Williston Observer 02/22/2024

Williston

ECRWSS PRSRT STD US Postage

PAID

Permit #15 Williston,VT 05495 POSTAL CUSTOMER

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM

A tricky Town Meeting Day

Sales tax revenue hits record high

Town Meeting Day voting will take place at the National Guard Armory in Williston Village on March 5. Early voting is currently available through the Town Clerk’s office.

OBSERVER FILE PHOTO

School tax impact in limbo as voters consider budget proposals

BY JASON STARR Observer staff Will it be the “ayes” of March, or the “nays?”

Town Meeting Day is set for March 5 and voters face budget questions that carry weighty property tax implications. The Champlain Valley School District will present a $106 million annual budget for voter consideration, while the town’s $15 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year is also up for approval. Both entities are also asking for go-aheads to incur a combined $5 million in debt for infrastructure projects.

Decisions on filling elected offices will be simpler as all candidates for open seats are running unopposed.

Town Meeting Day kicks off Monday, March 4 with back-to-back evening annual meetings of the town and school district — 5 p.m. at Champlain Valley Union High School for the district and 7 p.m. at Williston Central School for the town. Voting takes place the following day, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the National Guard Armory at 7846 Williston Rd., next to Town Hall.

SCHOOL BUDGET CROSSROADS

Town Meeting Day schedule MARCH 4

• CVSD Annual Meeting — 5 p.m. at CVU (Room 160) • Town of Williston Annual Meeting — 7 p.m. at Williston Central School MARCH 5

Voting at the National Guard Armory, 7846 Williston Rd. *Early voting now open; contact Williston Town Clerk for early ballots The election also serves as Vermont’s presidential primary with party nominations for U.S. President on the line.

Residents looking to vote early can pick up ballots at the Town Clerk’s office or have them mailed by contacting Town Clerk Sarah Mason by email at smason@willistonvt. org or by phone at (802) 878-5121.

Here’s a vignette on how muddled this year’s school budgeting process has become: Champlain Valley School Board vice chair Meghan Metzler recently voted early as a resident of Charlotte to approve the district’s budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year. A few days later, board chair Angela Arsenault, sitting next to Metzler at Tuesday’s board meeting, voted against even presenting the budget to voters.

“It makes no sense. It’s incongruous, and that’s due to a number of factors, but the number one factor, I believe, is a well-intended policy that is not having the desired effect,” Arsenault said. She was referring to the Equitable School Funding Act of 2022 (Act 127) that the Legislature is now scrambling to rework before Town Meeting Day. In addition to serving as school board chair, Arsenault also represents Williston in the Legislature.

Arsenault and her colleagues in the Vermont House of Representatives have approved an update to Act 127, but the bill

The Town of Williston has collected roughly $2.1 million with its 1 percent tax on retail sales, restaurant meals and hotel stays through the first half of the current fiscal year. That is the highest amount collected for the June-December time frame since the inception of the tax in 2003.

The higher returns would be expected with the opening of a La Quinta in 2023, but perhaps offset by the closure of Bed Bath and Beyond and the Christmas Tree Shops. Nonetheless, the revenue is outpacing the town’s projections through the first half of the current fiscal year by $280,000 and is on pace to finish the fiscal year in June ahead of projections by a half-million dollars. The town collected a total of nearly $3.9 million last fiscal year.

Williston is one of about two dozen Vermont municipalities that collect the 1 percent “local options tax.” The tax is added to the sale price of retail items, restaurant meals and hotel stays — an add-on to the State of Vermont’s 6 percent sales tax.

Revenue from Williston’s local sales tax makes up about 25 percent of the town’s annual revenue, according to Town Manager Erik Wells. Property tax collections make up about 50 percent, with fees and miscellaneous revenue accounting for the other 25 percent.

The town is budgeting for $4.1 million in local sales tax revenue for the upcoming fiscal year, a significant contribution to the proposed $15.3 million budget.

Local sales tax revenue has contributed to keeping Williston’s property tax rate among the lowest in Chittenden County.

“Williston’s local options tax has offset the property tax rate since its adoption,” Wells wrote in a January budget memo.

— Jason Starr

see TOWN MEETING page 7

ENJOY DINE-IN, TAKE OUT & ONLINE ORDERING

Shelburne Road, S. Burlington Maple Tree Place, Williston

GetBlissBee.com @getblissbee

Page 2 •

Williston Observer • February 22, 2024

Frosty fun Any slope will do as neighborhood children make good use of the recent snowfall on Saturday afternoon.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

A new, independent clinic in downtown Williston, owned and run by a Certified Hand Therapist with over 10 years of experience.

We specialize in the treatment of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. In a calm and private setting.

CORRECTION

check us out: www.reachvt.net 802-662-2074

COMPASSIONATE GROOMING FOR DOGS & CATS OF ALL SIZES

… now has

1st

an office in

VERMONT with policies specifically designed for Vermonters!

FULL SERVICE SPA TREATMENT Walk-in Tub with Hydro Massage A La Carte Services tailored to your pet’s needs and temperament NDGAA and IPG Certified Master Cat Groomer • Poodle, Doodle & Mix Specialist PET SUPPLIES Treats • Toys • Organic Pet Care Products

Dirty Paws Pet Spa 4050 Williston Rd, South Burlington 8:30-5 Tues thru Sat

Schedule at Dirtypawspetspavt.com or 802 264 7076

Call us for a quote

TODAY!

Rates gone up? Looking for new coverage? Just curious? Give us a call or stop in and talk to Bill or Billy. We are a family-run business that has your best interests at heart.

WS

WILLIAM SPENCER AGENCY

802-264-7063

wspencer1@farmersagent.com

19 Roosevelt Hwy Suite 120, Colchester

The Williston Central School basketball player pictured in a photo on the front page of last week’s Observer was misidentified. The player’s name is Harley Everitt.

February 22, 2024 •

Feds award $1.5 billion to GlobalFoundries

BY SHAUN ROBINSON VTDigger GlobalFoundries plans to use some of a $1.5 billion federal award to modernize its manufacturing hub in Essex Junction, the company announced Monday.

The funding, a result of the 2022 federal CHIPS and Science Act, is expected to help upgrade and expand the semiconductor giant’s Vermont facility, where GlobalFoundries prints microchips for consumer and commercial electronics and, as of last fall, employs more than 1,800 people.

The new investment would make GlobalFoundries’ plant the first in the country to mass-produce a new type of chip used in electric vehicles, power grids, data centers and 5G and 6G smartphones, according to a company press release.

Officials from President Joe Biden’s administration said that the Essex Junction plant could have closed without the federal cash infusion, the New York Times reported Monday. Such a closure would be a major blow to Vermont’s economy, since GlobalFoundries is the state’s largest for-profit employer.

The federal funding is also expected to build out manufacturing capacity at GlobalFoundries’ larger campus in Malta, N.Y., the press release stated.

Joan Goldstein, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Economic Development, lauded the award in an interview Monday afternoon, saying “it’s not often that we have such positive economic development news.”

She said the state was not expecting the plant to shut down, but said that officials would have been worried about its “longevity” if the federal funding had not come through.

“This type of CHIPS (Act) investment was just critical,” Goldstein said. “I don’t think they ever said to us, ‘No, without this, we’re going.’ But if this didn’t happen, we would be extremely concerned.”

Of the $1.5 billion award, the feds are set to hand down $125 million to renovate the plant in Essex Junction, according to Goldstein. The state, for its part,

has appropriated $5 million that GlobalFoundries needed to help access the federal cash, she said.

Overall, the Vermont plant modernization is slated to cost $900 million, Goldstein said.

GlobalFoundries did not immediately confirm those figures.

The government’s support for GlobalFoundries is part of a sweeping effort by federal officials, using the $50 billion CHIPS Act, to bolster domestic production of a technology that many U.S. companies have sourced from China in recent decades.

Shortages of semiconductors caused major disruptions early on in the Covid-19 pandemic, officials said, including a significant impact on U.S. car manufacturing.

“With new onshore capacity and technology on the horizon, as an industry we now need to turn our attention to increasing the demand for U.S.-made chips, and to growing our talented U.S. semiconductor workforce,” Thomas Caulfield, GlobalFoundries’ CEO, said in the press release.

The type of chip set to be manufactured on a large scale in Vermont uses gallium nitride, a material that offers numerous performance benefits over traditional silicon. Last year, China — which controls nearly all of the world’s gallium — announced that it was restricting exports of the precious metal.

“GlobalFoundries has been a national leader in semiconductor and chips innovation, putting Vermont at the forefront of this emerging technology,” said U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., in Monday’s release. “This is a well-deserved recognition of GlobalFoundries’ commitment to bolstering the on-shore growth of U.S.-made chips.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., also praised the funding in a statement Monday, saying that it would create “hundreds” of jobs and new apprenticeship programs in Vermont.

But while Welch, then a member of the U.S. House, and former U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., supported the CHIPS Act, Sanders in 2022 vocally opposed it — and ultimately voted against it. At the time, Sanders criticized the legislation as a “blank check” to an industry that has shuttered manufacturing plants and laid off many American workers in recent decades.

In late 2022, GlobalFoundries told the state it planned to lay off 148 workers from its plant in Essex Junction, citing a lull in semiconductor demand at the time.

The company says that it employs about 13,000 people worldwide.

The Vermont plant was owned

by IBM for decades until GlobalFoundries, which is headquartered in New York, purchased the facility in 2015.

Williston Observer •

Page 3

The Greater burlington Multicultural Resource Center and the Burlington Community is honored to welcome

Isabel Wilkerson Pulitzer Prize Winning Author

Virtual Presentation April 28, 2024 — 6 p.m.

Hilton Hotel 60 Battery Street, Burlington Tickets available at sevendaystickets.com

Before

After Vermont’s Newest Destination for Home Fabrics, Decor and Custom Fabric Work

Refreshed Furniture Brings Joy to Your Home!

Reupholster or Slipcover with 90+ Fabric Options Transform Flat Seat Cushions and Lumpy Pillows

Thoughtfully Sourced Products Focused on Sustainability 1140 WILLISTON ROAD, SOUTH BURLINGTON • 802-488-9037 • XX TUESDAY-FRIDAY, 10AM-5:30PM • SATURDAY, 10AM-4PM

JOYOFHOMEVT.COM

Page 4 •

Williston Observer • February 22, 2024

Medical cannabis program ‘in a rapid decline’ As retail cannabis flourishes, lawmakers ponder future of medical dispensaries

BY SHAUN ROBINSON VTDigger James Pepper, chair of Vermont’s Cannabis Control Board, offered a blunt assessment of the state’s medical cannabis program to a panel of lawmakers earlier this month.

The program “is just in a rapid decline,” Pepper told members of the House Government Operations Committee.

“The economies of scale are just getting tougher and tougher for these standalone medical dispensaries every time more patients drop off.”

There is little question why: Officials have known for years that there would be a downturn in medical users after retail cannabis sales came online in 2022. In fact, the state has seen faster-than-expected growth on the recreational side since then, Pepper said, which has also contributed to the decline in the state’s medical program.

This shift has regulators concerned.

Pepper said that as more people exit the

medical program and start buying from a retailer, they could lose access to medical expertise and, effectively, end up self-medicating. And since Vermont law allows medical dispensaries to sell higher-potency products than retail stores can, some medicinal users may end up turning to the illicit market as their tolerance for cannabis increases.

Meanwhile, medical dispensary operators said they have a loyal — if declining — contingent of patients who want continued access to the program’s benefits, including specialized products, tax-free sales and the option to get their cannabis delivered.

“We feel an obligation to provide that service that our patients depend on,” said Russ Todia, chief operating officer of Ceres Collaborative, in an interview. Ceres operates both a recreational store and two medical dispensaries.

“But,” he added, “you can’t look at the (statewide) program right now and say that it’s a healthy program. It certainly needs help from the state to keep it viable.”

Members of the government operations committee have been weighing a slate of proposed changes to the state’s cannabis policies in recent weeks, many

Medical dispensaries have a loyal contingent of patients who want continued access to the program’s benefits, including specialized products, tax-free sales and the option to get their cannabis delivered. of which are proposals from the control board. The panel appears to have an interest in advancing at least some of those measures aimed at bolstering the medical program.

Proposals in the latest version of H.612 include allowing recreational stores — of which there are about 75 statewide, compared to just five medical dispensaries — to serve medical patients under certain conditions, as well as lowering the fees that the state charges to dispensary operators. The bill would also reduce the frequency with which many patients have to renew their medical marijuana cards and add a new health condition to the list of those that qualify someone for medical-grade products.

Still, Pepper said in an interview Friday that the bill as written likely won’t spur a large influx of medicinal patients that medical dispensary operators need.

Barring any significant policy changes, he has said, some medical dispensaries may soon be closing their doors.

“This year is the year for us to decide in the General Assembly what path the medical program is going to take,” said Rep. Mike McCarthy, D-St. Albans, the panel’s chair, at a hearing earlier this month. “If we make the choice to not change anything, it’s very likely that the medical program will be very, very small.”

As of this month, there were about 2,800 people enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program, according to data from the control board, a figure that has fallen sharply since a 2017 peak of more than 5,000 patients.

At the same time, taxable revenue from the first year of retail cannabis sales came in above what state officials were expecting, Pepper said. From October 2022 to the end of 2023, sales brought in just shy of $120 million in such revenue, he said.

Leaders in Gov. Phil Scott’s administration told reporters last month that, as a result, they dipped into the state’s pot of cannabis tax revenue to avoid proposing certain cuts in the governor’s 2025 fiscal year budget.

It’s not clear yet which proposals, if

any, will make it over the finish line in the Legislature this year. But the House panel on Friday did rule out a proposed change that made headlines last month — to eliminate the potency limits on all cannabis products from state law. The measure drew support from cannabis retailers but opposition from some medical leaders, including the Vermont Medical Society.

H.612 now proposes allowing recreational cannabis stores to apply for what would be a new “medical endorsement” to their state operating license, which would permit them to sell medical-grade products to medical program patients, and to do so tax-free.

The license would also allow recreational stores to deliver products to medical patients, a service that has long offered both convenience and confidentiality, said Lee Stowell, owner of the Brandon medical dispensary Grassroots Vermont. Stowell’s delivery driver will, and does, travel across the state to bring people their products, she said.

“As long as we can, we will,” she said.

“It’s a big deal — you know, if you’re a cancer patient and you’re nowhere near a dispensary, you can be delivered to.”

Pepper said the control board has heard from at least 10 retail stores that would be interested in serving medical patients, too. He noted that the board would draw up new regulations to make sure retailers were protecting confidential medical information.

The idea, he said, is that having more retailers in the medical program would make it more convenient — and appealing — for people to access medical products.

Retail employees, often known as budtenders, would also need new resources to be able to educate patients about their options, Pepper said. In a report published last month, the control board asked lawmakers to fund the purchase of software, called Cannify.us, that patients could use to find which products might be a good fit.

Lawmakers did not include that funding in the latest draft of H.612.

The bill does propose to reduce the operating fees the state charges medical dispensaries, including reducing an application fee from $2,500 to $1,000, and cutting an annual renewal fee from $25,000 down to $5,000.

Pepper said he hopes this change helps dispensaries’ bottom line, and it would bring the fees in line with those charged to recreational stores. He pointed to Ceres Collaborative, where Todia has said he wants to keep a separate medical operation going as long as possible.

“They shouldn’t have to pay, you know, two and a half times what an adult-use retailer pays, just to serve an ever-dwindling number of patients,” Pepper said.

Penguin Plunge nets $675K for Special Olympics

About 1,000 people plunged into the frig- support from our community, partners and id waters of Lake Champlain on an unsea- sponsors.” sonably warm day to show their support for The Cool Schools portion of the event Special Olympics athletes in Vermont during began at 10 a.m. with top fundraising school the 29th Annual Burlington & Cool Schools Browns River Middle School entering the waPenguin Plunge on Feb. 10 at the Burlington ter. The 56-member team raised $21,600. waterfront.

The main event The Penguin Plunge started at 11 a.m. is the largest fundraising with the Union Muevent for Special Olymtual and Hickok & pics Vermont, and this Boardman “Popsiyear, a record-breaking cles” taking the top $675,000 was raised to fundraising spot for support sports training the sixth year in a and competition opporrow. The 62-memtunities across local and ber team raised over school programs, health $185,000 — the screenings, and leadermost raised by a sinship opportunities for gle team in the hischildren and adults with tory of the Penguin intellectual disabilities.

Plunge.

About 1,000 people plunged into Lake “This year’s Burl- Champlain on Feb. 10 in the annual Penguin All funds raised ington & Cool Schools Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympic through the PenPenguin Plunge sur- athletes in Vermont. guin Plunge go passed all expectations, Special OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO toward setting a new record as Olympics Verthe most successful event we’ve ever host- mont’s programs that exist to foster awareed,” said Sarah McCaffrey, president & CEO ness and inclusion of people with intellectuof Special Olympics Vermont. “We have ex- al disabilities by using the power of sport to ceeded our goals thanks to the overwhelming showcase their gifts and abilities.

PRICES SLASHED! PRICES February 22, 2024 •

Williston Observer •

Page 5

ONCE IN A LIFETIME PRICING! SLASHED! ONCE IN A LIFETIME PRICING!

50% off

STOREWIDE

*

ANNIVERSARY SALE EVENT!

HURRY,SALE ENDS NOV. WHAT’S HURRY, SALE ENDSNOV. DEC26th!

2!

HURRY,SALE HURRY,NEW! SALEENDS ENDS DEC 2!26th!

Slip Cover Sofa Gallery many styles and options

Providing Peace of Mind for Families and Loved Ones Discover the Advantages of Comprehensive Estate Planning

Call Us Today or Visit Our Website for Exclusive Access to Our FREE Webinar Our Services: Comprehensive Estate Planning: Wills & Trusts

HURRY! SALE ENDS FEB. 28!

Asset Preservation and Long-Term Care Planning (802) 879 7133

theMedicaid beauty of ExpertDiscover Assistance With Applications naturalEfficient looking results at Pêche!

Trust Administration

Discover the beauty of natural looking results at Pêche! unsworthlaplante.com

26 Railroad Avenue COME SEE SARAH! COME SEE JASMINE! COME SEE KELLIE! Members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Essex Junction, VT Attorneys & National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

COMEthe SEE SARAH! SEE JASMINE! SEE KELLIE! Discover beauty ofCOME natural lookingCOME results at Peche!

40%off off 40% 50% OFF

30-50% offoff 30-50%OFF 30-50%

(special orders included) (special orders included)

(including Vermont made!) made!) (including Vermont

all sofas, loveseats, all sofas, chairs, mostsectionals, sofas,loveseats, loveseats,sleepers chairs, sectionals, sleepers (special orders chairs, sectionalsincluded)

our entire selection of our entire selection bedrooms andselection dining our entire of roomsof bedrooms dining bedroomsVermont andand dining rooms (including made!)rooms

JOIN US FOR ANNIVERSARY CAKE every day!

JOIN US FOR CAKEinevery day!

The coolest, mostANNIVERSARY affordable modern furniture Vermont.

Our expert providers, Sarah Dietschi, NP, Kellie Malaney, PA-C and Jasmine Fuller, LT specialize in laser treatements and injectables including laser hair JASMINE and vein removal, laser collagen stimulation, neuromodulators, fillers and biostimulators.

SARAH KELLIE Our expert providers, Sarah Dietschi, NP, Kellie Malaney, PA-C and Jasmine Fuller, LT specialize Ask us about our newest treatments with the AMAZING in • laser treatements • injectables • laser hair & vein removal • laser collagen stimulation Matrix Pro and Platelet Rich Fibrin! So many minimally • neuromodulators • fillers • biostimulators.

Ask and us about newest treatments with the invasive treatments with natural gorgeousour results!

AMAZING Matrix Pro and Platelet Rich Fibrin!

Minimally invasive treatments with natural, Visit Pêche for a rejuvenating experience. gorgeous results!Find Visitus Pêche for a rejuvenating experience. at pechemedical.com or call 802-304-9570 to book!

Find us at pechemedical.com or call 802-304-9570 to book!

Our expert providers, Sarah Dietschi, NP, Kellie Malaney, PA-C and Jasmine Fuller, LT specialize in laser treatements and injectables including laser hair and vein removal, laser collagen stimulation, 47neuromodulators, Maple Street • Burlingtonfi•llers pechemedical.com • @ pechemedical and biostimulators.

Ask us about our newest treatments with the AMAZING Matrix Pro and Platelet Rich Fibrin! So many minimally invasive treatments with natural and gorgeous results!

3v-pechemedicalspa011724.indd 1

1/5/24 2:02 PM

The coolest, most affordable modern furniture in Vermont.

2915Shelburne ShelburneRoad Road802.985.8487 802.985.8487 2915 Open Monday-Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 12-4PM Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4 www.moderndesignvt.com *Excludes Items Price Controlled By Manufacturer.

2915 Shelburne Road 802.985.8487 Mon-Sat 10-5,MODERNDESIGNVT.COM Sun 12-4 www.moderndesignvt.com 2V-moderndesign112719.indd Untitled-40 1 1 *Excludes Items Price Controlled By Manufacturer.

2V#2-ModernDesign022124.indd 1

11/17/17 3:39 11/22/19 5:13 PM 2/19/24 12:45 PM

Page 6 •

Williston Observer • February 22, 2024

GUEST COLUMN

Act 127 was urgently needed; don’t mess with it

BY BROOKE OLSEN-FARRELL I am proud to serve in a state that believes it is every child’s right to receive an excellent education, regardless of their background or zip code. So, it’s been unsettling to see

some using Act 127 — an act meant to promote equity in our educational funding formula — as a scapegoat for school budgetary pressures that all districts are dealing with.

It is hard to understand how one can support the goals of equity while

GEARING UP FOR KINDERGARTEN KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION - 2024

Allen Brook School is currently registering for Kindergarten!

All students living in Williston or St. George who will be 5 before September 1, 2024, are eligible for Kindergarten at Allen Brook School this Fall.

Contact us for more information: 802.871.6200 absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org

also advocating for the undoing of Act 127. These are contradictory positions.

Let’s be clear: Act 127 was a necessary step to bridge the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots.”

In Vermont, every child is important and deserves equal educational opportunities. However, this was not being practiced in our education funding before Act 127, as wealthy towns with ample resources were better positioned to provide their children with a better education than high-poverty, rural and more diverse districts.

For example, our district, Slate Valley, has always been fiscally conservative. Our practice has been zero-based budgeting. We start each year by looking at precisely what we will need to accomplish our goals for the coming year. We budget without building in contingencies.

Year after year, we return most of our prior year surplus to our taxpayers to reduce tax rates. At this time, our Capital Reserve Account has been depleted, and we do not have any other reserve accounts. Despite this conservative approach, our budget often does not pass on the first

vote, and if it does pass it is by a very slim margin.

Act 127 addresses this challenge by offering a data-driven solution to decades of underfunding of schools in Vermont’s most diverse, rural and high-poverty communities. Based on the most recent Title I poverty rate comparison data provided by the Agency of Education, Slate Valley is ranked as having the fifth-highest student poverty in the state. There

Let’s be clear: Act 127 was a necessary step to bridge the gap between the “haves” and “havenots.” has been a sharp increase in student poverty within Slate Valley over the last six years.

Act 127 was designed to help districts like Slate Valley deal with the increased need for services for our disadvantaged students. It aligns with our constitutional commitment

to provide a high-quality education to every child in Vermont, regardless of their zip code.

Our school districts are facing unprecedented financial challenges this year. But Act 127 was not the genesis of these challenges. Instead, it emerged as a clear response to the urgent need for a more just school funding system — a funding system that, up until then, rewarded wealthier communities with better schools.

Addressing the very real and critical budgetary pressures on school districts should not include undoing progress and moving backwards on equity.

There are districts that will likely continue to pass their budgets despite large increases in tax rates, while districts like ours, who were supposed to be advantaged, may end up with less resources than we have this school year, further increasing the inequities in the public education system.

It’s imperative to acknowledge that many of the issues driving up school budgets were at play long before Act 127 went into effect. Factors such as increasing health insurance expenses, staffing shortages, unfunded legislative mandates, fasee OLSEN-FARRELL page 7

YOUR

Williston’s Community Newspaper Since 1985

www.willistonobserver.com P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 | 802-489-5499 ADVERTISING Rick Cote, Associate Publisher rick@willistonobserver.com 802-373-2136 EDITOR Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Jan Kenney jan@willistonobserver.com

ADVERTISING SPACE DEADLINE Friday at 5 p.m. for the next Thursday issue rick@willistonobserver.com, 802-373-2136 CLASSIFIED ADS Deadline is Friday 5 p.m. There is a fee for business, real estate, help wanted and legal ads. Free classifieds must be 25 words or fewer and are printed on a space available basis.

PUBLISHER Susan T. Cote susan@willistonobserver.com

SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS Deadline is Monday noon for Thursday issue. News/ story tips are welcomed. Letters to the Editor must be 300 words or fewer and should include your name, address and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the letter’s author.

BILLING INQUIRIES Michael McCaffrey office@willistonobserver.com

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

A publication of Twin Ponds Publishing LLC

MEMBER:

BANG

Burlington Area Newspaper Group

Health IS OUR Priority TREATING… • Bronchitis & Upper Respiratory Infections • Diarrhea & Vomiting • Earaches & Sore Throats • Sprains & Joint Pain • Back & Muscle Pain • Cuts & Minor Burns • Skin Conditions • Urinary Tract Infections

Open Daily

8 a m to 8

pm

62 Merchants Row, Williston www.ccmdcenters.com/locations Located between Aspen Dental and Panera Bread

February 22, 2024 •

Town Meeting continued from page 1

(H.850) is still under consideration this week in the Senate.

The legislative uncertainty has muddied the ability of voters to discern the tax impact of the school district’s budget proposal.

“This is a guess,” Champlain Valley School District Chief Operations Officer Gary Marckres said Tuesday when discussing the budget’s tax impact.

Arsenault was the lone dissenting vote on the board Tuesday as the board followed the recommendation of its finance committee and proceeded with the $106 million budget proposal it originally approved in January.

The budget carries an increase in spending of roughly $10 million over the current fiscal year.

Marckres, working under the assumption that H.850 will pass, estimates that the spending increase will result in a property tax rate increase anywhere between 19 percent and 26 percent for Williston property owners.

The new projected education tax rate would be between $2,000 and $2,110 for every $100,000 of assessed property value in Williston. The current education tax rate is $1,670 for every $100,000.

The change would result in an increase of up to $1,320 on the annual property tax bill for a home with an assessed value of $300,000 — the median assessed home value in Williston. A state property tax credit that lessens the impact of the increase is available for households with annual incomes of less than $128,000.

The $10 million in new spending includes the retention of 17 school counselors, social workers and English language learning tutors that were originally funded through federal pandemic recovery grants.

“It’s work that needs to continue, and I really hope the public will see that and support this budget,” Marckres said.

The increase also includes a pay raise for teachers of 4.75 percent, a pay raise for support staff of 6 percent and a 16 percent increase in staff health insurance costs. Despite the increased spending, the budget proposal still eliminates five teacher positions, including three at Williston’s Allen Brook School.

In voting against the budget, Arsenault said that the school board could do more to rein in spending, which is what state legislators are urging school districts to do with H.850.

“I do believe there is room to trim to show a good faith effort to our taxpayers, to reduce the tax burden and to continue to serve our students and employees the way that we want to,” Arsenault said.

In addition to the budget question, voters will also decide whether to approve borrowing up to $395,000 for the purchase of three new school buses and up to $3.5 million for a variety of school building upgrades, including a fire alarm system at Allen Brook School and new flooring at Williston Central School.

10 PERCENT FOR THE TOWN

In addition to the potential $1,320 spike in education property taxes associated with the school district budget proposal, the Town of Williston’s budget proposal carries its own — albeit small by comparison — tax increase.

Town Manager Erik Wells estimates that the $15.3 million budget would result in an increase of $120 on the annual property tax bill of a median-valued ($300,000) home. The budget proposal includes $1.37 million in increased spending (roughly 10 percent) over the current fiscal year and would result in a property tax rate of about $376 for every $100,000 of assessed property value. That is an increase of 11.5 percent over the current fiscal year.

The budget includes two new full-time positions — a human resources director and a police detective. The new positions, plus an annual salary increase for town employees of roughly 3.5 percent, contributes to a budgeted increase in overall salaries and benefits of about 15 percent. The budget also includes police equipment leases for new body cameras and tasers.

The town will ask voters for up to $700,000 in borrowing approval for an expansion of the Town Hall parking lot and up to $400,000 for the installation of a new fire suppression system at the Old Brick Church. Part of the expense for the system comes from the need to install a new water line to the building, according to Wells.

UNCONTESTED CANDIDATES

There are eight elected offices

to be filled at Town Meeting Day, and seven total candidates on the ballot. Six are incumbents seeking re-election.

Both Mike Isham and Greta D’Agostino are seeking re-election to the Selectboard; Karla Karstens and Diane Downer are seeking re-election to the Library Board of Trustees; and Lauren Koumjian is seeking re-election to the board of listers.

On the school board, incumbent Brendan McMahon is seeking re-election and first-time candidate Sarah Showalter-Feuillette is seeking election to fill the seat currently held by Josilyn Adams, who is not seeking re-election.

One seat on the Board of Listers — to finish the final year on a vacant three-year seat — does not have a candidate on the ballot, but voters can write in their choice.

Voters looking to participate in the party primaries for U.S. president can choose which of the party ballots to vote at the polls.

WATER REWORK

At the bottom of the ballot is a question from the Champlain Water District, which provides residential and commercial water in eight municipalities, including Williston. It asks for voter approval to repurpose $3.2 million in previously approved borrowed money toward new system-wide monitoring hardware and software. The project will necessitate a water rate increase, according to a district press release. More information is available at www. champlainwater.org/CivicAlerts.

Williston Observer •

Olsen-Farrell continued from page 6

cility maintenance burdens and the complexities of special education funding have continually strained the financial resources of schools.

Act 127 represents a significant step forward in building a fairer and more equitable education system in Vermont. It acknowledges the historical disparities in education funding and seeks to rectify them.

We should not move backwards on equity in an attempt to address fiscal pressures unrelated to Act 127. That is not what the Vermont I know stands for.

By keeping our focus on the best interests of our children and families, we can work together to ensure that Act 127 serves as a positive force for change in Vermont’s education landscape.

Brooke Olsen-Farrell is superintendent of the Slate Valley School District in Fair Haven, Vt.

Speak up!

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

Experience, trusted advice and local knowledge!

Call today! 448-2860 Call today! 802-448-2860

62 Merchants Row, Williston www.RRVermont.com Email: info@ rrvermont.com

62 Merchants Row, Williston

www.RRVermont.com

Page 7

Email: info@ rrvermont.com

Page 8 •

Williston Observer • February 22, 2024

A ductless heat pump absorbs heat from outside the home and pumps it inside.

Is it time to consider a heat pump? bustion heating systems.

Many homes built in the 1980s or earlier were outfitted with electric resistance baseboard heat. If your home has this type of heat, you are probably spending a lot of money to heat your home. Your home could be ideally suited for a heat pump system because the main electrical service attached to your circuit breaker box is likely adequate to support it.

However, please be sure to consult with an electrical contractor when considering installing a heat pump to confirm

NED W

pe 1 rat ed Since

O

We make finding the perfect flooring easy!

LLY O CA

Fa mily

Easy care.

Easy clean.

Easy on bare toes!

whether a service upgrade is needed. Today’s heat pumps can reduce your electricity use for heating by approximately 65 percent compared to electric resistance heating. A study

by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships found that annual savings are around 3,000 kilowatt-hours when compared to electric resistance heaters.

Air source heat pumps come in two main forms: ducted and ductless. Ducted heat pumps work with your home’s existing air handling ductwork, disperssee HEAT PUMPS page 11

5

Because they transfer heat rather than generate heat, heat pumps can efficiently provide comfortable temperatures for your home.

The most common type of heat pump is an air-source heat pump, which transfers heat between your house and outside air. When properly installed, an air-source heat pump can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. This is possible because a heat pump transfers heat, rather than converting it from a fuel like com-

98

Do you have an aging or inefficient heating system that you are thinking of replacing?

If you do, consider installing a heat pump heating and cooling system — an energy efficient alternative to both traditional gas and oil furnaces and window or central air conditioners for all climates.

To understand a heat pump, first think of your refrigerator, which is designed for cooling by extracting heat from its interior

and expelling it to the external environment while maintaining low temperatures inside. Heat pumps are more effective than refrigerators because they use electricity for both cooling and heating by transferring heat from a cool space to a warm space, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer.

During the heating season, heat pumps move heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house. During the cooling season, heat pumps move heat from your house into the outdoors.

LO

BY MELINDA SCOTT Williston Energy Planner

IMAGE COURTESY OF REWIRING AMERICA

CARPET | HARDWOOD | LAMINATE VINYL | RUGS | WINDOW TREATMENTS

800 Marshall Ave. | Williston | 862-5757 Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Sat.10 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment

www.FlooringAmerica-VT.com

February 22, 2024 •

Williston Observer •

Page 9

Environmentalists, developers ready to compromise on Act 250

BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger

Gov. Phil Scott took direct aim at two bills being discussed by the Legislature’s environment committees, calling one an “economic disaster” and saying the other would “put Vermonters in jeopardy of violating laws they don’t even know exist.”

The approach was a surprise to housing developers and environmentalists, they told VTDigger, as they are more united now than any time in recent memory after months of seeking a compromise on the direction of regulatory reform.

At a recent weekly press briefing, Scott criticized H.687, which would expand Act 250’s automatic jurisdiction to a majority of the state, and S.213, a bill that proposes setting up a new statewide program to oversee river systems in response to the summer’s flooding. He said he “won’t accept a housing bill that fails to meet the moment,” indicating that he would likely veto a bill that increases the law’s environmental protections.

But state lawmakers, developers and members of environmental groups say this legislative session holds unique potential to strike a

compromise on Act 250 reform that would satisfy both housing developers and environmentalists.

Efforts to reform Act 250 — Vermont’s sweeping land use law — have been ongoing for years.

Historically, developers have argued that Act 250 can cause expensive delays that prevent them from building housing with the speed needed for profitability or simply to meet the broadening demand. Environmentalists respond that, in fact, the law should be strengthened in certain areas to protect critical resources, such as forests, from rapidly becoming developed.

Optimism about a potential agreement stems from a working group that met throughout the summer and fall and included a wide range of stakeholders, including housing developers and environmental groups.

“The feeling coming out of those summer study committees is that this compromise is the biggest compromise we’ve seen on Act 250 at this point,” said Megan Sullivan, a lobbyist for the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The organization is pushing for the construction of more housing to help expand Vermont’s workforce.

By its conclusions, members

of the working group agreed on a framework for Act 250 reform that would relax the law in certain areas, with the goal of making it easier to build housing, and tighten it in others, which would preserve pieces of Vermont’s natural environment.

That said, the working group did not iron out all of the details. There are currently four bills circulating in various committees that propose different versions of that framework: H.687, H.719 (which Scott supports), S.308 and the “BE Home Act,” a bill in the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs that does not yet have a number. see ACT 250 page 10

A neighborhood in South Burlington.

FILE PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

815 PORTERWOOD DRIVE

5 MINUTES TO WILLISTON AND BEYOND

START THE NEW YEAR IN A NEW HOME! CALL, TEXT OR GO ONLINE FOR A FREE PRICE ANALYSIS WITH ELISE POLLI!

802-399-0134

bit.ly/meet-with-elise

Page 10

•

Williston Observer •

February 22, 2024

Act 250

continued from page 9

But the principle of give-andtake is clear.

“Facilitating the development of new housing while ensuring that we are maintaining our rural working lands and ecologically important natural resources are not mutually exclusive goals,” the group’s report reads.

The governor suggested that is not a statement with which he agrees.

“We cannot let a couple special interests and a couple committees block the progress we need to make,” he said.

When asked to name special interest groups, Scott pointed to the Vermont Natural Resources Council, an environmental nonprofit that has historically argued for strengthening Act 250.

Their mission, he said, “is to protect the environment as best they possibly can.”

“My mission is to make Vermont more affordable, create more housing and make Vermont safer,” he said. “So we have two different missions.”

Scott’s message came with props. During his remarks, he presented two large maps: one that showed dots representing Act 250 permits and the other that showed the state mostly colored red, representing the areas that would have Act 250 jurisdiction under the new bill.

The Act 250 bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Amy Sheldon, D- Middlebury, and Rep. Seth Bongartz, D-Manchester, is in the House Environment and Energy Committee, which Sheldon chairs.

Sheldon responded to Scott, noting that he “distanced himself from the environment, which was sort of heartbreaking for me.”

“I think, for a Vermont governor to say that the environment was sort of spearheaded by a special interest group — yeah, wow,” she said.

“You know, all Vermonters understand that, really, the environment is the heart and soul of who we are.”

Sheldon said she had not closely examined the maps but called them a “firebomb of fearmongering” and said that her proposed expansion is not set in stone.

She said her committee is just beginning to have a conversation

about Act 250 and that H.687, while not a housing bill, eliminates Act 250 review in downtown areas and allows towns to alter Act 250’s jurisdiction to accommodate for growth.

She referred to the working group’s consensus. The group agreed that any reform should support development in compact areas, help grow rural areas in appropriate ways, increase protections for key natural resources, make the permitting process more clear and minimize redundancies with other regulations, according to the report.

The report noted that “​​the consensus would not remain intact if any individual recommendations were removed from the package.”

Brian Shupe, executive director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council, said Sheldon’s bill would bring “a lot of land under Act 250 jurisdiction,” but that “the process is still playing out. No one has voted on that bill yet.”

Shupe said he was surprised by the governor’s characterization of his organization after its staff spent the summer working with officials from Scott’s administration “on what really became a consensus framework for Act 250 reform.”

BRIEFS Applications open for ‘Greenest Building’ awards The Vermont Green Building Network (VBGN) has opened applications for its 12th annual Vermont’s Greenest Building Awards Competition.

This statewide competition recognizes residential and commercial buildings that excel in green building strategies — including water, health, transportation and affordability — and meet the highest standard of energy performance.

Submissions are due by Friday, March 15 at 5 p.m. at www. v tg reenbuildi ng net work.org / awards.

Winners will be announced and showcased at VGBN’s annual Vermont Green Building Celebration this spring. For more information, email vermontgbn@gmail.com or call (802) 735-2192.

State wins fossil fuel ‘greenwashing’ battle Federal district court in Burlington has granted the Vermont Attorney General’s motion to return the state’s consumer protection case against Exxon and other fossil fuel producers to

state court.

Using the Vermont Consumer Protection Act, the Attorney General’s office sued Exxon and others for misrepresentations and greenwashing related to fossil fuel products. The case stalled shortly after it was filed in September 2021 due to a dispute over jurisdiction — whether it belonged in state or federal court. A remand order issued last week will allow the state’s claims to proceed to the next stage of litigation in state court.

“Vermonters deserve to know the truth about fossil fuel products as they make consumer choices,” said Attorney General Charity Clark. “This case seeks to hold accountable fossil fuel companies that misrepresented their products and hid information from the public.”

The Attorney General’s case alleges that these companies concealed and misrepresented the connection between their products and climate change, which denied Vermont consumers the opportunity to make informed and different decisions regarding fossil fuel purchases.

The state seeks to prevent the companies from engaging in further deception and to rectisee BRIEFS page 11

Comprehensive Dentistry Quality Care for Your Entire Family

Gentle, Expert Dental Care for your Beautiful Smile ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Emergencies seen promptly.

We now contract with all major dental insurances.

165 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT

802-860-3368

www.dorsetstreetdental.com

February 22, 2024 •

Heat Pumps continued from page 8

ing heated or cooled air throughout your home. Ducted heat pumps are best for replacing central air conditioning and central furnaces.

For homes without heating ducts, air-source heat pumps are available in a ductless version called a mini-split heat pump. Ductless heat pumps are mounted on walls and distribute heated or cooled air to one room or area of your home.

There are also window-unit heat pumps, which are an especially good option for renters.

Need a new air conditioner? Get a heat pump. In cooling mode, they work just like traditional ACs while using less energy. A ductless mini-split heat pump is a terrific way to get permanent cooling into a house with no ducts. High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify more effectively than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in summer months.

Thanks to their clean energy creden-

Briefs

continued from page 10

fy past deception with civil penalties. It also seeks to make the companies relinquish profit they made as a result of false advertising.

The federal court noted that Vermont’s case is in good company with cases brought by other state and local governments claiming that fossil fuel companies promoted their products while concealing their climate change impacts.

Climate Superfund Act introduced in Legislature Vermont lawmakers have introduced legislation to create a Vermont Climate Superfund Program to require fossil fuel companies to reimburse the state for a share of the environmental and infrastructure damage caused by climate change. A majority of state senators and state representatives have co-sponsored the companion bills, S.259 and H.809.

“Like many people across the state, my constituents in Barre and Montpelier and throughout Washington County were severely impacted by last year’s floods,” said Sen. Anne Watson. “The costs to clean up are enormous and well

tials, heat pump installations are eligible for rebates and tax credits. Efficiency Vermont offers rebates starting at $350 per unit, plus an additional rebate for low- to moderate-income households.

For more information, visit https://www. efficiencyvermont.com/rebates, then search for “heat pump.”

Rebates up to $8,000 for low- to moderate-income households will become available in late 2024 under the Federal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program. To find out more about these incentives, visit https:// homes.rewiringamerica.org/.

For households with significant income tax burden, a $2,000 federal tax credit is available now for installing a heat pump. Consult with a tax professional to determine whether you can benefit from this tax credit.

Efficiency Vermont can help you determine if a heat pump makes sense for your home or business, walk you through rebates and financing, and connect you with a qualified contractor. Visit https:// www.efficiencyvermont.com/ to learn more. outside of what individual Vermonters, businesses, municipalities and even the state can afford. We need to require the big oil companies that caused the climate to change to pay their fair share.”

Sen. Dick Sears of Bennington added: “If a corporation is responsible for fouling our land or water, we expect them to help pay to clean it up. The Climate Superfund Act would extend that principle to include the companies that have polluted our atmosphere and caused so much damage to Vermont’s environment and infrastructure.”

Bills similar to the Vermont Climate Superfund Act have been introduced in Maryland, Massachusetts and New York, where the legislation passed the State Senate last June and will be taken up by the General Assembly later this year.

“Vermonters have seen firsthand the consequences of human-induced climate change, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, all while the world’s most powerful corporations have profited exponentially from the sales of fossil fuels,” said Robb Kidd of the Vermont Sierra Club. “The Vermont Sierra Club firmly supports mandating that the oil industry pay for the damage that is directly attributed to their sales of oil and gas.”

www.WillistonObserver.com

Williston Observer • Page 11

Despite its name, a heat pump can be used for both heating and cooling a residence.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EFFICIENCY VERMONT

To participate in Williston’s energy future, reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at energy@ willistonvt.org or attend a public meeting held the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The agenda

for upcoming meetings is posted on the Town of Williston website at www.town.williston.vt.us. For more information about the Williston Energy Committee visit: https://www. willistonvtenergycommittee.org.

One cup of salt is enough for a driveway or sidewalk.

Visit rethinkrunoff.org to learn more…

Page 12

•

Williston Observer •

February 22, 2024

Starting plants from seeds indoors

BY MELINDA MYERS Special to the Observer

Keep your green thumb in shape this winter while getting a jump on the growing season by starting your favorite or hardto-find plants indoors. It’s fun, simpler than you think, and can help stretch your plant budget.

Start with some clean containers that you purchase, recycle or make from paper. Be sure to add drainage holes to any repurposed yogurt or similar containers you are using for starting seeds to avoid waterlogged soil. Always clean used pots by soaking them in a one-part bleach and nine-part water solution for 10 minutes then rinsing with clear water.

Fill the containers with a moist, well-drained potting mix or a sterile seed starting mix. Once the containers are filled, check the back of your seed packets for planting directions. Most packets

contain all the information you need for when and how to plant the seeds. Some seed companies now provide this information on their websites instead of the seed packets.

Most seeds are planted about twice the seed diameter deep, while smaller seeds are often set on the soil surface and gently watered in place. Once again, check the seed packet for the seeds you are growing. Plant two seeds per container just in case one of the seeds fails to sprout.

Once planted, move the containers to a warm location. Many gardeners use heating pads designed for germinating seeds to help speed sprouting. Covering the containers with a sheet of plastic or a prefabricated dome will help conserve moisture so you will need to water less often.

Check the soil moisture daily and water often enough to keep the soil evenly moist but not sog-

gy wet. Remove the plastic and move the containers to a sunny window or, better yet, under arti-

When your indoor seeds sprout greens, move them to a sunny window or under artificial lights.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

ficial lights as soon as any green appears.

Regularly rotate plants that are growing in sunny windows to promote more even growth. Adjust ar-

tificial lights as plants grow. Most seedlings benefit from keeping the lights 4-6 inches above the top of the seedlings. Leave the lights on for 14-16 hours a day. Using a timer is an easy way to make sure the plants receive the right amount of light each day.

Once the seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, it is time to do some thinning. Remove the weakest seedling in each pot so only one strong seedling remains.

Trimming the weaker seedlings back to ground level instead of pulling avoids damage to the remaining seedling.

Once seedlings have been thinned and are actively growing, use a fertilizer. Continue to water thoroughly and often enough to keep the planting mix slightly moist but not soggy wet.

Check the weather and seed packet to determine when it is safe to move your plants outdoors.

You’ll need to prepare them for

their new home outdoors with a technique called hardening off.

Start by moving the plants to a sheltered and shaded location after the danger of frost has passed.

Stop fertilizing, and check soil moisture daily and allow soil to dry just slightly before watering thoroughly.

Gradually increase the amount of sunlight the plants receive each day. Cover or move them indoors when frost is in the forecast. Your transplants are ready to move to their permanent location after a week or two.

Start gathering your supplies and seeds now, and before you know it, you will be enjoying the beautiful blooms and tasty vegetables you started from seed yourself.

Melinda Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Visit www.

MelindaMyers.com for more.

INTERESTED IN STUDYING JOURNALISM? Up to $2,000 scholarships available to high school seniors and college students pursuing a career in journalism.

It’s t ime to plant the idea…

Applications: nenpa.com Questions: students@nenpa.com Deadline: March 29, 2024

that your business can help with home improvement, yard and garden projects.

Advertise in our spring Home and Garden editions April 18, May 2 & May 16 Ads will be grouped with a special banner and editorial content.

Reach every home and business in Williston... and beyond!

Ask about our special Burlington Area Newspaper Group rates.

It’s not just wishful thinking.

Tell our readers about your products and services as they plan for spring!

When you shop for yourself, Remember the Shelf!

The Williston Community Food Shelf is seeing a large and increasing number of clients (over 300 families per month!) and

WE NEED YOUR HELP! WILLISTON COMMUNITY

Contact Rick Cote today...

Rick@WillistonObserver.com

802.373.2136 Williston

Serving our community since 1985

FOOD SHELF 400 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston • Mail Donations: PO Box 1605, Williston, VT 05495

Hours: Tu. 5-6:30 pm | Thu. 9-11 am | Sat. 9-11 am

February 22, 2024 •

Williston Observer • Page 13

Page 14

•

Williston Observer •

February 22, 2024

SPORTS

Cougars trounce Redhawks CLOCKWISE (L TO R): CVU’s Trevin Keefe gets off a shot while tangling with Mount Mansfield’s Owen Jones during the Redhawks’ loss to the Cougars Feb. 17 at the Essex Skating Facility. Calvin Malaney races down the ice, eyes on a loose puck. CVU’s Nic Menard uses Mount Mansfield’s Aidan Verdonk as a screen to get off a shot. CVU goalie Tommy Barnes gets his stick in place in time to prevent Mount Mansfield’s Alexandre Romanko from scoring a goal.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

REVERSE NERVE DAMAGE THOUSANDS OF PATIENTS ARE REVERSING

Lift your spirits Find your joy!

THEIR PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND GETTING THEIR LIFE BACK. YOU CAN TOO

Join us for a FREE seminar to see if you qualify.

Call for more information 802-878-8330

205 Cornerstone Dr Williston, VT

135 Allen Brook Lane \ 802-871-2525 WillistonHotYoga.com

Open 7 days

BEGINNERS ALWAYS WELCOME

February 22, 2024 •

Williston Observer • Page 15

Vermont’s sole Olympic ski jump offers giant leap for women

BY KEVIN O’CONNOR VTDigger Before the late Fred Harris unveiled his namesake ski jump in Brattleboro a century ago, the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame inductee shared a test run with his less publicized but more prized adviser. His sister, Evelyn.

Ever since the latter Harris tried out what’s now Vermont’s sole Olympic-size hill in 1922, women have flown off the 90-meter slope — the only one of its height in New England and just one of six of its stature in the nation — long before they were allowed in the Winter Games just a decade ago.

This Presidents Day weekend, a Harris Hill crowd of 5,500 spectators cheered athletes from six American states and three European countries at the landmark’s annual tournament. But in the field of 33 jumpers, the three female competitors were outnumbered by their male counterparts 10 to one.

“It’s pretty sad, but it’s pretty usual,” said Kai McKinnon, the sole U.S. woman alongside two international peers.

The volunteers who maintain Harris Hill, facing a tall series of hurdles, nonetheless are aiming to change that.

Although ski jumping was one of the original sports at the first Winter Olympics in 1924, the global games prohibited female flyers from competing as late as 2010.

“To be very honest, at least at the moment, very few ladies are really good in jumping,” Gian Franco Kasper, the former head of the International Ski Federation, said in 2005, adding the sport “seems not to be appropriate for ladies from a medical point of view.”

Enter Tara Geraghty-Moats, a Harris Hill alum from West Fairlee whose campaign for women’s inclusion attracted the attention of the Vermont Legislature.

“As citizens of a state that has been home to women’s ski jumping competition and home-grown ski jumpers, Vermonters can readily identify with the injustice that is being done,” lawmakers wrote in a 2009 resolution.

“The General Assembly supports the effort of women ski jumpers for athletic equity.”

Geraghty-Moats saw the Olympics finally

welcome female flyers in 2014, then went on to win the first-ever women’s World Cup event for the Nordic combined sports of jumping and cross-country skiing in 2020.

In comparison, women have competed at Harris Hill throughout its 102-year history — only to find that leaping off a launchpad 30 stories high at speeds of 60 mph to be the least of their challenges.

Take sisters Dorothy and Maxine Graves of nearby Greenfield, Mass., who were disqualified from the Brattleboro jump in 1938

Slovenian ski jumper Nejka Zupancic takes to the air over Presidents Day weekend at Brattleboro’s Harris Hill Ski Jump.

VTDIGGER PHOTO BY MICHAEL MOORE

after judges learned they were not registered with the U.S. Eastern Amateur Ski Association. Undeterred, Dorothy competed again after the event’s World War II hiatus.

“The crowd’s favorite,” the Brattleboro Reformer declared in 1946 when she finished fifth in a field of 22.

In the decades since, Harris Hill has hosted such visiting up-and-comers as Lindsey Van, who went on to become the first-ever World Ski Championships jumping gold medalist in 2009.

The venue also is nurturing its own talent through a new junior training program.

“Feels like I’m flying,” participant Maple Billings, 6, of Brattleboro said of the sport.

As for obstacles, her older brother throwing snowballs is just the start. The younger Billings is the lone girl in her age group — a fact understood by 11-year-old local jumper

PHOTOS FROM THE

Williston Observer are available for purchase!

Visit willistonobserver.com to see current and past photos of Williston events, school sports, nature shots and more!

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

Ava Joyal, who has to travel out of state to find peers in Paisley Rancourt, 13, of Lebanon, N.H., and Leila Fey, 11, of Lake Placid, N.Y. In turn, Joyal and her two friends have found inspiration in Van, who they trained with last summer, as well as McKinnon, the sole American woman to compete in Brattleboro over the weekend.

“When I was a kid,” said McKinnon, 15, of Lake Placid, “I always liked jumping off random things, so my parents thought they’d put me into something a little more productive.”

AL

McKinnon just returned from competing in the Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Slovenia, only to see herself jumping at Harris Hill alongside Slovenian athletes Lara Logar and Nejka Zupancic. The latter two, having traveled 4,000 miles for the tournament, noted that female flyers face speed bumps worldwide.

While women can now jump at the Olympics, for example, they still cannot add cross-country skiing to win a Nordic combined medal like their male counterparts.

“Guys have more competitions than we do,” Zupancic said. “And the prize money, it’s

a huge difference.”

Women receive up to 80 percent less than men at most events. Harris Hill, in contrast, uses the same tiered system to reward winners of both genders — the result of a Brattleboro ski jump organizing committee of which twothirds of the members are women, including Sandy Harris, the daughter of the venue’s late founder.

Female flyers also receive help from several male supporters. Todd Einig, who first jumped Harris Hill as a student in 1986, is now chief of competition and coach of the junior training program. Complimenting the entire field on Sunday, Einig noted that the two Slovenian women “easily out-jumped a large majority” of the men.

Then there’s Spencer Knickerbocker, the 31-year-old who gladly relinquished his longtime status as the sole local jumper upon the weekend debut of Spencer Jones, the 13-yearold Putney great-grandson of the late U.S. Sen. George Aiken.

Knickerbocker appreciates Harris Hill’s history of welcoming women. But as director of the nearby Marlboro Nordic Ski Club, he wants the sport to do more to promote equality.

“People have always said, ‘There’s just not that many women competing,’ but how do you grow something if you don’t hang that carrot out there?” Knickerbocker said. “For so long, women have heard ‘you can’t do this sport’ or ‘compete against the men.’ Everyone should have an opportunity.”

The next generation agrees. Joyal has jumped a 50-meter practice slope, while her friends Fey and Rancourt have tried a 65-meter one. The three are working their way up to the 90-meter Harris Hill, but know they need more time, more training and more support for all women in sports.

“We need more people who are going to believe in and work for us,” Rancourt said.

W I L L I S T O N

OPTOMETRY

Need an eye exam?

Call us today!

We can help you with eye glasses, sun glasses, contact lenses and all your eye care needs.

Welcoming new and returning patients.

We accept most insurances.

Thomas H Clark OD | Nicholas P Marconi OD 33 Blair Park Rd., Williston 802-862-1947 • www.willistonoptometrist.com

Page 16release • Williston • February 22, 2024 dates: Jan.Observer 27-Feb. 2, 2024

04 (24)

Next Week: Black History Month

Founded by Betty Debnam

Rhode Island: The Ocean State

It might be our smallest state, but Rhode Island is filled with history, beautiful ocean views and sandy shores. The Mini Page learns more about Rhode Island this week.

photo by PMillera4

Rhode Island is known for a variety of local seafood, such as clams, lobster, quahogs, oysters and calamari.

colony to declare independence from Britain.

It is the 43rd-most populated state, with about 1 million people.

Things it’s known for

Rhode stretches only about 48 miles from north to south and 37 miles from east to west.

Its statehood was granted on May 29, 1790, making it the 13th state to join the Union. Rhode Island is also known as “Little Rhody” and the “Ocean State.”

Its top industries are health care services, tourism, and manufacturing of boats, electronics, and ocean and information technology.

Jewelry-making has been a top industry in Rhode Island for about 200 years. Two brothers, Nehemiah and Seril Dodge, started the American jewelry-making industry.

Colony of Rhode Island

Several Algonquian Native American tribes lived in the area for centuries. In 1636, Roger Williams fled Massachusetts to seek religious freedom. His friend Anne Hutchinson fled with him and settled nearby.

Their communities joined others in the area to form the colony of Rhode Island.

It was the first colony to make it illegal to bring in slaves, in 1652. It was also the first

Mr. Potato Head was born in Pawtucket at Hasbro toy company 72 years ago, in 1952. He was the first toy to be advertised on TV. Besides the mainland, the state has 36 islands, including the largest, Rhode Island, in Narragansett Bay. The oldest surviving U.S. public lending library is the Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport, started in 1747. An athenaeum (ATH-uhNEE-um) is a place dedicated to learning. Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport Rhode, Island.

The Redwood Library and Athenaeum also contains a research center, a museum and Rhode Island’s first art gallery, established in 1875.

Today the library serves as a place for people to learn about the rich history of Rhode Island. photo by Billy Wilson Photography

Smallest state

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Try ’n’ Find

• Kingstown is the site of Gilbert Stuartʼs birthplace. He is famous for painting the portrait of George Washington shown on the $1 bill.

• The Ocean State has more than 400 miles of coastline, including around bays and islands.

The state is on Narragansett Bay, which connects to the Atlantic Ocean.

• Samuel Slater, a cotton millworker, started the first successful water-powered cotton mill in America in Pawtucket in 1793. The English refused to allow him to leave England because they didnʼt want the secrets of their machine-made cloth to get out. But he escaped to America and helped start the American Industrial Revolution.

• The U.S. Navy began in Rhode Island when the colony urged the Continental Congress to form a navy to fight British ships in 1775. The U.S. Naval War College is in Newport.

• Extreme wealth allowed many of the richest Americans in the 1800s, such as the Vanderbilts and Astors, to build mansions in Newport as their summer homes.

Resources On the Web:

• coolkidfacts.com/rhode-island-facts/ • bit.ly/MPRI23

At the library:

• “Rhode Island” by Nel Yomtov

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of Rhode Island are hidden in this puzzle.

Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ALGONQUIAN, BOATS, CLAM, COLONY, HISTORY, ISLANDS, JEWELRY, LIBRARY, LOBSTER, OCEAN, MILL, NAVY, SEAFOOD, SMALL, STATE, TOURISM, TOY.

Fast facts

Mini Fact:

photo by 401(K) 2013

Issue 04, 2024

M S U H S I T S O T R O Y R Z Y

I Z F R B C L T

R U O T N R A B B Y C M V W T O E Q L O O N K A B U R T L Q G A C E Q L S T S L I Y O T E M S C O B C S B K N S A I T A O C X G R Y Q O N L A S E W E J A V U L L L T M A P C L R A I L N O E A

Rhoda: Rhode Island has two capitals. Can you name them?

Rex: R and I!

Eco Note The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that nearly 40% of the regions it studied

Their communities joined others in the area to form the colony of Rhode Island.

It was the first colony to make it illegal to bring in slaves, in 1652. It was also the first

• bit.ly/MPRI23

Today the library serves as a place for people to learn about the rich history of Rhode Island.

At the library:

• “Rhode Island” by Nel Yomtov February 22, 2024 • Williston Observer • Page 17

The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Try ’n’ Find

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of Rhode Island are hidden in this puzzle.

Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: ALGONQUIAN, BOATS, CLAM, COLONY, HISTORY, ISLANDS, JEWELRY, LIBRARY, LOBSTER, OCEAN, MILL, NAVY, SEAFOOD, SMALL, STATE, TOURISM, TOY.

M S U H S I T S O T R O Y R Z Y S E K T

I Z F R B C L T A S

Rhoda: Rhode Island has two capitals. Can you name them?

Rex: R and I!

R U O T N R A B B Y C M V W T O E Q L O O N K A B U R T L Q G A C E Q L S T S L I Y O T E M S C O B C S B K N S A I T A O C X G R Y Q O N L A S E W E J A V U L L L T M A P C L R A I L N O E A F O O D Y N A M F B C L D N A L S I N M F M U L

Eco Note The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that nearly 40% of the regions it studied around the world now suffer from drierthan-normal conditions, threatening water resources. In a new WMO report, the U.N. agency said the more arid conditions will cause the flow rates of many rivers to be “significantly below what would normally be expected.” Also, reduced levels of soil moisture, combined with more frequent heat waves, are causing reductions in crop yields and drops of groundwater levels.

You’ll need: • 3 pita rounds • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder • butter-flavored cooking spray

What to do: 1. Cut 3 whole pita rounds into halves, then quarters, then eighths, like a pizza.

2. Separate triangles into two single pieces. You will have 48 triangular “chips.”

3. Mix seasoned salt and other spices in a small bowl.

4. Place chips in a single layer on a large cookie sheet or baking pan. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle spice mixture evenly over the chips.

5. Spray chips lightly again to make spices stick.

6. Bake in a 450-degree oven for 7 to 9 minutes until slightly brown and crispy.

7. Cool chips. Serve with salsa, soft cheese spread or other dips. Serves 8.

adapted with permission from Earthweek.com The Mini Page® © 2024 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Easy Pita Chips

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

Cook’s Corner

For later:

Look in the newspaper for articles about Rhode Island.

Teachers: Follow and

interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

Page 18

• Williston Observer • February 22, 2024

SAVVY SENIOR Easy-to-use dental care products for seniors

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, I have arthritis and hand tremors that affect my grip strength and make brushing my teeth difficult. I’ve read that electric toothbrushes can help make the job easier. Can you make any recommendations for seniors?

Arthritic Alice

Dear Alice, For seniors who suffer from arthritis or have other hand weaknesses or tremors, an electric toothbrush is often turned to for keeping your teeth clean. At the push of a button, an electric toothbrush will do everything but shake, rattle and roll to do the cleaning for you. Most come with a wide, slightly weighted handle and rubberized grip that make them easier and more comfortable to hold on to.

HOW TO CHOOSE

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.

ELMWOOD-MEUNIER FUNERAL & CREMATION CENTER

Burlington - (802) 864-5682 | Elmwoodmeunier.net Serving all faiths & cultures since 1927

With dozens of different electric toothbrushes on the market today, here are several points to consider to help you choose: Cost: The cost of electric toothbrushes will range from $10 for a model with replaceable AA batteries to more than $200 for some models with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, multiple brushing modes, smartphone integrations, and other features. How much are you willing to spend?

Brushing action: Brush heads tend to be either “spinning” (they rotate very fast in one direction, then the other, and bristles may pulsate in and out) or “sonic” (they vibrate side to side). Both methods are effective and a matter of personal preference.

Electric versus battery: Choose a brush with a built-in rechargeable battery and an electric charging station. They’re much more convenient and cost effective than toothbrushes that use replaceable batteries.

Brushing timer: Since most dentists recommend brushing for two minutes (most adults average about 45 seconds), get an electric toothbrush with a built-in brushing timer. Most have them. Some brushes will even split the two minutes into 30-second intervals and will notify you when it’s time to switch to a different quadrant of your mouth.

Extra features: Most higher-priced electric brushes come with extra features like cleaning modes, pressure sensors, a charge-level display and more.

There are even “smart” toothbrushes that connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to track brushing habits. What extra features do you want?

BEST ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES

According to Consumer Reports — an independent, nonprofit product testing and research organization — the top electric toothbrushes for 2024 are: Oral-B iO 7 Series ($150); Oral B Genius X 10000 ($200); Bruush Electric Toothbrushes ($95); and the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 ($120). The top-rated lowcost electric toothbrush is the Brightline 86700 ($30).

The New York Times Wirecutter, another popular product reviewing service, rates the Oral-B Pro 1000 ($40) as the best electric toothbrush, followed by the Philips Sonicare 4100 ($40).

EASIER FLOSSING TOOLS

If flossing has become chal-

lenging too, a good alternative to traditional string floss are floss picks. These are disposable plastic-handle tools that have floss threaded onto them, which makes them easier to hold and use. DenTek, Oral-B and others sell packages for a few dollars. Or check out the Listerine UltraClean Access Flosser, which comes with a toothbrush-like handle for a better reach.

Some other flossing products to consider that are easy on the hands are the WaterPik Power Flosser ($15), which gently vibrates to dislodge embedded food particles between your teeth. Or consider a water flosser, which use high-pressured, pulsating water to remove food particles and plaque and stimulate your gums in the process.

WaterPik offers a variety of water flossing products at prices ranging between $40 and $140, as does Oral Breeze, which offers the Shower Breeze and Quick Breeze water flossers (around $40) that connect directly to your faucet or shower head.

All of these dental care products can also be found at your local pharmacy or retailer that sells personal care items, or online.

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.

February 22, 2024 •

Williston Observer •

Page 19

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 21

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1819, Spain signed the Adams-Onis Treaty, ceding Florida to the United States and redefining the boundary between U.S. and Spanish territories from Louisiana to the Pacific Ocean.

• In 1935, new regulations outlawed aircraft flight over the White House.

• In 1980, the U.S. Olympic hockey team upset the Soviet Union 4-3 in Lake Placid, New York, a victory popularly known as the “Miracle on Ice.” • In 1993, the U.N. Security Council approved the creation of a war crimes tribunal to address atrocities committed during the former Yugoslavia’s civil war.

TODAY’S FACT:

• Frederic Chopin was considered a musical prodigy in childhood. By age 7 he had composed two simple marches.

SUDOKU • SOLUTION ON PAGE 21

We’re proud of our smiles!

We believe that our state-of-the-art, impeccable skills; cheerful, approachable attitudes and ability to handle all your dental needs under one roof means a visit with us will always leave you with a beautiful smile.

75 Talcott Rd., Ste 20, Williston • 802- 662-5966 • DRGOOSEVT.COM

• Comprehensive Dental Care • Implant Placement & Restoration • Crowns, Partials, Dentures

• Whitening, Veneers • Clear Braces • TMD, Sleep Apnea & 3D Imaging • Smile Design & Restoration

Page 20

• Williston Observer • February 22, 2024 THERAPY DOG ACADEMY

ICE RINK AT VILLAGE COMMUNITY PARK

The ice rink at Village Community Park is open. The entrance to the rink, by the warming hut, will be open when the rink is safe to use, and closed off by fencing when the rink is unsafe, or ice is being made. Openings and closings of the rink will be posted at www.willistonrec.org.

Please respect the rink; be careful of the liner, boards and brackets so they can be reused each year. Share in the use. No one group has priority or allocated time. All are welcome.

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer camp registration is now open for Williston residents. A Summer Camp Guide was mailed to homes the week of Feb. 5 with day camps and enrichment camps listed, as well as registration information.

Camp information is also available at www.willistonrec.org.

SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE

The Spring/Summer Program Guide will be mailed home mid-February and will have programs for March through August. There will be programs for active agers (50-plus), adults, preschoolers, youth and teens.

ADULT PROGRAMS SENIOR STRENGTH AND FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY

Age 50-plus. Grab your weights and a water bottle and join this fitness program just for seniors. The program will concentrate on developing upper and lower body strength as well as improving balance and strengthening your core. In this de-

mentia-friendly class, participants are encouraged to work within their abilities while socializing and having fun.

The program meets Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:45-10:45 a.m. Cost is $5 per visit, payable when you attend class. The program is held at The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane. Optional equipment to bring with you: hand/ankle weights, bands/tubing, mat, ball. Chairs will be available to all participants.

JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT

Jazzercise is for every body.

Dance, sweat and say hello to your favorite workout with easy-to-follow dance aerobic moves, strength training and flexibility. Programs are low impact with different levels of intensity. Instructors will show you options to take it high or low with lots of energy. Use of a chair is optional. This program is geared toward adults 50-plus but open to everyone looking for a low-impact workout to start your physical wellness journey.

There are two different programs offered: • Cardio Sculpt Low, (low impact, low-to-moderate intensity): Classes offered year round, Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

• Cardio Sculpt High, (low impact, moderate-to-high intensity): Classes offered year round, Tuesdays 4:45-5:45 p.m.

Purchase one of three class pass options and start any time: single class, good for one month; 5 class pass, good for two months; 10 class pass, good for three months. Bring clean indoor sneakers to change into, light hand-held weights and water.

Age 18-plus. This six-week course gives dogs and handlers the necessary skills for not only passing the test, but also for working successfully as a therapy dog team. The course is taught by Deb Helfrich, who has been a therapy dog handler since the mid-1990s, has had six therapy dog partners over the years, and has directed a large therapy dog certification and training program since 2005. The program starts in March.

WOMEN’S PICKUP BASKETBALL

Age 19-plus. Come out and play, stay fit and meet new people. The program is for the not-so-serious player who is looking to play, get exercise and have fun.

YOUTH PROGRAMS YOUTH LACROSSE

Registration is open for youth lacrosse — a fast-paced sport that combines the power of football and hockey and the endurance of soccer and basketball. The KinderRec program is coed and is a child/parent program for ages 5-6. The Grade 1-8 program offers separate boys and girls teams.

Volunteer coaches are needed in these programs.

NINJA SCIENCE CAMP

This camp combines all the martial arts, tumbling and parkour that your kids love with environmental science education. There will be lots of technique-oriented Karate, playing martial arts games, breaking boards, sword fighting and delving deeper into meditation and the moral and ethical precepts of the martial arts.

We’ll also be talking about ants, space and animal tracking. We help girls and boys realize their full potential in an environment that is playful, supportive and fun. Instructor: ONTA Studio

Feb. 3 at 3:48 a.m. — Report of a female in the roadway who appears confused. No female was located when officers arrived on scene.

Feb. 3 at 11:35 p.m. — Following a motor vehicle stop, a female was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Feb. 4 at 12:04 a.m. — Following a motor vehicle stop, a male was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Feb. 4 at 11:22 a.m. — Report of a female unconscious in a vehicle on Wright Avenue.

Female was alert when officers arrived. She has an active arrest warrant and was transported to the correctional facility.

Feb. 5 at 4:07 p.m. — Report of a panhandler acting erratic.

Female was moved along.

Feb. 6 at 9:49 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Old Navy.

Female suspects were gone before officer’s arrival.

Feb. 6 at 12:17 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Plato’s Closet. Female suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Feb. 6 at 3:03 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart.

Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Feb. 7 at 3:51 p.m. — Report of a male and female unconscious in a vehicle at Walmart.

Upon officer’s arrival, both

parties were conscious.

Feb. 7 at 8:06 p.m. — Report of a runaway juvenile. Juvenile was located later that evening and transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Feb. 8 at 9:08 a.m. — Sonesta looking for assistance with trespassing people. One male had an active arrest warrant and was transported to court.

Other parties were issued notice of trespasses.

Feb. 8 at 1:04 p.m. — Report of a Cintas van stolen. Van was recovered in Hinesburg.

Feb. 8 at 7:07 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls.

Male was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Feb. 9 at 6:06 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Ulta Beauty.

Case is still under investigation.

Feb. 9 at 11:26 p.m. — Following a motor vehicle stop, male was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Feb. 10 at 4:05 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls.

Male was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

Feb. 11 at 10:44 a.m. — Assisted with removing a female out of the middle of the road.

Female eventually moved and issue was resolved.

Officers also conducted 62 traffic stops and responded to six alarm activations and 10 motor vehicle crashes during this time frame.

Find the Observer...

in racks at these locations in Williston, Richmond and Essex Williston Adams Farm Market Belle’s Café Chef’s Corner Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Fairfield Inn Gardener’s Supply Green Mountain Bagel Hannaford Healthy Living Williston Home2Suites

Island Homemade Ice Cream Korner Kwik Stop Marriott Courtyard Men At Wok M&T Bank Ramunto’s Rehab Gym Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd) Simon’s Mobil Williston Simply Divine Café

Williston

Sonesta Mac’s Market Sunoco Station Martone’s Deli Town of Williston Offices Price Chopper UPS Store Quality Bake Shop Vermont Meat & SeaRiver Road Beverage food Richmond Williston Coffee Shop Cumberland Farms Essex Junction Richmond Free Library Essex Automotive Richmond Market Five Corner Variety Richmond Mobil Mart Hannaford If you would like copies Inn at Essex fo

r your locati on call Rick Cote at (802) 373-2136 or email Rick@Willisto nObserver.co m

February 22, 2024 •

OBITUARIES Marilyn Joyce Vincent Marilyn Joyce Vincent passed away peacefully following an injury at the age of 92.

Marilyn was born on July 23, 1931 to Maxwell and Mary Booth in Newport, VT. She was predeceased by husband, Robert Vincent in December of 2023.

He was the love her life since high school. They had been married for 73 years.

Survivors include her daughter, Lynn Reynolds and husband, George of Essex; daughter-inlaw, Pam Vincent of Canandaigua, NY; brother John Booth and his wife, Carol of Essex Junction. She leaves her grandchildren, Danny McCaffrey and Michael of Essex; Eric Palmer and Lisa of Waitsfield; Jeffrey Vincent and Sydney of Bauxite Arkansas; and Jeanne Canough and Jonny of Canandaigua NY; Darron Reynolds of Arlington, TX; and Heather Crowley and Matthew of Vergennes. She also leaves great-grandchildren, Daniel, Avery, Jacob, Macey, Issac, Ila, Falon, Clara, Mason J., Mason R., Carson, Alexander, Cooper, and another grandson on the way. She also leaves her niece, Ellen Booth and Joyce of Essex Junction, and her neph-

ew, John Booth and Kirsten and great niece, Amelia.

She was predeceased by her

parents and son-in-law, Daniel Palmer.

Marilyn graduated from Essex Junction High School and worked for the Howard Bank and McAuliffe’s Office Products. She started a kindergarten in her home in Essex Junction because there wasn’t public kindergarten in the school system.

She taught many children and they stayed in her heart forever and for her 90th birthday she had many responses from her former students. After her mother passed away, Marilyn moved back to Essex Junction and coowned the Mary Booth Yarn

Shop with her sister-in-law Carol and together with Bob’s assistance, kept an iconic tradition running smoothly for knitters of all ages for many years.

Marilyn was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over 50 years, since she lived on Brooks Avenue in Essex Junction.

Marilyn and Bob loved the camping, starting with a tent, moving up to a pop-up camper, then onto a self- contained and then finally a motor home.

They camped with their family and introduced it to their grandchildren. They traveled near and far and loved all the friends they met along the way.

Marilyn enjoyed learning to play the organ with Keys to Fun. She made many new friends and took lessons and played daily and enjoyed the challenge of mastering each organ.

The family wishes to acknowledge UVMMC and St. Albans Rehabilitation for their care of Mom and our family during this very difficult time.

We also express our thanks to everyone at Williston Place and Mansfield Place for their excellent friendships and care for Marilyn and Bob.

Williston Observer • Page 21

CROSSWORD SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 19

SUDOKU SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 19

Loren Wilfred Dubois Loren Wilfred Dubois passed away on Feb. 12 at the age of 83 after a long battle of lung and heart disease. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara B. Dubois.

Born in Colchester, VT Oct. 5, 1940, he grew up in Burlington, and graduated from Burlington High School in 1958. He then entered the Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve as a Jet Engine Mechanic. He then went to work for IBM and attended the University of Connecticut.

Loren and Barbara first met in Poughkeepsie, NY through his Aunt Lyn Beliveau in 1959.

She claimed the title of “match maker” stating to Loren “this is your future bride”. Loren and Barb were married in Wappingers Falls, NY in 1963. This May 4th, they would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.

Having worked at IBM for

30 years, he held the positions of Equipment Engineer/Design-

er in Fishkill, NY. He transferred to the Burlington facility in 1977 and retired as Staff Mechanical Engineer in 1994. After retiring from IBM, he then worked as a Lab Engineer at Triosyn Corp. Williston.

Loren was the ultimate “fixer”. His passion for mechanics and engineering was the drive

for him to putter around and fix anything. His other passion was golf which f lourished after moving to The Villages in 2006.

He leaves behind his daughter Elizabeth Maille and husband Matthew Boudette of Williston; daughter Michele Parry and husband Jeffrey Parry of The Villages FL; and son Craig Dubois and his wife Lori Lavallee of Milton. He also leaves behind his beloved four grandchildren, Kendra and Jordan Maille of Williston; Alexandra and Morgan St. Germain of Lady Lake, FL and his precious great grandchild, 15-month-old Phoenix Lee St. Germain.

He also leaves behind very special brothers and sisters-inlaw as well as many nieces and nephews.

There was a private family viewing Feb. 17.

In print and online:

we’re your neighbors, committed to keeping you informed on what’s going on in Williston.

Page 22

• Williston Observer • February 22, 2024

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL

associated site work for the existing ±7,080 SF building at 99 Engineers Dr. in the IZDW.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Project details and site plans are available on the website, town.williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA

Town Hall Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656

OF WILL

ON IST

TOWN

DP 24-15 Pre-App Ken Pidgeon requests pre-app review of the proposed ±2,855 SF addition and

1763

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA

OFFICIAL TOWN WARNING TOWN OF WILLISTON MARCH 4 & 5, 2024

Please note the starting time Town Meeting Activities (March 4, 2024) 7:00 PM Official Town Meeting Following Official Meeting: - Town Australian Ballot Articles Public Information Hearing - School Budget Presentation

The legal voters of the Town of Williston are hereby warned and notified to meet at the Williston Central School Auditorium in Williston, Vermont at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 4, 2024, for the Annual Town Meeting. Following the meeting, the Articles to be voted by Australian ballot will be reviewed during a public information hearing and there will be an opportunity for questions and comments.

Article 1:

To elect a Moderator

Article 2:

Shall the voters authorize that current taxes be paid to the Town Treasurer in three equal installments with due dates of August 15, November 15 and February 15 as authorized by 32 V.S.A. § 4871?

Article 3:

Shall the voters of the Town of Williston accept the reports of the Town Officials as presented in the Town Report?

Article 4:

To transact any other business to be brought before said meeting.

The legal voters of the Town of Williston are hereby warned and notified to meet on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Vermont Army National Guard Armory located at 7846 Williston Road beginning at 7:00 AM, at which time the polls will open, until 7:00 PM, at which time the polls will close, to vote by Australian ballot upon the following articles: Article 5:

Shall the voters authorize General Fund Expenditures of $15,353,518 of which $8,080,011 shall be raised by taxes, for the year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025?

Article 6:

Shall the voters authorize the construction of an expansion of the Town Hall parking lot by approximately 6,400 square feet and the issuance of general obligation bonds of the Town in an amount not to exceed Seven Hundred Thousand, and 00/100 Dollars ($700,000.00), subject to reduction by grants in aid and other state and federal funds then available to the Town, to pay the capital costs and related other costs of the project?

Article 7:

Shall the voters authorize the construction and installation of a fire suppression system within the Old Brick Church at an estimated total project cost of Four Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($400,000.00) and the issuance of general obligation bonds of the Town in an amount not to exceed Four Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($400,000.00), subject to reduction by grants in aid and other state and federal funds then available to the Town, to pay the capital costs and related other costs of the project?

Article 8:

Shall the voters elect to the Selectboard one member for a term of two years beginning March, 2024?

Article 9:

Shall the voters elect to the Selectboard one member for a term of three years beginning March, 2024?

Article 10:

Shall the voters elect to the Board of Listers one member for a term of three years beginning March, 2024?

Article 11:

Shall the voters elect to the Board of Listers one member to fill an unexpired term of three years that began March, 2022?

Article 12:

Shall the voters elect to the Library Board of Trustees two members for a term of five years beginning March, 2024?

Article 13:

Shall the voters elect to the Champlain Valley School District Board two directors for a term of three years beginning March, 2024?

HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE: There is no deadline to register to vote. You will be able to register to vote on the day of the election. You can register prior by visiting the town clerk’s office or going online to www.olvr.vermont.gov REQUEST EARLY or ABSENTEE BALLOTS: You or a family member can request early or absentee ballots at any time during the year of the election in person, in writing, by telephone, email, or online at www.mvp.vermont.gov Dated this 23rd day of January 2024 Williston Selectboard

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 – 7:00 PM Town Hall Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656 Public Forum Public Hearing DP 20-15.1 Kevin Mazuzan requests discretionary permit review of a proposed amendment to the conditions of DP 20-15, a 2-lot subdivision at 1120 Butternut Road in the Agricultural/Rural Zoning District (ARZD).

DP 24-16 Pre-App Yasmin Tayeby requests preapplication review of a proposed 2-lot subdivision to create (1) 2.58-acre parcel for the existing dwelling and (1) 1.2-acre parcel for a proposed residential dwelling at 2255 Mountain View Road in the Residential Zoning District (RZD).

DP 24-11 Patrick O’Brien requests discretionary permit review of the proposed ±80,600 SF commercial ministorage facility at 269 Shunpike Road in the Industrial Zoning District West (IZDW).

DP 23-13 Leo & Mona Boutin request discretionary permit review of the proposed 3-lot subdivision to create (1) 29.5-acre parcel for protected open space, (1) 7.5-acre parcel for the existing home at 1607 Old Creamery Road, (1) 2.3-acre parcel for the existing home at 1513 Old Creamery Road in the Agricultural/ Rural Zoning District (ARZD).

Communication, Final Plans and Other Business Minutes of February 27, 2024 Adjourn Project details and site plans are available on the website, town.williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org

LEGAL

Notice of Request for Statements of Qualifications for Engineering Services Feb 15, 2024 NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES St. George Community Co-op seeks Statements of Qualifications from qualified engineering firms detailing the firms’ qualifications, technical expertise, management and staffing capabilities, references, and related prior experience with redeveloping water, wastewater, road, and electrical infrastructure in manufactured home parks. The Co-op is seeking professional engineering services to perform the following types of activities: Review work and engineering assessments performed to date; see CLASSIFIEDS page 23

ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES & ELECTRONICS

Phase 1 & 2

Over 1000 Online Lots Closing:

(1560) Phase 1: Tuesday, February 27 @ 10AM (1561) Phase 2: Wednesday, March 13 @ 10AM Location: 131 Dorset Lane, Williston, VT

*PREVIEW: MONDAY FEB. 26 FROM 11AM-1PM*

Highlights include: Vintage Signed Art, Postcards, Jewelry, Furniture, Tools, Matchbox / Hot Wheels, Comic Books, Le Creuset, Lodge Cast Iron Skillets, Pyrex, Audio Gear, Vintage Advertising, Sports Memorabilia, Vintage Cameras, Rare Pewter Tea Pots, Silver, Brass, Antique Coins, Beatles Collectibles, Vintage RayBan Sunglasses, 106 lbs of Lego Bricks, Porcelain Figures, Glass, Clocks, 1966 Barbies, and MUCH MORE!

THCAuction.com  800-634-SOLD

erver

February 22, 2024 •

Williston Observer • Page 23

CLASSIFIEDS Classifieds

continued from page 22 provide an SRF-compliant Preliminary Engineering Report; assist the project development consultant with accessing the State’s Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan program processes; explore a range of alternative solutions for water, wastewater, stormwater

infrastructure redevelopment, including managing conversations with the Town of St. George; work with the Co-op board and project development consultant under an EJDCD, as required, for all infrastructure planning, design, permitting, and construction in an accelerated and efficient manner; additional scopes as needed.

Procurement of said services will be in accordance with 40 U.S.C. § 1101-

1104. Qualified entities interested in being considered must submit 1 copy of: (1) letter of interest; (2) statement of qualifications and experience of staff persons to be involved with the project; (3) references; and (4) related prior experience. Submit the requested information to Liz Curry at lcurry@ commonlandsolutions.com no later than 5:00 on March 8, 2024 to receive consideration.

The proposed project(s) may be undertaken with a variety of Federal and state funds, including VT SRF, EPA, and HUD, and all work will be performed in accordance with the applicable regulations issued by such agencies and the State of Vermont. SGCC shall evaluate statements of qualifications, performance data and other material submitted by interested firms and select a minimum of three firms which are deemed best qualified to perform the desired services. Interviews

with each firm selected shall be conducted, which may include discussions regarding anticipated concepts and proposed methods of approach. SGCC shall rank, in order of preference, these three professional firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to provide the services required, and shall commence scope of services and price negotiations with the highest qualified professional firm for engineering services. SGCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SERVICE DIRECTORY PAINTING - INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

TONY BRICE PAINTING, LLC FAIR • DEPENDABLE • RELIABLE Free Estimates BIG SAVINGS on February painting!

LANDSCAPING/STONEWORK Complete Landscape Overhauls Design, construction and installation

Expert Stonework: Walls, Walkways, Patios, Driveways Mini-Excavator Work, Invasive Plant Removal

Scheduling now for 2024.

Call today to reserve your spot!

Covering Your Life’s Journey 802-862-1600

Schedule NOW for Spring Exterior Painting

0

INSURANCE

Fully Insured 30+ years experience

802.777.8771

www.kingfishvt.com

BASEMENT SYSTEMS

WINDOW & DOOR INSTALLATIONS

Email: info@turnbaughinsurance.com 188 Allen Brook Lane, Suite 1, Williston turnbaughinsurance.com/contact

CREDIT CARD PROCESSING

JJC Home Improvements

<:;

• Basement Waterproofing • Crawl Space Repair • Sump Pump Systems • Foundation Repair • Spray Foam Insulating • Egress Windows

Small to medium renovations.

Window & door installations, finish carpentry, porch and siding repairs.

Matt Clark's

0/week $936

Northern ..Dasemenll®

Responsible Waterproofing® ���

-� ��--iilllo...

l-�n�fu!?n!!Ym":Js�!:.l, E BUILDING SERVICES

JJC Custom Contracting Joseph Corrigan: 802-696-9811 Email: JJCContracting@gmail.com www.jjccontracting.wordpress.com PO Box 1695 | Williston, VT

FLOORING

BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC Remodeling & Additions

ALL TYPES OF SIDING Vinyl/Wood/Composite

Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches

Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages

HUGE

Flooring Inventory — IN STOCK —

HARDWOOD • LUXURY VINYL LAMINATES • CARPET • CARPET TILE TILE • FLOORING SUPPLIES

ANTIQUES

ANTIQUES WANTED Decluttering? Downsizing?

We can help you discover, learn about and sell: WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK

802-453-4340 CALL US!

96 Commerce Street | Williston | www.floortraderwilliston.com | (802) 204-1080

Brian Bittner • 802-489-5210 • info@bittnerantiques.com Showroom at 2997 Shelburne Rd • Shelburne Open Wed-Fri, with walk-ins to sell every Thursday. www.bittnerantiques.com

LANDSCAPING & STONEWORK

LAND MAINTENANCE

ANTIQUES ANTIQUE SHOP

Monkton, VT

beaglebuilders@gmavt.net

Morning Dew

Landscaping, LLC

landscaping & stonework

COMPREHENSIVE LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION Patios • Walkways • Stonewalls • Firepits Driveways • Plantings • Water Features • Sitework CALL TODAY!

20 years in business. Fully insured. www.morningdewlandscape.com • 802-760-7577

Forestry Mulching Services for private and commercial projects Driveways, Ponds, Land Clearing, Trails, Farms, Ski Areas, Natural Disaster Recovery, Logging Cleanup, Invasive Vegetation, Excavation

Visit Visitour ourwebsite websitefor formore more information: information www.vtlandmaintenance@gmail.com www.vtlandmaintenance.com Brian Washburn Email: vtlandmaintenance@gmail.com 802-434-4533 • 802-373-1755 (cell) Brian Washburn: 802-434-5533 • 802-373-1755 (cell)

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

802.878.6167 802.878.6167 802.878.6167

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

Page 24 •

Williston Observer •

February 22, 2024

3 New Destinations in Florida!

Service to Tampa (TPA) began January 31 and flights to Orlando (MCO) will begin February 14. NEW Breeze-Thru service through Raleigh, NC to Jacksonville (JAX) will start this May on Breeze Airways. learn more at

flybtv.com