Williston Observer 8/25/2022

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McCulloughs save Transcendental Meditation center

CVU’s new AD hits the ground running

BY KARSON PETTY Community News Service

their plan.

“The proceeds from the sale of our farm has a huge important sentimental value to myself and our family,” said McCullough.

“We saw it rapidly declining in the stock market.”

McCullough has always admired a 10-acre piece of land across from Trinity Baptist Church on Mountain View Road.

There’s a home on it that overlooks a meadow, quite similar to the parcel where the TM Center of Vermont has operated since 2012, and no more than a mile away.

McCullough knew the owners, the Haines family, from his time campaigning for the Legislature.

Looking to move assets off of Wall Street, and knowing the peril that the TM center was in, the McCulloughs grasped the opportunity.

In July, the couple closed on a $750,000 purchase of the Haines

Ricky McCollum is bringing years of experience from every level of student athletics to his new role at Champlain Valley Union High School.

McCollum was chosen to oversee CVU’s co-curriculars by a hiring team that consisted of students, teachers, staff, coaches and community members. His commitment to ensuring that students always feel a sense of belonging and allowing them to develop life-long healthy habits is what makes McCollum the right fit for the job, according to CVU principal Adam Bunting.

“The hiring pool for the CVU activities director was as competitive as I can remember,” Bunting said. “Many, many excellent educators applied.

Ricky is doing fantastic so far,” he added.

From April through August, outgoing Activities Director Dan Shepardson has taught McCollum the ropes. McCollum said he couldn’t ask for a better mentor.

“Dan and I have a great relationship,” he said, “I shadowed him as much as I could.”

McCollum wants to honor Shepardson’s philosophy and methodology, but he also has new ideas to introduce.

“It’s important to continue to build upon the legacy that came before,” he said.

McCollum was himself a student-athlete when he started on the path to his current administrative position. He was All-State in bas-

see McCULLOUGH page 24

see McCOLLUM page 14

Jim and Lucy McCullough at the Catamount Community Forest.

OBSERVER FILE PHOTO

BY JASON STARR Observer staff About halfway through Jim McCullough’s 20-year legislative career, he began practicing Transcendental Meditation. The Williston representative and founder of the Catamount Outdoor Family Center credits the practice with an immeasurable improvement in his personal and professional life, his ability to handle stress, his overall health and his ability communicate with people.

“It has been very helpful in making me a more effective and happier, more comfortable person,” McCullough said. “That’s what happens when you ‘transcend,’ which means, go beyond, you start connecting with greater wisdom.”

McCullough retired from the Legislature this year. At the same time, the Transcendental Meditation Center of Vermont

on Route 2A in Williston where he first learned the practice from teachers Janet and Edward Smith was facing an uncertain future.

The 10-acre property where the Smiths lived and taught for the past decade — operating the only TM center in northern Vermont — was recently sold and their rent hiked beyond their means. In June, the new owner, Cody Rice, received preliminary approval from the Development Review Board to subdivide the property into a 30-home neighborhood.

“With the new owner, the rent was a lot higher,” Janet Smith said.

“We’re a nonprofit educational organization, so the income is pretty limited. And we realized, we just can’t sustain this.”

The center, she added, would be ill-suited to operate in the type of residential neighborhood that is planned, or, certainly, during a years-long construction period.

“There was a serious possibil-

ity that they would have to shutter the Vermont TM Center and move back to Iowa,” McCullough said.

“That would be a very bad outcome for our community and not the best outcome for them. They enjoy being TM instructors and love Vermont.”

McCullough and his wife Lucy received about $1.3 million for their 2019 sale of the Catamount Outdoor Family Center property to the Town of Williston, creating the publicly owned Catamount Community Forest on Governor Chittenden Road. The property had been in the McCullough family since the mid-19th century.

No longer stewards of the family farm, the McCulloughs were now entrusted at least with the assets they received in exchange. Their original plan was to invest the money in the stock market.

This year, as the stock market has fallen and real estate values have risen, they have reassessed

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August 25, 2022

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

Exploring Finney Crossing’s history as the Metcalf Farm

BY MX. JYLL ALLEN Special to the Observer The May 3, 1916 edition of The Burlington Free Press advertised land for sale at Taft Corners: “To settle estate, Taft Farm … 117 acres good loam land on north side of road, 100 of which under tillage, balance good cut of hemlock timber with brook water ...”

This land would become the basis for the Metcalf Farm. No farm would be complete without a partnership like the one Frank Metcalf (1887-1969) and Laura Goodrich

(1885-1952) began when they wed in 1911. A notice of Frank and Laura’s wedding appeared under the headline “Underhill,” announcing local travels made to and from the town by visitors: “Frank Metcalf and Miss Laura Goodrich were married last Friday evening (June 30) at the bride’s home in Richmond where they were taken by Charles Scribner in his automobile.”

Frank and Laura’s marriage was unusual in that she worked outside the home after the wedding. As early as 1913, there is mention of

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her as a substitute teacher at “the graded school” in Williston, when the regular teacher was unable to work due to a fire at her home.

Frank was 30 when the first draft for World War I was required in June 1917. The cut-off age for the draft was 31, and he’d barely started his farm at Taft Corners. So why didn’t he have to go to war?

Research reveals Frank was likely exempt on the grounds that his dependent spouse, Laura, would have insufficient income to survive if he was drafted.

The acreage was far from the utopia portrayed in the newspaper.

In 1917, there were no buildings on the 117-acre property, so Frank and Laura spent their first six months living in tents. With no structures and no reliable water source, the undeveloped state of the property might have tempted some men to join the war effort, but not Frank.

Water could not be located, so Frank tried dowsing and used “a crotched stick” to locate two aquifers. What about the newspaper advertisement’s promise of a “good cut of hemlock timber?” In reality, these trees took up valuable planting land. Undaunted, Frank cut them down.

During their first season, the Metcalfs’ farm only produced beans and hay. However, the tradition of the overselling advertisement is as American as the success of pulling oneself out of dire straits through diligence and tenacity.

Indeed, the 1930 profile of Frank and Laura in The Burlington Free Press, clearly meant to boost spirits of readers in the Great Depression, reassures other locals that they can get back on their feet by following the Metcalfs’ example.

The article boasts that Laura taught from 1920 to 1924 to help pay off the home and put money toward “a real barn.” (The newspaper implies Laura only had to teach for four years out of monetary necessity, after which she returned to the more socially appropriate role of farmer’s wife.)

By 1922, the couple was out of debt. They had increased their dairy herd to 112 head and supplemented their income by renting out a neighbor’s farm. By 1924, they purchased “a pleasure car” that doubled as a hauling/delivery vehicle. They also bought various gas-powered dairy devices. Laura officially quit teaching in 1924 and started selling hens on the side. In winter 1925 and spring 1926, Frank, using a portable sawmill, began to clear the wood lot in preparation for the new barn.

In March 1926, the couple’s only child, an infant girl, died.

By July 1926, a new, much larger barn was erected, with the proceeds from two barn dances paying to shingle the roof. The barn came with modernizations like a hay fork and electric lights. The house now had two porches, a coal furnace, a bath and electricity.

Clara and Frank Metcalf appear in this undated photograph by L. L. McAllister.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOYCE GOODRICH

In 1939, Herbert Goodrich, Jr., Frank’s great-nephew recalled: “I earned $17 for a summer’s worth of work on that farm and used it to buy my first bicycle …” He remembers wanting to participate in farm work but was prohibited by Frank from doing so sometimes.

In 1941, no doubt feeling his years, Frank placed a want ad looking for a “MARRIED MAN--On farm. Permanent. House, wood, milk and garden furnished.” In 1942, at age 55, Frank was drafted

In 1917, there were no buildings on the 117-acre property, so Frank and Laura spent their first six months living in tents. for World War II, but didn’t go because of his age.

Being prominent dairy farmers, Frank and Laura were continually active in the Thomas Chittenden Grange in Williston. Frank and Laura also found involvement in their local church, another social outlet.

In 1952, Laura died. It is worth noting that, in an era when women were expected to be homemakers and engage primarily in social activities with other women, Laura’s obituary touts her education and her teaching career: “Mrs. Metcalf was a graduate of Richmond High School and Castleton Normal School, who taught in Underhill and Williston for several years,” it says.

In January 1953, Goodrich finally got to help his great uncle Frank. Remember that “new barn” finished in 1926? Well, 27 years later, Frank replaced the original ventilation system with new air ducts. Frank asked Goodrich to run the farm, which he did until 1954.

While Frank and Laura were actively farming in Williston, the woman who would become Frank’s second wife, Clara, was busy making a family with her first husband, Carroll Burns (1865-1943), in Jericho. Clara had wed Carroll in 1901, and they had two children, Edna and Earl.

Clara participated in farming-related activities while married to Carroll. During the 1920s and 1930s, she hosted many meetings of the Farm Bureau in her home.

“Home demonstration groups,” organized by farm bureaus in rural agricultural towns, provided an opportunity for women to get together and socialize while learning something about farming. The linchpin of these functions were the home demonstrations: presentations about a topic, such as canning, or making housework easier.

Sometimes, the demonstrations were given by the local (male) agricultural agent and sometimes the women themselves presented.

Clara was also a member of the Mount Mansfield Women’s Club, a group that gathered monthly to listen to presentations about Vermont.

By February 1953, Frank and Clara were dating. On April 8, 1953, Clara, 70, wed Frank, 66, in a small ceremony, accompanied by Clara’s son from her first marriage, Earl, and his wife.

Two years later the couple sold

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the farm and moved to Essex Junction. They spent their remaining years together traveling to visit friends and family. Frank died at 82, and Clara outlived him by 11 years. In her later years, she was regularly active with the Essex Junction Senior Center.

The farm passed through several owners and eventually became

‘I earned $17 for a summer’s worth of work on that farm and used it to buy my first bicycle …’

Herbert Goodrich Jr.

The emergency helicopter from Dartmouth-Hitchcock hospital lands Saturday on the Trinity Baptist Church campus on Mountain View Road in Williston as part of a community Touch-a-Truck event.

Community gets up-close ‘copter view at Trinity Baptist Church

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

the Hardscrabble Horse Farm across from Maple Tree Place. Today the land has been developed as Finney Crossing, a mixture of commercial and residential units.

The story of Frank, Laura and Clara Metcalf represents the lives of three Vermonters in the 20th century. No matter their successes or setbacks, the historical record shows them making the most of their years.

Mx. Jyll Allen resides in Burlington, where they composed this article as research for their father, Williston historian Richard Allen. This article was originally published under the title “Lives and Times of Frank, Laura and Clara Metcalf.”

From police to public works, recycling trucks to race cars, a wide variety of vehicles were on display Saturday at a community Touch-a-Truck event organized

by Trinity Baptist Church member Martha Kinsey. According to Pastor Rob McIlwaine, the church planned the event to show gratitude to local public servants, welcome the community to its campus and provide an opportunity for people to interact with specialty vehicles up close.

The Williston Fire Department

brought its rear-mounted ladder truck, Engine 1, and an ambulance. Many of the department’s new recruits were in attendance to interact with community members. Williston Police officers provided 14 car seat installations along with several car seat inspections. Police comfort dog Duke also drew a large crowd.

The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library’s bookmobile, Dottie, offered books and crafts; the Williston Public Works Department’s road grader and dump

truck were fan favorites; Sustainable Williston attended with an electric school bus; Vermont State Police brought a patrol boat and cruisers; and the Vermont Agency of Transportation sent a line striper and the snow plow named by Trinity Baptist School during the last school year.

One of the biggest highlights was the UVM Medical Center ambulances and the arrival of the Dartmouth helicopter. Guests of all ages enjoyed watching the helicopter circle and land, es-

pecially as the draft provided a welcome breeze on a hot day.

“In a time when division is more common than unity, this event provided an opportunity for the community to focus on common interests and express gratitude for the work that has often been ignored and under-appreciated, especially during the pandemic,” McIlwaine said. “Trinity Baptist Church would like to express their gratitude to all participants and thank the visitors who came.”

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August 25, 2022

Williston artist showcased at Jericho gallery

The acrylic paintings of Williston artist Mary Lou Marcussen are currently on display at the Emile A Gruppe Gallery in Jericho in a show titled “Camp, Champ, Champlain.” The paintings celebrate the lake and camp life in all seasons, with a nod to the famous “lake monster” Champ.

The show will run through Sept. 25 with an artist reception 1-3 p.m., Sept. 4. Regular gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment at (802) 899-3211.

Visitors are welcome to bring a photo or share a story about their camp experience to add to a bulletin board designed by Gail Troutman, fellow camper, who will share some of her camp experiences during the reception. Folks can also participate in a scavenger hunt for Champ in Marcussen’s paintings.

The gallery is located at 22 Barber Farm Rd.

Mary Lou Marcussen’s acrylic paintings celebrating Lake Champlain and the ‘lake monster’ Champ will be on display at the Emile A Gruppe gallery in Jericho.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

First-year music, theater fest planned at CVU

Champlain Valley Union High School will host an open air music and theater event as a welcome back party for the community at the start of the school year. Organized in conjunction with the Flynn Theatre, the inaugural “Playing Fields” event is planned for 6-9 p.m. Sept. 6 at the school in Hinesburg.

The world-music band Red Baraat will play and there will be a street theater performance. All are welcome.

The Sept. 17-18 Vermont Living History Expo will feature reenactment groups representing the Roman Legions, Medieval Knights, the American Revolution, the Napoleonic era, the American Civil War, both World Wars, and more.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

RENOWNED GUITARIST TO PLAY CVU THEATER IN SEPTEMBER

Champlain Valley Union High School welcomes guitarist Richard Smith for a performance in the CVU theater on Sept. 30. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at www.sevendaystickets.com, or at the door on the night of the performance. Call (802) 355-9151 for more information.

Richard Smith

A native of England, Smith won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in 2001 and plays a repertoire that includes fingerpicking classics, bluegrass, fiddle tunes, originals, blues, ragtime and jazz standards.

Experience the past at Living History Expo

The Champlain Valley Exposition will host the 2nd annual Vermont Living History Expo on Sept.17-18.

The Expo is a family-friendly

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event featuring dozens of reenactment groups representing the Roman Legions, Medieval Knights, the American Revolution, the Napoleonic era, the American Civil War, both World Wars, and more.

The expo will feature several historical societies and museums, numerous veteran support groups, Vermont National Guard services, period crafters and vendors.

Patrons will have the opportunity to interact with the different groups in their encampments as well as watch troop and cavalry drills and period craft demonstrations.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days at the Champlain Valley Exposition, 105 Pearl Street, Essex Junction. Kids under 6 are free. Tickets can be purchased at www.vtgatherings.com.

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Lyric Theatre invites potential volunteers to Creative Space

A 1920s-era ‘Bolo Babe’

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Antique boat show coming to Burlington waterfront

Lyric Theatre Company is recruiting new volunteers with an event Saturday, 1-4 p.m. at its Creative Space at 7 Green Tree Drive in South Burlington.

It will be an afternoon of technical demonstrations, mingling with veteran Lyric volunteers, exploring the Creative Space and learning about volunteering with one of the largest volunteer-based community theater organizations in the United States.

Attendees will be entered into a raffle to win two tickets to Lyric’s upcoming show, “Into the Woods.” Attendees must present their vaccination card at the door.

Contact office@lyrictheatrevt.org or (802) 658-1484 for more information.

Lyric Theatre is giving people a peak behind the curtain in an effort to drum up more volunteers.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

The public is invited to the downtown Burlington waterfront Sept. 9-10 to see hundreds of antique and classic boats — many built in the 1930s and 1940s. This show is held in a different city every year. Boats from throughout the country will be on display at the Burlington Harbor Marina and the Community Boathouse Marina with judging taking place Sept. 9. Contact Sue Haigh at suelafever@gmail.com or (802) 578-4322 for more information.

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August 25, 2022

GUEST COLUMN

Williston

Williston’s Community Newspaper Since 1985

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

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

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Vermonters voted for a smarter justice system

BY JAMES DUFF LYALL Our communities are still struggling through the pandemic and its harmful impacts on mental health, substance use and affordable housing. It’s clear that we still need to do far more to support one another and to build healthy, safe and vibrant communities.

Vermont voters know this. If there had been any doubt, last week’s primary election results established conclusively that voters expect their elected officials to reform our criminal legal system by investing in people over prisons.

Voters in each of Chittenden County’s 36 districts sent an emphatic message in favor of criminal justice reform, reiterating their support for humane, equitable and community-based solutions.

And it wasn’t just Chittenden County. In other local and statewide races, candidates who advocated for reimagining public safety prevailed, while those who sought to turn back the clock did not.

The message is clear: the people of Vermont have long since turned the page on the failed “tough on crime” policies of the past. They want their elected officials to reduce our reliance on prisons and reimagine public safety for the sake of our communities.

The fact remains that we as a society have drastically underfunded our social safety net for generations. We can’t expect police and corrections officers to make up for that, or to fix it for us.

As one local commentator said, the 2022 primary election results represent a “big win for criminal justice reform.”

Now is the time to come together and work on solutions.

And we know what those solutions are. We know we need to significantly expand investments and strategies for addressing a mental health crisis — Burlington police alone reported a 90 percent increase in mental health incidents over the past decade. That’s not something the police can or should be expected to solve.

We know we need to improve access to drug treatment and expand harm reduction strategies.

More Vermonters died of overdoses last year than ever before, and it’s time to respond with the bold and compassionate ideas

Vermont is known for.

We know we need long-term investments to address the severe shortage of affordable housing — the number of people without permanent shelter doubled during the pandemic and people are turning down jobs in Vermont for lack of housing.

The short-term investments and initiatives Vermont has pursued have not been up to the task. It is obvious we need to do more.

And we know we need to adopt common sense gun laws.

Law enforcement voices calling for those reforms should be at the table in the coming legislative biennium.

These are the things that ensure safe, thriving communities and that’s what Vermont voters rightfully expect their elected officials to prioritize.

They are also calling for further progress reforming our criminal legal system with evidence-based, data-informed policies. These include ending our wealth-based system of bail, reducing barriers to successful community re-entry for people leaving prison and prioritizing community-based justice programs over traditional, punitive systems that have not made our communities safer.

Finally, Vermonters also expect police to be accountable for their actions and to serve all our communities equitably and with integrity. We still don’t have the policies in place to foster a stronger culture of accountability in law enforcement, and all of us — law enforcement officials included — should have a strong interest in changing that.

The fact remains that we as a society have drastically underfunded our social safety net for generations. We can’t expect police and corrections officers to make up for that, or to fix it for us — and we can’t keep ignoring the disproportionate harm done to BIPOC communities, particularly Black Vermonters, when we do.

We invite everyone who calls Vermont home, including those in law enforcement who recognize the necessity of moving forward together, to join us in ensuring that communities have the resources and reforms they need to thrive.

James Duff Lyall is executive director of ACLU of Vermont.

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GUEST COLUMN

What do we want for the new normal?

BY JACK HOFFMAN A strong economy, spurred by federal stimulus money and funds to fight the Covid pandemic, is producing a surge in Vermont state tax receipts. Personal income taxes are up, meals and rooms taxes are up, and so are corporate taxes.

Now is the time to start planning for when revenues come back down to earth.

Much has been written about the billions of dollars of federal aid that has flowed to Vermont, and other states, through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and other bills to address the health and economic effects of the pandemic.

We have tracked $11 billion in federal funds that flowed to individuals, businesses, schools, state and local governments, and other entities since the spring of 2020.

All of that money had a knock-on effect that increased state tax revenues: Vermonters’ incomes rose, corporate profits went up, and consumer spending took off.

Between the windfall of state tax revenue and all of the money from Washington, the Legislature and the administration have been able to play catch-up and also launch new initiatives. They put more money into pension and ben-

Between the windfall of state tax revenue and all of the money from Washington, the Legislature and the administration have been able to play catch-up and also launch new initiatives. efit funds for teachers and state employees to begin to make up for funding lapses in the past. The University of Vermont and the Vermont State Colleges, chronically underfunded, are finally seeing some additional money.

Some of the new investments should last for a while. If the hundreds of millions being spent to expand broadband actually fill in the coverage gaps, unlike previous federal investments, Vermont should finally have a robust, 21st-century telecommunications system that serves the entire state.

But other initiatives and new investments are, in effect, only down payments. The need for drug-abuse treatment and mental health services won’t end when the windfall runs out. A new re-

port from the Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Office warns of the need for sustainable funding of Vermont’s Climate Action Plan. In the long run, addressing climate change is projected to save Vermonters billions of dollars. But long-term investments will be required to realize the long-term savings.

The pattern in Montpelier for at least a generation has been to let revenue forecasts determine the size of the state budget. The forecasts estimated how much revenue current tax rates would generate in any given year. So that was how much money policymakers had to address whatever problems confronted the state. And that is the pattern that produced under-funding of higher education, the state pension system, childcare and other programs and services that the current windfall is being used to start to correct.

According to the latest forecast, revenues will fall for the next couple of years and then return to a more normal growth rate. Now is the time to determine what programs, services and investments funded during the pandemic need to be continued. Then it will be the Legislature’s job to see that Vermont’s future revenue path is adequate to the need.

Jack Hoffman is senior policy analyst at Public Assets Institute, online at www.publicassets.org.

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August 25, 2022

Weatherization is not only good for the environment. It provides multiple benefits for homeowners, tenants and landlords.

Weatherization has benefits beyond the pocketbook Assistance programs and rebates are available

BY MELINDA SCOTT Special to the Observer

In recent weeks, Vermonters have experienced many days of much warmer than normal temperatures, which stressed our utility systems as we cooled our homes. And soon we’ll be thinking about the upcoming winter and the need to heat our homes for several months.

One of the most effective methods of reducing the need to excessively heat or cool our homes and manage the associat-

ed costs is through weatherization.

Weatherization consists of home improvements to air seal and insulate the exterior surfaces of a home, such as basements, walls, windows and attics, which reduces heat loss, increases comfort and improves indoor air quality. Weatherization is a cost-effective pathway that provides multiple benefits for homeowners, tenants and landlords. In addition to lower monthly energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, residents benefit from improved home health, more comfort and added home value.

Our current dependence on fossil fuels leads to high and unpredictable energy costs

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for Vermont households. Some are more burdened by energy costs than others. For example, renters and low-income Vermonters pay a greater percentage of their income for energy. Vermont Energy Action Network’s (VECAN) 2021 progress report identifies an opportunity to weatherize 120,000 more homes by 2030, especially those of lowerand middle-income Vermonters. Fortunately, Vermont has funding programs to encourage more weatherization.

Champlain Valley Weatherization, a division of the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) offers a variety of services at no cost to income-qualified homeowners and renters to improve home energy efficiency and comfort, and to decrease heating bills. If you rent, they will work with the property owner to bring you the benefits of the program at little or no cost to the owner.

The income eligibility thresholds have recently increased. In Chittenden County, a four-person household making $87,200 or less will qualify for CVOEO’s assistance.

To learn more about eligibility, visit their website at https://www.cvoeo.org (see the Get Help/Weatherization section), or call them at 1-800-545-1084.

Keep in mind that this program is not an emergency service. It is a lengthy process due to the nature of the work, but well worth the wait. Crews work year-round and the sooner you apply, the sooner you will start saving.

CVOEO prioritizes projects based on a point ranking system set up by the State of Vermont. The higher your rank, the more quickly they will be able to serve you. The ranking system provides extra points for factors like whether you are on fuel assistance, have children or are elderly or disabled. Very broadly speaking, applicants with very high rankings can expect to start the weatherization process within about 6-8 months, while those with low rankings can take up to 18 months or longer.

How much money can you expect to save from weatherization? Typically, reductions in energy usage vary from 10-25 percent, but can be greater depending on the type of home and its prior condition.

One CVOEO program participant said:

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

“My oil furnace was 43 years old. They installed a new gas furnace and an on-demand hot water heater … insulation above the ceiling and put a house wrap around the basement, also a steel outside door (I had a hollow core door before). The drop in my heating and electric bills was astounding.”

If your income doesn’t qualify you for CVOEO’s free weatherization services, Efficiency Vermont and Vermont Gas Systems (VGS) each offer rebates on qualifying weatherization projects. VGS offers its customers a 50 percent rebate, up to $3,500. Households with income of less than 120 percent of Vermont’s area median income can receive a 75 percent rebate, up to $5,000. In Chittenden County, a family of four making $128,000 or less qualifies for the enhanced rebate.

For more information, visit the VGS website at: https://vgsvt.com (see the Cut Costs and Carbon section).

Additionally, Efficiency Vermont offers rebates on weatherization services and other energy efficiency products such as heat pumps, hot water heaters and lighting. The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program offers a 75 percent rebate on weatherization if you work with an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor. You can receive up to $2,000 on project costs, or up to $5,000 for income-qualified households. A family of four in Chittenden County making $128,800 (120 percent of AMI) or less qualifies for the higher rebate amount.

For more information on rebates, visit Efficiency Vermont’s website at: https:// www.efficiencyvermont.com/rebates.

With opportunities like these, there is no reason to wait. Apply now to save money on your fuel and electric bills, because weatherization works.

You can always reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at mscott@willistonvt.gov or attend one of our public meetings, held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.

Melinda Scott is the Town of Williston’s Energy and Community Development Planner.

August 25, 2022

Green tips

Three ways to save water in the home

In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds. Conserving water also prevents greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water. Here are three ways to

save water in the home.

DON’T USE THE TOILET AS A WASTEBASKET

Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, you’re wasting gallons of water. Put them in the garbage — or better yet, recycle.

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Williston Observer

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Page 9

USE CLOTHES WASHERS EFFICIENTLY

With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 5 gallons (20 liters) for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load.

OPT FOR THE DISHWASHER OVER HAND-WASHING

It may seem counterintuitive, but it turns out washing dishes by hand uses a lot more water than running the dishwasher, even more so if you have a water-conserving model. The EPA estimates an efficient dishwasher uses half as much water, saving close to 5,000 gallons each year. Using the permanent press cycle can use an additional 5 gallons of water — Source: Eartheasy.com every time it is used.

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Page 10 •

Williston Observer

• August 25, 2022

Hinesburg community solar project seeks investors

A community-owned solar project in Hinesburg, under development by the Acorn Renewable Energy Co-op of Middlebury, is ready to start offering public shares. The 150-kilowatt solar array will be located on the capped former municipal landfill located at 179 Observatory Rd. Residents will need an electric meter in the Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) service territory to be eligible. Shareholders will receive the project’s net metered credits on their VEC bills, and

ultimately take ownership of the project.

The Hinesburg landfill has ideal southern exposure and, as a brownfield site, receives favorable treatment from Vermont’s energy permitting and approval agencies.

Vermont’s Public Utility Commission issued a Certificate of Public Good for the project in 2021.

The design calls for 360 solar panels of 540 watts each, covering a little over 1 acre of the capped landfill site.

The Acorn Energy Co-op’s in-

vestment model calls for two initial categories of investors: a single major investor, and multiple individual shareholders. Union Mutual Insurance Company of Montpelier will be the major investor and will provide approximately 30 percent of the capital to construct the project. In return, it will receive federal tax credits. The company’s involvement helps to keep the costs down for the other shareholders.

Individual investors — residents, businesses, churches and organizations with an electric me-

ter in the VEC service territory — will receive net metering dollar credits applied each month to their VEC electric bills based on the amount of electricity produced the previous month and the number of investment units they have purchased.

Six years after the array begins electricity production, the equity structure will flip and the individual investors may take full ownership of the project, making it one of a small number of truly local, community-owned net-metered solar

projects in the state.

“Acorn Energy Co-op is very excited to be moving ahead with this community-owned solar project developed by Vermonters for Vermont residents,” said Acorn President Ben Marks. “We believe (it) will help decentralize the grid, and will also help the State of Vermont to reach its ambitious goal of 90 percent renewables by 2050.”

A schedule of informational online meetings for prospective investors can be found at www. acornenergycoop.com.

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Williston Observer

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Page 11

Report questions use of ag biogas to curb climate change

The Center for Agriculture and tems that these communities have Food Systems at Vermont Law been fighting, under the guise of and Graduate School released clean energy. There is nothing a report this month entitled forward-thinking about rewarding “Rethinking Manure Biogas: industrial operations for capturPolicy Considerations to Promote ing the greenhouse gas emissions Equity and Protect the Climate they voluntarily produce — an inand Environment.” It critiques the tervention that can only be considuse of manure anaerobic digesters ered mitigation because of the onto mitigate greenhouse gas going failure of state and federal emissions from animal agriculture lawmakers to regulate greenhouse operations. gas emissions and other pollution The refrom factory cently enacted farms as they ‘There is nothing Inflation Redo virtually duction Act every other forward-thinking approved new industry.” about rewarding and expanded Animal tax credits for agriculture is industrial operations biogas, adding responsible for capturing the it to the list of for approxieligible renewmately 20 pergreenhouse gas able energy cent of global emissions they sources, like greenhouse solar and wind gas emissions, voluntarily produce.’ power. Howand 57 percent Ruthie Lazenby ever, climate of emissions Vermont Law and change mitigadirectly relatGraduate School tion plans that ed to the food rely on maindustry. nure biogas — The report which transitions animal manure, concludes with several recomoften from concentrated feeding mendations for policymakers conoperations, into fuel — often ig- sidering the adoption of manure nore the larger environmental, biogas systems for greenhouse gas social and financial contexts in mitigation that would allow them which biogas operates, the report to not only take advantage of the argues. technology’s benefits but address Written by Ruthie Lazenby, the various environmental and sostaff attorney at the Environmen- cial harms that factory farms imtal Justice Clinic at Vermont Law pose on local communities. These and Graduate School, the report recommendations include: examines the existing structure • Properly accounting for the incentivizing manure biogas operfull climate impacts of maations, their direct environmental nure biogas and ensuring that justice impacts, as well as alteremissions life cycle analyses native methods of capturing liveconsider the full range of emisstock emissions and recommendasions tions for policymakers.

• Considering the full impact While capturing emissions of policies supporting manure from livestock manure using anbiogas on environment, public aerobic digesters has emerged as health and quality of life a win-win for the livestock indus• Evaluating the USDA’s manure try and the natural gas industry, biogas programs to ensure that adoption of these systems omits they do not have a dispropora variety of issues that must be tionate impact on the basis of addressed before committing to race, national origin or other manure biogas at the expense of protected class. more comprehensive strategies, “It’s imperative that policyLazenby says. makers address the greenhouse “Environmental justice com- gas emissions created from agrimunities around the country have culture, but we’ve seen that biogas spent decades fighting for stronger is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” protections from the air, water and said Laurie Beyranevand, director health harms imposed by factory of the Center for Agriculture and farms,” Lazenby said. “The re- Food Systems. “Incentivizing the cent surge in enthusiasm for ma- capture of manure biogas perpetnure biogas among policymakers uates a system of agriculture that threatens to lock in the very sys- policymakers need to support

A new report from the Vermont Law and Graduate School argues that policymakers aren’t addressing the full climate impact of animal agricultural operations.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM

farmers in moving away from.

It results in numerous environmental externalities that have been shouldered for far too long by environmental justice

communities. Any legislation addressing climate change that considers further support and subsidies for manure biogas must realize its impact, not just

its promise.”

To view the report and full list of recommendations for policymakers, visit www.vermontlaw.edu/manure-biogas.

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Williston Observer

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August 25, 2022

Border Patrol reports a ‘major increase’ in encounters with migrants

BY SHAUN ROBINSON VTDigger

Earlier this month, the head of U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector on the northern border took to Twitter, pointing out what he called a “MAJOR INCREASE!!!”

Acting Chief Patrol Agent Keith Hoops tweeted that the Swanton Sector, which includes Vermont, New Hampshire and the very eastern part of New York, had seen an increase in “border encounters” of more than 92 percent over last year.

“Our #BorderPatrol Agents have worked tirelessly to keep America safe,” he wrote, attaching an image of a graph.

Yet experts said that while the Swanton Sector has seen an increase in the number of encounters between agents and migrants who are either apprehended or expelled from the country, it’s important to note that it comes amid a global surge in migration.

In Vermont, data cited by Hoops shows an increase of only about 60 percent. And compared with other border states, the number of encounters here is fairly small.

U.S. Border Patrol reports two different types of encounters: apprehensions, in which migrants are taken into custody to await going before a judge, and expulsions, in which they are immediately expelled either to their home country or their last country of transit.

“We are only one of several countries receiving a vastly increased number of migrants,” said Adam Isacson, director for defense

oversight for the Washington Office on Latin America, a human rights advocacy organization.

Driving factors for the increase include climate change, dictatorships and the social and economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, Isacson said. “It’s going up everywhere.”

Border Patrol is responsible for stopping illicit cross-border activity in between official land ports of entry, such as the border crossing station on Interstate 89 in Highgate.

“In laymans terms, we’re trying to catch people sneaking people, or contraband, through the woods,” said Richard Ross, patrol agent in charge at the agency’s Richford Station.

WHAT THE DATA SHOWS

Border Patrol agents in the Swanton Sector reported 508 migrant encounters between October 2021 and June 2022, compared to 264 such encounters over the same time period a year prior, according to the data cited by Hoops. This year’s total is also higher than the 444 the agency reported from October 2019 to June 2020, which includes months prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Updated federal data as of Aug. 18, which includes figures for July 2022, shows yet larger year-to-date increases both in Vermont and across the Swanton Sector.

Well over half of that 92 percent increase came from the New York portion of the Swanton Sector. Vermont saw 198 reported encounters between October 2021 and June

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2022, versus 122 over the same time a year prior — about a 62 percent increase.

Harrison Stark, a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, said he thinks Hoops’ tweet could be misleading because the increase does not seem as large when considering the actual number of people involved.

On average, the Swanton Sector saw about 27 more encounters in each month this fiscal year than each month last fiscal year between October and June, according to the data.

“When we’re talking about a post-pandemic, post-vaccine increase of about two dozen a month, I think those numbers paint a very different picture than the 92 percent (increase), which looks on paper like it’s a very drastic change,” Stark said.

Ross, the Richford Station’s head patrol agent, pointed to the loosening of pandemic-era

country, while about 16 percent had citizenship that wasn’t reported.

BORDER POLITICS

In Vermont, a majority of the encounters since October 2021 have resulted in expulsion, not apprehension, under a pandemic-era public health order known as Title 42.

Invoked in March 2020 under the Trump administration, the controversial policy allows the federal government to bar migrants from entering the country as part of efforts to limit the spread of contagious disease. The Biden administration’s efforts to lift the order were blocked by a judge in May. More than 80 percent of those expelled or apprehended in the state by the agency were single individuals; the rest were reported as “individuals in a family unit.”

Ross said Border Patrol agents do not always expel migrants under Title 42, such as in the event they aren’t authorized to enter and remain in Canada as a temporary see BORDER page 13

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travel restrictions as the main reason for an increase in encounters, along with an increase in Covid-19 vaccination rates. More travel can bring more opportunities for smugglers to lure people who are in vulnerable situations to Canada, and then into the U.S., he said.

“With the promise of a job, they can have you fly into Toronto or Montreal,” Ross said. “And then, there being no actual job, the next thing is, well, if you pay me more money, I can smuggle you into the United States. So that’s appealing for some folks.”

No one country stands out as the origin of an increase in migrants attempting to enter Vermont, said Ross, who called citizenship a “mixed bag.” In a given year, the Swanton Sector sometimes apprehends people from 50 or 60 different countries, he said.

Per the data, at least 68 percent of people who were expelled or apprehended by Border Patrol since October 2021 had citizenship in a North, Central or South American

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August 25, 2022

After rare bear attack, woman treated for injuries

BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger A woman was attacked by a black bear while walking with her dogs in Strafford on Saturday.

Bear attacks are extremely rare in Vermont, according to officials from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Only three prior incidents have been documented in recent history.

According to the department, Susan Lee, 61, was walking trails on her property with her two dogs, a Jack Russell terrier named Lucy and a labradoodle named Bruce, when she realized a bear was charging her.

She had just called the dogs back to her after they briefly disappeared from sight. The bear, coming from the opposite direction, ran toward her, and she tripped backward over a stone wall.

Border continued from page

12

or permanent resident. In that case, he said, the person would likely be apprehended under Title 8, which is the body of U.S. federal law dealing with immigration and nationality.

Hoops’ tweet earlier this month also drew the attention of Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Homeland Security. In their own tweet, the Republicans said the 92 percent increase was “a result of the #BidenBorderCrisis.”

But Isacson, of the Washington Office of Latin America, said the increase in migrant encounters has had little to do with the Biden ad-

The bear bit her upper leg, creating four puncture wounds from its two upper and two lower canine teeth, according to Jeffrey Whipple, a game warden sergeant who responded to the incident.

The bear then scratched Lee down her side.

“When she went down over the stone wall, the bear landed on her and essentially used her as traction, which sounds crazy, but it springboarded off of her, and bears do not have retractable claws.” Whipple said. “The wound kind of tells that story.”

Lucy, Lee’s Jack Russell terrier, came to the rescue. The dog barked until the bear chased it, drawing the bear away from Lee. “In her words, it looks like it was going after the dog, but it wasn’t able to catch it, and then the bear immediately returned to see BEAR page 24 ministration or its policies.

“This is a part of a larger trend.

The only way I would say it’s indirectly because of Biden is just because Biden is not Donald Trump,” he said. “He’s seen at least as caring about the human rights of migrants, and that might make people feel safer coming — although, they were coming in pretty big numbers during Trump, also.”

PERCEPTIONS OF DANGER

Stark said he finds it “pretty transparent” why Border Patrol wants to highlight a statistic showing a “major increase” in encounters with migrants.

“I think BP is using these numbers to push a very particular narrative about quote-unquote ‘security,’

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A black bear.

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and about protecting Vermont,” he said. “But border communities like Swanton are statistically among the safest in the country.”

Ross believes an increase in border encounters — and with that, people attempting to enter the U.S. illegally — could make residents of Vermont’s border towns and cities less safe, though he could not point to a specific incident as an example.

“We get people that call us in the middle of night because somebody’s knocking on their door. And that’s never a good feeling,” he said.

Sharon Bousquet, who chairs the Highgate Selectboard, said she’s heard that some residents who live near the border have seen an increase in people attempting to cross illegally. Some have expressed feel-

ing unsafe as a result, she said, and she believes “rightly so.”

“We pay so much attention to the southern borders, that we don’t give as much care to the northern borders. And we do have dangerous people that come across,” she said, noting that she thinks the Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents do “a great job.”

Ross said he couldn’t comment directly on what Hoops tweets because he can’t speak for the acting chief. But he said he thinks that publishing statistics such as the 92 percent increase helps Border Patrol tell the agency’s story — “Just in general, to get our story out there and say: ‘Hey, you know what, this type of thing is happening here,’ Ross added. “And it’s dangerous.”

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Williston Observer

• August 25, 2022

SPORTS Fields of dreams

Weeks before the buses begin their routes and the lunchroom is buzzing with conversation, the fall athletes of CVU are in the locker rooms and on the fields learning plays, practicing their moves, bonding as teammates and becoming Redhawks as they prepare for the 2022 season. The cross country, field hockey and boys and girls soccer teams were snapped outside practicing last week.

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LOST CAT — Geno has been missing since Wednesday, June 1st from Talcott Road near the Williston Fire Department. He is a 13 lb orange cat with white on his nose, mouth and chest. He has been an indoor cat since he moved to Williston and does not know the area. Reach out to Susie at susiesnowvt@gmail.com with any sightings.

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McCullum continued from page

1

ketball, football and track and field at Washingtonville High School in upstate New York.

After graduating, McCollum accepted a Division I football scholarship from the University of Connecticut, where he played for four years while obtaining a bachelor’s degree in human development.

He went on to receive a master’s in counseling from Pace University and met his partner along the way.

Until this year, she had lived in Vermont with their son while McCollum lived in New York.

When the Covid pandemic hit, McCollum was working in Queens as the coach of the Vaughn College men’s basketball team and as one of the school’s athletic directors. But he wanted to find a job closer to his family.

Often he would trek to Vermont to work remotely while spending time with his family, and on those trips he’d go running through the countryside. One such run took him through Hinesburg, he said, and he immediately fell in love with Redhawk nation.

“I saw kids outside with masks

Ricky McCollum has taken on the role of CVU’s activities director, replacing out-going Dan Shepardson.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

on, socially distanced and playing outdoor volleyball, and I saw the signs on parents’ lawns,” he said.

“And I thought, ‘The atmosphere at this school must be amazing.’”

He added: “I thought, if I could somehow find a way to help out at CVU or even be the activities director there, it would be like a dream come true.”

Sure enough, the position opened up, and McCollum applied as someone from out-of-state with ties to Vermont.

McCollum joined the Vermont

Air National Guard reserves in 2020 and works weekends in support services as a fitness and wellness coach for the airmen.

“Whether it’s helping them with diet, dietary health, nutritional goals, fitness goals, workout plans, or teaching wellness, my goal is to alleviate outside stress and help them succeed,” he said.

Now that he’s settled at CVU, McCollum wants to work closely with students, parents, instructors and coaches to provide a positive high school experience and prepare

students for college and beyond.

“Having knowledge of the entire student-athlete spectrum, and on the college administrative level, I feel like I can work from all different angles to help the (CVU) community,” he said.

When he was in high school, McCollum participated in chorus, band and the chess club and said he understands how hard it can be to balance studies with sports and other extracurriculars.

“I know there’s a lot that everyone involved in co-curriculars is dealing with, and (my experience) helps me see the whole situation from all views,” he said.

McCollum acknowledges that managing all co-curricular calendars and supervising staff and coaches is not easily handled by one person, so he was grateful to work with Bunting in hiring Assistant Activities Director Chris Shackett.

“Chris has been awesome and we’re tackling this together,” McCollum said.

McCollum is happy to do his part as a Redhawk and hopes his son will also become one someday.

“It will be a great environment and a great atmosphere in which to raise my kids,” he said.

August 25, 2022

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Williston Observer

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Page 15

V E R M O N T

Meat & Seafood M A R K E T

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.

SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS LET’S GO FISHING For ages 6-16 with a parent. Learn how to fish or learn new tricks to help you catch more. Learn where to find fish and what they like to eat. Equipment and bait provided. Pre-registration is required. Instructor: Chuck Goller LIFTING FOR BONE HEALTH INTRO Age 55-plus. This eight-week program will focus on lifting basics, including appropriate form and appropriate progressions. Program focus will be to improve bone health. Participants will work out as a group but receive individualized programming. Instructor: Casey Moulton, RehabGym DANGEROUS GIRLS CLASS Age 14-plus. This is a women-only cardio-kickboxing class that combines strength and conditioning with practical combat skills. Learn trips and throws, bounce to Beyoncé, hit hard, laugh a lot.

Instructor: ONTA Studio staff SOCCER SHORTS Ages 3-5. This is a child/parent program that teaches the fundamentals of soccer using a fun and energetic curriculum. Players are encouraged to learn and play with a parent and each other. Instructors: Rec Department staff KINDERREC SOCCER Kindergarten, co-ed. This program is designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Youngsters will be provided with the opportunity to learn, practice and develop their skills. Saturday practices and scrimmages. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams.

GRADE 1-2 SOCCER This co-ed league provides the opportunity for youngsters to learn the game, improve their skills and enjoy playing. The program meets twice a week, one weekday

practice and Saturday games. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams.

GRADES 3-5 SOCCER Separate boys and girls leagues are offered if numbers allow. The program meets twice a week, one weekday practice and Saturday games. Teams will have the opportunity to play other rec department teams. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams.

YOUTH TENNIS Grades K-2 and 3-5. Play and develop a love for the sport of tennis. Taught by certified tennis professionals who are trained to teach to kids of all ages. Players learn basic stroke techniques. Instructors: The Edge tennis staff FUN WITH CIRCUS SKILLS Grades 3-8. A fun-filled and exciting low-risk circus skills program focusing on juggling (balls, clubs, rings and scarves), low stilt-walking, unicycling, flower sticks, diabolo, balance skills and more. Instructor: Rob Crites HORSEBACK RIDING INTRO Ages 8-14. The Livery Horse Farm in Hinesburg is offering introductory riding programs. The focus is on English riding.

Two sessions are offered: Mondays after school and Saturdays. Instructor: Kim Johansen, owner Livery Farm YOUTH WEIGHTLIFTING INTRO Ages 12-14. This eight-week program is designed for those looking to learn to lift.

The focus of the program will be learning the basics of lifting, improving strength, improving knowledge in the gym and building self-esteem. Instructor: Casey Moulton, RehabGym NINJA KIDS Ages 4-8 and 7-11. This play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio staff NINJA TEENS Ages 9-15. This play-based curriculum increases strength and self-confidence, while moving meditation helps children manage their emotions and develop the connection between mental and physical well-being. Instructor: ONTA Studio staff

VOLUNTEER COACHES NEEDED!

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Coaches are needed for Youth Rec. Soccer. Sign up to coach when you register your child, or if you don’t have a child in a program, fill out a “Volunteer Form,” which can be found on the Rec. Website, and return as soon as possible. Soccer season is Sept & Oct.

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Page 16 •

Williston Observer

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August 25, 2022

release dates: Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2022

35 (22)

Next Week: Congress returns to work

Issue 35, 2022

Founded by Betty Debnam

What Is Drought?

Lake Mead in Nevada is so low this year that old sunken boats are being rediscovered.

Firefighters wrap the base of the General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park to protect it from fire burning into old cavities or fire scars.

photo by James Marvin Phelps

Through the summer and early fall, you may hear about drought and wildfires in the news. This week, The Mini Page explores more about what drought means and how it affects people and animals.

and snow for a long period of time.

Drought’s effects

Water and weather

image courtesy American Water

Water in lakes, streams and the ocean evaporates, or becomes a gas, and moves up into clouds. The clouds are carried around the Earth by the jet stream. But the jet stream doesn’t always go in the same direction or pattern.

If the jet stream gets blocked over a certain area, that part of the world may get less rain

Nancy

image courtesy Crane Station

Drought (DROWT) can mean different things in different places. In some parts of the country, it can mean dry, cracked, dusty soil.

But drought can also refer to a region that gets precipitation (pre-sip-i-TAY-shun), but not as much as usual, over a season or more.

Climate refers to the weather over a long period of time in a certain area. When climate changes, even very slowly, an area may get more or less rain and snow, more severe storms, such as tornadoes and blizzards, or dryer conditions than normal.

Wildfires

One of the most dramatic and destructive effects of drought is wildfires.

In early July, firefighters were trying desperately to save some of northern California’s giant sequoia trees. At the same time, nine other states had active wildfires, with 4.8 million acres burned already this year.

California had its driest January, February and March this year, officials said.

Regions throughout the whole state are suffering from extreme drought, shown in the dark red colors. image courtesy California Drought Action

Other effects

Wild animals that are suffering from a lack of water are more likely to get diseases.

Fish and wildlife who rely on wetlands, reservoirs or other bodies of water might die.

Dried-out soil can erode, If ponds and or be blown or washed creeks dry up, away, when a rainstorm herons can’t find finally arrives. food to eat. photo by KM&G-Morris

What is drought?

Water is essential to all life — humans, animals and plants. Farmers use water to help grow crops; water can help generate electricity; rivers and lakes are important for moving merchandise from one area of the country to another. And of course, we drink water.

A lack of water can mean a shortage of wheat or corn to feed people and animals. This can make the cost of products made with grains go up. For instance, your box of cereal costs more when the cost of wheat or corn is higher.

Drought dries Ranchers may have to out a cornfield in western spend more to make sure Kentucky. their cattle have enough water. Power companies might have to rely on other sources of energy to make electricity.

photo courtesy Elizabeth Wu, NPS

Mini Fact:

Resources On the Web:

• bit.ly/MPdrought

At the library:

• “All About Heat Waves and Droughts”

by Steve Tomecek • “Droughts” by Megan Gendell

The Mini Page® © 2022 Andrews McMeel Syndication

BY OLIVIA JAIMES

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of drought are hidden in this puzzle.

Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ACRES, ANIMALS, CALIFORNIA, CLIMATE, DROUGHT, DRY, EVAPORATE, JET STREAM, PLANTS, PRECIPITATION, RAIN, REGION, SEASON, SEQUOIA, SNOW, WATER, WEATHER, WILDFIRE.

R E H T A E W I V M

A I N R O F I L A C

G W A T E R C P X N

J E T S T R E A M O

S S Q W A S N O W I

N T E N I L N T R T

O N T L O A E X E A

S A A E U M V D G T

A L M R Q I A R I I

E P I I E N P O O P

Danny: What is best when it’s out?

Dawn: A wildfire!

S S L F S A O U N I

D E C D Z R R G Y C

G R I L A T A H H E

B C Y I E R T T N R

Z A N W Q J E N F P

Eco Note Changes in the size and strength of the prevailing high-pressure system over the Atlantic have brought parts of Spain and Portugal their driest climate in over a thousand years. This expansion of the high-pressure system came as the western U.S. also developed a worsening “megadrought” that

pattern.

If the jet stream gets blocked over a certain area, that part of the world may get less rain

creeks dry up, herons can’t find food to eat.

away, when a rainstorm finally arrives.

by Steve Tomecek • “Droughts” by Megan Gendell August 25, 2022

The Mini Page® © 2022 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Try ’n’ Find

•

Page 17

R E H T A E W I V M

A I N R O F I L A C

G W A T E R C P X N

J E T S T R E A M O

S S Q W A S N O W I

N T E N I L N T R T

O N T L O A E X E A

S A A E U M V D G T

A L M R Q I A R I I

E P I I E N P O O P

Danny: What is best when it’s out?

Dawn: A wildfire!

S S L F S A O U N I

D E C D Z R R G Y C

G R I L A T A H H E

B C Y I E R T T N R

Z A N W Q J E N F P

Eco Note Changes in the size and strength of the prevailing high-pressure system over the Atlantic have brought parts of Spain and Portugal their driest climate in over a thousand years. This expansion of the high-pressure system came as the western U.S. also developed a worsening “megadrought” that threatens cities such as Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas with critical water shortages. The vast high-pressure area controls where and when rain falls across Western Europe.

• 2 tablespoons cornmeal • 4 eggs • 1 1/2 cups reducedfat milk • 1/2 teaspoon salt

What to do: 1. Melt butter in microwave (approximately 30 seconds).

2. Combine melted butter, 1 can of corn, sugar, flour, cornmeal, eggs, milk and salt in a blender. Process until mixture is smooth.

3. Transfer to a bowl; stir in remaining 3 cans of corn.

4. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

5. Pour mixture into pan; bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes until set. Serves 12.

7 Little Words for Kids Use the letters in the boxes to make a word with the same meaning as the clue. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in the solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

1. clothes fastener with teeth (6) 2. prize (5) 3. piece of lumber (5) 4. go on (8) 5. not one person (6) 6. number of eggs in a carton (5) 7. correct (6)

ARD

PER

OP

UE

CON

NOB

ER

ARD

PR

EN

ZIP

DOZ

AW

TIN

ODY

BO

The Mini Page® © 2022 Andrews McMeel Syndication

You’ll need: • 5 tablespoons butter • 4 (15.25-ounce) cans whole-kernel corn, drained • 1/4 cup sugar • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

For later: Look in your newspaper for articles about wildfires.

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

©2022 Blue Ox Technologies Ltd. Download the app on Apple and Amazon devices.

Corn Casserole

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

Cook’s Corner

Answers: zipper, award, board, continue, nobody, dozen, proper.

Brevity

Williston Observer

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of drought are hidden in this puzzle.

Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ACRES, ANIMALS, CALIFORNIA, CLIMATE, DROUGHT, DRY, EVAPORATE, JET STREAM, PLANTS, PRECIPITATION, RAIN, REGION, SEASON, SEQUOIA, SNOW, WATER, WEATHER, WILDFIRE.

•

BY DAN THOMPSON

Page 18 •

Williston Observer

•

August 25, 2022

SENIORS

OBITUARIES

What is an Annual Notice of Change?

Dear Savvy Senior, Last year I received a “notice of change” letter from my Medicare provider. Should I expect another one this year, and what should I do with it?

Medicare Rookie

Dear Rookie, The letter you’re asking about is actually referred to as the Annual Notice of Change (or ANOC), which is a letter you receive from your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D prescription drug plan in late September.

(People with only a Medigap plan don’t receive these because Medigap plans do not have benefit changes from year to year). So yes, you should expect to receive another letter next month.

The ANOC gives a summary of any changes in your plan’s costs and coverage that will take effect Jan. 1 of the next year. The ANOC is typically mailed with the plan’s “evidence of coverage,” which is a more comprehensive list of the plan’s costs and benefits for the upcoming year.

You should review these notices to see if your plan will continue to meet your health care needs in 2023. If you are dissatisfied with any upcoming changes, you can make changes to your coverage during fall open enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

Here are three types of chang- providers and pharmacies that are es to look for: in your plan’s network. If you see Costs: If you have a Medicare an out-of-network provider, your Advantage plan, find out what you plan may not cover any of the cost can expect to pay for services in of your care, leaving you to pay 2023.

Costs the cost. You such as deshould also ductibles and contact your copayments providers dican change rectly to coneach year. firm that they For example, will still be your plan may accepting your not have had plan in the a deductible coming year. in 2022, but Drugs: If it could have you have preone in 2023. scription drug A deductible coverage, look is the amount through the of money you plan’s formuowe before lary, which your plan beis the list of gins to covdrugs the plan er your care. covers.

ForBy Jim Miller Another exmulary changample is that es can happen your plan may from year to increase the year, so make copayments you owe for visits sure the medications you’re taking to your primary care provider or will be covered next year, and that specialists. they’re not moved to a higher tier, Coverage: If you have an Ad- which will affect your copay. If vantage plan with prescription you see any changes that will indrug coverage, check to see if crease your costs, you may want your doctors, hospitals and other to select a different drug plan that health care providers and phar- covers all of your medications. If macies will still be in network the formulary is incomplete, or for 2023. You have the lowest you do not see your drug(s) on the out-of-pocket costs if you go to list, contact the plan directly to

Savvy Senior

learn more.

If you have not received an ANOC by the end of September, you should contact your Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D plan to request it. This notice can be very helpful in determining whether you should make any changes to your coverage during the fall open enrollment. Reading your ANOC can also prevent any surprises about your coverage in the new year.

Shopping, comparing and enrolling in a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan during the open enrollment period can easily be done online at Medicare’s Plan Finder Tool at www.Medicare.gov/ find-a-plan.

Or, if you don’t have a computer or Internet access, you can also call Medicare at 800-633-4227 and they can help you out over the phone. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free Medicare counseling, is also a great resource to help you make any changes. To find a local SHIP counselor, visit www.ShipHelp.org or call 877839-2675.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Green Burials

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.

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SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 22

www.WillistonObserver.com

Charles Justice Charles Justice, 62, of Colchester, Vermont passed away on Wednesday, August 17th, 2022, after a short battle with ALS. Charles was born on February 7, 1960, to Bruce Justice and Juna Justice (Baker) in Burlington, Vermont. He was predeceased by his mother and father. Charles is survived by his daughters Katrina Justice of Saint Albans, Sandra (Justice) Lucia & husband Mark Lucia of Colchester, and Samantha Justice & longtime boyfriend Josh LaFountaine of Milton; his grandchildren Nicholas & Allicia Bidwell of Johnson, Krisanta & Caiden Strong of Colchester, and Lynx & Thea LaFountaine of Milton; his siblings Kenneth Kelly & wife Lori Kelly of AuGres Michigan, Gordon Justice & wife Carrie Justice of Hinesburg, Daniel Justice of Salem, New Hampshire, Joyce (Justice) LaFountain & husband Jeff LaFountain of Saint George, and David Justice & wife Jessica Justice of Saint Albans.

Throughout his life, Charles has taught all who surround him about kindness, dignity, trust, and devotion. He was a loving son, brother, father, and grandfather. He was drawn to water, whether it was a lake or ocean and he longed to be in the great outdoors as often as possible. He loved to boat, snowmobile, hike, fish, hunt, camp, cliff jump, ride every possible roller coaster, and tinker with mechanics in his free time. More than anything, however, having his siblings, children, and grandchildren in the same space for gatherings was what made him the happiest. When he was together with his family, the laughter and stories were never-ending. His dimpled smile could light up a room and his infectious laugh could brighten anyone’s mood.

He will be missed deeply by so many.

Per the request of Charles, the funeral will be a private family ceremony. more Obituaries page 20

August 25, 2022

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Williston Observer

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Page 19

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 22

Almanac ANDREWS

MCMEEL

TODAY’S HISTORY: • In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation establishing the National Park Service.

• In 1944, Allied troops liberated Paris after four years of German occupation.

• In 1950, President Harry Truman ordered the Army to take control of U.S. railroads in order to prevent strikes.

• In 1967, American Nazi Party leader George Lincoln Rockwell was shot dead by a former aide in Arlington, Virginia.

TODAY’S FACT: • The Voyager 2 spacecraft, which made its closest approach to Neptune on this day in 1989, continues to receive and transmit data -- 44 years since its launch in August 1977.

A splendid smoothie From strawberries and mangos to blueberries and more, there are almost limitless smoothie options. You can use different combinations of greens and textures, or even add something savory like peanut or almond butter.

This Blueberry Banana Smoothie is simple with just a couple basic directions and gives you the energy you need to finish out your day strong.

It has 1 cup of spinach, which is full of iron and vitamins, frozen bananas and blueberries to fill up your fruit intake for the day and berry yogurt to add a hint of dairy and some sweetness to your drink.

Garnish your finished product with fresh blueberries for some extra flair. With chia seeds for added texture, this smoothie is perfect for breakfast or even an afternoon snack.

Find more healthy recipes at Culinary.net.

Blueberry Banana Smoothie Servings: 2 1 cup spinach ½ cup water 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar blend 1 tablespoon almond butter ½ cup bananas, frozen ½ cup blueberries, frozen 1 tablespoon chia seeds ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon minced ginger ½ cup berry yogurt fresh blueberries, for garnish (optional) In blender, blend spinach, water, apple cider vinegar, almond butter, frozen bananas, frozen blueberries, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger and yogurt until smooth.

Pour into two glasses and garnish with fresh blueberries, if desired.

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

Page 20

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Williston Observer

•

August 25, 2022

OBITUARIES Mary Jane (Brennan) Roy Mary Jane (Brennan) Roy, 88, formerly of Montpelier and Burlington, VT, passed away peacefully from natural causes Aug. 17, 2022 at Mansfield Place Assisted Living and Memory Care in Essex Junction.

Mary Jane was born Sept. 29, 1933, in Fairfax, VT, the youngest child of Paul and Margaret (O’Grady) Brennan. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by a brother, Paul, and sister Elizabeth “Betty” (Kelley), born on the same day, four years prior.

In 1935, her family moved to Montpelier where she was raised and educated. Throughout her life she spoke fondly of her hometown, where she graduated from St. Michael’s School (1951) and Vermont Junior College (1953). Participating enthusiastically in school-sponsored events, such as the Winter Carnival, Mary Jane enjoyed skiing in Stowe, ice skating, making snow

sculptures, and watching basketball games at Norwich University. She was selected to the Royal Court, and was elected Secretary of her senior class, relishing the camaraderie in every aspect of college life.

She cherished life-long friendships formed in elementary school with Claire Guare, Pauline Goodrich, Rena Izor and Jeaninne Pratt. She met her future husband Robert “Bobby” Roy at a wedding of mutual friends where Bob was a groomsman and Mary Jane, a bridesmaid. They were married exactly one year later on July 3, 1954, and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary before Bobby passed in 2019. They shared most of their married life at 2069 North Ave. in Burlington where they raised four children. It was a home filled with love, joy, and the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip squares that served as her welcome to visitors. Mary

Margaret E. Allen Margaret Evelyn McClellan Allen was born June 16, 1938, to Artie J and Doris Bolio McClellan.

Margaret grew up on a farm on English Settlement Road in Underhill where everything was done by hand and horses. Margaret graduated from Jericho High School in 1956 in a class of 13.

After graduation she worked at two local restaurants then at Many’s Diner in Essex Jct. In 1959, she went to work at Remington’s Dry Goods store as a clerk. In Aug. of 1960, she went to work at E.W Baily Feeds in Essex Jct. as a bookkeeper and in 1970 became manager. She worked for four different owners until retiring from Depot Home and Garden in 2011.

On Nov. 27, 1963, she married Donald P. Allen, Sr. They lived in Williston for over 50 years. Margaret was instrumental in getting clean drinking water for her neighborhood.

Margaret leaves her son Donald Jr. and wife Sally of Richmond and two grandchildren, Devin and wife Jillian of Milton and Shelby of Richmond. She leaves one brother, Peter McClellan of Underhill. She also leaves sisters-in-law Barbara Magee, Rose Allen, Ruth Allen, Lucielle Allen, and brother-in-law Harold Allen along with many nieces and nephews. She also leaves special cousins Linda LaRock and Teresa Connor, Joan Mendes and husband David and Sandy Owen and husband Tom. Margaret’s husband Donald predeceased her Feb. 25, 2020. She was also predeceased by her brothers

and their wives, John and Dawna of Essex, Douglas and Estel of Richmond and Lee and Arlene of Hinesburg and Peter’s wife Yvonne.

We would like to thank the staff at Green Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation in Essex for the exceptional care Margaret received over the last several months. We would also like to thank the staff and volunteers at McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester for their loving care during Margaret’s final days.

A graveside service will be held on Sept. 17, 2022, at 1 p.m. in Underhill Flats Cemetery, Park Street Underhill, VT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Green Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation 475 Ethan Allen Ave, Colchester, VT 05446.

Please address your donation to either Resident Activity Funds or Employee Recognition.

Arrangements are in care of Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant Street, Essex Junction., VT.

www.WillistonObserver.com

Jane’s door was opened lovingly to anyone who needed a place to land.

Her first job in Burlington was as an administrator for the Blanche Sweeney Personnel Employment Agency. She later served as teller and safe deposit administrator

at Chittenden Bank (now People’s United), retiring at 62. An empathetic listener, customers would routinely share their personal histories with Mary Jane. She cared about people and valued the many friendships and business connections made during her employment.

Mary Jane loved antiques, eventually leveraging her expertise and Bobby’s craftsmanship to establish a small business selling antique curios and furniture, including the many items painstakingly refurbished by her husband. A devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Mark’s in Burlington, Mary Jane served with the Ladies of St. Mark, managing clothing drives, distributing food baskets, and supporting annual fundraisers like the church bazaar and Antiques Show and Sale.

Mary Jane lived her Christian faith, choosing to view the world through a lens of love and actively

working to better the lives of others.

She is survived by her four children: Brennan and his wife Melissa Roy of Alexandria, VA; Margaret (Peggy) and her husband John Portelance of Williston, VT; Mary Jane (M.J.) and her husband Jim Griffin of Orlando, FL; and Matthew and his wife Mary Ann Roy of Swanton, VT. She leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, especially Katie Kelley to whom we are grateful for the loving care she provided Aunt Jane. Mary Jane also leaves seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Services are in the care of LaVigne Funeral Home. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 30 Lincoln St, Essex Junction, VT at 11 a.m. on Oct. 7, 2022, followed by a celebration of her life.

Raymond G Latreille Raymond G Latreille, 60 Monkton VT, left this world surrounded by his loved ones on August 12th, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Raymond was born in Burlington, VT Feb. 27, 1962 the 8th child of Leonard & Beverly Latreille. He began life on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work and long days raising livestock and caring for the land. After graduating from Mt. Abe Union High school in 1981, he worked at ADD-ON Accessory outlet for many years until their closing. He then briefly worked for the town of Monkton highway department before moving to Ryder Truck Rental in Willison VT where he was still employed.

He found peace working long days in the hay field, the wood lot, the sugar woods, repairing machinery and passing the knowledge

and appreciation of that peace on to all the children in his life. He continued to work the family farm with his children, even insisting on baling 2 wagons of hay before allowing someone to take him to the hospital. He enjoyed a simple life,

lived from the heart, caring for his wife and children, his parents, and anyone else that needed a hand. He leaves his legacy in all the lives he has improved simply by being part of them.

He is survived by his wife, Jill Smiel Latreille; son Ray Latreille, daughter Jackie Hensley and granddaughters Annabella & Makenna Hensley; several brothers, sisters and their spouses, numerous nieces and nephews and too many friends to count.

One last pass around the field Shadows lengthen, my time is here My soul to rest, my final bield.

There was a joint service for Raymond and Beverly Latreille on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022 at the Monkton Friend Methodist Church, 77 Monkton Ridge, Monkton VT. A reception followed.

Beverly Douglas Latreille

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother on August 13, 2022 at the age of 92.

Beverly Douglas Latreille was born June 29, 1930. She was the strongest fiercest woman we have ever known. Below, per her request is her self-written obituary: I have lived a long, productive, and happy life. Now it is time to say good bye. I was the daughter of the late C.A. (Sol) Douglas and the late Mildred (Little) Douglas. I was born in North Ferrisburg Hollow in 1930.

I went to Dartt school in Monkton and graduated fromm Vergennes High in 1948.

While working at Vergennes National Bank, I met Leonard Latreille. We were married sixty plus years. To brag a bit, I helped work

the Frog Hollow Farm while raising babies and drove the school bus for summer school. After the kids left home, we took in foster kids for a couple of years. I worked the snack bar at Shelburne Museum until I retired.

We had nine wonderful kids.

They are Paul (Sheryl) Latreille of Williston, Gisele Latreille of Ripton, Jackie (Dan) Henry of Richford, Estelle (Tom) Genest of Hardwick, Michel [aka Mike] (Irene) Latreille of Monkton, Samuel (Tammy) Latreille of Ferrisburg, Pricilla Latreille (Doug’s wife) of Bridport and Jill Latreille (Raymond’s wife) of Monkton. I was predeceased by our beloved sons Douglas and Raymond, beloved daughter Claudette and her husband Charlie Foote.

I want to bestow all my love and thanks to each and everyone for all the love and care you have giv-

en to me and dad over the years. It was appreciated and returned. Extra special thanks to Claudette for doctoring and trips to the hospital etc. Thank you! Raymond for all the checks to see if I’m ok. There are 20 Grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 8 great, great grand children.

I was preceded by my husband, our infant son, an infant grandson, and 2 great granddaughters: by my brother Carroll Little Douglas, 1982 in Texas and his 2 sons. Besides my children, grand and great grandchildren, I leave behind my sister Carol Lettieri and her 2 children, also Mark Douglas and his son.

There was a joint service for Raymond & Beverly Latreille on Aug. 20, 2022 at the Monkton Friend Methodist Church, 77 Monkton Ridge, Monkton VT. A reception immediately followed.

August 25, 2022

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Williston Observer

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Page 21

Summer Estate Auction

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN Keens Crossing – Winooski, VT 05404

Full Time Pay Rate $24.72/hr PLUS a $1,000 hiring bonus Job Description: HallKeen Management is seeking a motivated and experienced Maintenance Technician to enhance current skills acquire new knowledge and grow with our company. Responsibilities are quite diverse including but not limited to Apartment turnovers, grounds keeping, various janitorial duties, painting, appliance, electrical, heating, plumbing and safety equipment repair and replacement and provide assistance at other company properties when needed.

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Page 22 •

Williston Observer

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August 25, 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

Williston

LEGAL

The Williston Observer is hiring a sales professional to help local businesses succeed with print and online newspaper advertising and to support our local journalism.

Job Description: • Steward existing accounts • Generate sales from qualified leads • Work with clients and graphic design to craft effective ads and strategies • Contribute ideas and energy to our dedicated team Qualifications: • Professional experience in sales and marketing • Exceptional customer service skills • Ability to tailor solutions to customer needs • Personal drive to deliver results • Demonstrated collaboration and communication skills • Fluency with Microsoft Office applications • Familiarity with print and digital advertising, including methods and measurement, is a plus.

• Preference for candidates with knowledge of the local towns, businesses and communities served by the Williston Observer.

We offer: • Training and mentorship for success • The opportunity to play a big role on a small team • A generous base salary plus commission with great earning potential • Flexible hours - Both part-time and full-time candidates will be considered.

If you would like to be part of our growing, mission-driven business, please send your resume and cover letter to: Rick Cote, Associate Publisher – Sales & Marketing, Williston Observer, PO Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495.

Or email to: rick@willistonobserver.com

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 – 7:00 PM Hybrid Meeting: Town Hall Meeting Room, (7900 Williston Road) or Zoom Meeting ID 864 8114 4825 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656

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PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 18

MARKETING & ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA

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Serving our community since 1985

Continued from July 26, 2022: DP 21-18 The Snyder Group Inc requests a discretionary permit for Phase 1 (208 units, parking, streets, multi-use path, utilities and stormwater) of a 273 residential unit and 65 unit senior housing facility development. Located on a 54.2± acre site at the Essex Alliance Church property on Beaudry Lane and Alpine Drive, north of Knight Lane/Chelsea Place/Dunmore Road in the TCZD.

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animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal rabies simplyObserver by looking at August has 25, 2022 • Williston • Page 23 it. People should not touch or pick up wild saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost alanimals or strays – even baby animals. ways fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.

So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.

According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.

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Page 24 •

Williston Observer

•

August 25, 2022

World War II soldier’s remains returned to Hinesburg for burial

The remains of a soldier killed during World War II will be interred Sept. 3 at Hinesburg Village Cemetery. Graveside services for Army Pvt. Alevin A. Hathaway will be performed by Ready Funeral Service of Burlington, preceding the interment.

A native of Hinesburg, Hathaway was assigned to Company E, 2nd Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in battle with German forces near Hürtgen, Germany, in the Hürtgen Forest, when he was reported missing in action Nov. 6, 1944, at age 20. His body was not recovered, and he was declared killed in action Nov. 7, 1945.

Following the end of the war, the American Graves Registration Command conducted several investigations in the Hürtgen area between 1946 and 1950 but was unable to recover or identify Hathaway’s remains. He was declared non-recoverable in December 1950.

While studying unresolved American losses in the Hürtgen area, a historian with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency determined that one set of unidentified remains, designated X-2739 Neuville, recovered from a minefield south of Hürtgen in 1946, possibly belonged to Hathaway. The remains, which had been buried in Ardennes American Cemetery in 1950, were disinterred in April 2018 and sent to the DPAA laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, for identification.

Alevin A. Hathaway

Hathaway was accounted for by the DPAA on Jan. 14, 2020, after his remains were identified using circumstantial evidence that included fragments of personal documents found on the battlefield, as well as dental, anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis.

His name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Netherlands American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in Margraten, Netherlands, along with others still missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

To learn more about the Department of Defense’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving, visit the DPAA website at www. dpaa.mil or www.facebook. com/dodpaa, or call (703) 6991420.

McCullough continued from page

1

property and began renting the home there to the Smiths to live in and continue operating the TM center. The Smiths re-opened the center there this month.

“We accomplished two things with one stone,” said McCullough.

“We helped preserve part of (our) farm’s proceeds and we preserved the opportunity for the Vermont TM Center to stay, not only in Vermont, but in Williston and serve the community.

“I’ve always just loved that house,” he continued. “It’s sited beautifully on top of a hill looking down over about 8 acres of meadow. It fits the requirements (of a TM center) practically to a tee.”

McCullough is convinced that his Transcendental Meditation practice helped him navigate a fraught negotiation with the Town of Williston on the public acquisition of the Catamount property, as well as seize the opportunity to set the TM Center up with a sustainable future on Mountain View Road.

He first met the Smiths shortly after they moved to Williston at a meeting about genetically modified food labeling legisla-

Bear continued from page

13

the location that it came from,” Whipple said.

Bruce, the labradoodle, was waiting on her porch when Lee arrived home.

A neighbor drove Lee to Gifford Medical Center, where she received care for her wounds and preventative rabies treatment.

Based on the bear’s behavior, Whipple said it was likely a mother with cubs nearby, and

tion. Their conversation at that meeting turned to the practice of TM. McCullough had heard about it during his high school years in the 1960s and had practiced other forms of meditation in his adult life.

“I am a person who is inherently inquisitive, so I said ‘this is something I’m quite sure I need to know more about,’” he recalled. “I made an appointment and I just, intuitively, after the introductory presentation, said, ‘yes, I’m doing this.’”

Lucy did not join him at first.

But after noticing the positive changes in Jim, began her own

practice.

“Lucy held her cards close to her vest at first,” McCullough said, “But after three or four years, she said, ‘hmm, the boy has changed, maybe I ought to look into this too.’”

“I’ve described it as a better way of communicating and lowering stress and dealing with people,” McCullough continued.

“There is no doubt that it contributed positively to the conservation of the community forest, which was not without angst.”

That is the goal of the practice, Smith said, to manifest benefits that not only impact individuals, but improve communities.

“People who practice the TM technique get more orderly and coherent in their brain functioning and their behavior, then they behave in a more life-supporting way,” she said. “The coherence they generate creates an impact in consciousness so that other people around them behave more coherently.

“If we had more people meditating through TM, we could have a very positive impact on our economy, our health and our behavior, and crime would go down. So that’s the real purpose, to change society.”

was surprised by Lee and her dogs. Because of the steep topography, Lee and the bear got close to each other before the bear realized Lee and her dogs were there.

Bears acting defensively will often “bluff charge,” approaching quickly, then staying 10 to 15 feet away, Whipple said. Their goal is to scare the threat away without having to fight.

“They’ll stomp around.

They’ll make themselves big.

They’ll pound the ground with their paws. They’ll snap their

jaws, and they’ll make all sorts of vocalizations, like huffing and snorting and just making themselves big,” he said.

Lee heard those noises, according to Whipple, which indicated that the bear was not acting as a predator but in defense.

Lee did not respond to a request for comment, but Whipple said her recovery has been successful. While Whipple would have killed the bear if he had found it on-site that day, he said Lee did not want to see the bear euthanized.

‘I’ve always just loved that house. It’s sited beautifully on top of a hill looking down over about 8 acres of meadow. It fits the requirements (of a TM center) practically to a tee.’

Jim McCullough

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