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JANUARY 21, 2021
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A new vision for Taft Corners
Planners hope to overhaul land-use regulations in Williston’s ‘growth center’ BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Snow smiles
Acadia Brown created ‘Snowy’ with a little help from Dad. OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY
Taft Corners may be ready to evolve past the “big box” store era. It’s been roughly two decades since a large national retailer — the Wal-Marts and Home Depots of the world — built a store in Williston, and town planners are preparing for the likelihood that there won’t be any more. To that end, they have hired a consultant to embark on a yearlong project to overhaul Taft Corners zoning, engaging the public in a visioning session this spring, launching a website at www.mytaftcorners.com and introducing the social media hashtag #mytaftcorners for people to share what they like and don’t like about the area, and what they hope for its future. “The damage has been done a little bit with existing box stores, and we have the opportunity with this plan to figure out what our version of a modern urbanist architectural style will look like and sculpt our own future in that way,” Emily Morton, a member of the town’s Historic and Architectural Advisory Committee, said at a December meeting. Town planners intend to incorporate citizen input about how the area should develop and expertise from its Washington D.C.based consultant into new building standards that prescribe how new structures can look — a so-called “form-based code.” That differs from existing land-use regulations that mandate what types of uses are allowed in particular zoning districts.
Taft Corners is a state designated “Growth Center,” a 1,000-acre area around the intersection of routes 2 and 2A and the Exit 12 interchange of Interstate 89. Williston’s zoning regulations have directed the majority of the town’s land development there. Building design standards in the existing regulations “are not entirely unified with one another, nor do they follow an overarching plan,” Planning Director Matt Boulanger wrote in a memo about the project to the selectboard. They are also vague, for example: “Use a variety of colors and materials, but with restraint.” The efficiencies afforded by the state growth center designation has helped spur significant new development. The Finney Crossing neighborhood has added hundreds of new condos and apartments, a hotel and grocery store; a similar mixed-use neighborhood, Cottonwood Crossing, is under construction nearby. But these developments have “failed to meet community expectations,” Boulanger wrote in a memo last year. He elaborated in an interview Tuesday: “Most of what I’ve been hearing is that a lot of the newer buildings in Taft Corners are boxy and somewhat drab, and sometimes they obscure views of the mountains that used to exist from some of our roads.” Boulanger estimates that about 25 percent of the 1,000-acre area remains undeveloped. The undeveloped land is primarily owned by companies that have already built in the area, such as Cottonwood Crossing’s Allen Brook Development and JL Davis Realty, which partly owns the REI plaza. The towns’ form-based code consultant, Geoffrey Ferrell Associates, plans to interview the private landowners before writing the code. “How they see the world in terms of see TAFT CORNERS page 3
Selectboard bans dogs from Oak View Hill trails BY JASON STARR Observer staff Dogs are no longer allowed on the Oak View Hill trails. The Williston Selectboard voted unanimously Tuesday to ban dogs from the trail system — a town trail easement located on the Isham Family Farm — after persistent disregard of leash rules by pet owners. A growing number of off-leash dogs have
been degrading the farmland and interfering with the farm’s operations. “We’ve asked people nicely to follow the rules and keep their dogs leashed, and still people are disregarding the rules and letting their dogs off leash and leaving their dog doo bags behind,” Williston Conservation Planner Melinda Scott said. “At this point, it’s really become untenable.” The trail system has been town-managed since 2001. It’s the only one of the
town’s trails that winds through a working farm. The land, located on the east side of Oak Hill Road, is managed for wildlife habitat and maple sugaring. Signage will be posted alerting users of the new policy. It may serve as a wakeup call to local dog owners for the consequences of not following leash laws on publicly managed trails, landowner Mike Isham said. “This will be a good lesson to the dog
owners that they have to be respectful on other trails, too,” he said. Scott acknowledged that enforcement of the no dog policy will be a challenge that relies on reports from the landowners and other trail-users. If dog owners continue to take their pets on the trails, the next step would be to chain off the parking area and close the trails to the public, Scott said. “I’m sorry to see it come to this,” Selectboard member Joy Limoge said.
Page 2 • Williston Observer • January 21, 2021
Evergreen launches sports medicine clinic, brings on new doctor
Paul Reiss and Matt Salter of Evergreen Family Health Group have announced the addition of Jason Lippman to the practice. The trio make up the practice’s new sports medicine clinic. Located on Park Avenue in Williston, the practice provides primary care sports medicine to support individual athletes as well as school, college, club and recreational sports programs. Lippman, a native of Virginia, has cared for high school athletes, Division 1 collegiate ski racers and Olympic hopefuls. He is a current team physician for USA Ski Mountaineering and a member of the U.S. Ski Mountaineering Association medical committee. “The aim is to maximize function and talents starting with training, and seeking peak performance of all ages, including timely care of injuries and safe return to sports and function,” Reiss said. Lippman specializes in the
Jason Lippman
management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as exercise-related medical concerns such as concussion and exercise-induced asthma. His professional focus includes in-clinic diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided joint injections, osteoarthritis management and acute fracture care.
Weigh in on school superintendent search The Champlain Valley School Board is looking for public input regarding its search for a new school superintendent. Current Superintendent Elaine Pinckney is retiring at the end of June. The board is hosting three video meetings on Zoom this month to take citizen comments on what qualities a new superintendent should possess. A Jan. 26 meeting will be held from 7-8 p.m.; a Jan. 28 meeting will be held from 7-8 p.m.; and a Jan. 29 meeting will be held from 12-1 p.m. Visit www.cvsdvt.org for a link to participate in the meetings. An online survey will be posted on the district website as well, open Jan. 23-31. A compilation of comments received will be published in February.
Gov. Scott quarantines following possible virus exposure BY KIT NORTON VTDigger
the time. “Those in long-term care facilities should come first, and the staff along with them, and obviously the health care workers should be in that mix, which they are.” State contact-tracers are investigating the event, and the governor’s office has informed those who attended the briefings of their possible exposure. Scott, Levine
Gov. Phil Scott, Health Commissioner Mark Levine and other top administration officials plan to quarantine following potential exposure to COVID-19, the governor’s office announced Tuesday evening. According to the administration, a person who took part in the governor’s two most recent press briefings — on Jan. 15 and Jan. 19 — tested positive for the virus. The person was identified only as a “contractor who provides services” at the twice-weekly events. Approximately 17 people attended each of the briefings, including cabinet officials, reporters, security and interpreters, according to the Gov. Phil Scott governor’s office. The events are held in the Pavilion Auditorium in Montpelier and other officials will be tested for and follow recommended safety COVID-19 as they quarantine, the governor’s office said. protocols. Scott “will continue to fulfill Neither Scott nor Levine have all of his duties, including leadbeen vaccinated for COVID-19, acing Vermont’s pandemic response, cording to Scott press secretary Jawhile working remotely,” his office son Maulucci. At a press conference said in the statement. last month, the governor said he was During Tuesday’s press conreluctant to avail himself of the vacference, Scott said that Vermont cine ahead of high-risk Vermonters continues to plan its COVID-19 and frontline health care workers. vaccination efforts around a limited “You know, I struggle a bit beand unpredictable supply of vaccine cause I would not want to take one from the federal government. dose away from someone in one of Currently, health care workthose priority groups,” Scott said at
ers and long-term care facility residents can receive the vaccine — what’s been called Phase 1A. Beginning Monday, Vermonters who are age 75 and older will be able to make an appointment to be vaccinated. Officials will announce details on how to make an appointment in the coming days. Those eligible for the vaccine will expand by age grouping, and then, after the age groups, by certain high-risk medical conditions. Scott addressed comparisons of Vermont’s plans with those in other parts of the country. “It’s true that some states have started with broader eligibility than ours,” he said. “The problem is, without the supply, they’re not going to be able to vaccinate any more people — just create more frustration and confusion. “Overpromising is not the answer,” he continued. “The logical approach is to manage the supply of the vaccine we’re receiving. And if we’re allotted more, we’ll scale up, which we hope is the case.” Health Commissioner Levine reminded Vermonters they will be informed when, where and how they can get vaccinated. “Please help us by not calling or sending emails until we provide all the details,” he said. Up-to-date information will be posted at www.healthvermont.gov.
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Storm scenes
Julia Hunt tunnels through the plowed up snowbank.
January 21, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 3
Taft Corners continued from page
1
what might be coming to Williston in the future … will be part of the process,” Boulanger said. Part of the undeveloped land is behind Hannaford, where town planners envision a grid-style layout of new streets. A form-based code will result in “diverse, interesting, walkable streetscapes” in that area, Boulanger said.
Putting form-based code in place now will also prepare the town for the possible redevelopment of the big box stores. “Retail is changing so much and so fast right now,” said Boulanger. “Those stores have been there for some time and they are probably not representative of what’s coming … This code should anticipate and understand what the adaptive reuse of a big box store might be like.”
Burlington resident Jonathan Sands enjoys the peace and quiet of the Williston Community Park on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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Page 4 • Williston Observer • January 21, 2021
‘Painful’ cuts proposed in pensions for teachers, state employees
BY LOLA DUFFORT VTDigger Vermont Treasurer Beth Pearce is recommending a reduction in pension benefits for teachers and state employees, following a new analysis that projects the system’s unfunded liability growing by about $600 million. In a report submitted to the Legislature on Friday, Pearce suggested a series of changes that would require active employees to contribute more and take a lower payout. Her recommendations would not impact retirees currently receiving benefits. The proposal reduces cost-ofliving adjustments for state employees and eliminates them altogether for teachers. Under the plan, employees would contribute more and wait longer to draw benefits. And the salary amount used to calculate a retiree’s benefit would be lower. “These recommendations are
painful, and this report is not submitted lightly, but action is needed to continue to provide retirement security for all our employees,” read a statement released by the treasurer’s office. The state’s unfunded pension obligation has long been an albatross around the Legislature’s neck, consuming ever-growing shares of the General Fund. The problem is mostly the result of the state underfunding the system for decades, particularly in the 1990s, and overly optimistic assumptions about investment returns. Following two new analyses of the pension system’s current and future performance, the pension board recently lowered the expected annual rate of return on the funds from 7.5 percent to 7 percent. Actuaries now project that the pension system’s unfunded liabilities — the gap between what’s owed to current and future retirees and projected assets in the fund —
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have ballooned by another $600 million. That’s on top of the $1.5 billion shortfall that was projected beforehand in the teacher’s pension alone. To make up for it without cutting benefits, the treasurer’s office says lawmakers would have to kick in an extra $96 million a year to meet the state’s obligations. Pearce’s report does include one note of hope: With a Biden administration and Democratic majorities in the U.S. House and Senate, state governments believe that additional aid is forthcoming to help with the pandemic and the resulting economic crisis. If that money comes without too many restrictions, “paying down the state’s debts with a portion of these funds should be a priority,” the treasurer wrote. At a virtual town hall held last
Wednesday with Vermont teachers, Pearce cast her proposals as an effort to save the system. Even lawmakers who have historically supported pensions are “talking about extreme measures,” she said, including converting the retirement system from a “defined benefit” to a “defined contribution” plan. Defined benefit plans, like pensions, guarantee employees a particular benefit upon retirement. Defined contribution plans, like 401Ks, do not. “We have to act, and we have to act now. And I can’t think of a worse time, you know, in terms of the pandemic, but we really do need to have this conversation,” Pearce said. About 1,000 educators tuned in to the Town Hall, according to Vermont-NEA spokesman Darren Allen. Nearly 200 submitted
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questions “We certainly appreciate and respect Treasurer Pearce’s commitment to the defined benefits pension system. We’re absolutely on the same page when it comes to the importance of preserving a strong and healthy pension system,” said Vermont-NEA president Don Tinney. “We’re not in agreement with the approaches she’s proposing to save it.” Cuts in the pension system would not have been welcome in a normal year, but in the middle of the pandemic, when most teachers are working in-person, it “feels like a slap in the face,” Tinney said. “There’s no doubt that the fund needs more revenue. And we see that that revenue can be generated by asking the wealthiest among us to pay their fair share,” he added. That could include an income tax surcharge, he said, on those making over $400,000 or $500,000 a year. Steve Howard, executive director of the Vermont State Employees Association, said the union wants to protect “a sustainable retirement system,” while also being fair to people who have “dedicated their lives to public service, operating under one set of rules, and planning their lives around that.” “Nobody’s ecstatic about it — any of it — including the treasurer. But we are also determined to protect the defined benefit pension plan from the folks who would want to attack the pension and create less retirement security for state employees,” he said. Howard said the union would explore “every possible way” to sustain the pension, including by pushing for an income tax surcharge dedicated to paying down the unfunded liability. The treasurer’s report has revived fears among the state employees and teachers unions that Gov. Phil Scott might make a push to shift the pension systems to “defined contribution” plans. Asked last Wednesday about the treasurer’s then-forthcoming report, Jason Maulucci, Scott’s press secretary, said the governor’s office had not yet been briefed on Pearce’s recommendations, but looked forward to “working collaboratively with the Legislature and the treasurer on her proposal and this important work.” There were 8,443 active state employees and 7,268 state retirees in the system as of June 2019, according to the treasurer’s office. The state reported that there were 9,862 active teachers and 9,514 retirees at that time.
January 21, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 5
Burlington City Council sends retail marijuana to ballot
The local measure on cannabis arrives after the Vermont Legislature legalized the sale of marijuana statewide in October. BeBurlington is set to vote on whether to cause of an “opt-in” provision in the state’s permit the sale of marijuana in the city, after legislation, towns must also vote on the issue the City Council approved a ballot question before offering their own, local licenses to on the issue on Tuesday. businesses. The state will begin issuing liThe measure will censes in 2022. appear on the March Organizers had demanded That legislation, ballot, barring a mayS.54, drew ire from particular attention oral veto. A “yes” vote many, including the to racial equity in the would permit marijuaVermont Racial Jusna retailers to operate in tice Alliance, for legislation to help atone Burlington beginning in excluding several for the decades of harm October 2022 — a proequity provisions for that the criminalization vision that a coalition the new marijuana of marijuana has wrought marketplace — for of racial justice advocates and small growers instance, allowing on black and other fought to include, as it already-established communities of color. would prevent medical medical dispensaries dispensaries from enterearly access to the reing the retail marketplace early. tail market. The City Council approved the measure Organizers had demanded particular atunanimously, with Chip Mason, D-Ward 5, tention to racial equity in the legislation to recusing. At a Jan. 5 council meeting, Ma- help atone for the decades of harm that the son attributed his recusal from discussion of criminalization of marijuana has wrought on cannabis policy to a “professional conflict of black and other communities of color. Some interest,” though he did not elaborate. suggested the legislation should be accompaBY KATYA SCHWENK VTDigger
nied by a commitment to reparations. In drafting Burlington’s ballot measure, councilors said they attempted to address these issues locally. “Now that there’s a marketplace, we need to do everything we can to make sure that the folks that are getting those profits are the same ones that have been harmed thus far,” said Councilor Jack Hanson, P-East District, who sponsored the resolution. The choice to set the start date as October 2022, for instance, was an effort to help level the playing field: Already-established medical
marijuana dispensaries, according to the state’s current plan, can obtain a license for recreational sales months earlier, in April 2022. If voters approve the ballot question, it will remove that head start for dispensaries, allowing them to enter the market at the same time as other businesses. The ballot question resolution also stipulates that tax revenue from cannabis sales be directed, when possible, to resources for communities of color, and that the city create a local cannabis control board, which will consider issues of racial equity.
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Page 6 • Williston Observer • January 21, 2021
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A budget for our children BY BRIAN FORREST On Jan. 5, residents of Williston concerned about our contribution to the climate crisis called in to the selectboard meeting to voice our opinion that there needs to be money in the fiscal year 2022 budget to fund a full-time energy coordinator to implement the town Energy Plan. The selectboard, some acknowledging that the climate is a problem, declined to include any money for this position, citing the need to keep the tax rate flat, essentially saying that it’s more important for our taxes to be low than to act to protect our children’s and grandchildren’s generations. The introduction to the Energy Plan that was passed by this selectboard says: “The August 2018 report of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that we must switch from fossil fuels to renewable, non-carbon based energy sources by 2030 to avoid a 1.5-degree increase in global temperature, a change that is projected to cause catastrophic risks to human systems.” We are now three years into the 12 years the IPCC gave us to cut our carbon emissions in half by 2030 and to zero by 2050, and this selectboard believes that it is more important to keep our taxes level than to protect our children and grandchildren from the effects of the runaway heating of our planet. Williston is not responsible for the climate crisis, but we are responsible for adding every day — through our chimneys and ex-
haust pipes — to the catastrophic risk to human systems the IPCC warns us of. Part of the Energy Plan was written to weatherize all homes in Williston and convert our homes from fossil fuels to heat pumps powered by electricity that we can source from clean, renewable energy. Part of the plan seeks to reduce our daily driving by cre-
Williston is not responsible for the climate crisis, but we are responsible for adding every day — through our chimneys and exhaust pipes — to the catastrophic risk to human systems the IPCC warns us of. ating a local system of transportation to connect our neighborhoods to public transportation at Taft Corners, freeing our reliance on our cars and reducing the heating of our planet that results from our continued use of gasoline-powered cars. Part of the plan involves planting trees to sequester carbon dioxide and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are heating our planet. There are over 74 pathways in the plan to reduce our car-
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bon emissions. We don’t have a lot of time to do something to save us from a runaway heating of Earth. We can’t wait for next year to act as we have no guarantee that our economy will be any better than it is this year. We have to acknowledge that the climate crisis is as great a threat to our community, and especially our children and grandchildren, as the threat to public safety that we deal with by funding police and fire departments to the tune of over $2 million a year each; that acting on the climate crisis is as important to our children’s future as their education that we spend over $20 million a year on. What will acting on this crisis cost us? The cost to fully fund the Energy Plan is about $2.5 million per year. The proposed municipal budget is about $11.6 million. The plan would cost about 22 percent of the total budget. If you take the municipal portion of your taxes and multiply by .21, you will find the impact on your taxes. For my wife and, I owning a $140,000 home with a municipal tax of $375, the increase comes to $82 a year or about $7 a month. If you do the math and think you can afford the increase, please let our selectboard members know that they should act responsibly, fund the Energy Plan and protect future generations. Don’t let the selectboard sacrifice our children on the altar of low taxes.
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January 21, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Vaccinating ski patrol ahead of teachers? As the governor seeks to return to full in-school learning, the vaccination of school employees will be essential for the health and safety of students, educators and the community. And at a time when the state hasn’t even finished vaccinating the most vulnerable, as apparently was a top priority just the other day, we and all Vermonters need clarity around when school employees will begin to receive the vaccine. The decision to put ski patrol members near the top of the vaccine line is a curious one. Why aren’t front-line educators — and other front-line workers like grocery clerks, retail workers, restaurant employees and others who interact with the public — a more important priority? I understand the difficulty of administering vaccines when there are not enough to go around, a situation faced by Vermont and every other state in the country. But if we are committed to keeping schools open for in-person instruction, we must do everything possible to maintain the health of our education workforce. It seems to us that keeping the education workforce healthy includes vaccinations, as well as all the other safety measures our members have worked hard at keeping in place. But we also know that it is vital to protect our most vulnerable Vermonters and it is unfortunate that Vermont, like the rest of the country, does not yet have the capacity to do both, which is why the decision to vaccinate ski patrol members is so baffling. Don Tinney President Vermont-National Education Association
An impact in print Throughout COVID-19, I have been following a lot of the local stories. We have so many great community members who look out for one another, including us kids. Often, I read about people donating household goods, food or their time to run errands for those who are unable to. Constantly, your paper thanks community members as they continue to support each other. I would like to thank YOU for
providing updates on everything going on in town during the pandemic. Not only do you bring us info, but you encourage us to think outside the box as we continue to be kind to one another during this difficult time. Your consistent publications have kept me educated and engaged during the pandemic. I am sure it has helped a lot of people besides just me. Thank you for all that you do. Corey Caulfield (age 12) Williston
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Will Erin Brady equally represent Williston residents? Just when Vermonters need compromise and harmony, Williston’s newly elected state representative, Erin Brady, slings poison arrows into public discourse. In last week’s Guest Column (“Notes from the Legislature”), Brady asserted her views without acknowledging any differing opinions. She lamented that some legislators voted against a divisive resolution. She labeled as an “attack on democracy” and “insurrection” the protest in Washington, D.C., but appears to deny violent Black Lives Matter demonstrations. She hurls the insult of “racism” against those who condemned the violent protests last spring and summer — a charge
that intensifies discord. How does she justify the term “systemic racism” regarding the capital protests? Does this sow division, not unity? Brady further claimed that women and minorities suffered disproportionately in the COVID crisis. What facts support this accusatory conclusion? Does Vermont medically treat the two groups differently from the rest? Have women or minorities been denied medical care or stimulus money? On the Education Committee, Brady pledges to support equity and opportunity for all. Will she advocate for school choice? Choice allows parents equitable treatment to decide the best education for their
children, whether in the private or public sector. Will she support taxes or other credits so parents can afford alternatives? Will she balance union interests fairly with the interests of parents, taxpayers and, most importantly, students? Will she seek consensus rather than conflict? Will she serve the people of Williston as she claims or will she continue to further her political ideology foremost? Her first report is not promising. Bret Powell Williston see LETTERS pages 14 & 15
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A revolution against climate change grows under foot BY MARIE AUDET Special to the Observer The pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead takes a toll. While news of the vaccine brings us hope, it will be months or more before we are safe. Hopefully the summer will bring back a sense of normalcy in our daily lives and renewed energy for another fight: the fight against climate change. At Blue Spruce Farm, we are adapting to the immediate impacts of COVID-19 while remaining steadfast in creating a future with cleaner water, healthier soil and cleaner air. It is time for us collectively to reverse climate change with the same urgency we have
approached defeating COVID-19. We are doing our part through regenerative agricultural practices to save and improve our soils and sequester carbon, drawing down carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air. Soil is what gives us life. Of all the food that we eat, 95 percent is from the soil. Healthy soil acts like a sponge, soaking up and holding onto water, and sequestering carbon. Organic matter has a great influence on soil properties and structure; it is measurable and serves as an indicator in improving soil health. Every 1 percent increase in organic matter can result in up to 20,000 gallons of available water stored per acre. That means with the predicted increase in extreme flooding, our soil will hold more water and prevent it from
Dairy farming is evolving with the science, driving innovation and implementation of new, gentler equipment and regenerative practices. PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM
flooding and washing away. In years with droughts, like 2020, this same organic matter
preserves precious soil moisture, making it available to our crops. In contrast, if our cropland were
developed into urban use, it would have four times as much potential for phosphorus runoff, according to the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Dairy farming is evolving with the science, driving innovation and implementation of new, gentler equipment and regenerative practices. The greatest investments in the last decade have been in adoptation of these evolving practices. We are sowing our crops with minimal tillage while the plows have been gathering dust for more than 10 years. Our new planters now push seeds down into the soil without disturbing the soil structure, organic matter and soil biology. see CLIMATE page 9
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Guide to home heating and cooling released Vermonters interested in heating and cooling their homes without fossil fuels can turn to a new publication titled “A Vermonter’s Guide to Residential Clean Heating and Cooling.” The guide was produced by the nonprofit Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) for the Vermont Public Service Department. It is available for free download at
www.cesa.org. About 80 percent of Vermonters heat their homes by burning fossil fuels. The guide provides information and guidance on how to transition to clean heating and cooling technologies. It is broken into sections, including efficiency, clean heating and cooling options, smart thermostats, installation, fi-
nancing and incentives. “Vermont has seen tremendous growth in interest in switching to clean heating sources and more efficient air conditioning,” Public Service Department Commissioner June Tierney said. “As thousands more Vermonters explore the possibility of switching to advanced wood heating and cold climate heat pumps, the Vermont Public Service Department is committed to providing quality information to help them navigate the process. It is our hope that affiliated agencies and organizations will help spread the word about this helpful new guide.”
Climate
is a research assistant professor and farming and climate change program coordinator for the UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture, described this research as, “one of the first in the country that will study direct links between soil health, water quality and greenhouse gas emissions.” On our farm, we are raising our fourth generation — a total of 21 family members and growing — which provides plenty of motivation to care for our land, care for our animals and preserve our farm for future generations. Participating in a study of this magnitude will test the new practices and technology right here where we all live to help us get to the future we want. We want to be your partners for a healthier planet for all of our children. We are at a critical point. We’re losing more and more Vermont dairy farms every year. Department of Agriculture data show that since 1987, Vermont has lost 32 percent of its cropland, or 225,000 acres. Food Solutions New England’s vision states we must build capacity to produce at least 50 percent of our food by 2060. As a region, New England currently produces only half of its own dairy, according to USDA data. We cannot afford to stay on this downward trajectory. If we do, we lose our potential to have local food and to manage our land to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. The solution to the challenges of climate change, like flooding and extreme temperatures from carbon emissions, has been right under our feet all along. It lies in our collective decision to support our farmers in their revolution to
build healthy soil. I hope you will support us as we work hard to protect our land, air and water resources while producing local, nutritious food for our region.
continued from page
8
Our cow manure goes through an anaerobic digester where the methane is captured to generate renewable electricity. The plant fibers are separated from the manure to be used as fluffy bedding for the animals. The liquid goes into a “dissolved flotation system” that separates out 70-78 percent of the phosphorus. The crops that were grown to feed the cows go on to make renewable electricity and then get recycled back to the soil, closing the loop. Vermont’s farmers are leading the nation in adopting conservation practices. Between 2012 and 2017, we increased our acres of no-till land by 173 percent, the biggest increase in the U.S. according to the 2017 U.S. Census of Agriculture. We ranked in the top seven states in the country for our 101 percent increase in adoption of cover crops. That means, today, more than 30 percent of Vermont’s cornfields have cover crops planted in the fall. The U.S. average is only 5 percent. Dairy farmers are quietly and without recognition drawing carbon down from our atmosphere through cover crops and rebuilding healthy soil. Yet, there is more to this story than sequestering carbon and protecting our soil in the face of climate change. Dairy farmers are on track to continue to provide affordable, safe, nutritious food packed with flavor, vital nutrients and up to 19 percent of the natural protein in our diets. The dairy industry has collectively pledged to become carbon neutral or better by 2050. That work is well on its way. Our farm is a host site for a rigorous study that recently started in Addison County. Dr. Joshua Faulkner, who
Marie Audet is owner of Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport and a founding member of the Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition.
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Page 10 • Williston Observer • January 21, 2021
State expands wetland conservation
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has developed a new initiative to acquire and restore wetlands in response to funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Lake Champlain Basin Program. “As Vermont Fish and Wildlife is the largest owner of wetlands in the state, this is a natural fit to expand and build upon some of our wildlife management areas,” said Fish and Wildlife’s Public Land Section Chief Jane Lazorchak. The initiative is focused on acquiring marginal agricultural farmland in the Lake Champlain Basin and working both independently and with conservation partners to restore wetlands and floodplains. The goal of the program
is to protect and improve water quality while providing habitat for wildlife and public-use value for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation. Conservation and restoration projects are part of Vermont’s ongoing efforts to reduce phosphorus pollution in Lake Champlain. A wetland steering committee with staff from Vermont Fish and Wildlife and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation has developed criteria to direct where the funding will be applied. Parcel size, cost and feasibility to restore — and the proximity to wetlands and other protected lands — are assessed to prioritize potential projects for phosphorus retention and water quality improvements. Benefits to fish, wild-
life, habitat connectivity and other ecological attributes will direct prioritization of projects. “Several strategic wetland acquisitions were completed this year under the new initiative,” said Lazorchak. “With the purchase of five separate parcels, we added 511 acres to four of our largest wetland-based wildlife management areas in the Champlain Valley, including the Rock River, Intervale, Dead Creek and East Creek areas. Acquiring these properties for wetland restoration, while adding to our existing system, allows the department to enhance wildlife habitat, protect water quality and improve public access to these sites for Vermonters to engage in hunting, birding, fishing and other wildlife-dependent activities.”
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has developed a new wetland acquisition and restoration initiative after receiving funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Pictured are wetlands in the Dead Creek management area near Vergennes. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO
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SENIORS
Is Social Security income taxable?
Dear Savvy Senior, I understand that a portion of my Social Security benefits may be taxable when I retire. Can you tell me how to calculate this? Ready to Retire Dear Ready, Whether or not you’ll be required to pay federal income tax on your Social Security benefits will depend on your income and filing status. About 35 percent of Social Security recipients have total incomes high enough to trigger federal income tax on their benefits. To figure out if your benefits will be taxable, you’ll need to add up all of your “provisional income,” which includes wages, taxable and non-taxable interest, dividends, pensions and taxable retirement-plan distributions, selfemployment and other taxable income, plus half your annual Social Security benefits, minus certain deductions used in figuring your adjusted gross income.
How to Calculate To help you with the calculations, get a copy of IRS Publication 915 “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits,” which provides detailed instructions and worksheets. You can download it at www.IRS.gov/ pub/irs-pdf/p915.pdf or call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy. After you do the calculations, the IRS says that if you’re single and your total income from all of
Savvy Senior BY JIM MILLER the listed sources is: • Less than $25,000, your Social Security will not be subject to federal income tax. • Between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefits will be taxed at your regular income tax rate. • More than $34,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits will be taxed. If you’re married and filing jointly and the total from all sources is: • Less than $32,000, your Social Security won’t be taxed. • Between $32,000 and $44,000, up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefits will be taxed. • More than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits will be taxed.
If you’re married and file a separate return, you probably will pay taxes on your benefits. To limit potential taxes on your benefits, you’ll need to be cautious when taking distributions from retirement accounts or other sources. In addition to triggering ordinary income tax, a distribution that significantly raises your gross income can bump the proportion of your Social Security benefits subject to taxes.
How to File If you find that part of your Social Security benefits will be taxable, you’ll need to file using Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. You also need to know that if you do owe taxes, you’ll need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS, or you can choose to have it automatically withheld from your benefits. To have it withheld, you’ll need to complete IRS Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request ( w w w. I R S . g o v / p u b / i r s - p d f / fw4v.pdf), and file it with your local Social Security office. You can choose to have 7 percent, 10 percent, 12 percent or 22 percent of your total benefit payment withheld. If you subsequently decide you don’t want the taxes withheld, you can file another W-4V to stop the withholding. If you have additional questions on taxable Social Security benefits, call the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040.
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State Taxation In addition to the federal government, 13 states – Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia – tax Social Security benefits to some extent, too. If you live in one of these states, check with your state tax agency for de-
tails. For links to state tax agencies, see www.TaxAdmin.org/state-taxagencies. 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.
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Page 12 • Williston Observer • January 21, 2021
Stern Center chooses new leader
Laurie Quinn will become the Stern Center for Language and Learning’s second president, board chairman Jon Pizzagalli announced last week. Quinn comes to the organization from Champlain College, where she was interim president and senior vice president. She replaces the Stern Center’s founder, Blanche Podhajski. Based in Williston, the Stern Center provides educational resources for children and adults and professional learning programs for educators across the country. “I am thrilled to be entrusted to lead and expand the vital mission Laurie Quinn and lasting impact of the Stern Center after more than three decades of its successful growth under founding president Dr. Podhajski,” Quinn said. “Bringing proven learning practices to engage students, and to empower their teachers and fami-
lies, is work that I will be proud to champion as president.” Quinn brings expertise in nonprofit strategy and educational leadership. She earned her Ph.D. in English Literature at the University of New Hampshire and master’s and undergraduate degrees at Boston College. She lives in Burlington. “It is with great joy that I welcome Laurie Quinn as the second president of the Stern Center in its 38 years,” Podhajski said. “Her strong communication skills, passion for our mission and excellence in leadership and technology make her the perfect person to take this amazing organization to the next plane. I am deeply grateful to all the dedicated people who have worked with me over the years to make this home-grown Vermont product a national treasure.”
St. Mike’s given largest grant in its history St. Michael’s College alumnus and former trustee Barry Roy has bequeathed $4 million to the college through his estate, the largest single gift in the Colchester school’s 117-year history. Roy died in 2019 at the age of 73. He designated the gift for the following college funds: • $750,000 to the newly established Emery and Bernice Roy Endowed Scholarship Fund, in memory of Barry’s parents, which will provide annual, need-based aid, with preferential consideration to underrepresented minority students and applicants • $1.2 million to The Class of
1967 Endowed Scholarship Fund, providing need-based, unrestricted scholarship aid to Saint Michael’s students • $2 million to the unrestricted Saint Michael’s Fund, used by the president and Board of Trustees for strategic future investment. “When I first met Barry, he immediately struck me as someone who had a giant heart of gold,” said Saint Michael’s President Lorraine Sterritt. “That first impression was absolutely correct. He was devoted heart and soul to the college.” A central gathering place on campus, The Roy Event Room, was named for him in 2013.
Barry Roy, Saint Michael’s College class of 1967.
State college system seeks input on transformation
The Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Colleges System seeks public comment on transformation proposal outlined in its “Future of Public Higher Education in Vermont” report. The Vermont State Colleges System continues working on a recommendation in the report for a transformed organization, governance and operational model that
is fiscally sustainable and fulfills its mission of delivering an affordable, accessible, high-quality, student-centered, workforce-relevant education for Vermonters. The transformation is to be completed in measured stages within five years. Written comment on the proposal may be submitted at www. vsc.edu/transformation to be
shared at the trustees’ Feb. 22 meeting. There is also public comment opportunity available at each board meeting. On Feb. 17, from 6-7:30 p.m., the Board of Trustees will hold a listening session that will be livestreamed at www.vsc.edu/live. More information about the transformation plan is posted at at www.vsc.edu/transformation.
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January 21, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 13
Vermont bear hunters have record 2020 season
CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 14
Vermont bear hunters took a record 914 black bears in 2020. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO
Preliminary data from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department shows that bear hunters took a record 914 black bears during the two-part early and late bear seasons in 2020. The previous highest harvest was 750 in 2019. The average number of bears taken over the previous 10 years was 608. The hunting season results are consistent with the department’s goal of maintaining the bear population between 3,500 to 5,500 bears. Hunters took a majority of the bears, 823, in the early bear season and 91 in the late bear season, which overlaps with the November deer season. Most bears were taken with firearms, while 16 percent were taken by archery and 17 percent with the use of bear hounds. Nearly 14,000 hunters took part in the bear hunt. “Larger numbers of bears were harvested due to several factors,” said Fish and Wildlife’s bear biologist Forrest Hammond. “It was a poor year for natural bear foods, and we saw a surge in hunter numbers.”
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Page 14 • Williston Observer • January 21, 2021
EMPLOYMENT Looking for career minded individuals to grow along with the company. Positions
Champlain Inc.departments. Positions are Full time, available Community in productionServices, and service
Administrative Assistant
Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm 40hrs. Some O/T may be required.
Looking for a meaningful that offers a comprehensive approach MIGjob –WELDER to both employee and client satisfaction? As a manufacturer of custom truck bodies we have openings for experienced
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Mig Welders to join our production team. Lay out, position, align, and secure parts prior to “Best assembly, math Aluminum welding Champlain Community Services, named Places to skills Workneeded. in Vermont” for two yearsexperience in a row, a plus.
Four days per week (32 hour week). Mon-Thurs 8:00am-4:30pm.
wants you as part of our team. Our current openings provide opportunities to make a positive SNOWPLOW/TRUCK BODY INSTALLER/MECHANIC This position will support the activities of the accounting, impact on someone’s life, and in yours. Perform set up and installation of snowplows, truck bodies & miscellaneous equipment onand new/used receiving sales departments. trucks/vehicles. Mechanical experience required; hydraulic experience desirable.
Direct Support Professional Responsibilities include, not limited to: Company Include:with individuals with intellectual Join our Direct Support Professional team to Benefits work one-on-one • answer multiple phone lines • greet customers disabilities and autism. Feel good• about what you do, enjoy your job, receive a comprehensive Health Insurance w/company contribution • Paid Sick • data entry • filing • purchase order receiving benefits package (including $100 sign-on bonus!) and feel a deep sense of appreciation from your • 401K w/company match to 5% • Paid Life Insurance/AD&D, Short & OtherTerm various office duties as assigned. employer. This is an excellent job for applicants entering human services or for those looking to • Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays Long Term Disability Previous office experience required. continue their work in this field. Send your cover letter and application to Karen Ciechanowicz at staff@ccs-vt.org Forward Resume & Cover letter to: joannef@iroquoismfg.com
Benefits Include: Apply in Person: Iroquois Mfg. Co., 695 Richmond Rd., Hinesburg,Company VT
DirectFace Support Professional Overnights Mask required and social distancing rules apply to enter our facility. Be a part of a team working with a considerate, resourceful, wheelchair-using man with a budding talent for photography and political activism. Candidates must be able to lift fifty pounds and 5h-IroquoisManufacturing092320.indd 1 be comfortable providing personal care. Multiple 24-hour shifts available at $250/day including asleep overnight hours plus $500 sign on bonus after three months of employment. Experience is helpful but will train the right candidate. Send resume to Finlay Miller at fmiller@ccs-vt.org
Shared Living Provider Open your home to an individual with and intellectual disability or autism. The following positions include a generous tax-free stipend, ongoing supports, assistance with necessary home modifications, respite and a comprehensive training package. . Contact Jennifer Wolcott at jwolcott@ccs-vt.org for more information Support a humorous gentleman with autism who enjoys getting out and about, creating puns, crunching numbers and relaxing. Support a young gentleman who enjoys gaming, having an active social life and being a part of a family dynamic in the greater Burlington area. Come work for a place where we are ‘Building a Community Where Everyone Participates and Belongs’ both within the workplace and out in the community. Visit www.ccs-vt.org , click on Join Us and apply today!
• Health Insurance with company contribution • 401k with company match • Paid life Insurance/AD&D - STD-LTD 9/22/20 11:25 AM Send resume & cover letter joannef@iroquoismfg.com or apply in person - Iroquois Mfg, 695 Richmond Rd, Hinesburg, VT Face masks required to enter our facility & social distancing rules apply.
Letters continued from page
7
Hope in MLK’s vision On Monday, we celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This past year, we’ve seen that legacy brought to life as our nation engaged in a long-overdue reckoning on systemic racism and injustice. Across the nation,
HIRING Champlain Water District NOW In South Burlington, VT First In The Nation ~ Excellence In Water Treatment, Partnership For Safe Water
Electrical Maintenance Technician
Water System Foreman
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.
Training & Experience 1. Good working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and electronic practices as they apply to water systems. 2. Minimum of (4) four years working experience in the electrical/electronics field at a level equivalent to a licensed journeyman electrician, while successfully demonstrating self-motivation and competence in mechanical, and particularly electronics/electrical components of water systems operation, is required. Licenses & Certificates 1. Employee shall possess and maintain a State of Vermont Journeyman Electrician’s license, or ability to attain such within a time determined by the District, and shall complete all required National Electrical Code continuing education, achieving National Electrical Code recertification. 2. Employee shall possess a valid State of Vermont Motor Vehicles Operator’s License and able to meet insurance requirements established by our carrier.
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
Americans organized and spoke out to call for needed reforms. And this work is far from over. Just as Vermonters have risen together to meet the challenge of this pandemic, we must also rise as one to confront injustice and inequality. We must raise up the voices of those whose experiences we can never fully comprehend. We must examine our own prejudice and speak up when we see something that isn’t right. And we must listen, learn and seek out the best in one another. In his iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, Dr. King said that, ‘We will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.’ While the work to live up to our highest ideals is not yet complete, we place our hope in Dr. King’s vision of a future that is just and inclusive for all Americans. Phil Scott Vermont governor
CROSSWORD SOLUTION
January 21, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 15
Letters continued from page
CLASSIFIEDS
14
We must remain optimistic After living in Washington D.C. for 15 years, I have many fond memories at the U.S. Capitol: being in the gallery when the Affordable Care Act passed the House of Representatives, sitting on a Capitol Hill train with Sen. John McCain, walking the flower-strewn grounds in springtime. On Jan. 6, those images gave way to TV footage that was so startling I had trouble believing it was real. I texted a friend who works in the Senate and was glad to find him in his home office. Amid the chaos, our congressman and friend Peter Welch offered a vivid account of the attack. “The doors were literally being battered down,” he said. Where do we go from here? The only thing I know is to begin with optimism. In health care, we don’t have to look far for reasons to be optimistic. I see them every day: nurses and pharmacists who are vaccinating health care providers and first responders at clinics where people are excited and hopeful; physicians who lead busy emergency rooms and manage growing COVID caseloads but stay levelheaded and positive; leaders in government and health care who fight hard every day for their constituents, their state, their patients and our collective safety, even when the hours are long and
the problems seemingly insurmountable; Vermonters who continue to be so thoughtful and patient as part of the nation’s leading COVID response. As we begin a new legislative session, optimism is especially important. Let’s be optimistic that we can join together as we have since March to put public health ahead of politics, to prioritize truth, dialogue and science, to take the right steps to smartly vaccinate Vermont and get back to normal. In his State of the State address last week, Gov. Phil Scott said, “I welcome the opening of the legislative session with the same optimism I had as a freshman senator from Washington County nearly two decades ago.” Even in light of everything he has seen and managed, Gov. Scott expressed optimism first. With COVID numbers increasing in the post-holiday timeframe, and our nation still reeling from misinformation and violence, it will be difficult but critical to stay focused, to stay confident, to stay optimistic. And, as always, to stay together. Jeff Tieman President Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
Send your letters to editor@willistonobserver.com
LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF SAINT GEORGE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Development Review Board will convene a public hearing at 7:00p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 in accordance with the provisions of §6.02 of the Town’s Land Use Regulations and 24 V.S.A. §4460(e)(5) to consider a final application from Lisa Belliveau for review and approval of a proposed eight-lot planned unit development (PUD) of her property on Vermont Route 2A (tax map #02-20-11.000).
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SERVICES
WANTED WANTED TO BUY: Vermont collector will pay cash for all wooden bird carvings, goose, duck, and shorebird decoys. 802-238-1465.
Due to restrictions in place for COVID-19, and in accordance to Act 92, this training session will be held online and conference call only. You do not need a computer to attend this meeting. You may use the “Join By Phone” number to call from a cell phone or landline. When prompted, enter the meeting ID provided below to join by phone. For additional information and accommodations to improve the accessibility of this meeting contact Regina Mahony at rmahony@ccrpcvt.org or 802-861-0116.
MISCELLANEOUS – Couch in nice country blue, opens to full bed with good mattress, very clean, no tears or stains, 68”L x 34.5” W. Round wood table and 4 chairs, sturdy older set, good condition. $60. Best offers on both, photos available, must pick up. Great for starter apt. or camp. Call 1-802393-2177, can leave message also.
Meeting access information: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85167596417
SAFE – 28-gun safe $900, “short gun” safe $400. Call Mark in Williston 802-338-5442.
OR Join by Phone: (929) 205-6099; Meeting ID: 851 6759 6417
DOG RAMP - 61” x 15”, sturdy, folds, carpeted, used inside only once- $50. Also 4 step dog stairs for smaller dog $15. Call 802-363-4611.
The application is available for inspection at the Town Clerk’s office by appointment (contact Town Clerk, April Pillsbury at stgeorgevtclerk@comcast.net or 802482-5272); or a copy of the application can be provided via email (contact Acting Zoning Administrator, Regina Mahony at rmahony@ccrpcvt.org). Participation in the hearing is necessary to establish status as an ‘interested person’ and the right to appeal a decision rendered in that hearing, according to the provisions of 24 V.S.A. 117 §§4465(b) and 4471(a). Participation consists
FOR SALE
TIRES: 4 Eldorado Tourmax GFT all season radials 195/65R15T. Used less than 5 months and have low mileage on them. We are selling these because we traded in the vehicle and they will not fit on our new one. $200. Call Tom at 802318-3581.
PAINTING - Need a fresh start to 2021? Let Lafayette Painting give your home a beautiful new look. Our painters can do a lot in a day. LafayettePaintingInc.com or call 863-5397 to hear about our winter discount. HOUSE CLEANING: Experienced and meticulous house cleaner available to clean your home. Reasonable rates. Strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocol including mask, gloves, etc. Call (802) 989-2489 to schedule a cleaning.
To place a classified or service directory ad, email marianne@ willistonobserver. com
SNOWBLOWER: Cub Cadet 3-stage, 2-inch, 277 ccOHV electric
SERVICE DIRECTORY REAL ESTATE Michelle Desautels REALTOR®, PSA
(802) 846-9503 Michelle@DesautelsVT.com DesautelsVT.com
CARPENTRY
BASEMENT SYSTEMS BASEMENT SYSTEMS
High Standards, LLC
10/08/2019 3.25 x 2 AD for Williston Observer
Remodeling, Rot Repair, Decks, Windows, Doors
52 Consecutive Weeks $18.00/week $936
Carpentry
Drywall, Siding, Finish Work, Pressure Washing
24/7 On Call – Free Estimates – Fully Insured
802-355-8193
Guiding You Home
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
MINI EXCAVATOR • TRACTOR SERVICES
— Snow Plowing —
Hydraulic Thumb Site Work Stump Removal
Free Estimates!
Lawn Care Custom Carpentry Driveway Grading
233-6938
yardjacks.com
Matt Levee • HighStandards802@gmail.com
ANTIQUE SHOP ANTIQUE SHOP
IVE CORNERS ORNERS FIVE CORNERS FFIVE C ANTIQUES NTIQUES ANTIQUES A
BUILDING SERVICES
BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC Remodeling & Additions
ALL TYPES OF SIDING Vinyl/Wood/Composite
A Multi Dealer Shop A Multi Dealer A Multi Dealer Shop Shop
Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches
802.878.6167 802.878.6167 802.878.6167
11 Maple Street, Street, Essex Junction, VT VT 11 Maple Essex Junction, 11Open Maple Street, Junction, VT Mon SatEssex 10-5 Sun 11-4 Open-Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 Open Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 5CornersAntiques.com 5CornersAntiques.com 5CornersAntiques.com
Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages
Monkton, VT
beaglebuilders@gmavt.net
802-453-4340 CALL US!
Page 16 • Williston Observer • January 21, 2021
The Williston Recreation and Parks Department is located at the Town Hall Annex Building at 7878 Williston Rd. For online program registration, visit www.willistonrec.org. For department information, email recreation@willistonvt.org or call 876-1160.
LEARN TO SKI/RIDE PROGRAM The program is a go and will be offered Jan. 27- March 10. Registration is now open at www.willistonrec.org.
YOUTH BASKETBALL The program is on hold at this time.
LEARN TO SKATE, AGES 3-5 The program forms a strong foundation for skaters to explore the world of skating. Children will progress at their own pace working toward mastering each skill. Participants need to bring their own skates. A helmet and mask must be
worn during the program. Instructor: Jennifer Lupia. Thursdays, Jan. 28Feb. 18, 2:30-3 p.m. $40. Outdoor rink at Williston Community Park.
CREATIVE CODING STUDIO W/TYNKER (VIRTUAL) The program is online and live with a Wicked Cool for Kids instructor. Discover programming through art, music and math. Build amazing projects using visual programming. Code sounds and music, make a band, animate dragons and learn to draw and color computer animations. Grades 3-5, Thursdays, Jan. 28-March 11, 4:45-5:45 p.m. $142.
SNOWMOBILE SAFETY COURSE (ONLINE) Everyone born after July 1, 1983, who is 12 years of age and older is required by law to take and pass an approved snowmobile safety course to legally operate on Vermont’s statewide snowmobile trail system. Register at www.vsp.vermont.gov/recreation/snowmobile
CHESS WIZARDS CHESS PROGRAMS
ICE RINK AT WILLISTON COMMUNITY PARK
The programs are online and live with a Chess Wizards instructor. Class limits are a 6-to-1 ratio, and kids are in their specific skill level to keep them engaged. Register at www.chesswizards.jumbala.com.
A new 60-by-60 ft. area with boards and a liner has been flooded. The rink is located near the warming hut in Williston Community Park. The rink has a temporary fence around it and the entrance to the rink, by the warming hut, will be open when the rink is safe to use, and closed off by fence when the rink is unsafe. Please respect the rink and be careful of the liner and clips so they can be reused each year. The opening and closing of the rink will be posted at www.willistonrec.org under “Announcements.” A shovel is hung up in the warming hut to be used to clear snow from the rink. Be careful of sides when shoveling and don’t tear the liner. Return the shovel to the warming hut for others to use. The rink has lights for nighttime use. A panel with a button is on the pole next to the rink. Push the button for lights. They are on a timer until 9:30 p.m. Please remove hockey goals from the rink when you are done. This will keep them from freezing on the ice. Respect the users of the rink and share in the use. No one group has priority or allocated time. Please share and play together. All are welcome.
UKULELE & HARMONICA VIRTUAL PROGRAMS Join Clare Innes for ukulele or harmonica Zoom programs throughout January.
STRENGTH TRAINING (VIRTUAL) Online Live with Toni Kunker, age 50-plus, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free to seniors. Visit www.willistonrec.org for directions on how to join the program.
GENTLE/SEATED YOGA (VIRTUAL) Online live with Toni Kunker, age 50-plus, Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free to seniors. Visit www.willistonrec.org for directions how to join the program.
High school sports restrictions loosened Vermont high school sports continue to take baby steps toward a winter season. On Friday, Gov. Phil Scott announced that high school and recreational sports restrictions were being loosened a little bit. Outdoor winter sports — Nordic skiing, alpine skiing and snowboarding — were allowed to begin competitions as of this Tuesday, as long as groups are limited to 25 people. Ice hockey, basketball and gymnastics were allowed to hold intrasquad scrimmages and conduct drills, returning to a more normal practice structure. “We know how important these activities are for (students’) well-being, both for their physical and mental health,” Scott said at a press conference last Friday. Games and scrimmages are still not allowed. — Lauren Read
Now Offering
WORKSHOPS
PROVEN STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Healthy Vermonters Workshops
Weekly Wellness Groups
Customized Workshops For Your Group
A variety of days and times offered
Tuesdays at 1pm and 5pm
Schedule anytime Monday-Friday
Register today
For confidential and free counseling support, call 2-1-1, option #2.
Scan the QR code or visit our website to register for workshops. No computer? No problem! Join by telephone. Call 2-1-1, option #2 for details.
@COVIDSupportVT | Find more resources at COVIDSupportVT.org COVID-Support-VT_2021-01-21_BANG_10.25 x 7.75_PRINT.indd 1
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1/12/21 11:32 AM