience the game of soccer in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. More information is available at www. willistonrec.org. Programs are offered for grades 1-2 (coed) and 3-5 boys and girls teams. Volunteer coaches are needed. Please sign up to coach when you register your child. Starts Sept. 3 with practice one night per week and games on Saturdays.

CAMPS R.E.C. CAMP Recreation Experiences for Children, entering 1-6 grade. A twist on the traditional day camp, packed with recreation, sports and arts & crafts. A blend of choice activities, group games, free play and the ever-popular field trip and swim day. Two sessions left, Aug. 1-5 and 8-12 L.I.T. CAMP Leaders in Training is a special opportunity for teens entering Grades 7-8 to be leaders in R.E.C. Camp working in a pod alongside counselors. A small

Williston Observer

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number of teens can register each session for a special position in camp where they work in the Pods and learn about leadership.

This is great for those campers who love R.E.C. Camp and want to be part of it and give back by collaborating with counselors to provide a special experience for the younger campers. Two sessions left, Aug. 1-5 and 8-12.

O.U.R. CAMPS Outdoor Ultimate Recreation, one-week adventures for youth entering grades 6-8 in the fall.

O.U.R. camps are for the teen who is looking to be active this summer. There are seven weeks of themed camps offered. Each one will have a variety of trips to keep teens moving. This camp is on-the-go and for the teen who likes the outdoors. One session left, Aug. 1-5 WICKED COOL SCIENCE CAMP Age 6-11. Grow giant glowing cubes, discover crazy chemical reactions, make glow sticks glow brighter and delight your friends with magic fish. Make a DNA necklace with real DNA and harness the power of the sun. Use a chemical to create crazy “atomic worms” that glow. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Aug. 1-5. Director: Wicked Cool Staff.

It’s easy to expand your reach to readers 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

•

July 28, 2022

release dates: July 30-August 5, 2022

31 (22)

Next Week: National Bowling Day

Founded by Betty Debnam

Mini Fact:

The Maya of Long Ago

Sixty cities were built by the Maya. The cities were very large with many people in them. photo by Dennis Jarvis

The Maya built an advanced civilization in the area of Mexico and Central America about 2,000 years ago. They were astronomers who developed an incredible calendar to keep track of events over many thousands of years.

They built pyramids and developed large cities. The Mini Page takes a look at the Maya civilization this week.

Amazing scientists

The Maya developed one of the most complex civilizations of the ancient world.

Their scholars created an advanced system of writing.

Unlike many other ancient people, they developed in isolation (eye-suh-LAY-shun), or away from other civilizations. Other ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, learned from others. The Maya had to discover all on their own.

They built great structures without metal tools, beasts of burden or vehicles with wheels, such as carts. (Beasts of burden are big animals tame enough to help carry heavy loads.)

Pyramids

The Maya built great pyramids that were lined up to follow the movements of the sun.

For example, on the shortest day of the year, or the winter solstice (SOHL-stis), the sun rose at a certain spot over a pyramid temple.

Priests knew that from that day forward, the sun would rise a bit to the north each day. When the sun finally rose directly north of the pyramid, the rains would come. Other pyramids were lined up with the setting sun. They were all built to predict when it would rain.

Calendars

The Maya used two calendars throughout the year. One calendar gave the times to perform rituals. Today, this kind of calendar could help us keep track of events like planting and harvesting crops.

The Mayan ritual calendar covered 260 days. It was made up of 13 numbers and 20 names.

Their second calendar was a yearlong calendar made up of 365 days. It was divided into 18 months of 20 days each. The Maya added five extra days to finish off the year.

The Maya used this calendar to help them keep track of birthdays and holidays.

Chichen Itza

In the Yucatan Peninsula is a Mayan city called Chichen Itza (chee-CHEN eet-SAH), where a large step-pyramid is located. This structure is called El Castillo (cas-TEE-yo), and it was built in dedication to the Plumed Serpent. Experts believe it was built between A.D. 1050 and 1300.

Chichen Itza was a bustling, or busy, place long ago.

Historians estimate it was established around A.D. 400.

Now it is one of the Seven Wonders of the New World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Maya chose the location for Chichen Itza because of the two sinkholes nearby that provided water. Since the city is located in a dry tropical forest, being near water was very important for the Mayas’ survival.

The Maya people often watched for astronomical, or sky, events. The Chichen Itza observatory, called El Caracol, was built to align with the stars, sun and planets. photo by Kirt Edblom

Issue 31, 2022

Resources On the Web:

• bit.ly/TMPMaya

At the library:

• “Amazing Ancients: World of the Maya”

by Elaine A. Kule • “The Ancient Maya” by Jackie Maloy

The Mini Page® © 2022 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Nancy

BY OLIVIA JAIMES

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of the Maya are hidden in this puzzle.

Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: CALENDARS, CASTILLO, CITIES, CROPS, DAYS, ISOLATION, MAYA, MONTHS, PLANETS, PLANTING, PYRAMIDS, RAIN, SINKHOLES, SOLSTICE, STARS, SUN, TOOLS, WATER.

R P L A N T I N G X

F C Z S T A R S X W

F R S O L S T I C E

M O N S S T G V P O

A P R I E O O P M L

Y S A N I O W S O L

A C I K T L Y D N I

A A N H I S P I T T

J L C O C Y L M H S

T E O L Y A A A S A

Q N V E U D N R M C

Zane: What’s a very sad strawberry called?

Zara: A blueberry!

F D Y S K D E Y N W

W A T E R J T P U O

H R Y G C H S B S J

I S O L A T I O N X

Eco Note New research finds that placing LED lights on fishing nets brings a 95% reduction in the number of sharks, skates and rays accidentally snagged, and a 48% drop in the number of unwanted finfish accidentally caught. Researchers say the

Pyramids

added five extra days to finish off the year.

The Maya used this calendar to help them keep track of birthdays and holidays.

The Maya built great pyramids that were lined up to follow the movements of the sun.

by Elaine A. Kule • “The Ancient Maya” by Jackie Maloy July 28, 2022 •

The Mini Page® © 2022 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Try ’n’ Find

Page 17

R P L A N T I N G X

F C Z S T A R S X W

F R S O L S T I C E

M O N S S T G V P O

A P R I E O O P M L

Y S A N I O W S O L

A C I K T L Y D N I

A A N H I S P I T T

J L C O C Y L M H S

T E O L Y A A A S A

Q N V E U D N R M C

Zane: What’s a very sad strawberry called?

Zara: A blueberry!

F D Y S K D E Y N W

W A T E R J T P U O

H R Y G C H S B S J

I S O L A T I O N X

Eco Note

Cook’s Corner

The Mini Page® © 2022 Andrews McMeel Syndication

You’ll need: • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth • 2 tablespoons butter • 1/3 cup light sour cream • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese What to do: 1. Boil cauliflower in chicken broth for 5 minutes.

2. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Uncover and continue cooking until liquid is reduced and cauliflower is tender. If necessary, pour off 1/4 to 1/2 cup liquid. Remove pan from heat.

4. Add butter, sour cream and cheese. Beat on low with a hand mixer until mixture is the consistency of mashed potatoes (it may be slightly chunky).

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

Cauliflower Mash

Brevity

•

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of the Maya are hidden in this puzzle.

Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: CALENDARS, CASTILLO, CITIES, CROPS, DAYS, ISOLATION, MAYA, MONTHS, PLANETS, PLANTING, PYRAMIDS, RAIN, SINKHOLES, SOLSTICE, STARS, SUN, TOOLS, WATER.

Williston Observer

New research finds that placing LED lights on fishing nets brings a 95% reduction in the number of sharks, skates and rays accidentally snagged, and a 48% drop in the number of unwanted finfish accidentally caught. Researchers say the lights do not bring a drop in the number of fish the fishing crews try to catch. Gill nets are one of the most commonly used types of fishing gear in the world, but they often catch creatures not targeted by the fishers. adapted with permission from Earthweek.

For later: Look in your newspaper for articles about Mexican and Central American culture.

Teachers:

Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

BY DAN THOMPSON

Page 18 •

Williston Observer

•

July 28, 2022

SENIORS

How to sell unwanted burial plots Dear Savvy Senior, How do I go about selling unwanted burial plots in my hometown cemetery? When my parents died about 25 years ago, my husband (at the time) and I bought two plots near them in the same cemetery. But we’ve gotten divorced since then and have both moved out of state.

Besides that, I would like to be cremated instead of buried.

Looking to Sell Dear Looking,

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

Life changes such as relocating, family disputes and divorce, along with the growing popularity of cremation in the U.S., is causing more and more people to sell previously purchased burial plots they don’t intend to use any longer. But, depending on where you live and the location of the cemetery, selling a plot can be difficult.

And, if you do sell it, you’ll probably get less than what you initially paid for it. Here’s are a few tips to get you started.

Contact the cemetery: Your first step in selling your unwanted burial plots is to contact the cemetery and find out if they would be interested in buying them back, or if you’re allowed to sell them yourself to another person or family. And if so, what paperwork will you need to complete the sale and is there a transfer fee?

Some states require sellers to offer the plot back to the cemetery

Savvy Senior

By Jim Miller

before selling it to others.

Selling options: If you find that it’s OK to sell your plots yourself, many people choose to use a broker. There are a number

of companies, like www.PlotBrokers.com and www.GraveSolutions.com, that will list your plots for sale and handle the transaction for a fee and possibly a commission. If you go this route, you’ll sign paperwork giving the broker permission to work on your behalf. Listings can last up to three years or until the plots sell.

Alternatively, or simultaneously, you can list them yourself on sites like The Cemetery Exchange, GraveSales, eBay and Craigslist, and handle the transaction yourself. In the ad, be sure to post pictures, describe the area where the cemetery is located and give the plot locations.

What to ask: Appropriate pricing is key to selling your plots. It’s recommended that you find out what the cemetery is selling their plots for today and ask at least 20 percent less. If you’re pricing too close to what the cem-

etery charges, there’s no incentive for potential buyers.

Beware of scammers: If you choose to sell your plots yourself, it’s not unusual for scam artist to reach out and try to get your personal financial information. Phone calls tend to be more genuine than emails and text messages.

Donate them: If you don’t have any luck selling your plots, and if money isn’t an issue, you can donate them to charity such as a religious congregation, a local veteran’s group or an organization that aids the homeless. To get a tax deduction, you’ll need an appraisal, which a cemetery or broker may supply for a fee. ​ Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author.

Green Burials

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

The practice of natural or “green” burials dates back thousands of years. The principle behind this practice is to follow the natural cycle of life. Green burials provide a reduced environmental impact, as well as the benefits of land preservation and affordability.

To learn more, contact us today.

ELMWOOD-MEUNIER FUNERAL

&

CREMATION CENTER

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SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 22

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

Photos from the Williston Observer are available for purchase!

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

AL

July 28, 2022 •

Williston Observer

• Page 19

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 22

Almanac ANDREWS

MCMEEL

TODAY’S HISTORY • In 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, marking the official beginning of World War I. • In 1932, President Herbert Hoover ordered the U.S. Army to evict the Bonus Army protesters from government property in Washington, D.C. • In 1945, heavy fog caused a diverted U.S. military B-25 bomber to crash into the Empire State Building in New York City, killing 14 people.

• In 2005, the Irish Republican Army renounced violence as a political tactic and ordered its units to disarm and cease all terrorist activities.

TODAY’S FACT • Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, born on this day in 1929, was fluent in French, Spanish and Italian.

Take summer grilling to new heights with a versatile veggie The fresh flavor of favorite foods pulled hot off the grill makes summer cookouts a treasured pastime. This year, you can make new memories at those backyard barbecues by keeping in mind that grilling isn’t only about charred burgers and steaks — delicious, grilled vegetables can be just as enjoyable.

Nutritious and full of antioxidants, sweet potatoes are a perfect option for summer recipes as they’re easy to grill.

This “sweet potato wedge and purple cabbage salad” is a hearty yet light option as a tasty side dish. This salad is effortlessly simple and combines crispy purple cabbage, juicy tomato, velvety feta and poppyseed dressing around sweet potato wedges as the star of the show.

This recipe comes courtesy of the North Carolina SweetPotato Commission (www.ncsweetpotatoes.com).

Sweetpotato Wedge & Purple Cabbage Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Servings: 4

2 Sweet potatoes ½ head purple cabbage 1 tablespoon olive oil salt, to taste pepper, to taste 6 tablespoons poppyseed dressing, divided 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved 3 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled

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Preheat grill to 400° degree.

Scrub and wash sweet potatoes. Cut each into six wedges.

Boil sweet potatoes 5 minutes, drain and cool 5 minutes.

Shred cabbage into thin slices.

Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and salt and pepper, to taste.

Place sweet potato wedges on grill perpendicular to grates over direct heat; grill about 3 minutes on each side, or until tender-crisp with grill marks on each side. Remove from grill and set aside.

In zip-top bag or large bowl, toss cabbage with 4 tablespoons poppyseed dressing until coated. Add parsley and tomatoes; toss.

To serve, place sweet potato wedges on bed of dressed cabbage and drizzle with remaining poppyseed dressing then sprinkle with cheese. Serve warm or cold.

— Family Features

Page 20

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Williston Observer

•

July 28, 2022

SPORTS

South Burlington School District

MULTIPLE POSITIONS 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR

Are you interested in work that will make a difference in the community for future generations?

Bus Drivers: Transports students over established routes and special trips. Commercial Driver’s license (CDL) class B, Senior Vermont Operator’s license with Vermont School Bus Endorsement needed, however, training may be provided to qualifying candidates.

Interventionist/Paraeducator: Provides educational and personal support to PK-12 students. Associate’s degree or 60 college credits preferred. Training provided.

Administrative Assistant: Assists school administrators with special projects and clerical/administrative duties. Associate’s degree and 3+ years experience in general office work preferred.

Experienced organizer and multi-tasker required.

Nutritional Services: Prepares and serves meals to students and staff. Experience with large-scale cooking, food preparation, and serving is preferred.

School Nurse: Provides student health services and associated records. A minimum of a BSN from an accredited program, current RN license. Must hold or be eligible for Educator’s license in school nursing. Experienced with elementary/middle school-aged population is preferred.

Substitutes: Daily substitute positions in all departments and locations. High school graduate. Previous experience with school-age children preferred.

School’s Out: Provides educational and recreational support and supervision to K-8 students in the after school program. High school graduate minimum, some college preferred. Previous experience with the school-aged population is helpful.

Athletic Coaches: Provide mentorship to student athletes and leadership for assigned student athletic teams. Experience in leading a sports program and knowledge in health and fitness is preferred.

Teams: Golf, Rowing,Volleyball, Cross Country Running, Field Hockey For more details on open positions/please apply through SchoolSpring.com (Keyword: South Burlington School District) or contact Elissa Galvez, HR Coordinator, at 802-652-7247 or egalvez@sbschools.net.

“BUILDING A PROUD TRADITION”

A ring of truth

CLOCKWISE left to right: Ian Parent of Williston and CVU shows off his 2021 Futures Collegiate Baseball League Championship ring. The rings were awarded to the team prior to the Lake Monsters’ game vs. the Westfield Starfires on Thursday evening. Other Lake Monsters with Vermont roots pose with Parent showing their championship rings (left to right) Tom Vesosky, Ben Tate, Colby Brouillette, Wyatt Cameron, Parent, Chase Carey and Asst. Coach Chris Richard. The Vermonters proved themselves worthy during the game with Kline making a catch in left center and Matson getting the starting nod on the mound.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY.

July 28, 2022 •

Williston Observer

• Page 21

An architectural drawing of proposed housing in the Annex.

COURTESY OF WILLISTON PLANNING AND ZONING

Snyder continued from page

From left, Ryan Canty, Angelos Carroll and Jared Anderson will represent CVU in the Shrine football all star game against New Hampshire next weekend at Castleton University.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Redhawk trio to represent Vermont at Shrine Bowl

Three Champlain Valley Union High School football players will represent the Redhawks at the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl against New Hampshire’s all stars on Saturday, Aug. 6 at Castleton University.

The trio were chosen from among Vermont’s best high school football players for their on-field performance last fall.

They are Ryan Canty, Angelos Carroll and Jared Anderson.

Canty will be playing inside linebacker on the Vermont defense. A three-year starter for the Redhawks, Canty was a captain and the Redhawks’ defensive leader during both his junior and senior years.

“His football IQ and work ethic make him an ideal leader,” CVU coach Rahn Fleming said. “He is a ‘no matter what’ rather than an ‘as long as it works out for me’ kind of young man. What's more, he's the kid who'll add ‘and then some’ to whatever is asked of him.

Fleming described him as “the inspirational fire for every other Redhawk on the field with him.”

Carroll will be playing outside linebacker and/or running back for Vermont.

He was chosen for his passion for the

game, commitment to his teammates and energy on the field. He was a team captain by unanimous vote of his teammates last season.

“If a mad scientist were to concoct the perfect mind/spirit combination for a young athlete, they could do no better than what nature gave us in Angelos,” Fleming said. “He is one of the most humble, capable, selfless and skilled young men I've coached in 15 years.”

Anderson will be playing defensive back for Vermont. Also a captain his senior year as a Redhawk, Anderson was often tasked with covering the opposing team’s best receiver.

“We knew with confidence that, once assigned, his job was taken care of,” Fleming said. “Jared is as humble as he is skilled. He led by example — a ‘first on, last off’ kinda guy who was always willing to take extra reps to make a teammate better and then to carry in the last of the equipment at practice's end.

Fleming said the coaching staff is “Redhawk proud” to have Anderson, Carroll and Canty represent the school in the Shrine Game.

1

neighbors. A group of 45 Finney Crossing residents signed onto a letter asking the Development Review Board to force an alteration to the project that would divert traffic to Route 2A instead of coming through their neighborhood.

As envisioned, a majority of residents of the Annex will use Finney Crossing to get to and from their homes instead of Route 2A, said Dunmore Lane resident Carroll Lawes.

“I would sure hate to see this wonderful street turned into a very busy urban street with dozens, if not hundreds, of ‘through traffic’ drivers trying to make their way as quickly as possible to the box stores, restaurants or interstate,” he wrote in a letter to the board. He and his neighbors recommend that the southern entrance to the Annex at Dunmore Lane be limited to emergency vehicles and school buses.

Planning Director Matt Boulanger said the Development Review Board does not have the authority to restrict access at Dunmore Lane and can only request that the Vermont Agency of Transportation consider improvements to Route 2A that would improve traffic flow at the Annex’s

two primary entrances.

“The DRB does not have authority over state highway intersections,” the planning department’s July 26 report says.

Snyder Homes President Chris Snyder said he plans to seek a selectboard exemption to the width requirement for Beaudry Lane rather than negotiate easements with neighboring property owners to widen the road and adjacent rec path to the required 64 feet. The Development Review Board declined his suggestion to formally support the request.

“That is outside our ability to influence,” board chair Peter Kelley said. “We are going to stay silent on that.”

The first phase of the development calls for the construction of three new roads and 208 new homes. A second phase would include the 65-unit senior housing building, three 12-unit apartment buildings and 32 townhomes.

Phase one is being reviewed under current land use regulations, even though new regulations that would encompass this parcel are the subject of ongoing deliberations by the selectboard. Snyder said he is designing the Annex neighborhood under the assumption that the second phase will be governed by the new regulations.

Williston Observer rack distribution

at these locations in Williston, Richmond and Essex Williston Belle’s Café Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Fairfield Inn Gardener’s Supply Green Mountain Bagel Hannaford Healthy Living Williston Home2Suites Korner Kwik Stop Marriott Courtyard Men At Wok People’s United Bank Ramunto’s Rehab Gym Shaw’s Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd)

Simon’s Mobil Williston Simply Divine Café Sonesta Sunoco Station Town of Williston Offices UPS Store Williston Coffee Shop

Price Chopper Quality Bake Shop River Road Beverage Richmond Cumberland Farms Richmond Free Library Richmond Market Richmond Mobil Mart

Essex Junction Essex Automotive Five Corner Variety Hannaford Inn at Essex Mac’s Market Martone’s Deli Williston

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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Page 22 •

Williston Observer

•

July 28, 2022

GARAGE/YARD SALES

PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 18

SUDUKO SOLUTION

CLASSIFIEDS KAYAKS AND GARDEN CART — 14-foot Excel plastic kayak with rudder and storage hatch; paddle and life jacket included, $200. 12-foot cedar strip canoe, as is $600. Large bicycle wheel garden cart, $100. Call 802-7770887.

GARAGE SALE — Saturday, July

30 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Jensen Rd., Williston. Household, tools, rowing machine, A/C, antique desk, something for everyone.

FOR SALE HP61 PRINTER INK— Brand new. 1 for $7, 2 for $10. Call Nick 802.999.9658.

WOMEN’S BIKE —TREK Navigator 200 women’s bicycle - LIKE NEW - with rear cargo rack and helmet included. $150. Call (802) 879-7250.

To place a classified or service directory ad, email rick@williston observer.com or call 802-373-2136

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

CROSSWORD SOLUTION PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 19

Why not have a job you love?

Join our dedicated team and together we’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs.

Positions include a $500 sign on bonus, a strong benefits package and the opportunity to work at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont”.

HSMC

Home Security & Management Co

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Established family owned Alarm Monitoring Company, Home Security & Management, in Stowe is hiring. A Self-driven candidate with relevant qualifications and minimum of 5 years’ experience in accounting and office administration is preferred. Applicants must have an Associate’s degree in accounting. Duties include: Payroll, AR, AP, Benefits Administration and some HR. Benefits include 401k, shared Healthcare Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Profit sharing. Signing bonus. Send resume & letter of interest to acct@hsmc-ul.com.

www.WillistonObserver.com

Service Coordinator: Continue your career in human services in a supportive environment by providing case management for individuals either for our Adult Family Care program or our Developmental Services program. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical, organizational & leadership skills and enjoy working in a team-oriented position. $47,000 annual salary.

Residential Program Manager: Coordinate residential and community supports for a considerate, resourceful, wheelchair-using man with a budding talent for photography and political activism.

The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team-oriented position, have strong clinical skills, and demonstrated leadership. Two overnight shifts are required for this position. $45,900 annual salary Direct Support Professional: Provide 1:1 supports to help individuals reach their goals in a variety of settings. This is a great position to start or continue your career in human services. Full and part time positions available starting at $19/hr.

Residential Direct Support Professional: Work two days, receive full benefits and have five days off each week! Provide supports to an individual in their home and in the community in 24h shifts including asleep overnights in a private, furnished bedroom. Starting wage is $19/hr .

Shared Living Provider: Open your home to someone with an intellectual disability or autism and open a whole world to them, and to you. There are a variety of opportunities available that could be the perfect match for you and your household. Salary varies dependent on individual care requirements.

Make a career making a difference and join our team today!

Champlain Community Services, Inc.

https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

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ANTIQUES

ANTIQUES WANTED

SERVICE DIRECTORY

brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, July 28, 2022 pets • Williston Observer •can Page 23 but unvaccinated and livestock also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its

REAL ESTATE

Build / Remodel CONSTRUCTION

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We can help you discover, learn about and sell:

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BASEMENT SYSTEMS

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OBSERVER PHOTOS

Photos from the Williston Observer are available for purchase.

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Page 24 •

Williston Observer

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July 28, 2022

Pickin’ and picnicin’ at Adams’ Truckin’ Tuesday

Folks had a nice evening to enjoy the offerings of the various food trucks on Tuesday evening, July 19, at Adams’ Farm Market, top. John and Marge Butterfield, bottom left, provided entertainment while families like the Demers, bottom center, enjoyed al fresco dining provided by various food trucks, including Grazers, bottom right.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

We Can Take It! From air conditioners to x-rays, check our A-Z list and learn how to dispose of, recycle, or reuse items and materials you no longer want.

Now serving you with eight Drop-Off locations in Chittenden County.

SCAN CODE FOR A-Z List

20220504-AD-WE-CAN-TAKE-IT-01.indd 2

Visit cswd.net for locations and materials accepted.

5/13/22 2:14 PM