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Legislature advances universal mail-in voting for Town Meeting
sal mail-in balloting in town; in-person voting on election day would still be offered. Mason said mailing ballots to every The Vermont House of Representatives voter would result in a lot of undeliverable voted Tuesday to allow Vermont towns to ballots and wasted postage costs, as it did conduct Town Meeting Day elections with in November. The election has to be couniversal mail-in balordinated with the loting. If approved by other three towns in the Senate and signed the Champlain Valinto law by Gov. Phil ley School District, Scott, it would give and all three town towns the ability to clerks — in Charconduct the election lotte, Shelburne and the same way the Hinesburg — have state conducted the said they are against general election in universal mail-in November — mailballoting, according ing ballots to every to Mason. registered voter to “Mailing ballots limit in-person voting to all registered votas a coronavirus pubers will be very cumlic health measure. bersome to pull off,” Williston Town she wrote in a Jan. 5 Clerk Sarah Mason memo to the selecthas said she prefers board. to conduct the March According to 2 election in typiselectboard chair cal fashion, sending Karla Karstens discusses town business Terry Macaig, a formailed ballots only during last year’s annual town meeting, held mer state lawmaker, to voters who request at the Williston Central School auditorium. Secretary of State Jim The meeting this year will only be available them for early vot- through video-conference. Condos has requested ing and conducting a $1.5 million approin-person, election day voting at the Nation- priation from the Legislature to help munical Guard Armory on Williston Road. ipalities cover mail-in ballot costs for Town If the state law is finalized, it will be up Meeting Day. to the Williston Selectboard to allow univerTown officials are planning to hold the BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Town officials are considering mailing Town Meeting Day ballots to all voters for Town Meeting Day in March. However, voting at the National Guard Armory will still be offered March 2. FILE PHOTOS BY AL FREY
annual meeting typically held in the Williston Central School auditorium the Monday before Town Meeting Day via teleconference (Zoom). The March 1 meeting will be a chance for town and school officials to present their budget proposals. The following day, municipal and school budget votes will be tallied and selectboard and school board seats determined. There are two selectboard seats up for election and two seats on the Champlain Val-
ley School Board. The deadline for candidates to file intent forms with the town clerk to be on the ballot is Jan. 25. The selectboard seats currently held by Macaig and Gordon St. Hilaire are up for election. On the school board, the seats currently held by Josilyn Adams and Brendan McMahon are up for election. The bill passed by the House on Tuesday also gives towns the flexibility to push back the date of Town Meeting Day.
Selectboard punts on retail pot
Proposition rejected for Town Meeting Day ballot BY JASON STARR Observer staff The Williston Selectboard declined a citizen request Tuesday to allow voters to decide whether the town should allow retail cannabis sales. The passage last year of Act 164 legalized retail cannabis in Vermont and put the onus on towns to opt in to host cannabis stores by citizen vote. Tim Fair, a Williston resident whose law firm advises aspiring cannabis retailers, asked the board to put the question on the Town Meeting Day ballot in March. The board is finalizing the ballot this month. Typically, citizen requests for ballot items require the signatures of 5 percent of registered voters. Fair asked the board to waive that requirement due to the coronavirus pandemic. But that became moot when, in an informal vote, board members Ted
Kenney, Joy Limoge, Gordon St. Hilaire and Terry Macaig all said they are against the ballot question. Board member Jeff Fehrs acknowledged mixed feelings on the issue. Fair believes Tuesday’s no vote will prevent Williston from having retail cannabis for the foreseeable future. Entrepreneurs interested in applying for one of the estimated 30 state retail licenses that will become available next year will be focused on municipalities that have already opted in, he said. There may be no additional need for licenses beyond the initial set. The first retail stores in Vermont are scheduled to open in May of 2022. A state cannabis commission will be convened before that to consider license applications and fine tune regulations. Kenney said it would be premature for the town to opt in to retail cannabis before it can create specific zoning regulations for the industry. Planning Director Matt Bou-
langer is working with the planning commission to craft cannabis-specific regulations that would prescribe where stores can be located, how many can be in an area and what signs can look like. Without specific regulations, pot sales would be allowed where other retail sales are — in the village, at Taft Corners and in the industrial zoning district. “We don’t have the zoning,” Kenney said during Tuesday’s board meeting. “But you will,” Fair replied. “It’s a big decision, and I think the decision needs to be made with as much information as we (can get),” Kenney said. “I would want to know more,” St. Hilaire agreed. Fair said the Taft Corners area is an ideal spot for retail cannabis. Sales would bolster the town’s local sales tax revenue at a time when the large retail chains that populate the area face a challenging future, he argued.
“Big box retail is on its way out,” Fair said. “Everybody knows that … How much longer is Bed Bath and Beyond going to be able to last?” Taft Corners’ proximity to Interstate 89 would attract out-of-state visitors to the stores and its distance from schools and public parks would mitigate any downside to pot retailing, he said. “This town is so uniquely situated to maximize the positives of retail cannabis and minimize the negatives,” he said. “We stand to gain a lot more than we stand to lose.” Macaig said the board could consider placing the question to voters in March 2022, but by that time, Fair said, retail cannabis licensees will be focused on other areas. He said the industry will like be concentrated around the ski resorts of Lamoille and Washington counties.
Record-breaking case numbers part of ‘holiday surge’
Page 2 • Williston Observer • January 14, 2021
BY ERIN PETENKO VTDigger
Vermont has shattered its record for weekly COVID-19 totals by 400 cases, a sign that Christmas and other holiday events led to a new phase of the virus surge in the state, officials said at a press conference Tuesday. The state has reported 1,166 cases in the past week, including 167 on Tuesday alone, compared to 761 cases the week before, according to a presentation by Michael Pieciak, commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation. “Comparing (Christmas) to two previous holidays — Halloween, where we did experience a surge in cases, and Thanksgiving, where we did not see a surge — you’ll
see that that 10- to 17-day period following Christmas is tracking very closely to Halloween, with the only major difference being that Christmas started at a higher level of cases,” Pieciak said. The state has had more cases in the past five days than it had in five months from May to September, Pieciak said. Pieciak said the latest state forecast projects that cases will continue to rise in the coming weeks, with the potential to hit 300 cases a day by early February. However, cases would need to hit 380 or more per day to begin overwhelming hospitals and ICUs, he said. The state has 51 people hospitalized for the virus, a record-breaking number that tops the record of 47 that was set on Monday. Those 51 include 10 people in the ICU.
CLARIFICATION The story headlined “Dog havoc threatens public trail access” in last week’s Observer was referring to the town’s “Country Parks” when it said that dogs are permitted off leash under voice control on public land, but must be leashed when trails cross into private land. It failed to mention that dogs are prohibited from the town’s Catamount Community Forest.
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Vermont’s recent rise is paralleled across the Northeast and the nation. Regional cases rose 17 percent in the past week from the week before, and hospitalizations are also on the rise across the region, Pieciak said.
Vermont rejects plan for more first doses The Trump administration announced a new plan Tuesday to release more first doses of coronavirus vaccine at once, rather than hold back doses for a second booster shot. Releasing more vaccine doses immediately is similar to a plan announced by President-elect Joe Biden last week. But Vermont officials said that, even if the state receives more doses, they will continue to follow the recommended guidelines to give people the second dose on a regular schedule, because that’s what trials showed made the vaccine highly effective. Gov. Phil Scott said state officials have not yet heard details of the Trump administration plan, but they will “hopefully have the flexibility to do what is right.” “We are committed to Vermonters that we’re going to have a second dose ready
for them at 21 or 20 days, and I believe we should follow through on that promise and the strategy that we rolled out to begin with,” Scott said. Department of Health Commissioner Mark Levine said he agrees, because the science shows the vaccine is highly effective only if a person receives the second dose within a certain time frame. But he was happy to hear that Vermont will likely receive more doses sooner. “It’ll change the bookkeeping into what we do as opposed to what the federal government’s doing,” he said. “But if we got larger allocations, we would be delighted.” As of Tuesday, 23,000 people have received just the first dose of the vaccine in Vermont, and 1,781 have received a second dose, according to Department of Health data. It takes seven to 10 days after the doses for your body to build up an immunity, Levine said. “Just because the needle went in your arm on a Monday doesn’t mean you can’t be standing next to somebody with COVID on a Friday and get COVID,” he said.
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January 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 3
Library hosts virtual poetry slam BY YASMIN TAYEBY Observer correspondent The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library will be hosting a virtual poetry reading on Jan. 27 featuring three Vermont poets. The event is open to the public to participate in or view online. The evening will kick off with readings from three of Vermont’s own — Joanne Mellin, Tricia Knoll and Geof Hewitt, before transitioning into an open mic for local poets. Program Services Librarian Kristin D’Agostino, the moderator of the event, said she chose the featured poets specifically for their tone and material. “I tried to choose poets who would either inspire or make people laugh, just based on the current time,” D’Agostino said. “So, Geof Hewitt is laugh-out-loud funny and is the reigning Vermont Slam champion. As for Joanne Mellin, she’s kind of like got a dark, dry sense of humor.” D’Agostino described Knoll, a resident of Williston, as more of a nature poet who writes about social justice and the natural world. When asked what she might read at the event, Knoll said in a phone interview that she was still narrowing her set down.
Joanne Mellin
Tricia Knoll
Geof Hewitt
“I’m going to focus on poems from a manuscript of mine called ‘Wild Apples,’” Knoll said. “I will be reading some poems about Vermont, and possibly a little bit about the isolation of COVID.” Knoll said that she doesn’t often write humorous poems, and that she mainly sticks to material about hope and gratitude. Each poet will read for about 10 min-
utes, after which the floor will be open to those interested in reading some of their own material. D’Agostino said that she hopes to get people of all levels to participate in the event. Half of the 10 slots available for the open mic have already been reserved. If you are interested in performing, visit the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
website (www.williston.lib.vt.us) and follow the registration link on the event page. The event will run from 6:30-8 p.m. To simply attend and not perform, visit the same registration page to receive the Zoom link for the event. To either attend or perform, register on the library’s website by Tuesday, Jan 26.
Williston fire department names deputy fire chief
Timothy Gerry was promoted last week to deputy Williston fire chief. Gerry has been a member of the Williston Fire Department since 2000. In addition to his training as a
firefighter, Gerry is also a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and has helped the department design and purchase fire trucks and ambulances. He went from a volunteer to a staff firefighter in
Williston in 2006 and later became a captain, overseeing daily operations and staff training. He has been involved in the fire service since he was a young boy, growing up watching his fa-
ther work as a lieutenant in the Kittery Fire Department in Maine. Gerry lives in Williston with his wife Jessy. They have five children. “In this new position as deputy
Timothy Gerry
chief, I look forward to drawing on my 20 years of experience working with our talented members to make Williston Fire a great place to serve our community,” Gerry said.
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Page 4 • Williston Observer • January 14, 2021
WILLISTON: BUSINESS HUB OF VERMONT
Applications for new PPP loans open this week Loan forgiveness ramps up for 2020 program BY JASON STARR Observer staff A flood of loan forgiveness applications from Vermont businesses that received Paycheck Protection loans last year have come into the U.S. Small Business Administration offices this month, just as another round of funds are ready for lending. The original Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was launched in April via the federal CARES Act to help businesses that had to close or reduce operations because of the coronavirus pandemic keep paying employees. In five months,
it pumped $1.2 billion into the Vermont economy, according to Small Business Administration Vermont District Director Darcy Carter. Roughly 12,400 Vermont businesses received loans. “It was definitely a very quick way to get a lot of money into the economy,” Carter said. The loans are forgiven — becoming essentially grants — if the money was used exclusively to pay employees and for a few other qualifying expenses, including rent or mortgage interest, and utility costs. In late December, Congress passed a new stimulus bill, releasing $284 billion nationally for another round of PPP loans. Applications for the new round opened Monday. The new bill also simplified
loan forgiveness procedures for the first round of loans, creating a single page forgiveness application (SBA Form 3508 available at www.sba.gov). While some businesses had already applied for forgiveness, the simplified rules led to a surge in new applications after the new year, Carter said. “A lot of people were waiting because there was a lot of anticipation about the rules being simplified, and in this new bill they have been simplified, especially for loans under $150,000,” Carter said. “Everybody was kind of holding out that Congress was going to pass a bill. It took until Dec. 27 for that to happen.” Businesses have until 10 months after the six months that the loan covered to apply for for-
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giveness. The money must be completely spent. Carter expects nearly all of the loans to be forgiven. There are 26 banks and credit unions that are qualified to handle PPP loans for the SBA. The loan application is streamlined compared to a standard commercial loan, which typically involves credit checks, collateral, financial statements, real estate appraisals and financial projections. The main criteria for a PPP loan is that the business owner certify that the business has been negatively impacted by the pandemic and that the money is used only for payroll and other qualifying expenses. “The lenders are really familiar with it now and they move very quickly on them,” Carter said.
“Usually a commercial loan isn’t very fast … This is just a quick way to get money for your business.” The new PPP program expands qualifying expenses to include operational expenses, property damage costs, supplier costs and worker protection costs. It also expands eligibility to non-profits. “The historically successful Paycheck Protection Program served as an economic lifeline to millions of small businesses and their employees when they needed it most,” U.S. SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza said in a press release. “(The new program) adapts to the changing needs of small business owners by providing targeted relief and a simpler forgiveness process to ensure their path to recovery.”
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January 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 5
& the When
NEFCU hires digital marketing manager
David Bird
David Bird has joined New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU) as digital marketing manager, overseeing marketing channels, market data, research, community development and more. Bird is a graduate of Bob Jones University and earned an MBA at Ashford University. “As a lifetime resident of Vermont, I have a tremendous level of respect and admiration for NEFCU and the positive impact that the organization has had in the communities that we serve,” Bird said. “We look forward to building upon that history and continually identifying ways to further align with and support our members’ financial goals and well-being.
State updates definition of ‘local’ Businesses that sell and/or market products using “local” or
equivalent terms such as “made in Vermont” should be aware that the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets updated its definition of these terms Jan. 1. The new definition differentiates food by three categories: raw agricultural products, processed foods and unique food products. Each category has its own requirements to be considered local, including consideration of ingredients, manufacturing and company headquarters. The redefinition is designed to provide clearer guidelines for businesses and strengthen the Vermont brand. For more information, contact the agency’s economic development specialist, Kyle Harris, at (802) 522-6679.
Vermont labor group hires first female executive
organization’s top staff position. Medina was a union officer as a Goddard College employee. “As a labor leader, I’m interested in not just fighting for better wages in exchange for our exploitation, but ending exploitation,” she said. “It’s time for workers to be put in control of our work and lives.” Medina can be reached at vslcaflcio@gmail.com.
Feds fund local dairy innovation center The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has launched the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, funded by the USDA Agriculture Market-
ing Service. The center provides technical assistance, contracts and grants that support cow, goat and sheep dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing and distribution of dairy products. “Farmers are always adapting to meet the needs of consumers and this new initiative will give farmers more resources and support to grow their businesses,” Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts said. “We are fortunate to have this Northeast Dairy Innovation Center in Vermont.” To date, the center has received $6.59 million in federal funds with another allocation expected by the end of the year. Vis-
it www.agriculture.vermont.gov/ dbic for more information.
Walmart goes bagless Walmart stores in Vermont are going completely bagless, the chain announced this week. The move will take effect Feb. 15, and follows the State of Vermont’s ban on plastic bags last July. “This decision only further demonstrates the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable initiatives that support people and the environment and to its ongoing efforts to target zero emissions in its global operations within the next 20 years,” the company said in a statement.
goodbye
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Liz Medina has been named the Vermont AFL-CIO executive director, the first woman to hold the labor
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Page 6 • Williston Observer • January 14, 2021
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Notes from the Legislature BY REP. ERIN BRADY “This is Representative Erin Brady and I am here.” Last Wednesday, the Vermont State Legislature convened for the 2021-2022 biennium. I participated in my first roll call representing my neighbors here in Williston with my children and husband watching, not from the Statehouse balcony in Montpelier, but from our dining room. The Legislature conducted the traditional ceremonial opening over Zoom this year, and then got straight to work, electing a friend and great leader, Rep. Jill Krowinski, to be Speaker of the House. She immediately charged us to “... chart a course that leaves no Vermonter behind” as we recover from the pandemic. Most importantly, we took an oath that morning to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Vermont Constitution. I expected my first update to the community would be focused on the local issues involved with the legislative session ahead. Instead, I’m writing to tell you about the Vermont Legislature’s reaction to our national crisis. On just my second day in office, I co-sponsored and voted yes on a joint resolution of the Vermont House and Senate condemning the storming of the U.S. Capitol as an at-
tack on democracy. While the statement had broad support, I am disappointed it was not unanimous. Our institutions held, the insurrection was rebuffed and the election was certified. I appreciate Gov. Phil Scott’s powerful statement calling for the president’s resignation or removal from office. It will likely be some time before we know if President Trump and the rioters at the Capitol are brought to justice, but it was immediately clear that the violent insurrectionists were treated differently than many peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters have been treated. Systemic racism was on full display. I look forward to providing these monthly updates and sharing how democracy can and does work in our state. In the short term, the Legislature will be laser-focused on COVID response and recovery during this session. While huge challenges lie ahead in our recovery, I am optimistic the Vermont ethos of coming together and making personal choices to protect our communities will help us recover faster and stronger. One of our first actions will be a “Town Meeting Bill” (H. 48) to provide flexibility to cities and towns, school districts and water and sewer boards for alternative Town Meeting procedures for 2021. I was thrilled to be assigned to the Education Committee and look forward to bringing my experience as a high school teacher, an adjunct instructor in the Graduate Education department at St. Michael’s College and as a school board member to my committee work. In the coming
weeks, we will be taking testimony to better assess the full impact of the pandemic on Vermont’s students. In addition to committee work, there are many issue caucuses within the Legislature, and I have joined the Women’s Caucus and the Social Equity Caucus. Women and minorities have suffered disproportionately during the COVID crisis, and I am anxious to work on policies and programs that support equity and opportunity for all. While legislators do not have any staff, I will be working with an intern from UVM. I appreciate the incredibly warm welcome and support I have received from many veteran legislators, including Rep. Jim McCullough of Williston. I have joined forces with several of the other “freshmen” women who were just elected, and we have been meeting regularly since the day after the election to support one another, share resources and navigate this new opportunity together. “I am here” means I will work with my colleagues to serve the people of Vermont. “I am here” means I am present in this moment with awareness of the needs of those in Williston as well as across Vermont and feel a deep, real sense of responsibility. “I am here” means I strive to be accessible. Please email me at ebrady@ leg.state.vt.us with your questions, concerns or ideas anytime, and I am happy to set up a time to talk or meet (virtually for now). Erin Brady represents Williston in the Vermont House of Representatives.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Calling for selectboard leadership The Williston Selectboard has received a request to display a Black Lives Matter message on town property and is collecting comments from the community until Jan. 15. To date, these comments have surprisingly included a broad spectrum of hate mail, as well as sentiments of support. To advance racial justice, the Williston schools, Champlain Valley Union High School and the Williston Federated Church display Black Lives Matter messages. Whenever any symbol is displayed, it gets diverse reactions, because people are diverse. Even if our American flag were to be flown for the first time at town hall, some might object because of the recent partisan “Make America Great” associations. Some feel that a Black Lives Matter message on town property will be making a political statement. Not displaying such a message would also be making a political statement, especially because Americans are waking up to the fact that racism has been prevalent all along. The selectboard has taken steps toward addressing racism by creating a Racial Equity Partners Committee, which I applaud, but it has yet to make its own statement.
A frightening example of the power that leadership has in shaping opinions is our president. That is why I encourage selectboard members to more openly share their opinions at meetings, and to then come forward with what I sincerely hope will be an anti-racist statement. Hopefully, this statement will include a decision to display an anti-racist symbol on town property. Listening to others first, as they are doing, is essential. Merely serving as conduits for what others think doesn’t cut it. We all need to be stewards of, and to model, human decency. This may require us to step out of our comfort zones, reach inward, speak up and then take action. Silence perpetuates racism. Brant Dinkin Williston
Dog owners have a responsibility Thank you for the front page story about dog owner misbehavior at the Oak View Hill trail system at the Isham Farm (“Dog havoc threatens public trail access,” Jan. 7). In December, after the first snow had melted, I walked the paved path behind Williston Central School. I couldn’t believe the
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amount of dog waste left on and immediately beside the path. I had to put my own dog back into the car because, even on a leash, I couldn’t keep him clean and away from all of the excrement. It was disgusting and shocking in its abundance. Even in my own neighborhood, the amount of piles left behind has me disheartened after seeing them so carefully picked up in the summer. This is part of being a good community member and pet owner. We share the commons — humans, pets and wildlife. It is part of our duty of care to clean up after ourselves and our animals and to act respectfully to the others who share the land.
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Page 8 • Williston Observer • January 14, 2021
FBI warns of armed rally planned at Statehouse BY ALAN J. KEAYS VTDigger
Vermont law enforcement officials are preparing for possible armed rallies at the Statehouse. The FBI issued a warning Monday that demonstrations by gun-toting pro-
testers are planned at state capitals across the country. ABC News first reported early Monday afternoon that it had obtained an internal FBI bulletin stating, “As of 10 January, armed protests are being planned at all 50 state capitals from 16 January
through at least 20 January, and at the U.S. Capitol from 17 January through 20 January.” Vermont authorities say flyers are being circulated about armed rallies on Sunday, Jan. 17, three days before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
Vermont State Police troopers provide security at the Statehouse in Montpelier at the outdoor swearing-in ceremony for Gov. Phil Scott and the state’s constitutional officers last Thursday. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
One of the flyers, obtained by VTDigger, bore the slogan “When Democracy Is Destroyed, Refuse to Be Silenced” and promoted an “Armed March of Capitol Hill & All State Capitols.” The red flyers feature an image of the Statue of Liberty and call on people to “Demand Freedom. End the Corruption.” At a news briefing Monday afternoon, Vermont Public Safety Commissioner Michael Shirling said there is “not at this stage a specific set of threats or threat” related to Vermont. “But I would caution that it is early. We still have a number of days to go,” the commissioner said. “That’s not to indicate that we’re predicting anything’s going to emerge. It’s just very early in the process.” As a precaution, Montpelier and Roxbury public schools have announced that all instruction on Jan. 20 will be virtual, with no
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in-person classes. Schirling said his department is working with other law enforcement agencies, including the Capitol Police and Montpelier Police Department, in planning to deal with a possible armed rally at the Statehouse. “We don’t discuss the nature of exactly what that planning and the posture is going to look like, for obvious reasons,” he said. Schirling said his department is not aware of any threats to any other locations in the state, but “if they emerge, we’ll create plans for those as well.” Schirling said at this point there are no “active” calls for a curfew or a Vermont National Guard presence at the Statehouse. “That hasn’t been part of an ongoing conversation at this stage,” he said. “But we do prepare for a variety of possibilities.”
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January 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 9
Letters continued from page
line meditation, cooking and story hours all took place over Zoom. • The summer reading program launched online, and various story walks were installed on the town green and in the community park during the summer and fall. Craft bags for children and adults have been very popular. • The heavily used curbside pickup service, providing patrons access to the collection, debuted in early May and has continued uninterrupted ever since. • As conditions improved in June and July, the facility opened for browsing and computer use by appointment, which continued until Thanksgiving. • Dottie the Bookmobile was out in the community all summer and service was extended into the fall, including visits to the farmers’ markets for the first time. • Outdoor events were held on the town green this summer and fall, including movie nights, a Halloween party and a kindergarten celebration. The library staff continues to add new programs and services, so please refer to the website at www.williston.lib.vt.us or give us a call at 878-4918. Like all of you, I look forward to a time when I can join Willistonians at the library in person.
7
Citizens I have spoken to are concerned about human and animal safety from concealed and often illegal traps. Trappers do not check their traps often enough, so trapped animals endure days of pain before being killed. This includes a cat brought to my clinic that was in a trap for several days and was severely dehydrated with rotting flesh and broken leg. I could not save her. She died an agonizing death from a leg hold trap. Traps can cause broken bones, torn muscles, damaged ligaments and often rotting skin and adjacent tissue. Also, only one in three animals that are trapped are the target animal. The non-target animals/birds can be pets or endangered species. All animals and birds feel pain. There is a lot of support for banning traps. Visit www.protectourwildlifevt.org for more about this issue. Also, contact our selectboard members or town manager and let them know how you feel about these inhumane traps. Let’s work to end this danger to our pets and to stop the damage to our wildlife. Peggy Larson Williston
Stephen Perkins, Chair Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Trustees
Library perseveres through pandemic
Exemplary governor
I noticed in the Dec. 30 Williston Observer roundup of 2020 that the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library was simply referred to as “closed.” Though operations did not proceed as in non-pandemic years, the staff of the library worked incredibly hard to provide services to the Williston community in innovative and creative ways. I would like to thank the staff for their commitment to serving the community. Highlights from 2020 include: — Programs moved online within a week of closing our doors in mid-March. Regular programs, including book clubs, on-
When rioters invaded the seat of our democracy last Wednesday, I was so proud of Gov. Phil Scott, who stood up and condemned President Donald Trump saying: “President Trump has orchestrated a campaign to cause an insurrection that overturns the results of a free, fair and legal election” and called for the president to be removed from office. Brian Forrest Williston
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Page 10 • Williston Observer • January 14, 2021
LIBRARY
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The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is open for contact-free porch pickup of materials 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. To place holds, request a bundle of materials or for help deciding what to read next, visit www.damlvt.org, or call 878-4918. Visit the website to explore options for downloading e-books, audioBooks, music and video and to stay up-to-date on all of our programming offerings. The library will be closed Jan. 18 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
• After-school to-go craft: snow globes Make a unique snow globe using a clear plate, glitter snowflakes, glue and your own creativity. Pick up a kit from the library vestibule starting on Jan. 19, while supplies last. • Zoom story time: On The Farm Tuesday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m. Join us for farm-themed stories, songs and movement. Register at www. damlvt.org to receive a Zoom link. Geared to preschoolers, but all are welcome. • Meditation for kids Wednesday, Jan. 20 and 27, 1:151:45 p.m. Join us via Zoom. Ages 8-14. Parents are welcome to take part. Email programs@damlvt.org to register.
MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS • All Ages Winter Reading Challenge Jan. 1-31. Take the “Books Like Us” winter reading challenge, sponsored by Simon & Schuster. Open to Williston and St. George residents of all ages. Log up to 15 hours of reading and complete activities to earn badges and tickets for virtual raffles. Register online at www.damlvt. beanstack.org and help us reach our
community-wide goal of reading 50,000 minutes for the month of January. • Spanish conversation & meetup Wednesday, Jan. 20, 4-5 p.m. Join us online for conversation en Español. For beginners or fluent speakers, teen to adult. Email programs@damlvt.org for a Zoom link. • Programs for Adults Online programs are via Zoom. Email programs@damlvt.org or call 878-4918 for an invitation. • To-go craft kit: paper cranes Take part in our book-and-paper art crafting series. Pick up a DIY origami project from the library vestibule to complete at home, and make extras for the library’s display. • Guided meditation Friday, Jan. 15 and 22, 12-12:30 p.m. Maryellen Crangle leads a short meditation. • January new perspectives book discussion Tuesday, Jan. 19, 12-1 p.m. “Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness” by Sharon Salzberg. Chapters 9-11. Copies available. • Brown bag book discussion Tuesday, Jan. 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m. “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee. Copies available. • Current events discussion Wednesday, Jan. 27, 10-11:30 a.m. Connect with others for informal conversation about newsworthy topics. • Virtual poetry reading Wednesday, Jan. 27, 6:30-8 p.m. Join a community poetry reading featuring local poets Geof Hewitt, Tricia Knoll and Joanne Mellin. There will be an open mic opportunity following the reading. To participate or attend, register at www.damlvt.org. • February new perspectives book discussion Tuesday, Feb. 2 and 16, 12-1 p.m. “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande. Copies available.
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January 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 11
SENIORS
What caregivers should know about Medicare
Dear Savvy Senior, I am the caregiver for my 81-year-old mother, who recently fell and broke her hip, and have a lot of questions about how original Medicare works and what it covers. Where can I get some help understanding this program? Overwhelmed Caregiver
Dear Caregiver, Excellent question! Having a working knowledge of Medicare can help you take full advantage of the coverage and services it provides to ensure your mom receives the best care possible. Here’s what you should know.
Medicare Assistance A good starting point to get familiar with Medicare is the official “Medicare & You” handbook that overviews the program. It’s mailed to all beneficiaries every fall and provides an up-to-date description of all services and benefits. You can also see it online at www. Medicare.gov/medicare-and-you. If you have a particular question, you can call and visit with a Medicare customer service representative at 800-633-4227. Medicare also works closely with
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) to provide free health insurance counseling. To find a SHIP counselor in your area, visit www.ShiptaCenter.org or call 877-839-2675. Caregivers also find Medicare’s secure website – www.MyMedicare.gov – especially useful. After setting up a personal account for your mom, you can view the details of her coverage, track recent health care claims and keep up to date on the preventive services she qualifies for.
Compare Tools Medicare can also help you locate the right health care providers for your mother. At www. Medicare.gov/care-compare you can find and compare doctors, hospitals, home health agencies, dialysis facilities, inpatient rehab facilities, long-term care hospitals and nursing homes in your mom’s area.
What Medicare Covers Medicare can reduce many out-of-pocket medical expenses your mom incurs, but it doesn’t cover everything. Understanding
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what Medicare does and doesn’t cover can save you time and spare you frustration when navigating the caregiving maze. Here are some key points for caregivers: Besides basic hospital and physician services (which includes telehealth services) and optional prescription drug benefits, Medicare covers home health care. To qualify, your mom must be homebound, under a physician’s care and in need of part-time skilled nursing care or rehabilitative services like physical therapy. Medicare also helps pay for oxygen, catheters and other medical supplies that a doctor prescribes for home use. The same is true for medically necessary equipment like oxygen machines, wheelchairs and walkers. In addition, Medicare covers skilled care in a nursing home for limited periods – up to 100 days – following hospital stays. But it doesn’t cover long-term stays. Patients who need custodial care (room and board) must pay out of pocket unless they’re eligible for Medicaid or have private longterm care insurance. Medicare pays for hospice care for someone with a terminal
illness whose doctor expects them to live six months or less. The hospice benefit also includes brief periods of respite care at a hospice facility, hospital or nursing home to give the patient’s caregivers an occasional rest. Original Medicare typically doesn’t cover regular dental care or dentures, regular eye exams or eyeglasses or hearing exams and hearing aids. Likewise, it won’t pay for non-emergency ambulance trips unless a doctor certifies they’re medically necessary. To find out what Medicare covers, visit www.Medicare.gov/ coverage and type in the test, item or service you have questions about or download the Medicare “What’s covered” app in either the App Store or Google Play.
Financial Assistance If your mom lives on a limited income, you should check whether she qualifies for help with prescription drug costs or with other Medicare-related premiums, deductibles and copayments. For help with drug costs, visit www.SSA.gov/prescriptionhelp or contact Social Security at 800-7721213 and ask about the “Extra Help
Savvy Senior BY JIM MILLER Program.” For help with other Medicare costs, go to www.Medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227 and ask about the “Medicare Savings Programs.” Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070 or visit www. SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Page 12 • Williston Observer • January 14, 2021
OBITUARIES Jeff Boomhower Jeff Boomhower passed away at home, Monday, December 21, 2020, surrounded by his family after a valiant struggle with cancer. Jeff’s last hours were peaceful and pain free. Until then he was mobile and planning out his next adventure. Jeff spent his formative years living in the Underhill community with the Browns River and Green Mountains as his guides, fishing, hunting, and Jeff Boomhower skiing. Problem solving was his largest fascination. His creative problem solving skills came in handy while working for the Williston Schools and Engleberth Construction. He was known to tie a sail to his canoe and hop from one Champlain Island to the other.
During the time between camping trips, he preferred living in cabins he had made. In addition to the family clan, Jeff knitted together a group of friends and musicians with whom he camped and traveled from one Bluegrass festival to another throughout the summer. Jeff leaves his son Alex B o o m h o w e r, his wife Celeste Plouffe, the love of his life, and a large extended family, all of who will miss him deeply. We take comfort in knowing he is plucking tunes, drumming, hunting, fishing, and regaling all of those who went before him with the stories of a life where every ounce of energy was spent enjoying our beautiful planet. As with us, he will have them laughing and dancing until dawn. Once the hay is cut and Covid subsides,
there will be a celebration of life in Jeff’s honor. Thank you to the staff at the UVM Medical Center for their superior care. Thank you to Vermont Home Health and Hospice for making Jeff’s last days so beautiful. Please consider giving a donation to the University of Vermont Cancer Center (UVM Medical Center Development Office, Courtyard at Given North 3rd Floor, Burlington, VT 05401), or to Vermont Home Health and Hospice, (UVM Health Network - Home Health & Hospice, Attn: Office of Development, 1110 Prim Rd, Colchester, VT 05446). Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Cremation Society of Chittenden County, a division of the Ready Funeral Home. Please visit www.cremationsocietycc.com to place online condolences.
Gerard J. Close Gerard J. Close passed away December 30, 2020 due to complications from a stroke at the McClure-Miller Respite House. Jerry was a long-time resident of
Hamden, CT and parishioner of St. Rita’s Church before moving to Williston, VT. Jerry was born July 14, 1936, son of George and Elizabeth Close. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1954. He served in the US Army as a Master Tank Gunner. Jerry supported his family as a salesman selling kitchens and cabinets. His true gift and passion was using his Gerard Close skills as a fine woodworker and carpenter to create beautiful cabinetry for friends and family. He was a member of the Laurel View Country Club and one of the founders of the Monday Night Hamden Marketing League. He married Gail Ann Verwholt on September 29, 1966. Together they celebrated 54 wonderful
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years. He was loved and cherished by his children and was a loving, caring and supportive Dad. He was raised in Momauguin, and this is where his love and appreciation for the ocean began. He passed this on to his family and we have many happy memories of summer vacations to Cape Cod and Maine. After raising their children, Jerry and Gail reignited their zest for travel and saw many beautiful sights in Europe and various National Parks across the US. Jerry and Gail relocated to Williston, VT the summer of 2014. Here Jerry continued his carpentry, played golf, enjoyed his vegetable gardens, quiet moments at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, playing cornhole with his grandchildren and meeting new friends in the peacefulness of the Williston Woods neighbor-
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January 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 13 hood. They were parishioners at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Together they explored the backroads of Vermont and enjoyed sharing scenic views and favorite restaurants with visiting friends and family. They became avid fans at their grandchildren’s sporting and school events. Jerry is survived by his wife Gail, his children Jacqueline Palmer and her husband Scott; Patrick Close and his wife Lori; Amy Benoit and her husband Keith; Edward Close and his wife Margaret; by his 10 grandchildren, Jonathan, William, and Hannah Palmer; Devin Greenway-Tambini and her husband Louis, Talon and Griffin Close, Derek and Julia Benoit, Gemma and Sarah Close, by 1 great granddaughter Nika Greenway-Tambini. By his siblings William Close, Maureen Guckin, Margaret Smith, Elizabeth Backman (John), Georgeann Hajnal (Richard). Also, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Elizabeth Close, brother Robert Close, brother-in-law Joseph Smith and nephew Brian Guckin. Our family will miss him forever. Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of Jerry’s life will take place later in 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory can be made to The McClure-Miller Respite House 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446. Arrangements are in the care of Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant Street, Essex Jct., VT.
Gary D. Greene Gary D. Greene, 73, passed away at home on Thursday, Dec.
CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 14
Gary D. Greene
17, 2020. He was born in San Francisco, CA on June 24, 1947, the son of Godfrey D. And Edna A. (McNaught) Greene. He grew up in Redwood City, CA, where he graduated from Woodside High School in 1966. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and joined the MAC division where he served in Germany for three years. When he retired from the service he moved back home and joined PSA Airlines as a Customer Service Agent. Then, with US Air, he moved to Vermont where he lived and worked for many years. He enjoyed travelling, skiing and his family. Among his survivors are his son Bryce Greene, and brother John G. Greene and many friends. In retirement Gary was challenged with diabetes and other health problems. Please donate to the American Diabetes Association in his name; 1-800-342-2383 or mail to: American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merriefield, VA, 22116-7023. Spring interment, with Military Honors, will be accorded in VT Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Randolph.
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Job Description: The Champlain Water District is hiring an Electrical Maintenance Technician. This is a full-time hourly, bargaining unit position ($23.19 to $23.89) with excellent benefits. This position requires skilled work of a responsible and mature nature. The Electrical Maintenance Technician is responsible to perform all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of all CWD’s electrical/electronic equipment and all computerized control process systems. Employee shall also be responsible for CWD property and equipment as directed by CWD Policy. Employee will often perform job related responsibilities with limited supervision and will be required to make decisions, and take action, on his/her own without continuous supervision.
Job Description: The Champlain Water District is hiring a Water System Foreman. This is a full-time hourly, bargaining unit position ($25.28) with excellent benefits. The Water Distribution System Foreman is responsible for the leadership and liaison of the distribution personnel of the District as well as the personnel employed by other water departments managed by the District. Employee is responsible for the efficient day to day operation and maintenance of the water distribution systems owned and/or managed by the District Retail Department all in accordance with federal, state and local regulations, CWD policy, and prudent utility recommendations. Employee is required to make decisions and take action on his or her own without on-site supervision.
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Training and Experience The employee shall have a minimum high school education or equivalent plus 5 years of relevant technical and supervisory experience, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills area acquired. The employee shall have good basic reading, writing, and math skills; good basic planning, administrative and supervisory skills, and be able to perform water system functions with the use of a computer. Emphasis will be on more complex/highly skilled tasks and operations in water distribution maintenance, procedures and policy. Employee will be expected to be familiar with the latest technology and methods of water distribution system operations. Employee's work experience must successfully demonstrate his or her self motivation and competency. Employee must have the ability to plan, assign, and direct the work of crews engaged in a variety of water distribution activities. Licenses & Certificates Employee shall possess a valid State of Vermont Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Employee shall possess an appropriate State of Vermont Operator's Certificate as determined by the Vermont Water Supply Division. Employee must obtain said Certificate within the timetable established by the certifying agency or within eighteen months (18) months of employment, whichever is less.
Complete job descriptions and application may be obtained online at: champlainwater.org/jobs.aspx Submit cover letter and resume to: tracy.bessette@champlainwater.org
Send your story ideas to editor@ williston observer.com CROSSWORD SOLUTION
January 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 15
Rally continued from page
urged people to “think twice” before bringing firearms to a Statehouse rally. Asked if he knew what groups may be participating in an armed rally at the Vermont Statehouse, Schirling said, “Not specifically, beyond folks that affiliated themselves with the groups that were present at the (U.S.) Capitol.” Law enforcement received many tips during the weekend about the possibility of an armed rally at the Statehouse, he said. “We get a lot of links and screenshots off of social media, not just Facebook,” Romei said of the tips that have come in. “We got a lot off of Parler before it was shut down last night.” Schirling called on Vermonters to report to authorities any information they might find concerning, such as a possible threat. “At no other time has it been as important to see something, say something,” he said. “Even if they seem small,” he said it’s important to report them, “so that we can weave information together so that we can try to weave together a picture out of puzzle pieces.”
8
The calls for nationwide armed rallies at state capitals follows the insurrection last Wednesday in the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump. They stormed the building as lawmakers inside were certifying the presidential election results. Fifty-one people from Vermont traveled by bus last Wednesday to take part in the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C. Over the weekend, the Montpelier Police Department posted an alert to Facebook about the possibility of armed rallies at statehouses across the country, including Vermont. The Vermont Capitol Police, the Montpelier Police Department, Vermont State Police and other agencies are working to “ensure the safety” of the capitol complex and the city of Montpelier, according to the statement. Montpelier Police Chief Brian Peete, speaking at the news briefing Monday, said his department is adopting an all-hands-on-deck approach, and is canceling any leave requests from members of the force. “We have taken those steps,” he said. “We’ve gone to an elevated posture regarding our time off, because these occurrences would be happening in your jurisdiction.” Capitol Police Chief Matthew Romei said Monday that preparations are complicated by the fact that Vermont is considered an “open carry” state. People can legally bear fireVisit our website to see current and past photos arms in public. of Williston events, school sports, nature shots and more! “It’s permitted, but it’s Digital and prints available. Very reasonably priced. discouraged,” Romei said of people carrying firearms during rallies at the Statehouse. He AL said police could take action if a person brandished a firearm or used one to menace or intimphotography idate others. Given the “totality of the circumstances,” Schirling
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Page 16 • Williston Observer • January 14, 2021
SPORTS
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The CVU gymnastics team begins practices Tuesday at the Green Mountain Training Center in Williston after COVID-19 delays. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
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