With the new fiscal year beginning July 1, projections underpinning town and school budget votes in the spring have become etched in stone, or at least etched on the property tax bills that will be mailed from Town Hall next week.
Voters went to the polls in April and May for second votes on the Town of Williston and Champlain Valley School District fiscal year 2025 budget proposals, passing a $15 million budget and $102 million budget, respectively. This after larger budget proposals were
rejected at Town Meeting Day in March.
Town administrators estimated that the approved municipal budget, with its 7.6 percent spending increase over the previous fiscal year, would increase the municipal tax rate from $336 for every $100,000 of assessed property value to $356 — a 6 percent increase.
School administrators estimated the approved school budget, with its 6 percent increase in spending, would increase the school property tax rate by 14 percent, from $1,670 per $100,000 of assessed property value to $1,920.
see TAX page 9
Sustainability petition calls for new housing regulations
BY INDIRA BUSH
Special to the Observer
Growth and expansion are not new to Williston, but some residents are requesting that sustainability efforts increase as well.
The local grassroots group Sustainable Williston is taking action.
The group created a petition that outlines new standards for heating and energy use in new Williston developments. The petition requests that “all new large scale housing builds must use no fuels that emit greenhouse gasses.” The petition specifies that this includes fossil fuels, renewable natural gas and biomass. Additionally, it requests that all new
builds meet stronger energy conservation standards. The group hopes that these new standards will be written into the town bylaws quickly — ideally before the new Town Plan is adopted in 2025.
“What can we do now to avoid regrets about what we could have done but didn’t in years to come?” asks the petition. The group explains that new houses will be in use for decades to come, so not making these proposed changes would be “shortsighted and expensive to correct.”
The petition was first brought to the Planning Commission on May 7. It was then sent to the Energy Committee for consideration
see HOUSING page 9
On Thursday, the Williston community gathered together in the Village to celebrate Independence Day. The morning parade was a highlight with Susan and Tony Lamb, above left, leading the way as parade Grand Marshals. The celebration culminated with an evening fireworks display, above right. Below, Williston Boy Scouts present the nation’s and state’s colors during the parade through the Village. For more scenes from the event, see our Independence Day Scrapbook on Pages 2-5.
LEFT: Williston’s softball squad waves to the crowd as it heads down Williston Road during the July Fourth parade. ABOVE: Purple fireworks light
LEFT:
BOTTOM:
See more Independence Day photos at willistonobserver.com.
ABOVE: Terry Macaig and his greatgrandson await the July Fourth parade alongside Williston Road on Thursday.
Local agriculture is represented at the parade.
BELOW LEFT: The Sue Pasco Memorial Williston Lawn Chair March and Drill team is always a parade favorite.
The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club parade float makes its way down the parade route.
OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
Deb Becket Memorial 5K results Saturday, July 6
Village Community Park
AGES 12 AND UNDER - MALE
Daniel Kernoff, 29:06
Jack Laplante, 31:25
AGES 12 AND UNDER - FEMALE
Daniella D’Agostino, 31:25
AGES 13-19 - MALE
Avery Howe, 21:28
Luca D’Agostino, 21:46
Alex Young-Springer, 24:43
AGES 13-19 – FEMALE
Meredith Christ, 28:25
AGES 20-39 – MALE
Nick Gigliotti, 25:02
Thomas Stevens, 25:21
William Griffin, 28:37
AGES 20-39, FEMALE
Jazmyn Silvester-Cross, 20:08
Kathryn Lane, 22:36
Kristen Yen, 29:16
AGES 40-59, MALE
Ross Tremblay, 19:00
Tim Richmond, 19:42
Christopher Orti, 20:46
AGES 40-59, FEMALE
Jennifer Niles, 24:51
Lauren Miles, 25:21
Jamie Pittman, 26:33
AGES 60-PLUS, MALE
Ben Rose, 23:37
Jeff Mercure, 25:52
Jack Smit, 27:41
AGES 60-PLUS, FEMALE
Melissa Wolaver, 32:56
Evelyn Sikorski, 34:36
Ann Laramee, 35:59
Jack Laplant, right, and his mother Ellen Laplant, center, begin their run at Williston’s Deb Beckett Memorial 5K on Saturday at Village Community Park.
OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY
TOP: Walkers participating in the Deb Beckett Memorial 5K start out on Saturday morning at Village Community Park. LEFT: Ross Tremblay was the first male finisher in the 5K with a time of 19 minutes. ABOVE: Sean and Ellie Beckett, children of Deb Beckett, for whom the race is named, pose after finishing the race.
OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A sizable crowd makes selections from the hundreds of books for sale at the Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library’s annual book sale fundraiser last Wednesday in the Williston Central School gym; The Miles family sorts through some choices at the book sale; Dave Horn sings “A Teddy Bear’s Picnic” at the Williston Town Band concert, directed by Jane Lambert; Spectators gather for the Williston Town Band concert and ice cream social.
GUEST COLUMN
Not powerless to rising health care costs, taxes
BY DOUG HOFFER
The 2024 Legislative session started and finished the same way — with universal concern about significant looming educational tax increases. Original estimates indicated average property tax bills could rise 18.5 percent for the upcoming year. In the end, using one-time stop-gap funding that defers the financial reckoning to future years, the actual increase was lowered to a still-significant 13.8 percent.
A primary driver of rising education costs (and the taxes that pay for them)? Teacher health care costs. Just this year, they’re estimated to grow a staggering 16 percent. It doesn’t need to be like this.
In 2021, my office recommended to the governor and the Legislature a strategy used by other states called “reference-based pricing” that would lower these costs, and could be applied to both teacher health care and state employee health care. Unfortunately, until this year, even efforts to study this
approach have been denied. Three years later, the opportunity for savings are even larger, and the costs to Vermont taxpayers of policymakers’ inaction mount by the tens of millions of dollars.
You may be wondering how much teacher health care costs are to begin with. According to the Vermont Education Health Initiative, through which most teachers receive their health benefit, the plan’s costs grew from $194 million in fiscal year 2010 to approximately $266 million in fiscal year 2023. The fiscal year 2024 costs are expected to exceed $300 million, and that does not include the state’s share of most retired teachers’ health benefits.
State employee health care faces the same pressures. Total spending for the Vermont state employee health plan has, with the exception of a Covid-related dip in 2020, risen consistently and dramatically since 2010. In 2023 it jumped by the highest single year amount ever to $196.6 million. The cost of the
We do not have to sit by and let health care cost increases raise taxes and strain public education and state budgets.
state employee plan has now grown by 109 percent since 2010, while the number of covered people has grown just 19 percent in the same time period. These figures do not include prescription drug costs, which rose from $22.9 million in 2010 to $59.2 million in 2023.
Must these price increases eat into public education and services, or result in large tax increases? The short answer is no.
Our 2021 report projected
that reference-based pricing could save as much as $16.3 million each year just for the state employee health plan. Given its larger size and costs, even larger annual savings would be possible in teacher health care.
How would reference-based pricing work? In the simplest terms, reference-based pricing establishes a fair price for a particular medical service, and then pays only that amount (or a fixed percentage of it) to any provider performing the services for people on the health plan. In other words, it sets a maximum price for which the plan will pay for a service rather than merely paying the byzantine prices negotiated by insurance companies and hospitals regardless of whether they are excessive.
What’s the problem reference-based pricing solves?
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Both the state employee and teacher health care plans pay a wide range of prices for the exact same procedures to the state’s hospitals. For example, we found that the difference between the highest-priced provider for a CT scan received 5.8 times more than the lowest-priced provider.
The state is self-insured, which means that it pays a la carte for every medical service utilized by a state employee. When a state employee unknowingly chooses a relatively high-priced provider, the taxpayer funded plan pays the high price; when the same employee chooses a lower-priced provider, the plan saves money.
Have any other states adopted reference-based pricing and, if so, has it worked? Yes, and a
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
No spark for e-buses
Williston was recently given a ton of money to subsidize the purchase of electric school buses (“School district gets federal funding to electrify bus fleet” June 27). To utilize these funds, we will need to spend a ton of money. As a Williston taxpayer, I’m not in favor of that.
No matter what we have been told, electric buses are considerably more expensive to purchase, and less reliable to operate, than are internal combustion engine busses. Spare parts for such busses are difficult if not impossible to acquire.
The Town of Jackson, Wyo., purchased eight electric busses with generous federal subsidies and all eight failed before their first winter was over. Their performance, even when brand new, was not often sufficient to last a full day, and they needed to be recharged mid-day or they would run out of battery power.
Our winter climate here is much the same as Jackson.
When you jump on the bandwagon for new technologies, don’t be surprised if things don’t always work as advertised. If your current internal combustion engine buses are all paid for, why not keep them around in case your electric busses can’t last the full day when we have a cold snap or break down?
Shelley Palmer Williston
Sending out Fourth of July thank yous
Thank you to everyone who helped with, or participated in, one or more of the Independence Day events this year.
Thank you to all the town employees who set up and took down for the different events, the police department for directing traffic and keeping everyone safe, the fire department for being on call for emergencies and at the fireworks, and to those who participated in so many ways to make this celebration a success.
Thank you to the organizations that held an event this year: Williston-Richmond Rotary Club 5K Race, Williston Federated Church Ice Cream Social, Town Band Concert, Friends of the Library Book Sale, Historical Society Stovepipe Corners Schoolhouse Open House, Old Brick Church Open House, and the Fire Department Open House.
Also thank you to all the ven-
dors on the Village Green. A special thank you to Adams Farm Market for organizing the food trucks in the evening.
Thank you to this year’s sponsors: Crosspoint Church for providing activities after the parade and before the fireworks, Davis Reality for sponsoring the DJ at the evening celebration, and Myers Containers for supplying trash, recycling and compost bins. If you are interested in being a a sponsor in next year’s celebration, contact the Recreation Department at (802) 876-1160.
Thank you to Holly Amin for donating and driving the Grand Marshal’s car. Thank you also to the
see LeTTeRs page 8
Hoffer
From page 6
resounding yes.
The State of Montana has used reference-based pricing for inpatient and outpatient services at acute care hospitals for their state employees since 2017. Independent researchers determined Montana saved $47.8 million in fiscal years 2017 to 2019.
The State of Oregon has reported on their experience with reference-based pricing for state employees and teachers. The audit they conducted based upon 2021 claims estimated $112.7 million in savings for their plan due to reference-based pricing.
In both states, there was no
reduction in health care choice for state employees or teachers, and no observed impact on hospital operations.
A study of reference-based pricing in Vermont has finally been approved and will be released by December. If Montana and Oregon are illustrative, we can expect interest groups to fight this important cost-saving reform. But if Vermont chooses to pursue this strategy, and the Gov. Phil Scott Administration, the Legislature, school administrators,
and the unions representing the state employees and state teachers resist the guardians of the status quo, the taxpayers they serve will reap significant financial benefits.
In short, we do not have to sit by and let health care cost increases raise taxes and strain public education and state budgets.
Dough Hoffer is the Vermont State Auditor. For more information, visit www.auditor. vermont.gov
parade lineup organizers, the Lamb family.
Thank you to the Lewis family for the use of their driveway and field at the Johnson Farm for the parade lineup. And finally, thank you to anyone we might have missed who took part or helped out, and to the community and our visitors for helping to make this celebration fun and safe.
Hope to see everyone at next year’s celebration!
Todd Goodwin Director Williston Recreation and Parks
Thank you, Williston
The Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library annual book sale raised $7,915. We had 552 boxes full of books. Thanks to everyone who donated and everyone who came and shopped.
A special thank you to Boy Scout troop #692, which did a lot of work setting up the sale. And thanks to the many people who sorted books into categories during June, helped with
Summer Safety Tips from VGS
the setup, worked during the sale hours, and helped with “teardown” on the afternoon of July 4.
People often ask what we do with unsold books. During “teardown,” we re-box any unsold books, stack them onto pallets, and wrap the stacked pallets. These pallets get shipped to Thrift Books — an online book website. We get a percentage of any of our books that they sell. We received $1,149 from the 2022 book sale and $1,335 from the 2023 book sale from Thrift Books.
People also ask what we do with the profit. We sponsor special programs yearly for children and families. We fulfill requests for items/
Keep landscaping and large objects away from your meter
Please do not place mulch, topsoil or rocks in contact with your meter. Be careful when mowing and report any damage. If your meter is located where large objects, such as vehicles or dumpsters, could collide with it, a barricade should be installed. Contact us about barricade options at 802-863-4511.
During summer, you may see VGS representatives outside your home inspecting our system and painting meters.
How to Detect a Gas Leak
Smell: Natural gas is normally odorless. A distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you will recognize it quickly.
Sight: You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying.
Sound: You may hear an unusual noise like a roaring, hissing, or whistling.
If you suspect a leak:
Move immediately to a safe location. Call VGS at 800-639-8081 or call 911 with the exact location. Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might result in a dangerous condition.
Do not assume someone else will report the condition.
programs that are not part of the library budget, such as second sets of K-12 award-winning books so that the library has ample copies of these popular books, as well as audio books if they are available for these titles.
In general, the Friends’ fundraising augments the library’s operating budget and helps to provide those “extras” that make our library so special. Again, thanks to everyone who supported the book sale this year!
Ann Park Secretary/treasurer
Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
Independence Day
history kept
in check
I have been a resident of Vermont since 1990 and living in Williston since 1993. Every year, Williston marks the Fourth of July and celebrates the freedom we have today. Many individuals have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in the present century.
I have participated in our town’s festivities, enjoying book sales (including finding theological books for my ministry), the band at the park gazebo, ice cream, the marching parade, and the grand fireworks finale.
While we commemorate Independence Day’s freedom, we must not forget that, at one point, African Americans were excluded from these celebrations. Our historical accounts must be comprehensive, reflecting the contributions of all who have shaped our nation’s history.
After a few years of residency in Vermont, I pursued further edu-
cation in history at a local college, before continuing my graduate studies. My history professor, Linda Gustafson, emphasized in our sessions that “History must be kept in check.” Professor Gustafson is a highly esteemed local educator here in Vermont.
Nonetheless, after living in Vermont for so long, I looked to see if anyone had acknowledged Frederick Douglass’ July 5, 1852 speech. I am aware that students in our community learn about Frederick Douglass throughout their schooling. Many people were previously unaware of Juneteenth. Last month, we celebrated Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Vermont. This holiday was approved by legislators and passed by the governor in 2008, and we recognize Minister Shirley Boyd-Hill, chairperson of the State Juneteenth Committee here in Vermont, for her contributions.
As I pursue my doctorate, I am reminded of Frederick Douglass’s speech from 1852. Despite the July Fourth celebrations, enslaved African Americans were not included. Douglass was invited to speak, and it is important for us to acknowledge this history and its significance, and to understand that not everyone was allowed to participate in this important moment in United States history.
You can read his speech online at https://daily.jstor.org/what-to-theslave-is-the-fourth-of-july-annotated.
It is my hope that one day, we, too, can have a conversation with our neighbors in Williston about that time in history — July 5, 1852. Peace to all.
Rev. Ramona Guadalupe Williston
for more safety information.
Housing
From page 1
and recommendations. The Energy Committee first discussed it at their meeting on May 22. At that time, they voted 5-1 to continue consideration on the petition, but with more direction from the Selectboard.
“The Energy Committee doesn’t want to dive into this and spend lots of time if the Selectboard will say no,” said Energy Committee and Community and Development Planner Melinda Scott. For the petition’s requests to be executed well, she said, it will need community and stakeholder input, as well as discussion with other jurisdictions that have taken on similar regulations.
Tax
From page 1
The estimates were close in both cases.
Last Tuesday, the selectboard approved a municipal tax rate of $355 for every $100,000 of assessed property value, an ever-so-slight decrease from the May estimate of $356. The reduction was made possible by a municipal Grand List the total assessed value of all property in town — that was finalized at about $40,000 greater than
The Energy Committee also requested input from the Housing Committee before bringing it to the Selectboard. The Housing Committee met on June 5, and committee members said they would need more information on the potential effects on developers as well as the costs associated with the petition before making a final decision.
In a memo to the Selectboard, the Energy Committee gave three potential ways to move forward with the petition: continue research and come back in the fall with an edited proposal, postpone until it is a higher priority for the Selectboard, or stop research altogether if the Selectboard shows no interest.
The petition is on the Select-
anticipated at the end of the fiscal year, Town Manager Erik Wells said.
With the new tax rate, the median-priced home in Williston will see an increase of $57 on this year’s property tax bill, Wells said.
The school district tax rate was finalized when the Legislature passed its annual school funding “yield bill” in May, setting education tax rates for every Vermont municipality based on the voter-approved budgets in each school district. The education tax rate also includes a “common level of ap-
board’s July 16 agenda.
If the Selectboard wants to move forward, the Energy Committee proposes gathering information from municipalities that have taken similar steps — Burlington and South Burlington being two in the area — then hold discussions with community members, developers and stakeholders.
“What’s being brought to the Selectboard on July 16 … is not for them to make any decisions about this, it’s really for them to weigh in on whether they think this is a priority for the town,” Scott said.
The future of Sustainable Williston’s petition is still uncertain, but it has the potential to play a major role in creating a more sustainable future for a growing Williston.
praisal” calculation that attempts to account for the difference between what property is assessed at and its actual market value.
Williston’s education tax rate was finalized at $1,949 per $100,000 of assessed value. That’s a 1 percent increase over the April estimate and a 16 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. It will cost the owner of a median-priced home in Williston and additional $837 on their annual property tax bill.
The first installment of property tax bills are due to Town Hall by Aug. 15.
New construction in Williston would be required to be free from fossil fuel use under regulations proposed in a petition from Sustainable Williston to the Williston Selectboard.
June 14 at 10:29 a.m. — Trailer stolen from Avenue D. Trailer has not been located at this time.
June 14 at 7:17 p.m. — Suspicious male in Dick’s Sporting Goods. Male was trespassed and moved along.
June 15 at 2:19 a.m. — Following a traffic stop, male operator was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.
June 15 at 3:10 a.m. — Following a traffic stop, male operator was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.
June 15 at 9:34 a.m. — Assisted Vermont State Police with locating missing female near Old Navy.
June 15 at 6:29 p.m. — Property manager requested two males be trespassed from Maple Tree Place. Males were trespassed. One male had an active arrest warrant. He was transported to the correction-
al facility.
June 15 at 10:25 p.m. — Following a traffic stop, male operator was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.
June 16 at 5:31 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Ulta Beauty. Arrest warrant was issued for female suspect.
June 16 at 8:42 p.m. — Death investigation conducted. Nothing suspicious.
June 17 at 10:38 a.m. — Report of a stolen tractor from United Ag and Turf. Tractor has not been located at this time.
June 17 at 10:38 a.m. — Report of a female standing in the middle of traffic on Commerce Street. Female was issued a citation for disorderly conduct.
June 17 at 3:14 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Ulta Beauty. Female suspect was located and issued a
citation to appear in court for retail theft.
June 18 at 8:21 a.m. — Assisted Williston Rescue with elderly male suffering from a medical event. Male was transported to the hospital.
June 18 at 10:24 p.m. — Female wanted to report vehicle stolen. Vehicle was towed and not stolen.
June 19 at 5:01 p.m. — Suspicious male in Hannaford. Male had an active arrest warrant. He was transported to the correctional facility.
June 19 at 10:13 p.m. — Death investigation conducted. Nothing suspicious.
June 19 at 10:20 p.m. — Male who had previously stolen a bike, wanted to return it. Bike was returned.
June 20 at 5:04 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.
June 20 at 5:21 p.m. — Report of a cell phone and keys stolen out of a purse at Walmart. Officers were unable to locate items.
Around Town
WILLISTON•VERMONT
Sustainable Williston socials move to Saturday mornings
Champion Comics in Cottonwood Crossing is the new meeting spot for Sustainable Williston‘s monthly social gathering. On the second Saturday of each month, the group invites all who are interested to join for coffee, donuts and discussion. Topics include climate change, the town’s energy plan, home sustainability projects, electrification, transportation, housing, gardening, recommended books/podcasts/movies, and more. The next meeting takes place Saturday, July 13 from 9-10 a.m.
Kindergarten playground meetup Saturday
Williston Families as Partners will be hosting a playdate for all incoming kindergarteners at the Allen Brook School playground this Saturday, July 13 from 9-10:30 a.m. This will provide a time for kids and caretakers to get to know each other prior to school starting. There will be snacks, name tags to help connect with others in the same class, and time to play and explore the school playground.
close to everything you need in Spear Meadows. It offers more than just homes; it’s a gateway to a lifestyle where modern convenience harmonizes with Vermont’s natural beauty.
Red Cross puts out call for blood, platelet donors
The American Red Cross reports that blood and platelet donors
are critically needed to support lifesaving transfusions in Vermont this summer. Donors of all blood types are in demand, but especially those with type O blood and donors giving platelets. Help keep blood products stocked for patients, including those facing life-threatening situations. Below are upcoming blood drive dates and locations around Chittenden County. Book a time slot ahead at www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS for more information.
— July 12, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Temple Sinai, 500 Swift St., South Burlington
July 15, 12-5 p.m., Hula Lakeside, 50 Lakeside Ave., Burlington
July 16, 12-4:30 p.m., United Church of Hinesburg, 10580 Route 116, Hinesburg
July 19, 12-5:30 p.m., Winooski Senior Center, 123 Barlow St., Winooski
July 23, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Greater Burlington YMCA, 298 College St., Burlington — July 23, 12-5 p.m., St. Catherine of Siena, 72 Church St., Shelburne
July 25, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., South Burlington Public Library, 180 Market St., South Burlington — July 29, 1-5:30 p.m., University of Vermont Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, 192 Tilley Drive, South Burlington
Elders turn to volunteers for pet care assistance
BY OLIVIA CONTI Community News Service
John Chittenden lives in a small apartment in Shelburne with his two cats, Bam Bam and Pebbles. They’re siblings — Bam Bam is territorial and acts like Garfield the cat, while Pebbles is more gentle.
“She likes to sit with me and watch TV with me or listen to music,” Chittenden said.
There’s a drawing of them and Chittenden hanging on his fridge, pinned up by a magnet that says “cat dad.” He can’t imagine his life without them.
“It’s very much companionship for me,” he said. “It makes me feel I’m not lonely, they’re here with me, and they’re my children, I should say.”
But it hasn’t always been easy for him to take care of his cats — he has chronic pain and arthritis in his hands.
For over a year, he’s gotten assistance through a volunteer program to help older adults age in place with their pets. It’s a partnership with the senior housing community where he lives, Cathedral Square.
The program helps him with things like bringing his cats to the vet and trimming their nails. And he gets a discount on pet food. Right now, around a dozen interns regularly assist about 30 people at three Cathedral Square locations.
There are a number of other pet assistance programs in the state, but not many help pet owners directly in their homes.
“That’s why my interns and I are stepping in to help them with their pets, to make sure that they have them for as long as they can,” said Blake Randell, an occupational therapist who runs the program as a volunteer.
He’s had clients who’ve had to relinquish a pet, and he said older adults are less likely to adopt a pet. But, he said, they have a lot to gain from having pets, from improved physical health to a better quality of life.
It’s something he can relate to, because of his own connection with his pets.
“Every day and every night I have the honor and privilege of walking home to be
welcomed by two cats, whose names are Lucy and Annie,” Randell said. “I want to make sure that every older person has that opportunity for as long as they are ready, willing and able to do so.”
Another need the program is trying to fill is dog walking.
That’s what Viannie Rivera does in South Burlington every Friday. She’s a student at the University of Vermont and an intern with the Cathedral Square program.
She walks a little black dog who’s 10 years old and still full of energy.
“This is Harry,” she said during a walk on a wet, gloomy day in April. “It’s very fitting because of his hair.”
For her, the best part of the program is getting to know the personalities of the pets and their owners.
“It’s really fun. I’m going to be quite sad when this semester ends,” she said. “I feel like I have gotten close to some residents, and I obviously adore seeing their
pets and helping them.”
Olivia Conti reported this story on assignment from Vermont Public. The Com-
munity News Service is a program in which University of Vermont students work with professional editors to provide material for local news outlets at no cost.
John Chittenden holds one of his cats at his home in Shelburne in April. For over a year, he’s had help caring for his cats through a volunteer program called Aging in Place with Pets.
PHOTO BY OLIVIA CONTI
Electric demand expected to increase by 17 percent in coming decade
BY EMMA COTTON VTDigger
New England’s grid operators are expecting the demand for electricity to grow by 17 percent in the coming decade, and they attribute much of that growth to new electric vehicles hitting the road, according to a new report.
In fact, electric vehicles are likely to contribute more to the growth in electrical demand than any other factor, according to a new forecast by ISO New England, the nonprofit organization that operates the interconnected electric grid in all six New England states.
Overall, grid operators expect New England’s electricity consumption to grow by about 1.7 percent annually over the next ten years. They assume some of the growth will be offset by solar arrays on the consumer side of the grid, and by increased efficiency measures — for example, insulating a home.
More electric heat pumps and other changes in the heating sector are also likely to increase electrical demand, according to the report.
The forecasted growth in electricity demand comes largely from policy changes. Local, state and fed-
eral leaders are urging and incentivizing people to electrify their cars, homes and businesses in an effort to reduce emissions from fossil fuels.
“Every state has roadmaps and mandates,” said Victoria Rojo, a lead data scientist with ISO New England. “It really runs the gamut. And then there’s specific municipalities that have goals.
One of the biggest policies driving the change is called “Advanced Clean Cars II,” a rule first adopted by California that requires all pas-
senger cars and light-duty trucks delivered by manufacturers to sell be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Vermont and 16 other states have also adopted the regulation.
While the policies are in place to reduce climate change-causing emissions, much of New England’s power is still generated by natural gas.
On a recent Friday morning, real-time data on ISO New England’s website showed that the grid’s power sources included 47 percent natural gas and 31 percent nuclear power.
Renewable energy (which ISO New England defines as solar, wind, refuse, wood and landfill gas) made up 17 percent of the mix, and hydro accounted for another 5 percent.
Most utilities in Vermont purchase a large percentage of their power from renewable sources, but not all of those sources plug directly into the New England grid.
In order to increase renewable energy within New England’s grid, utilities will need to find ways to store more power, Rojo said.
Renewable energy sources have “inherent variability in their energy production, so then having sufficient battery resources or energy storage resources to balance all of that is crucial,” she said. “Those pieces have to work together in order to overall reduce or to meet the decarbonization goals.”
Kristin Carlson, a spokesperson for Green Mountain Power, Vermont’s largest electric utility, said the company is already working to build out its battery storage — and that wider adoption of electric vehicles could help the cause.
“Electric vehicles, they are the solution for the grid, because more electrification through electric vehicles lowers costs for everybody, and they are a highly manageable new load,” she said.
She called electric vehicles “batteries on wheels,” and said the company has a program that provides reduced charging rates to the equivalent of $1.20 per gallon in exchange for allowing the utility to turn chargers off during peak energy usage periods. (Participants are notified in advance through text and can opt out, but Carlson said the utility tries to make sure the timing is convenient for most people, and the opt-out rate is low).
In the future, the utility is planning to launch a program to borrow energy from electric vehicle batteries during high usage times — something it’s already doing with school buses in South Burlington.
So far, Green Mountain Power has set up a “virtual power plant” with a combination of batteries that includes utility-scale systems, batteries in homes and electric vehicles, Carlson said. It adds up to 55 megawatts, roughly enough to power more than 15,000 homes.
Battery storage helps mitigate climate change by supporting renewable energy, she said. It also helps residents stay resilient during storms by creating back-up power systems.
“What’s important to have as we face climate change — as we address the changing climate and more severe weather that’s causing more outages and putting people at risk — is energy generated closer to where it’s used, paired with battery storage,” she said. “It’s the way to keep everyone connected.”
Coming Together
A SUBSTANCE USE ADDICTION SUMMIT
Friday, July 19, 2024 • 10am - 4pm Champlain
RECOVERY PROGRAM | RESOURCE BOOTHS | BREAK-OUT ROOMS
MEMORIAL WALL | LIVE MUSIC | FOOD VENDORS
There is Hope. I can’t, but WE can.
Over the last few years, we have seen progress on substance use addiction awareness and identifying valuable resources for help and change. We also know that there is a lot of work to do. This event is open to the public. We urge anyone who is interested in knowing where resources are for themselves or someone they love, who is battling addiction, to attend. It is about hope for anyone struggling with substance use, making more resources available statewide and saving lives.
KEY SUMMIT GOALS
• Increase Residential and Recovery Beds: Addressing the urgent need for more residential and recovery residence beds in Vermont.
• Extend Residential Stays: Advocating for longer residential stays and increased Medicaid reimbursements to support these beds.
• Tri-State Treatment Model: Proposing a collaborative treatment/ recovery model for Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
• Longer Recovery Model: Highlighting comprehensive programs like Jenna’s Promise that include workforce development.
• Humanizing Addiction: Emphasizing the distinction between addiction and the individual, recognizing their humanity.
• Support for Law Enforcement: Integrating recovery and mental health workers with law enforcement efforts.
• Political Attention: Drawing more political focus to substance use addiction.
Two garden pests to watch out for
BY ANN HAZELRIGG Special to the Observer
Many gardeners are reporting damage lately from two pests, the fourlined plant bug and slugs. The plant bug causes minor cosmetic damage, but slugs can be quite destructive if left unchecked.
The fourlined plant bug feeds on mint, basil, sage and Shasta
daisies. This little insect causes sunken brown angular leaf spots that resemble disease symptoms.
The insects hatch in the spring, and the nymphs, or larval stage, are bright red with black wing pads and black dots on their abdomen. As the nymphs grow, they become reddish orange with larger wing pads with a light-colored stripe on each pad.
The adults are about 1/4-inch long and greenish yellow with four black stripes running down the wings. Their heads are orange-brown, and their legs are yellow-green. Both life stages have piercing sucking mouthparts and can cause leaf spotting damage.
You often don’t find the pest with the damage because they do not sit still for very long. Usually, the damage is cosmetic, but you can protect important plants with row covers.
Slug populations and damage are high this season due to all the wet weather last summer. Slugs can vary in color and are basically snails without shells. Their heads have two pairs of feelers — one pair that carries the eyes and one pair that is used for smelling. They can range in size from 1/4-inch to 8 inches or more.
The nymphs, or larval stage, of the fourlined plant bug are bright red with black wing pads and black dots on their abdomen.
PHOTO BY DAWN DAILEY O’BRIEN, CORNELL UNIVERSITY/BUGWOOD.ORG
Mediterranean Mix, El Gato Food Truck, The Scoop handcrafted ice-cream, Taste of Desi, and Farmers Market Pizza and more. FUN ACTIVITIES: Vermont Close Up Magic Show, Face Painting and others.
Slugs lack legs but produce slime to help them glide. You can often see dried slime trails that indicate slugs are active. They are present in cool, moist areas with shade throughout the growing season.
They feed on lots of different hosts and can be especially destructive on seedlings and ripening fruits and vegetables, causing
irregular-shaped holes and rasping damage. Hostas are a favorite food, but they seem to prefer certain cultivars over others.
You can reduce slugs by a variety of methods. Modify their habitat by pruning and thinning trees and perennials to let in more sunlight and allow the soil to dry out.
Remove containers, boards, pavers and flat stones where slugs tend to hide. Don’t over mulch or
leave plant refuse on the ground. Choose plants and cultivars that slugs do not prefer. Set out slug traps like boards or cardboard to collect and handpick the pests. There are also organic slug baits that can be used as a last resort.
Dr. Ann Hazelrigg is the University of Vermont Extension’s plant pathologist and director of the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic.
Understanding pick-your-own fruit etiquette
BY BONNIE KIRN DONAHUE Special to the Observer
Planning to pick your own fruit this summer? Let’s review some pick-your-own fruit etiquette to keep in mind when you go.
Fruit farming can be a tedious and labor-intensive enterprise. Aside from the environmental unknowns that nature throws into the mix, growing fruit requires tons of care, including planning, planting, pruning, pest and disease management, harvesting, cleaning, processing, marketing and selling. Allowing the public to come and pick the crop adds another layer of complication to an already busy season.
What can customers do to be respectful farm visitors? Here are a few ideas.
Many farms will have their own guidelines, so pay close attention to signs and farm employees’ directions to understand what expectations they have. For example, farms may have a no dog policy for food safety reasons as well as for the enjoyment of all visitors. It is important to adhere to these and other farm policies when visiting these farm businesses.
When you arrive, there likely will be specific places designated for the public to park. Drive cautiously as farms are active worksites with different rules than the roadway. There may be a gravel surface to park on, or you may be parking in a grassy field with uneven ground.
Once you get to the entrance, look for farm employees who will direct you to the
area that is ready to pick. Often there are multiple crops growing, with different purposes and degrees of ripeness, so the farms will have a very specific area where they will allow the public to pick.
Grab as many farm-provided containers as you think you may need. Some establishments will let you bring your own containers, but be sure to check first, and be prepared to weigh them at the farmstand before picking.
Once you start picking, take a close look at each piece of fruit before you pick it. This is more important for high-value fruits, such as peaches, plums and pears, but also applies to other crops including apples, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Does the fruit have a bruise or broken spot, or is part of it still green?
Instead of picking and tossing unwanted fruit on the ground around the tree or the berry patch, make sure that you know how the farm wants you to handle this. Rotting fruit can attract unwanted pests and diseases, so there is likely a preferred protocol in place at the farm for damaged or unripe fruit.
While tasting fruit is part of the appeal of you-pick, keep this in moderation. Eating lots of fruit without paying for it first can certainly have an impact on a farm’s income. Again, each farm may have its own guidelines for how to handle this, but to play it safe, wait to taste until after paying for what you picked. Then enjoy!
Be sure to dress for the weather. Bring along a hat, bug spray, sunscreen and water
to keep hydrated.
Finally, remember to have fun. Picking your own fruit can be a joyful experience to share with people close to you.
Often, farms offer more than just fruit, like value-added products such as jams and sauces or shortcake biscuits, pies and other baked goods. Some offer entertainment, including live bands, corn mazes, tours and lunch foods. Each farm has its own unique
spin on what they offer.
Summer is a wonderful time of year to get out to support our local farmers and all of their hard work. To find a pick-your-own farm in your area, go to vermontpickyourown.org.
Bonnie Kirn Donahue is a UVM Extension Master Gardener and landscape architect from central Vermont.
Stock up on strawberries, blueberries, peaches and pears by visiting your local pick-your-own farm operation. It’s a fun, family summer activity and a great way to support local growers.
PHOTO BY BONNIE KIRN DONAHUE
OBITUARIES
Lawrence
LeCours
Lawrence LeCours, 89, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, with his devoted wife of 59 years, Anita, by his side. Shortly thereafter, his loving family arrived to bid him a beautiful adieu and serenade him into the heavens.
Larry was born in Hardwick, Vermont, in 1935, the son of Anselme and Violette LeCours. He grew up on the family farm in Hardwick Center along with his twelve brothers and sisters. It was there that he developed his lifelong commitment to excellence, hard work, and getting things done. In his later years, Larry often fondly reminisced about growing up in a large family that was bonded together by love and music. The first seven years of Larry’s education were spent in a one-room schoolhouse, where Larry selflessly arrived early each day to start the fire in the school’s pot-bellied stove to provide heat for the other students. Larry graduated from Hardwick Academy in 1953, where one of his most treasured memories was being elected class president by his fellow classmates all four years.
After high school, Larry did a two-year tour in the US Army, following which he
enrolled at Lyndon State College. Larry had a beautiful baritone voice, and had major roles in many musicals, about which Larry was always very proud. Larry graduated with a BS in Education and he taught at Lyndon Institute for several years before he received his Master’s Degree from St. Michael’s College and the University of Vermont. Larry went on to become principal at Richmond High School, and was then hired as the first principal of Mt. Mansfield Union
High School in 1967. Larry often recalled the excitement and work associated with opening a new school, and the work ethic he developed on the farm came in good stead. His commitment to educating young people continued in South Burlington, where Larry was a presence for over 24 years holding positions of principal at Central School, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent. Following his retirement in 1994 from public education, he served as an adjunct professor at St. Michael’s College. Larry was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W. and was a proud 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Underhill.
While at Lyndon State College, Larry met the love of his life, Anita, and the two married in 1965. Although Larry always considered Hardwick to be his hometown, after marrying Anita, they spent most of his adult life residing on Raceway Road in Jericho, living next door to his brother and best friend, Leo, and his wife, Bonnie, who is also Anita’s only sibling. Leo and Larry met daily at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the nuances of the day, and the irrevocable bond between the two couples, as well as between their children, cannot be overstated.
Larry spent his retirement years traveling and wintering in sunny Fort Myers Beach, Florida. He and Anita adored their “unit” in Indian Creek Park, frequently entertaining family and friends who loved to visit. Much of Larry’s retirement was consumed by his favorite job — being a “Papa.” Larry loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, driving them to school, and spending quality time with them. They never lacked for love and attention! Larry
Vincent “Vince” T. Palermo
instilled passion, zest, humility and laughter in all lives he touched.
Larry or Papa (his favorite title), is survived by his caring wife Anita, his proud son, Scott, and his adoring “little girl,” Amy Tosch, and her husband, Andrew. Papa leaves four idolizing grandchildren-Noah, Zachary, Sadie and Carter. Larry was predeceased by his sister Mignonne, and her husband, Bob LeBlanc, his brothers, Denis, Roger, and Richard, his sisters-in-law Gail, Patricia and Madeleine, and his nephew, Patrick. He is survived by his brothers, Robert, Leo (Bonnie), Michael, and Daniel, and his sisters Annette (Don) Miller, Jacquie (Bob) Borges, Diane (Emile) Fournier, Paulette (Richard) Bessette and sister-inlaw, Denise Hark (Denis). While he will be greatly missed by multiple nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues, in Larry’s own words-”do not weep for me as I did smell the roses.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Church in Underhill Center, Vermont, with a “Celebration of a Life” immediately following at the On Tap Bar and Grill in Essex Jct., Vermont (jokes, laughter, songs, and stories are encouraged). Burial will be at the convenience of the family. We wish to thank the staff at The Residence at Quarry Hill, the Staff at BAYADA Home Health and Hospice, and all the friends and family who have supported us with kindness, time and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation considerations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Chittenden County Humane Society in his memory.
Vincent “Vince” T. Palermo, 90, lifelong resident of Richmond and Bolton, passed away peacefully June 12 with his family by his side. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years Rosalie, son Francis Harold, grandson John, sisters Angie, Rosalie, and Frances Mary. Vincent is survived by four sons, Vincent Jr., wife Janice of Mesa, AZ, James, wife Melissa of Sarasota, FL, Timothy, wife Judy of Milton, VT, and Thomas, wife Lorrene of Georgia, VT, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a sister Paulita and husband Harold of Richmond, VT, many nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday July 30, 2024, at 10 am at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Richmond, VT. Interment will follow at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery Church in Richmond, VT. Celebration of life will follow at the Holy Rosary Church Hall. There will be no calling hours. Gifford Funeral Home in Richmond, VT will oversee arrangements. You can visit their website for detailed information. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UVM Health Network Home Health and Hospice, the McClure Miller Respite House 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446 or the Richmond Rescue, 216 Railroad St, Richmond, Vermont 05477.
ADULT PROGRAMS
SENIOR
AND FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY
Ages 50-plus. Join this fitness program just for seniors. The program will concentrate on developing upper and lower body strength, improving balance and strengthening your core. In this dementia-friendly class, participants are encouraged to work within their abilities. Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:45-10:45 am, $5 per visit. The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT PROGRAMS
Ages 50-plus. Programs are low impact with different levels of intensity. Instructors will show you how to take it high or low. Class Passes of 1, 5 and 10 visits available to purchase. Cardio Sculpt Low is Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30-9:30 a.m and Mondays and
Bernard Paul Rancour
Bernard Paul Rancour passed away peacefully on Sunday June 16th 2024 at Heritage Oaks Memory Care Center in Englewood Fl. Bernie was born in Littleton NH 9/16/1931 to Phil and Laura Rancour (Lavoie). He graduated from St Johnsbury Academy and then joined the US Air Force. He was a flight me -
Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Cardio Sculpt Low/High is Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m. and Sundays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
TAI CHI INTRODUCTION
Ages 50-plus. The ancient art of Tai Chi has become increasingly popular as people find that it improves balance, increases mindfulness and relaxes the mind and body. This class will present sequences of movements derived from the Sun style, which is slow, smooth and upright in posture. Wednesdays, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Free. The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
VOCAL PERCUSSION AND IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP
Ages 13-plus. Root7, Vermont’s contemporary a cappella group, will host a free workshop introducing participants to vocal percussion, vocal improvisation and creating collaborative songs. For beginner and
chanic during the Korean war and invented a throttle safety linkage that saved his crew from disaster.
After returning home from Korea he met and married Cecile Langlois. They were married in May of 1955. Married for 58 years, Cecile predeceased him in 2013. They lived in Burlington Vt where they raised their 4 children. Bernie was a dedicated federal employee for more than 40 years, instrumental in the safety and quality control for the US Military Defense Systems.
Bernie loved fishing , golfing, playing cards, and having a beer with his family and friends.
Bernie is survived by his children;
intermediate vocalists. July 18.
SUMMER CAMPS
DAY CAMPS
Day camp spots are still available.
R.E.C. Camp for kids entering grade 1-6. Mondays-Fridays, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or half days 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. or 12-5:30 p.m.
There are still spots available in the following Enrichment Camps for the weeks of July 15-19 and July 22-26. Just Kids Multi Sports, Rocketry, Dinos vs Robots, Art Camp, Baseball Camp. Register at www. willistonrec.org.
FALL SOCCER
Registration is now open for youth soccer in the fall. The following programs are offered.
SOCCER SHORTS
Ages 3-4, Coed. This is a child/parent program. The program teaches the fundamentals of soccer using a fun and ener-
Dave Rancour, Steve Rancour and wife Judy, Cindy Hogan, Sandra Hayes and husband Greg. Several grandchildren and great grandchildren all of whom he loved dearly.
getic curriculum. Each session is held in a positive environment where children are encouraged to learn and play with a parent and each other. Instructors: Rec. Staff
RECKIDS SOCCER
Ages 5-6, Coed. This program is designed to teach the fundamentals of the game. Youngsters will be provided with the opportunity to learn, practice and develop their skills. Saturday practices and scrimmages. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams.
GRADE 1-2 SOCCER
Separate boys and girls leagues are offered if numbers allow. This league provides the opportunity for youngsters to learn the game, improve their skills and enjoy playing. The program meets twice a week, one-weekday practice and Saturday games. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams.
GRADE 3-5 SOCCER
Separate boys and girls leagues are offered if numbers allow. The program meets twice a week, one-weekday practice and Saturday games. Teams will have the opportunity to play other rec department teams. Parents and volunteers are needed to coach teams.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local Hospice organization.
Bonjour, Paris!
On Friday, July 26, the Summer Olympics will open in Paris, France. The games will continue through Sunday, Aug. 11.
This week, The Mini Page learns more about the French capital and all it has to offer. Bienvenue à Paris
Paris is the largest city in France, with more than 2 million residents. It’s sometimes known as the City of Light.
Millions of people visit Paris to explore museums and famous landmarks, such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.
The Arc de Triomphe is a monument to those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.
Notre-Dame is a Catholic cathedral. It is being rebuilt after a fire destroyed a large part of the building in 2019.
The Eiffel Tower, or Tour Eiffel (TOOR ee-FELL), was built in 1887 for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. Almost 6 million people visited the tower in 2022.
France
France, part of the European Union, is located in Western Europe. It is the largest of the EU countries. Paris lies in the north of the country.
Mini Fact:
The Louvre (LOOV-ruh) Museum is an art museum. Many famous works are housed there, including the “Mona Lisa.”
Around the 1st century, the area was ruled by the Roman Empire and the Franks, a tribe from Germany. Over the years, England and France battled for land, and by the 17th century, France was the most powerful country in the region. Both world wars brought much destruction to France.
Working in France
Many people in France work in service industries, such as tourism or banking. Cars, aircraft, medicines, clothing and cosmetics are also produced there. Farmers grow wheat, cattle, pigs and chickens. France is known for its cheeses and wines.
Sports in France
The Tour de France, the world’s most famous bicycle race, is held every summer. This year’s competition is underway now and will end on July 21.
The French Open tennis tournament, one of professional tennis’s four Grand Slam contests, is held in May and June in Paris.
French art
Next Week: Summer Olympics
Claude Monet, a French artist, was the founder of the Impressionist movement. This approach to art tries to capture an “impression” of a scene instead of an exact image.
Some of your favorite stories may be from French author Charles Perrault, who wrote familiar versions of “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Cinderella,” “Puss in Boots” and “Sleeping Beauty.”
Fancy food and clothing
Paris is a center of haute couture (OAT koo-TOOR), or high fashion. Designers such as Chanel, Dior and Givenchy started there. Expensive perfumes are also produced in France.
Cooking and dining are important to French people. They enjoy streetside cafes and small butcher and grocery stores and bakeries.
Founded by Betty Debnam
photo by Benh LIEU SONG
photo by Benh LIEU SONG
photo by C. Martino
image by Thinker78
image by Simon Ackerman
photo by Luis Miguel Bugallo
Sánchez
photo by Kainet
A model shows off a dress during Paris Fashion Week.
“Impression, Sunrise” was painted by Claude Monet in 1872.
Try ’n’ Find
The French Open tennis tournament, one of professional tennis’s four Grand Slam contests, is held in May and June in Paris.
Words that remind us of Paris are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
BICYCLE, CAPITAL, CHEESE, CITY, EIFFEL, EUROPE, FRANCE, FRENCH, IMPRESSIONIST, LANDMARK, LIGHT, MONET, OLYMPICS, OPEN, PARIS, RACE, SUMMER, TOURISM, WAR, WINE.
Cook’s Corner
French Parfait
You’ll need:
• sliced strawberries
• blueberries
• vanilla Greek yogurt
Mini Jokes
Franc: Why do the French eat snails?
Fiona: They don’t like fast food!
What to do:
1. In a clear plastic cup, place a layer of strawberries, then a layer of yogurt, then a layer of blueberries. (The ingredients are the colors of the French flag.) Repeat the layers to the top.
2. Use a toothpick and colored paper to make a French flag to stick on top. Serves 1.
* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
Climate change has allowed one of the world’s most common types of mosquito to reach Scotland for the first time on record, joining the swarms of biting midges that have long thrived in the country’s mild and wet summers. Heather Ferguson from the University of Glasgow says she has been surprised to find at least some of 16 common varieties of mosquitoes in all corners of the country. But experts stress that the types of mosquitoes that can carry malaria, West Nile and other diseases are unlikely to arrive in Scotland anytime soon.
For later:
Look in your newspaper for articles about the upcoming Summer Olympics.
Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
How to hire a caregiver for in-home help
Dear Savvy Senior,
I need to hire a good in-home caregiver to help my elderly father who lives alone. What’s the best way to do this?
Searching Sarah
Dear Sarah,
Finding a good in-home caregiver for an elderly parent is not always easy. How can you find one who is reliable and trustworthy, as well as someone your parent likes and is comfortable with? Here are some tips that can help.
KNOW HIS NEEDS
Before you start the task of looking for an in-home caregiver, your first step is to determine the level of care your dad needs.
For example, if he only needs help with daily living tasks like shopping, cooking, doing laundry, bathing or dressing, a “homemaker” or “personal care aide” will do. But if he needs health care services, there are “home health aides” that may do all the things a homemaker
does, plus they also have training in administering medications, changing wound dressings and other medically related duties. Home health aides often work under a nurse’s supervision.
Once you settle on a level of care, you then need to decide how many hours of assistance he’ll need. For example, does your dad need someone to come in just a few mornings a week to cook, clean, run errands or perhaps help him with a bath? Or does he need more continuous care that requires daily visits?
After you determine his needs, there are two ways in which you can go about hiring someone. Either through an agency, or you can hire someone directly on your own.
HIRING THROUGH AN AGENCY
Hiring a personal care or home health aide through an agency is the safest and easiest option, but it’s more expensive. Costs typically run anywhere between $15 and $30 an hour depending on where you live
From Green Burial to Pet Memorials, our goal is to provide the services and care you need. To learn more, contact us today.
• Burial/Cremation Services
• Green Burials
• Traditional Funerals
• Memorial Services
• Pre-arranged Funeral Planning
• Out-of-town & Foreign Services
• Pet Memorials
By Jim Miller
and the qualification of the aide.
How it works is you pay the agency, and they handle everything including an assessment of your dad’s needs, assigning appropriately trained and prescreened staff to care for him, and finding a fill-in on days his aide cannot come.
Some of the drawbacks, however, are that you may not have much input into the selection of
the caregiver, and the caregivers may change or alternate, which can cause a disruption.
To find a home care agency in your dad’s area, use search engines like Google or Bing and type in “home health care” or “non-medical home care” followed by the city and state your dad lives in. You can also use Medicare’s search tool at www. Medicare.gov/care-compare.
Click on “home health services.”
Most home health agencies offer some form of non-medical home care services too.
You also need to know that original Medicare does not cover in-home caregiving services unless your dad is receiving doctor ordered skilled nursing or therapy services at home. But if your dad is in a certain Medicare Advantage plan, or is low-income and qualifies for Medicaid, he may be eligible for some coverage.
HIRING DIRECTLY
Hiring an independent caregiver on your own is the other option, and it’s less expensive.
Costs typically range between $12 and $25 per hour. Hiring directly also gives you more control over who you hire so you can choose someone who you feel is right for your dad.
But be aware that if you do hire someone on your own, you become the employer so there’s no agency support to fall back on if a problem occurs or if the aide doesn’t show up. You’re also responsible for paying payroll taxes and any worker-related injuries that may happen. If you choose this option, make sure you check the aide’s references thoroughly and do a criminal background check at companies like www.eNannySource.com. Elder-care matching services www.Care.com or www. CareLinx.com both provide basic background checks.
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.
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1798, the U.S. Marine Corps was reestablished, having been disbanded since April 1783.
• In 1804, former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton was fatally wounded in a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr.
• In 1960, Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” was published.
• In 1987, the United Nations estimated that the world’s population had reached 5 billion.
TODAY’S FACT:
• William Howard Taft, who was sworn in as chief justice of the United States on this day in 1921, is the only person in history to serve as both chief justice and president of the United States.
SUDOKU • SOLUTION ON PAGE 22
CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE
CAST IRON— Set of 3 cast iron fry pans. 6”, 8” 10”. Made in the USA. Call (802) 305-9433.
LEGAL
TOWN OF WILLISTON
Notice of Adoption
Motor Vehicle and Traffic Ordinance Amendments
On July 2, 2024, following a public hearing, the Williston Selectboard adopted amendments to the Motor Vehicle and Traffic Ordinance.
The approved changes are summarized as follows:
Article IV: Exempt emergency vehicles from parking and standing provisions during their duties, regardless of emergency lighting use.
Article VI: Remove redundant language already included in Article XI, Section 11.04.
Article X, Section 10.01: Allow for a designee to be authorized to have vehicles removed when parking contrary to ordinance or law so Police Chief does not need to be contacted each time.
Article XI, Section 11.02: The Vermont Legislature is considering setting towing amounts in statute, which would invalidate this section if enacted. Edit anticipates the potential change and remains accurate whether or not the changes are enacted.
Article XII, Section 12.01: Legal update to reflect current statutes.
Article XIII, Section 13.01: Delete references to outdated notices.
Article XIII, Section 13.02: Align language with state statutes and adjust penalty amounts to match proposed updates in Article XIII, Section 13.03.
Article XIII, Section 13.03 and 13.04: Establish a minimum civil penalty, set current penalties as the maximum, and organize waiver amounts in a clear chart.
Appendix A – Speed Limits: Correction of a typo.
Appendix B – Stop/Yield Intersections: Addition of a new intersection.
The amendments to this ordinance will take effect on August 31, 2024, unless a petition signed by at least five percent of the voters of Williston is filed with the Town Clerk by August 15, 2024, asking for a vote to disapprove the adoption. If a petition is received, the Selectboard will warn a special meeting and the voters may vote on that question pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 1973.
The above is a summary. Copies of the text of the complete ordinance are available at the Town Manager’s Office in the Williston Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, Williston, VT. Copies are also available on the Town’s website at https:// town.williston.vt.us by navigating to public records and documents / legal notices.
Any questions about these amendments should be directed to Assistant Town Manager Erin Dickinson at 802-876-1176 or edickinson@willistonvt.org.
Dated at Williston, Vermont this 3rd day of July 2024. In
However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.
continued
Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.
So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.
continued from page 2
Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease. Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its RABIES
According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.
So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.
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According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.
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Local men’s baseball team the Williston Armadillos cruised to a 5-0 win over the Waterbury Warthogs on June 30 at the Williston Central School diamond.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Longtime Armadillos pitcher Ken Freeman delivers a pitch; Ben Rose gets a bat on the ball; Jeremiah Brooks barrels up a pitch; and Brent Tremblay gets a put-out at first base. OBSERVER
