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RECIPE INSIDE! OCTOBER 14, 2021

WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

Autumnal glory

The maple tree next to the Williston Federated Church on North Williston Road outdid itself this year with this stunning show of colors. COURTESY PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM

Expansion of Route 2 industrial park approved Hotel-to-housing plan also gets nod BY JASON STARR Observer staff The primary western entrance to Williston will be transformed under a plan to build three commercial/industrial buildings totaling 103,000 square feet along Route 2 near the South Burlington border. The Williston Development Review Board gave the plan preliminary approval Tuesday. The buildings would go up next to the U-Haul facility that is under construction, part of a nine-lot industrially zoned subdivision created in 2018 on the former Robear family farm. The three buildings would sit on about 9 acres of currently forested land. The U-Haul facility and a Morway’s Storage business have already been approved in the subdivision. Patrick O’Brien of GPA LLC, the applicant on the project, said no uses or tenants have yet been identified for the buildings. The application will need a second, final approval from the Development Review

Board in order to move to construction. Board members encouraged O’Brien to be aware that the buildings will be among the first things people see when entering Williston eastbound on Route 2. “This is changing the character of what’s coming into Williston dramatically,” board chair Peter Kelley told O’Brien. “It is an important project. Please take due care with it.” O’Brien recognizes the visibility of the proposal. “We want it to be a really nice looking building,” he said, “one that is attractive to all the people who live in Williston, who are visiting Williston and who will be doing business there.” Also Tuesday, the board gave final approval to a plan to convert the TownePlace Suites hotel on Zephyr Road into homeless transition and low-income housing. The apartments, totaling 71 studio and one-bedroom units, will be owned and managed by the Champlain Housing Trust. About half will be kept perpetually affordable at 80 percent of Chittenden County’s median see ROUTE 2 page 12

State finalizes plans to move police barracks

The State of Vermont seeks Williston Development Review Board approval to build a new state police barracks on a forested 51acre parcel off St. George Road. The project is on the board’s Oct. 26 agenda. It would move the barracks from their current location on the northeast corner of the Exit 12 Interstate 89 interchange to the southwest corner. The facil-

ity would consist of two buildings where St. George Road descends into Williston. A new turning lane and access road to the facility are planned. In addition to the state police barracks, the main building will also house a 911 call center, the Northern Vermont Drug Task Force, the Department of Fish and Wildlife enforcement division and

the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. A separate storage garage will house the units’ vehicles. The facility will be open around the clock and will need constant security lighting, Cpt. Michael Manley wrote in a letter to the town’s planning and zoning department. “Community members need to feel safe arriving to the facility af-

ter hours,” he wrote. “Dispatchers will come and go throughout all hours of the night for shifts. The same applies for the troopers… [T]he facility will operate 24/7 and sustained outdoor lighting is needed for the safety of the troopers, dispatchers and public.” Project manager Zoltan Horvath noted in a September letter to the town that state statute lim-

its the town’s regulatory authority over the project and exempts the state from town permitting fees. If approved, the state plans to begin clearing the site of trees by the end of the year and break ground on the buildings in the spring. Completion is anticipated in the fall of 2023. — Jason Starr

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Page 2 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

PROPERTY TRANSFERS SEPTEMBER 2021 • Matthew Reese bought a home on 2.4 acres on Maple Road from Hugh Rostad for $696,000. • Camille George bought a home on 1 acre on Terrace Drive from William Reichert for $850,000. • David Reindel bought a home on 5 acres on Blackberry Ridge from Stephen Lunna for $600,000. • Linda Dean bought a mobile home on Porterwood Drive from Susan Deleon for $180,000. • Brenda Rathe bought a mobile home on Stonehill Drive from David Wells for $190,000. • Cassandra Macmahon bought a home on 1 acre on Lamplite Lane from the Martellaro Revocable Trust for $354,755. • David Frehulfer bought a home on Sadler Lane from Robert Ammon for $630,000. • Quinn Plunkett bought a home

on Turtle Pond Road from Eric Simmons for $662,000. • Christopher Villano bought a home on Paddock Lane from Matthew Reese for $568,000. • The Jonathan D. Ruggiero Trust bought a home on Casey Lane from the Dennis J. Johnson Trust for $507,500. • Naeem Haider bought a home on 2 acres on Plateau Road from Arthur Seoane for $995,000. • Michael Gauthier bought an acre of open land on Fieldstone Drive from Dana Pontbriand for $192,500. • E&JW Property LLC bought a condominium on Leroy Road from Hydroobi LLC for $250,000. • Justin Landau bought a home on Coyote Lane from Ronald Stankevich for $650,000. • Henry Roger Vaillancourt bought a condominium on North View Court from William Spence for $297,000.

Property Transfers sponsored by Polli Properties.

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

The grade school years… BY GINGER ISHAM Special to the Observer I enjoyed my grade school years. We began each day with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and sang a patriotic song such as “America.” I was a good student and teachers gave me positive comments. I remember the first time I learned to write. We all had to have a lined piece of paper at an angle on our desk. Then, with a pencil, we made Os by circling the pencil in place 10 times and then moved it over and did the same thing until we had a row that looked like puffs of smoke. In eighth grade there were only three of us. We older students sometimes helped the young ones with reading, math, see PAST TIMES page 4

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October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 3

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Page 4 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

Past Times continued from page

etc. We had an hour for lunch and recess from 12-1 p.m. When we came in from recess at 1 p.m., we had to put our heads on our desk and the teacher would read us a book — one chapter each day — so we could rest. We had to bring our lunch to school every day except during the winter months. Nearby families took turns bringing in hot lunches. We got our drinking water from a nearby farm. I remember in seventh grade at one of my schools the class was divided in half, into two teams.

Each morning the teacher would check to see if we had combed our hair, had clean hands, face, clean clothes, etc. Each team was given a star on a chart until the time ended and then she told us which team was the winner. When a freshman entered Bristol High School, the senior class that year would have a plan of what the freshman would wear the first day of school. My freshman year I had to have my hair parted four ways with a rubber band, wear one hip fisherman’s boot and wear an alarm

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clock around my neck. We would carry the seniors’ books if they asked us to for the day. Also, when in high school, I had to wait an hour after school ended for my ride home with the neighbor who brought me to school. I would hang out with a friend or go to the library. I also waitressed at SNAPS restaurant during lunch hour some of those days. In high school my worst subjects were geometry and algebra. I enjoyed English and home economics, learning how to cook and sew. I sang in the Glee Club for all four years and was on patrol, helping students cross the streets to and from school and during lunch time. In our senior year, a girl and boy were chosen as best actors, best looking, cutest, most athletic, friendliest, most polite, etc. I was the girl selected as hardest worker. There were many advantages to going to a smaller school. There were 29 classmates in my graduation class. David was janitor for the Lake Iroquois School and started the fire in the morning, brought in wood and cleaned erasers. He and five brothers and sisters attended this school at the same time. He remembers one day at recess time, he jumped out the open school window to get to a swing before they were all taken. The teacher went out and brought him back into the classroom and showed him where the schoolhouse door was located!

David Isham, right, and his older brother, Roderick, making ice cream. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

This was the same teacher who became his sister-in-law a few years later when she married his oldest brother. Even though his poorest subject was English, he wrote a wonderful essay on forestry and got a certificate for it. He did well in math.

When David graduated from high school, there were over 100 students in his class. He was never able to participate in sports, music, etc. because of work on the farm. Today I have all my report cards and we have a few of David’s.

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October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 5

husband to Arizona, is a graduate of the State University of New York — Albany and had a 36-year career as a librarian in Vermont. The book is available at Barnes and Noble and on www.amazon. com. For more information, email Reed at lareedvt@gmail.com or visit www.outskirtspress.com/ alarmcallofthecrow. Llynne Reed

Former WCS librarian publishes book Former Williston Central School librarian Llynne Reed has published a historical fiction novel “Alarm Call of the Crow: An American Family During Peace and War.” The story takes place in Williston and follows four generations of the fictional Barlow family as they intersect with major events in U.S. history, from Pearl Harbor to Vietnam unrest. Reed, who has retired with her

Time capsule to be unveiled Sunday The Williston Historical Society invites the community to an opening of the Williston Time Capsule on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Village Green bandstand. The time capsule was originally created in 2000 as a Williston Central School eighth-grade challenge. It is opened every decade to view the artifacts inside and add items for the next ten years. The opening was due in 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic.

From left, Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Youth Services Assistant Danielle Doucette, Allen Brook School Librarian Cara Clopton and former Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Youth Librarian Jess George display the books distributed to ABS second-graders as part of an American Library Association grant. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Lisa Schaeffler Williston Assistant Public Works Director

Schaeffler awarded for public works dedication Williston Assistant Public Works Director Lisa Schaeffler has been named Member of the Year for the New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association. Schaeffler has been with the town since 2008. She was described as “driven, loyal and hardworking” in an awards ceremony earlier this month.

“

Library grant sparks community conversation The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library has received an American Library Association “Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries” grant this year and has used it to collaborate with Allen Brook School on a family literacy project. The grant helped the library distribute “Brave Books Bags” to each second-grade family. The bags include two picture books and two chapter books created by black authors and illustrators. They were chosen to encourage conversations around racial equity and inclusiveness. On Saturday, the community is invited to celebrate the project on the Village Green. Allen Brook School Librarian Cara Clopton will be reading the picture book “Hands Up!” by Breanna J. McDaniel. The story is also featured on a Storywalk on the Village Green this month. The event begins at 10 a.m. and is open to all. There will be a limited number of books given away to interested community members. Follow-up conversations are scheduled for later this fall.

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Page 6 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

GUEST COLUMN Williston’s Community Newspaper Since 1985

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

TO ADVERTISE Submission deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. for next Thursday issue. rick@willistonobserver.com

ADVERTISING Rick Cote Associate Publisher Sales & Marketing rick@willistonobserver.com 802-373-2136

CLASSIFIED ADS Paid Classifieds: There is a fee for business, real estate and help wanted ads. Free Classifieds: Must be 25 words or fewer. Printed on a space-available basis. Submission deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. for next Thursday issue. susan@willistonobserver.com

EDITOR Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Jan Kenney jan@willistonobserver.com BILLING INQUIRIES Michael McCaffrey office@willistonobserver.com MEMBER:

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SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS Send to editor@willistonobserver.com • Deadline is Monday at noon • News/story tips welcomed • Letters must be 300 words or fewer • Include your name, address and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the letter’s author. Phone numbers and street addresses will be kept confidential • Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity • Letters that have been submitted to multiple media outlets may not be printed CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Send to editor@willistonobserver.com Must include • Name of event and organization • Date, time and place of event • Contact information We print submissions for nonprofit groups and organizations only.

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

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Weighing money and education BY JACK HOFFMAN Student weighting dominates a lot of discussions around Vermont school funding these days. I guess that’s what we should expect after the release last year of a report to the Legislature titled: “Study of Pupil Weights in Vermont’s Education Funding Formula.” But the study also raises broader questions about money and education. The weighting study examined the cost of raising educational achievement for certain categories of students: economically disadvantaged, non-native English speakers and those attending small schools or schools in sparsely populated areas. It costs more to improve the educational outcomes for these groups of students than for students not in these categories. The point of the study was to figure out how much more. For example, if it cost $1,500 per student to get one unit of improvement for students who are not economically disadvantaged, what is the cost to get the same unit of improvement for economically disadvantaged students? After calculating the relative costs, the study recommended ways to adjust the funding system to compensate for the differences. The adjustment mechanism — a new system of student weighting — has generated most

of the headlines and public attention surrounding the study. There has been little, if any, discussion about what the study says about the basic connection between spending and student achievement. It wasn’t that long ago that calls to increase funding for education ran into opposition from people who claimed that more

The (Study of Pupil Weights in Vermont’s Education Funding Formula) clearly found measurable connections between funding and student outcomes. money wouldn’t improve student outcomes. But now, thanks to better data and more research, it is possible to calculate the cost of improving student performance. It would have been helpful if the study provided details about how schools and school districts could deploy additional resources to improve student achievement. Parents, voters and taxpayers tend to be more supportive when they can see and understand the additional services and programs they’re being asked to pay for.

But the study clearly found measurable connections between funding and student outcomes. The study did not recommend how much Vermont should spend on education generally or on any of the specific categories of students. And rightly so. Vermont still confers that decision and responsibility on voters in local communities. But that raises an interesting question: If parents and voters saw a clear connection between funding and their students’ performance in school, what level of performance would they want for their students? From some quarters at least, we have heard for years that Vermont spends too much on education. But in the various rankings published each year listing states with the best and worst public schools, Vermont typically appears among the top five or 10 best in the nation. And when we see this evident connection between cost and performance, what are we to make of the continued calls to reduce spending on education? It’s been a constant theme of Gov. Phil Scott. How much lower should we set our sights for our kids’ education in order to reduce the budget? Jack Hoffman is a senior analyst at Public Assets Institute, online at www.publicassets.org.

October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Outdated energy plan cost assumptions Overall, I found the article “Powering up the town energy plan” in the Sept. 30 Observer to be comprehensive and accurate. Well done! However, in the second to final paragraph, you wrote that the energy plan comes with an estimated $3 million cost to the

A misguided solution A legislative task force that has been meeting over the summer and fall to implement the 2019 Pupil Weighting Factors Report decided last Friday to take an approach that has no empirical basis. Vermont uses pupil weighting to determine and address funding for student needs across the state. We now know, thanks to a study conducted by the University of Vermont and Rutgers University, that our pupil weighting

town. Could you explain how you came up with this? I have not heard of this before. Your next sentence equates $3 million to $160 per year to the average Williston homeowner, making the reader assume that they will now need to plan for another $160 in taxes. Untrue! With the federal coronavirus relief funds becoming available

and other sources of funding as well, there is no need to assume that homeowners will see their taxes increase annually by $160. To guest columnist Rob Roper (“Questions for the Climate Council), I ask what would he have us do? He raises many questions about the Vermont Climate Council plan to reduce Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions. Just because the task

ahead is difficult does not mean that we should not try.

formula is unequivocally wrong and has been punishing struggling school districts for over 20 years. A proposal offered by the task force would remove English language learners from this formula altogether, and fund them with grants, essentially funding them as a separate system of learners. The proposal would give districts $25,000 for one or more English language learning students and then $5,000 for every additional English language learning student. These amounts have no empirical basis, yet this

is the direction the task force has indicated it will move toward. Members of our coalition who educate English language learners have said time and time again that the students will not be helped by these grants. These grants, known as categorical aid, will not address the inequity that is baked into the weighting formula. English language learners, as well as students who come from low-income and rural communities, deserve to be accurately counted and their districts equitably funded. We will continue to advocate

for the only solution that has an empirical basis, which is to correct the weighting formula as recommended by UVM and Rutgers. Proposals that try to solve the weighting issue by applying categorical aid are rooted in politics and presented in an effort to appease more affluent districts. Proposals that do not address the weighting formula will not help Vermont’s most struggling school districts.

LEAVES

Danielle Doucette Williston EDITOR’S NOTE: The cost and tax implications of the energy plan were estimates made by the town’s Energy Plan Task Force when it released the plan in 2019.

Letter Policy The Williston Observer welcomes your letters to the editor. A few ground rules: We ask that letters run no longer than 300 words. We edit only for length, clarity, style, spelling and grammar. Please include your name, town or city where you live and a daytime phone number (which we won’t print) so we can verify you wrote the letter. The deadline is Monday at noon for letters to be printed in Thursday’s paper.

Send to: editor@willistonobserver.com or Williston Observer P.O Box 1401 Williston, Vt. 05495.

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Schools react to evolving challenges

Page 8 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

BY RENE SANCHEZ CVSD superintendent As we enter mid-October and peak leaf season, I’d like to share some updates on the several searches that we have in place, as well as a description of the testing programs that the Agency of Education is unveiling to help schools mitigate the spread of Covid-19 and decrease the number of students who need to quarantine when a positive case arises in the schools. DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We have selected two separate organizations to assist the district in completing an equity audit and in the search and hiring of a diversity, equity and inclusion director. There are several procedural steps that still must occur before we are able to share the names of the groups who will help our district with these equity goals.

Both the equity audit and the diversity, equity and inclusion director search will further the implementation of our district’s and school board’s equity policy. To see updates as they become available on these two items, please visit our CVSD Diversity, Equity & Inclusion website (www.sites.google.com/cvsdvt. org/cvsd-dei/home). PARTNERING TO COMBAT TIKTOK CHALLENGES

There is currently a disturbing trend on the TikTok social media platform. The trend includes monthly challenges encouraging its users to do various devious, destructive, disrespectful and illegal behaviors at school or in the community. We have seen behaviors at our CVSD schools, including at WCS, associated with these challenges, leading to the destruction and theft of school property. The monthly challenges include disturbing themes like trashing bathrooms,

slapping a school staff member, jabbing a member of the opposite sex, making a mess in the courtyard or cafeteria, and more. The school will be sending a clear message to our middle school students that these behaviors are unacceptable, in violation to our school conduct code and, in some cases, illegal. Behaviors associated with these challenges will be investigated and treated very seriously by the school. Having to use time, resources, energy and effort to process these disrespectful behaviors is especially troubling when we need to be doubling our efforts to focus on health, safety and learning. We want parents/caregivers to be aware of this trend and ask that you talk to your children about it. This is a timely opportunity to talk as families about social media influences, both positive and negative, and support our children in navigating these complicated social dynamics and risks. COVID TESTING PROGRAMS FOR VERMONT SCHOOLS

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The Vermont Agency of Education has expanded testing options at schools to decrease the number of days that students would have to quarantine should they be considered a close contact of a person with a positive test result. This will also reduce the amount of the time and the impact of contact tracing on school personnel. The state is now proposing four types of testing in schools: surveillance, testto-stay, PCR test at school and PCR test at home. Each of these measures will require the permission of a parent or caregiver for the school to implement. The test-to-stay program will be used when there is a positive case for which a student or students are determined to be close contacts. Instead of quarantining immediately like before, students will come to school each day and take a rapid antigen test upon arriving. If the students test negative, they are able to stay at school. They should, however, contin-

ue to follow quarantining protocols when not in the school building. If a student tests positive, they will need to go home and begin their isolation timeframe. The test-to-stay option is where we will initially focus our attention. Test to stay will require that the district and each school create a set of logistics that work for each school’s size, architecture, access to personnel and other variables. We are working with our schools to develop those logistics and hope to have that completed over the next few weeks. When we do have access to the testing format and materials, we will be able to share the implementation process with each school’s community. VACCINE VERIFICATION

One final helpful measure that the state provided to help schools with contact tracing is the ability of school nurses to review a student vaccine record for a Covid vaccination. By giving school nurses access to this record, they can make the determination if a student will need to quarantine. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and the Vermont Department of Health do not require people with a Covid vaccination to quarantine unless they are experiencing symptoms. This, too, will help our nurses and our principals quickly determine who from the school will need to quarantine when a positive case arises. Families no longer need to provide vaccine information to the school for eligible students. DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP WEEK IS OCT. 18-22

All CVSD schools will participate in Digital Citizenship Week later this month. Using many resources, including those from Common Sense Education, we will focus on one strand collectively across the district: privacy and security. — Greg Marino, Williston lead principal, contributed to this report

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October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 9

SPORTS

Redhawk Chloe Pecor, top left, angles for a shot on goal during their game vs. the Brattleboro Colonels on Monday afternoon in Hinesburg. Redhawk Zoe Klein, top right, gets an arm in as she fights for possession of the ball. Redhawk Lauren Knudsen, bottom left, tries to beat her Brattleboro opponent to the ball. Redhawk Ella Knudsen, bottom right, fights her way past her Brattleboro defender. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Redhawk soccer streak continues BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent

see REDHAWKS page 10

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Skyler Kingsbury scored a hat trick and the Champlain Valley girls soccer team remained unbeaten with a win over Brattleboro on Monday afternoon. Ava Barron added a goal and two assists for the Redhawks, while Zoe Zoller, Zoe Klein, Chloe Pecor and Anna Morton all added a goal. Ella Knudsen dished out three assists. Emma Allaire and Ella Polli combined to earn the shutout in goal as CVU moved to 8-0-2. The Redhawks also earned a win Saturday, beating Mount Mansfield 3-0. Pecor tallied twice and Crum also scored for CVU.

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Page 10 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

SPORTS

Football team reaches new heights under Fleming Destito finding multiple targets — including Provost, who had eight catches for 81 yards on The Vermont high school Saturday. sports social media landscape “Max has matured in front went wild on Saturday afternoon of our very eyes,” said Flemwith a highlight reel touchdown ing. “He’s become much better catch. at moving as little as he has to, Champlain Valley wide re- but as much as he needs to and ceiver Alex Prokeeping his eyes vost went up for downfield and ‘Hard work and the catch, grabscanning.” bing the ball With multiple preparation around a Midspeedy options in are what have dlebury defender the passing game, and hanging on as Fleming said that gotten us this both players went last year’s 7-vs-7 far. Hard work to the ground, season helped the giving the Redteam figure out its and preparation hawks a lead. air attack. will remain our “Bottom line, “We had a it was a time for whole season to strategy moving our guys to define work on precision forward.’ themselves,” said and our routes,” Rahn Fleming CVU coach Rahn Fleming said. “I CVU coach Fleming. “It’s can say, honesteasy to be confily, that there has dent when you’re been positive carup by 21. Who are you when ryover from that 7-on-7 season.” you’re trading scores and are With receivers like Jack down by 7? Our guys answered Sumner, Angelos Carroll and the call. Jared Anderson, the CVU of“They’re a bunch of capable fense has plenty of options — athletes who have each other’s especially when you consider backs, who believe in them- Carroll is a running back. selves and in one another.” “It’s fun to watch our offenThe eye-catching TD was the sive coordinator, Sandi Sumner, highlight of CVU’s 35-14 win call a game, to set things up and over Middlebury on Saturday make things happen,” Fleming and showcased what is different said. “To move the pieces around about this year’s Redhawks. in a way that the kids get to have “A win like this one creates a ton of fun and by the time the a kind of resilience, confidence defense thinks they know what’s and momentum all its own in the going on, something else is gobigger picture, too,” Fleming ing on.” said. “We’ll bring those with us The key to all of this success into the rest of the season and — the real backbone of the ofthe postseason. fense — is an athletic, experi“Hard work and preparation enced offensive line. are what have gotten us this far. “We have guys to whom it Hard work and preparation will matters, who understand that remain our strategy moving for- life in the trenches is not gloriward.” ous, but it’s important,” Fleming The Redhawks are 5-1, their said. “We often face linemen best record since 2009, with a that are larger than our guys, high-flying offense and shut- but technique and grit can cover down defense. The team has about a 50 or 60 pound window scored 35 points or more in four when you’re giving away size. of their six games and allowed “They’re also very, very well 14 or fewer points in all five coached. Frank Parisi has done wins. yeoman’s work with them. His “I think that we are so elec- impact on our offensive line is tric on offense that the defense palpable.” holding our opponents to six Seniors Ryan Taylor, Hayden or seven can get overlooked,” Hilgerdt and Harry Kramer Fleming said. “They’re a pretty provide the leadership on the solid bunch, too.” line, while Charlie Taylor and The story for CVU so far Sean Kennedy are adding some this season has been the passing youthful talent. offense, with quarterback Max see FOOTBALL page 11 BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent

CLOCKWISE from top left: CVU’s Paige Comeau takes one for the team during their game vs. South Burlington on Oct. 5 in Hinesburg. CVU’s Tess Everett stickhandles past a South Burlington defender. CVU’s Emma Kim battles for the ball. CVU’s Lindsey Auriemma passes the ball into the circle. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Redhawks continued from page

FOOTBALL

BOYS SOCCER

Champlain Valley 2, Burlington 1: Holden Batchelder had a goal and an assist to help the Champlain Valley boys soccer team capture its fifth win in a row. Neil Kanarick added a goal and Kyle Clairmont chipped in with an assist for CVU (7-1-2). Aiden Jeremczuk stopped seven shots to earn the win in goal.

Champlain Valley 35, Middlebury 14: The Champlain Valley football team outscored visiting Middlebury 28-7 in the second half to pull away for a big win on Saturday. Max Destito threw for 289 yards and three TDs, while Jack Sumner had two touchdowns for CVU. Alex Provost and Jared Anderson each had a TD catch, while Ryan Canty had an interception that he ran back for a score. With the win,

FIELD HOCKEY

Champlain Valley 3, Burlington 0: Three different scorers found the back of the net for Champlain Valley in a win over Burlington on Saturday. Sydney Mast, Danielle Gamelin and Ava Bartlett each had a goal for the Redhawks (6-4). Grace Ferguson made three saves to earn the shutout. GIRLS GOLF

The Champlain Valley girls golf team headed to the Dorset Field Club for the state championship and returned to campus with a second-place finish. Ryan Sleeper came into the clubhouse with a 100, while Megan Rexford added a 106 for a team score of 206. The Redhawks were just behind state champs Burr and Burton (187), while Mount Mansfield’s Namo Seibert won honors with an 87.

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the Redhawks moved to 5-1.

The Champlain Valley boys golf team qualified for the Division I state tournament with a fifth-place finish in the qualifier event last Wednesday. Bryce Bortnick was the top scorer for the Redhawks, coming in with an 80. CVU finished fifth overall with a team score of 338. Burr and Burton (first), South Burlington (second), Essex (third) and Mount Mansfield (fourth) also qualified for the state championship.

October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 11

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are available for purchase! Visit willistonobserver.com to see current and past photos of Williston events, school sports, nature shots and more! Digital and prints are available.

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Like the Williston Observer on Facebook CVU’s Alex Provost picks up some yards after the catch during the game vs. the BFA Bobwhites Oct. 1 in St Albans. OBSERVER FILE PHOTO BY AL FREY

Football continued from page

The lines are a strength on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. “One of the benefits of the kids being who they are is they’re both willing and able to learn on the fly how to play a new position in a week,” Fleming said. With the improvement of the offense, Champlain Valley sits in a great position with only two weeks left in the regular season. The Redhawks have a bye next week but will face Essex (3-3) in the final game before the playoffs. Only Rutland (5-0) is above CVU in the standings. But despite the success of the group, Fleming will not let his team get ahead of itself. “One of the most deadly things we can do to our momentum is to believe our own PR — it’s like, read it, enjoy it, let it go, leave it on the kitchen table, show up and go to work.” Fleming said. “I think our guys have done a real good job of not answering when overconfidence comes knocking at the door. Our record means nothing.” The record will likely come into play in the next two weeks as playoff seeding becomes

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clear and CVU is looking at a deep postseason run. “They’ve worked hard and they’ve earned it, there is no question they’ve earned the success,” Fleming said. “But first we’ll be thinking about Essex. And when we’re done with Essex, we’ll be thinking about whoever’s on the schedule for us in that first week in the postseason.”

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Page 12 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

Route 2 continued from page

income and the other half subsidized for people transitioning out of homelessness. The Champlain Housing Trust will staff an on-site property manager. In a letter to the board, Williston resident Steve Zebertavage expressed concern that the project will bring “homeless culture” to town. “Transitional housing for families trying to adapt to the economic and social fabric of Vermont is a welcome endeavor, but housing long-term homeless people within our community will only serve to degrade our community environment,” he wrote. Board member David Turner asked Miranda Lescaze, director of real estate development at the Champlain Housing Trust — who was in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting at Town Hall — whether the organization has any restrictions on housing people with criminal records. But Kelley, the board chair, said the board could not base decisions on that criteria and dropped the question from being entertained.

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A drawing submitted to the Town of Williston shows the back of one of the commercial buildings planned for Route 2.

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is enough to meet the demand of the apartments without a need for street parking on Day Lane. She also noted that many of the tenants are likely to not own cars.

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October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 13

State officials stumped by Covid trend

BY ERIN PETENKO VTDigger

Just one week ago, Vermont state officials were cautiously pointing to a seven-day drop in Covid-19 cases as evidence that the Delta wave may be coming to an end. Those numbers have now completely turned around. The Department of Health on Tuesday reported a seven-day average of 217 infections per day, close to the record of 218 set on Sept. 20. That average includes 132 new cases reported on Tuesday. The state also disclosed seven new Covid-related deaths over the long weekend. In total, 339 people with the virus have died since the start of the pandemic and 14 have died so far in October. State officials had predicted in August that infections would begin to subside as soon as early September, based on an analysis of Delta trends that showed case numbers declining in other countries after eight weeks. The United States as a whole has reported declining case levels, hospitalizations and deaths. At a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott acknowledged that his administration had been surprised by the duration of the surge. “They went back up for whatever reason. I don’t know, I wish I had the answer,” he said. “I think we all wish we had the answer.” The governor suggested that small to midsize gatherings may be partly responsible, rather than larger public gatherings. He said his administration would watch the trends in Massachusetts after

large gatherings at Fenway Park and the Boston Marathon. Levine said community transmission, not a pattern of outbreaks, has led to the latest surge. Vermont currently has no Covid restrictions for the general public. State Health Commissioner Mark Levine said that a “total lockdown” may prevent Covid deaths, but “at the same time, I do think a total lockdown for much of the population, never mind in Vermont but anywhere in the country, would be intolerable for many.” Levine defended the lack of a statewide mask mandate, saying there’s no clear evidence that a mask mandate would prevent community transmission during the Delta surge. But, he said, “I’ve been very consistently standing up here recommending indoor masking in concert with the (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).” “Look at who would abide by a mandate, which would probably be the people who have already been vaccinated … and who would not abide by it, which might be the people who (we) would want most to abide by it,” such as unvaccinated people, he said. Health experts recently questioned Scott’s claim that mask mandates in other states hadn’t worked, saying that the data doesn’t support his opinion. The latest data from the Department of Health shows that 49 people were in the hospital as of Tuesday, including 16 people in intensive care units. Commissioner Mike Pieciak of the Department of Financial Regulation

said new hospitalizations have declined in the past seven days, particularly among fully vaccinated Vermonters. Case rates are highest among children from 5 to 14 years old, but hospital stays for Covid are highest among people over the age of 70, according to data from Pieciak’s department. Officials at Tuesday’s press conference encouraged Vermonters to get vaccinated or to get their booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine if they meet broad eligibility categories. About 498,100 Vermonters have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine. About 29,000 people have gotten a booster dose. SCHOOLS STILL HIT HARD

The Department of Health on Tuesday also reported 158 Covid cases in K-12 schools within the

past week among students or staff who were infectious while in a school building. That’s the second-highest one-week total the state has reported this school year. The department retroactively added another 18 cases to previous weeks, raising the school year total to 827 infections. Leading the data in the past week were Barre Elementary, with 10 cases, and Hardwick Elementary School, with nine cases. Derby Elementary reported no new cases in the past week, but continued to have the highest infection count, with 31 cases. Secretary of Education Dan French said Tuesday that the department had prepared school districts for the “test-to-stay” program, which tests close contacts while keeping them in school, by

helping them get a federal waiver and training 35 people to conduct antigen testing. Scott said he understood that the first six weeks of the school year had been “tough,” but called for civility and cooperation from parents. Some parents have not complied with guidance to keep their children quarantined or faced difficulty getting childcare when their children are told to stay home from school, French said. “Schools are not designed to work in conflict with their parents and their communities. The educational process is a partnership,” French said. “So I’m hopeful testto-stay will not only be efficient and effective, but also lead to less conflict in our communities, since it enables more students to stay in school full time.”

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Page 14 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

National Guard to offer tours of 11K-acre Jericho range

The Vermont Army National Guard will begin public tours of the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho on Oct. 22. Find registration details at www.vtguard. com/CEATS. The tours will include an overview of the Vermont Army National Guard organization and capabilities, a visit to the construction site of a new Army Mountain Warfare School and a stop at the renowned biathlon course. “This tour program represents another opportunity for us to engage with our communities,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont adjutant general. “The range has been here for a long time, but many people have never had the opportunity to see what kind of training occurs here. Located in Jericho since the 1920’s, the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site provides training opportunities not available in any other New England state. The Army Mountain Warfare School serves as the only military mountaineering school in the United States Army, serving students from all branches of the military as well as foreign allies. The Vermont National Guard acts as the program manager for the National Guard biathlon pro-

gram, and the Jericho site boasts what many consider the best biathlon course in eastern America. “While the range has served the training needs of the Vermont National Guard and the region for nearly 100 years, our capabilities have increased dramatically recently,” said Lt. Col. David Fabricius, range chief plans and operations officer. “Units from all over come here to qualify on mounted crew served weapons and we continue to adapt to meet new requirements for rifle and pistol qualification standards, in addition to many other training opportunities year round.” At over 11,000 acres, the training site also serves as the home to the headquarters of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), as well as the headquarters of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion 172nd Infantry (Mountain). The mission of the range is to support force readiness and execution of federal, state and local missions while improving infrastructure and preserving the environment. For additional questions, contact Vermont National Guard Public Affairs Officer Maj. Scott Detweiler at (802) 227-2779 or john.s. detweiler.mil@mail.mil.

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The University of Vermont Medical Center’s Fanny Allen campus in Colchester. FILE PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

Fanny Allen operating, rehab rooms set to reopen BY LIORA ENGEL-SMITH VTDigger A year after it closed because of air circulation problems, the outpatient surgery center and inpatient rehabilitation unit at the University of Vermont Medical Center’s Fanny Allen campus in Colchester is expected to reopen this fall, hospital leaders said. Medical center leadership said they intend to replace the seven-bed surgical center with a new, larger facility in South Burlington by 2024. The 34-bed outpatient rehabilitation center would remain at the Colchester campus, along with other services such as urgent care and coronavirus testing. The center in Colchester handled roughly 30 surgeries a day before it shut down last November. Hospital leaders have argued the unit is outdated and is not big enough to serve the needs of the greater Burlington area. They estimated the project could cost more than $30 million and have asked regulators for permission to fund a $5 million plan for the project. The exact size of the surgical center, slated for South Burlington’s Mountain View Business Park, has not yet been determined, but the need for a larger facility is urgent, John Brumsted, president and CEO of UVM Medical Center and UVM Health Network, wrote in a July 16 filing to the Green Mountain Care Board, the body that governs hospital growth. “We are currently losing talented employees for lack of adequate — much less state-ofthe-art — surgical and other care spaces, and we need to reverse this trend immediately,” he said in the filing. In addition to the Fanny Allen inpatient rehabilitation unit, the campus at 729 College Parkway would continue to have a Covid-19 testing clinic and an urgent care center. The medical center currently leases these facilities, but it’s unclear what hospital leaders intend to do with the space when the lease expires in 2026. Brumsted said revenue from the surgical center would subsidize money-losing services, including inpatient mental health and neonatal intensive care services. “ … [I]n order to provide the full range of health care services to its community, a non-

profit hospital must subsidize money-losing services with those services that produce a positive operating margin,” he wrote. “To ignore that fact is to ignore the financial realities of medicine.” The Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, which represents more than 2,400 nursing and allied health providers at the hospital, said the proposed expansion is concerning, since hospital leaders have been “unwilling or unable to ensure adequate safe staffing for existing operations,” union President Deb Snell wrote in a Sept. 10 letter to the Green Mountain Care Board. Snell pointed out that almost 30 percent of the jobs at the hospital remain unfilled, and union members worry an expansion of surgical capacity would worsen those challenges. The hospital in Burlington has long struggled with staffing challenges, but pandemic-related pressures have made the problem worse. Across-the-board vacancies have caused a backlog in imaging, elective surgeries and specialist appointments. Those delays in service prompted the state government to investigate the backlog. In its ruling Sept. 20, the Green Mountain Care Board acknowledged the hospital’s staffing challenges and said leaders must outline their plans for bringing on additional personnel. The board also said leadership has to consult the nurses’ union in the process. Stephen Leffler, the medical center’s president and chief operating officer, asked the care board to fast-track the health system’s $5 million project plan. The board granted the hospital’s request without a public hearing. “We could have dragged it out several months,” Green Mountain Care Board Chair Kevin Mullin said Wednesday, but “if we dragged it out, you’d be asking me, ‘Why aren’t you doing something to have surgeries in the Chittenden County area?’” Leffler agreed. “There’ll be many, many opportunities for the public, for our staff and employees,” he said. “Anyone else is interested to go to public hearings and hear our thoughts and hear our answers, and we look forward to being fully transparent on this.”

October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 15

Celebrating Abenaki culture on Indigenous Peoples’ Day BY RACHEL NOSTRANT VTDigger When the Abenaki People of Vermont conduct a drum circle, they believe they are opening up to Mother Earth through their drums. The ceremony begins by placing tobacco on the skin of their drums, in an offering to awaken her. Then, after a few gentle beats to coax Mother Earth awake, they will begin to play. While the drum circle conducted Saturday morning in Stowe for the second annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Rock Celebration didn’t signal the beginning of the festivities, it did provide a unique experience for crowds excited to learn about the Abenaki tribes of Vermont. The celebration, hosted by the Nulhegan tribe of the Abenaki and Stowe Vibrancy, marks the third year of observation for the holiday since Vermont officially redesignated Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2019. Vermont is the first state in the Northeast to have officially made this change. Booths lined Mayo Fields with educational opportunities about the Abenaki peoples and offered trade goods ranging from dreamcatchers to homemade cheeses and furs. Food stalls were located near the stage set for an afternoon concert with performances by Blues Hall of Fame Inductee Joe Lewis Walker, the Vermont Jazz Trio, musician Dave Keller and singer Bella Sances. Chief Don Stevens of the Nulhegan Abenaki led the event’s drum circle and dancing celebration. Running a booth dedicated to teaching the Abenaki language was

Steve Foltz from Springfield, Mass., whose Abenaki name is Atien. “I think it’s incredibly important for the Abenaki community both here and in Canada to reawaken the language and the culture,” Atien said. “This is the language of the land that we live on, and I think when people can speak it with any level of competency it really changes their perspective about where we are and that we were here in the beginning.” Tribal Historian and Director of the Nulhegan Cultural and Historic Preservation Department, Brian Chenevert, was also present at Saturday’s celebration. “I love the fact that we can say that Vermont is the one state so far in the Northeast that has recognized (Indigenous Peoples’ Day) as a state and not just as a town or city,” Chenevert said. “It’s great, and the fact that they’re willing to put this event on for us is incredible.” Chenevert is hopeful that events like the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Rock Celebration will continue to grow both in Vermont and in the surrounding areas. “I’m excited to see this grow as more people get to know about it,” he said. “I think people are looking to Vermont to see…how it can be done, and also how to bridge some of the difficulties on why there is such a staunch wall to changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day.” The event was a hit with out-ofstate attendees. “When we were looking at festivals and things to do while we are staying in Stowe, this one popped up and this was just something we all wanted to come and see,” said Kathi Jensen of Lake Tahoe, Calif.

“I think they’ve done a nice job. I hope this grows for the organization doing it, because this has lots of potential.” Bettina Graf from Pacifica, Calif., agreed. “I think just being able to be grateful for the people that respect our land and nature in a way that I think we’ve somewhat forgotten and just the ceremony of living and being human to human, I just really wanted to witness this,” she said. Debbie Baldwin, also of California, said she was happy to see Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrated because it means people are ready to talk about issues faced by indigenous cultures. “I love seeing all of the children here,” she said. “This tells me that their parents are teaching them to respect other people’s heritage.” Chenevert gave some suggestions for how people who missed the celebration could still enjoy the day and help support Indigenous peoples. “Talk to people and learn,” he said. “It’s important, whether you live in Vermont or elsewhere, to find out who lived where you are, in your city or your state, and learn about them, and if you can’t find out anything, reach out to them — they’ll be happy to answer.” There are four recognized Abenaki tribes in Vermont, the

John Bosely, top, of the Nulhegan Abenaki performs one of the tribal dances at the second annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Rock Celebration in Stowe on Saturday. Nulhegan Abenaki Chief Don Stevens, bottom left, explains the purposes of pelts to children. Abenaki peoples, bottom right (left to right) Jesse Bruchac, Steve “Atien” Foltz, and Annette Urbschat. PHOTOS BY RACHEL NOSTRANT/VTDIGGER

Nulhegan in the Northeast Kingdom, the Elnu in the southeast corner of the state, the Koasek in the Newbury area and the Mississiquoi of Lake Champlain.

Funds raised will be given to Abenaki Helping Abenaki, a nonprofit organization focused on improving Abenaki peoples’ health and general well-being.

Page 16 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

Should you replace a struggling apple tree?

BY NADIE VANZANDT Special to the Observer

In ideal growing conditions and when properly maintained, apple trees may remain productive for over 50 years. The bearing age — the time from planting to bearing fruit — depends on the species, cultivar and whether the tree is grown on dwarf or standard-size rootstock. The average bearing age varies from three years for dwarf trees to eight to 10 for standard trees. Apple trees prefer full, direct sunlight, which means at least six hours of daily sunlight. They require a site with good drainage and soil amended with the highest quality compost to improve aeration and reduce compaction. Proper feeding, maintenance and pruning go a long way in keeping trees healthy and helping them withstand attack from pests or diseases. Trees also benefit from strategic pruning in late winter or early spring to open the canopy to air and light to reduce incidence of apple scab and other foliar fungal diseases. Mulching and weeding under the canopy facilitates access to nutrients. Keeping the base of the tree weed-free will minimize boring pests and feeding by small vertebrates.

Protecting the base with hardware cloth or mouse guards before winter will help prevent rabbit or vole damage in years with heavy snow cover. Low fruit production may not necessarily indicate a serious problem since apple trees normally bear heavily one year and less the following, known as biennial bearing. Thinning apples after fruit is set will help keep fruit loads more consistent. Assuming your tree’s poor health is not due to pests or diseases, it can be rescued. First, check to see if your tree is alive. Use sharp pruners to cut a small branch. Green tissue indicates that the tree is alive and worth putting in effort to improve vigor. However, your tree may not be worth saving if it has other issues, such as large areas of dead wood, large sections of damaged bark, weeping wounds, large branches with internal rot, cankerous growth or the presence of pests or diseases. Leaf drop, shoot dieback, yellow or brown leaves in summer and small or brown fruit could signal fungal or bacterial diseases or other stress in the trees. Removing an established apple tree is a tough decision. But a weak tree will attract pests and diseases, further deteriorating its

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Fall is the ideal time to remove apple trees that are diseased, pest-ridden or struggling to survive. Courtesy photo by Nadie VanZandt

health. If you are not sure whether the tree should be removed, seek professional advice from a local arborist. If you decide on removal, fall is a good time for this task. While removing a young dwarf apple tree might be manageable on your own, removing larger trees requires hiring a tree removal service that also will grind the stump and get rid of large roots. Planting a new apple tree at the same location depends on whether the old tree was diseased. Pathogens that caused the old tree to die can survive in the soil, as well as in dead or dormant roots. This contamination could cause a condition called replant disease. If so, plant the new tree a few feet away from the original location.

Assuming the site is disease-free, you can replant a new apple tree at the same site. First, move the mulch created from grinding the stump to your compost pile. Next, replace the soil in the old planting site with quality soil, preferably from a non-orchard site, to prevent transferring soil pathogens from other fruit trees. Let the prepared site rest over winter. When choosing the perfect apple tree to plant next spring, look for cultivars resistant to common fungal diseases, such as apple scab and cedar apple rust, suitable for your U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone (www.planthardiness.ars. usda.gov). Nadie VanZandt is a UVM Extension Master Gardener from Panton.

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October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 17

A ride through the countryside

The Richard Tom Foundation held its annual Ride for Richard through Richmond, Jericho and Williston on Saturday. The foundation, named for Vermont cyclist Richard Tom after he was killed on a road ride in 2015, supports riders and advocates for safe roads. Williston photographer Lee Krohn captured these shots of the event’s route through Williston. COURTESY PHOTOS BY LEE KROHN

Page 18 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

SENIORS

Simple and inexpensive final farewells

Savvy Senior By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are looking for the simplest and least expensive way to dispose of our bodies when we die. We hate the idea of wasting a lot of money on high-priced funerals and would like some advice on some simple and cheap send-offs. Simple Seniors Dear Simple, With the average cost of a full-service funeral running around $11,000 today, many people are seeking simple ways to make their final farewell more affordable. Depending on how you want to go, here are several lowcost options to consider.

We’re listening. From Green Burial to Pet Memorials, our goal is to provide the services and care you need. To learn more, contact us today. • Burial/Cremation Services • Green Burials • Traditional Funerals • Memorial Services • Pre-arranged Funeral Planning • Out-of-town & Foreign Services • Pet Memorials

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DIRECT CREMATION

IMMEDIATE OR DIRECT BURIAL

If you and your husband are interested in cremation, a direct cremation is the simplest and least expensive way to go. It includes picking up the body, completing and filing the necessary paperwork, the cremation itself and returning the cremated remains to the family. There’s no embalming, formal viewing or casket. A simple cardboard box called an “alternative container” is used to hold the body. Depending on where you live and the funeral home you choose, the average cost for a direct cremation runs between $1,000 and $3,000. If you want additional services beyond what a direct cremation offers, ask the funeral home for an itemized price list that covers the other services costs, so you know exactly what you’re getting. All providers are required by law to provide this. To locate nearby funeral homes, look in your local yellow pages, or Google “cremation” or “funeral” followed by your city and state. You can also get good information online at www.Parting.com, which lets you compare prices from funeral providers in your area based on what you want.

If you’re interested in being buried, an immediate/direct burial is the most basic and low-cost option. With an immediate burial, your body would be buried in a simple container shortly after death, skipping the embalming, viewing and use of the funeral facilities. If your family wants a memorial service, they can have it at the graveside, at your place of worship or at home without the body. These services usually cost between $1,800 and $3,500, not counting cemetery charges, which can run you an additional $1,000 to $3,000. All funeral homes offer direct burial. GREEN BURIAL

An eco-friendly, green burial is another affordable way to go that costs anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the provider. With a green cemetery burial, the body is buried in a biodegradable coffin or just wrapped in a shroud, without embalming chemicals or a burial vault. The Green Burial Council (www.GreenBurialCouncil.org, 888-966-3330) has a state listing of cemetery operators who accommodate green burials, as well as funeral professionals who provide the services.

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ANATOMICAL DONATION

If you’d like to eliminate your cremation/burial costs altogether, as well as help advance medical research, you and your husband should consider donating your bodies to science. This option won’t cost you a cent, however, some programs may charge a small fee to transport your body to their facility. After using your body for medical research projects, anatomy lessons and surgical practice, your remains will be cremated and your ashes will be buried or scattered in a local cemetery or returned to your family, usually within a year. To locate accredited university medical school body donation programs in your state, see the University of Florida’s U.S. program directory at www.Anatbd. acb.med.ufl.edu/usprograms, or call the whole-body donation referral service during business hours at 800-727-0700. 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.

for your BUCK!

1 EMAIL - 1 CONTACT = YOUR AD IN 7 PAPERS.

Reach readers in northern Vermont’s most thriving communities — in print and online! Contact Rick Cote at rick@willistonobserver.com or call 802-373-2136

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October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 19

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 21 1

13 17

18 21

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One of the best ways to use a fall classic, this creamy mac and cheese incorporates roasted butternut squash in the sauce, so you get some sweet, squash flavor with every bite! For this recipe we love to use local where possible. Try Shelburne Farms Aged Cheddar cheese, the flavor will really balance that of the squash nicely. This recipe is a great way to get kids to eat some sneaky veggies with the addition of butternut squash from Burnt Rock Farm.

36 41

24 30

42 44

10 16

60 66

58 61

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

Directions:

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced

Preheat oven to 400°F.

ACROSS 1. Intensely cold 4. Work with 7. ___ in, nothing held back 10. Kind of music 13. “This ___ shall pass” 14. Dice high roll 15. Apple or blueberry dessert 16. Amaze 17. High schooler 19. Gymnast’s top score 20. Despite all that 21. Just wins over, with out 23. Badly lit 25. Haunted house sound 28. Previously unknown 30. Back 33. Competed in a race 34. “Let’s Make a __” 36. ___ the fire 37. Blue shade 38. Do some restaurant work 40. Cooked beef, perhaps 42. “To each __ own” 43. Fallout after a blast 44. Pittsburgh or Penzance group 48. Pen filler 49. Survey info 52. Italian treats 53. As ___ on TV! 55. Dude 56. Reason to cram 57. “What’s more...” 58. Missing

Across

1. Intensely cold 4. Work with

59. Part of MPG 61. “Rock the Boat” music 64. Corn site 66. Mistaken 69. One more 73. Three-point shot’s trajectory 74. Start of the Lord’s Prayer 75. Short snooze 76. “Now We ___ Six” (A.A. Milne book) 77. Figure out 78. Tax, as one’s patience 79. Le Carre character 80. Pretty ticked

7. ___ in, nothing held back 10. Kind of music

DOWN 1. “___ me” (phone response) 2. Makeshift bed 3. “__ make me feel brand new” The Stylistics 4. Car category 5. Spill the beans 6. Lengthens 7. Relevant 8. “I cannot tell a __!” 9. Give temporarily 10. Creditor’s demand 11. Have a balance 12. Dog or cat e.g. 18. Lion’s refuge 22. Catch on 24. March marchers 25. Title acquired in marriage 26. Durable wood

13. "This ___ shall pass" 14. Dice high roll

15. Apple or blueberry dessert 16. Amaze

17. High schooler

19. Gymnast's top score 20. Despite all that

27. “___ Time at All,” Beatle tune 29. Tolstoy title word 31. Bothered (with “at”) 32. Slender bar 35. Student aid 38. Routine part 39. Puts into service 41. “Don’t ___!” 42. Urgency 44. Indy 500 service area 45. Arctic sight 46. Regard 47. Multitude 48. Cleveland team 49. “Give it ___!” 50. Paintball player’s need 51. Where a contact might go 54. Reach a conclusion 58. Caught 60. What fans do 62. Break sharply 63. Cheat, in a way 64. Luggage label 65. Load from a lode 67. Stole 68. Use a griddle 70. Overdo, a role for example 71. Baseball performance measurement 72. Garnet

1 lb short pasta (e.g. penne, rigatoni, etc.) 1 onion, diced

30. Back

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced 2 cups half & half

34. "Let's Make a __" 1/4 cup all purpose flour 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

37. Blue shade

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente, drain, and set aside. In a large pot, heat a small amount of olive oil and add the onion. Cook gently until sweet and translucent. Add garlic and cook until just fragrant. Add butter and cook until foamy. Sprinkle in flour and stir with a wooden spoon to create a roux.

33. Competed in a race2 tbs unsalted butter 36. ___ the fire

Lightly coat the squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until golden brown and tender.

Cook this mixture until sandy in texture and the raw flour smell has been cooked out. Gradually whisk in the half & half. Bring mixture to a boil, and allow it to thicken.

Olive oil, as needed

salt and freshly ground black 38. Do some restaurantKosher work pepper to taste

Remove pot from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese. Add roasted squash and stir in the cooked pasta.

40. Cooked beef, perhaps

Pour pasta mixture into a large baking or casserole dish and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.

42. "To each __ own"

Bake in a 350°F oven until crispy, bubbly, and wonderful!

43. Fallout after a blast

pp Core Sho

44. Pittsburgh or Penzance L! EAgroup

Burnt Rock Farm

49. Survey info

SAVE 50¢ /lb

48. Pen filler

Local Organic Butternut Squash

$1.29 /lb

21. Just wins over, with out

52. Italian treats

Regular price $1.79/lb

23. Badly lit

53. As ___ on TV!

Shelburne Farms

25. Haunted house sound

55. Dude

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56. Reason to cram

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Page 20 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021 PRESCHOOL STORY TIME ON THE GREEN

The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is open for in-person service during the following hours • Monday/Wednesday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tuesday/Thursday/ Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.damlvt.org to place holds, apply for a card, renew materials, get updates on programming and access the library’s digital offerings. Public wifi is available 24/7 from the patio. Everyone ages 2 and up must wear a mask inside the building.

YOUTH PROGRAMS Children in fifth grade and up may use the library unattended, while those in grade 4 or younger must be supervised by a person over 16 years of age.

TO-GO CRAFT: CREEPY HAND LUMINARIES

Available while supplies last. Grades 5 and up. Stop by and get a kit to make glowing luminaries. Each kit includes a treat and spooky reading list. ‘HANDS UP!’ CELEBRATION ON THE GREEN

Saturday, Oct. 16, 10-11 a.m. All ages. Join Allen Brook School Librarian Cara Clopton for an outdoor read-aloud of “Hands-Up!” by Breanna McDaniel. Brave Book Bags with picture books and chapter books by black authors and illustrators are available at the event for family conversations about inclusivity. No registration needed. Rain date: Oct. 23. TO-GO CRAFT: MASON JAR LANTERNS

Available starting Oct. 18, while supplies last. Grades K-4. Stop by and get a kit to make a spooky lantern.

PUMPKIN CARVING ON THE GREEN

NEW PERSPECTIVES AUTHOR VISIT

Tuesdays, Oct. 19 and 26, 1010:30 a.m. Join Danielle for stories, songs and rhymes. Register once at www.damlvt.org.

Saturday, Oct. 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Register at www.damlvt.org to receive a pumpkin and a carving kit. Limit of one per household.

AFTER-SCHOOL STEAM FUN

STORYWALKS

Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2-3 p.m. Grades 3 and up. Join us for a hands-on exploration of science. Register at www.damlvt.org. PRESCHOOL MUSIC ON THE GREEN

Thursdays, Oct. 21 and 28, 10:30-11 a.m. Sing along with musician Linda Bassick, then stay awhile and play. Register once at www.damlvt.org. AFTER-SCHOOL CRAFT: MINI PUMPKIN PAINTING

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2-3 p.m. Grades K-8. Come paint your own mini pumpkin. Register at www. damlvt.org.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS READ TO A DOG

Thursday, Oct. 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Read to Lola, certified therapy dog. Call 878-4918 to reserve a 10-minute visit.

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 12-1 p.m. Join local author Eileen McKusick for an online discussion of “Electric Body, Electric Health.” Available in Hoopla as an eAudioBook or in print from the library.

On the Town Green: “Hands Up!” by Breanna McDaniel. Celebrate a simple book with a powerful message about self-advocacy and community connection. At the Park: “Stumpkin” by Lucy Ruth Cummins. See if a stemless pumpkin can find a home.

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Join us online to discuss “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett. Available in Hoopla or LUV (Overdrive) as an eBook or eAudiobook or in print from the library.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 10:30-12 p.m. Connect with others online to talk about newsworthy topics.

Online programs are held via Zoom. Please email programs@ damlvt.org or call 878-4918 to receive an invitation, unless otherwise specified. ONLINE GUIDED MEDITATION

Fridays, Oct. 15 and 22, 1212:30 p.m. Maryellen Crangle leads a short Zoom meditation. MAH-JONGG

Friday, Oct. 15, 1-3 p.m. Come to the library and play with other members of the community. All levels welcome.

BROWN BAG BOOK DISCUSSION

CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION

COOK THE BOOK

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 12-1 p.m. Share a recipe and story at our online gathering. Register at www. damlvt.org to receive a Zoom link. FROM HOMEBREW TO THE HOUSE OF FERMENTOLOGY

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 6-7 p.m. Join presenter Bill Mares for an in-person discussion of the history of beer and Vermont’s place in the homebrew industry. Register at www.damlvt.org.

GE T E R O M

F O R YO U R

BU C K!

7 PAPERS. 1 AD PURCHASE.

Advertise in the Williston Observer, South Burlington Other Paper, Shelburne News, The Citizen, Valley Reporter, Stowe Reporter, and News & Citizen with one email or phone call! Reach readers in northern Vermont’s thriving communities — in print and online!

rick@willistonobserver.com • 802-373-2136

October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 21

Maple Tree Place. Officers took an individual into custody. Sept. 30 at 7:32 a.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on South Brownell Road. Upon arrival, there was found to be no emergency. Sept. 30 at 9:07 a.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Blair Park. Sept. 30 at 9:29 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on St. George Road. There were no injuries or hazards on the scene. Sept. 30 at 9:53 a.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior at Maple Tree Place. Upon arrival, one of the individuals was found to have an active warrant and was taken into custody. Sept. 30 at 12:07 p.m. — Police completed multiple VIN inspections at a business request on Mountain View Road. Sept. 30 at 12:17 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Harvest Lane. Upon arrival, the officer did not locate 1 13

CROSSWORD SOLUTION (THIS PAPER)

Sept. 26 at 2:59 a.m. — Police responded to an alarm activation on Central School Drive. Upon arrival, the alarm was observed to be false. Sept. 26 at 2:08 p.m. — Police assisted a citizen with an online scam. Sept. 26 at 2:52 p.m. — Police responded to a report of theft on St. George Road. Sept. 26 at 4:26 p.m. — Police responded to a lockout on Harvest Lane. The officer was able to gain access to the vehicle for the operator. Sept. 27 at 9:51 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on St. George Road. There were no hazards or injuries on the scene. Sept. 27 at 10:15 a.m. — Police conducted multiple VIN verifications on Krupp Drive at a business request. Sept. 27 at 11:38 a.m. — Williston Police assisted Milton Police Department by conducting a welfare check on Marshall Avenue. Sept. 27 at 11:15 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Eagle Crest. Upon arrival, the officer observed no need for police intervention. Sept. 28 at 8:11 a.m. — Police responded to assist the Attorney General’s office with processing. Sept. 28 at 8:55 a.m. — Police issued a citation for littering on River Cove Road. Sept. 28 at 9:33 a.m. — Police responded to a report of theft on Harvest Lane. Sept. 28 at 3:16 p.m. — Police responded to a report of an animal problem on Marshall Avenue. Upon arrival, the vehicle had already left the scene. Sept. 28 at 11:43 p.m. — Police responded to a 911 call on Beebe Lane. Upon arrival, no emergency was observed. Sept. 29 at 8:21 a.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior on Harvest Lane. The officer contacted a wrecker to tow the vehicle. Sept. 29 at 11:10 a.m. — Police completed a background check for local employment. Sept. 29 at 12:05 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Harvest Lane. Sept. 29 at 12:41 p.m. — Police responded to a motor vehicle complaint on North Williston Road. Upon arrival, the vehicle had left the scene. Sept. 29 at 2:07 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Avenue C. Sept. 29 at 5:11 p.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Essex Road. Upon arrival, there were no injuries or hazards on the scene. Sept. 29 at 6:09 p.m. — Police responded to a report of theft at

an individual responsible. Sept. 30 at 12:25 p.m. — Police responded to a 911 call on Holly Court. Upon arrival, the call was found to be accidental. K9 Duke met with the employees. Sept. 30 at 12:44 p.m. — Police escorted employees on Market Street. Sept. 30 at 1:11 p.m. — Police provided a case number for property damage on Boxwood Street. Sept. 30 at 3:25 p.m. — Police responded to a 911 call on Blair Park Road. Upon arrival, the call was found to be accidental. Sept. 30 at 4:31 p.m. — Police responded to a report of theft on Retail Way. Officers cited an individual for the theft. Sept. 30 at 5:46 p.m. — Police responded to a report of suspicious behavior at Maple Tree Place. Upon arrival, officers took custody of the abandoned property. Sept. 30 at 11:28 p.m. — Police arrested an individual for negligent operation on St. George Road. Oct. 1 at 6:29 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on St. George Road. Upon arrival, operators were transported by Williston Rescue. Oct. 1 at 7:24 a.m. — Police re-

73 77

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sponded to a vehicle collision on Williston Road. There were no injuries or hazards on the scene. Oct. 1 at 9:56 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on St. George Road. Upon arrival, there were no injuries on the scene. Oct. 1 at 8:40 p.m. — Police responded to a report of theft on Boxwood Street. Oct. 1 at 9:40 p.m. — Police assisted a citizen in reporting property as stolen. Oct. 2 at 7:44 a.m. — Police assisted Williston Rescue with a medical call on Holland Lane. Oct. 2 at 11:15 a.m. — Police responded to a vehicle collision on Williston Road. There were no injuries or hazards on the scene.

Oct. 2 at 11:52 a.m. — Police responded to a report of theft at Maple Tree Place. Oct. 2 at 3:46 p.m. — Police responded to a lockout on Harvest Lane. Police were able to get the vehicle opened for the operator. Oct. 2 at 6:51 p.m. — Police responded to a lockout on St. George Road. The officer was able to gain access to the vehicle for the operator. The incidents above are not a full recount of police activity, rather a highlight of some of the events that occurred. Charges filed by police are subject to review by the Chittenden County State’s Attorneys Office and can be amended or dropped.

Page 22 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE KING SIZE BED — Real wood,

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Why have a job you love? Why not have a job younot love? Join our dedicated team together build a community Join our dedicated team andand together we’llwe’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs.

books, carriers, etc. Saturday, Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., rain or shine. Clothing, house-hold goods, furniture, toys, sporting goods, tools and misc hardware. Too many items to list. No early birds please.

GARAGE SALE LYMAN DRIVE — Saturday Oct. 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Lyman Drive, Williston. Lots of kids stuff. Toys, bikes, clothing,

Champlain Community Services, is proud to be voted as one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” and we want you as part of our team. At CCS employees find a positive work culture, excellent training opportunities as well as a strong benefits package including paid time off, holidays, affordable health coverage, a $500 sign on bonus and so much more.

can do a lot in a day. LafayettePaintingInc. com or call 863-5397 to hear about our discounts.

542 WILDFLOWER CIRCLE —

FOR SALE PIANO — Price greatly reduced.

Electric, refurbished, refinished duo- art George Steck player piano. Comes with 200+ music rolls. Works great. Valued at $4,000, selling for $200. Call 8792938 or call/text 802-324-0670. Email: carpenterg@myfairpoint.net; title subject “player piano.” Pictures available.

SERVICES PAINTING — Need a fresh start in

2021? Let Lafayette Painting give your home a beautiful new look. Our painters

To place a classified ad, email rick@willistonobserver.com 2BR Chittenden Co. Condo

Direct Support Professional

Friday, October 22 @ 1PM

Join our Direct Support Professional team to provide individualized supports to someone with an intellectual disability in the community, at their home or at their workplace. This is an excellent job for applicants entering human services or for those looking to continue their work in this field.Send your cover letter and application to: Karen Ciechanowicz at staff@ccs-vt.org

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Shared Living Provider

SIZ

· Provide an accessible home to a young gentleman who enjoys listening to music, getting out into the community and being a part of a dynamic lifestyle. He has strong family supports and a comprehensive team as well as respite and weekday supports. The ideal provider will have strong interpersonal communication and personal care skills. • Support a humorous gentleman with autism who enjoys walking, drawing, bowling and working on the computer. 10/08/2019 The ideal provider will have a good sense of humor and therapeutic on life. For more informarion contact: 3.25 x 2outlook AD for Williston Observer Jennifer Wolcott at jwolcott@ccs-vt.org

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October 14, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 23

SERVICE DIRECTORY POWER WASHING

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The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal Our experience disease. getviral youdisease home.of the Rabies is awill deadly We specialize in service, customer education, and brain that infects mammals. most often experience in the industry. WeIt are is proud to serve you Jeff Teplitz and your family with a phenomenal home loan experience. seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, Loan Officer Contact me today for your home loan needs! NMLS #184421 jeff.teplitz@academymortgage.com but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also P: (802) 448-7935 Corp NMLS #3113 | Equal Housing Lender MAC322-1474155 get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its

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Call today to getBAIT on our 2021 calendar! 345-4280al- saliv RABIES saliva. If left untreated, rabies(802) is almost continued from page and 2 animals. However, way ways fatal in humans treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly trea ANTIQUE SHOP ANTIQUE SHOP week-long bait drop is asoon coopera100The percent effective when given after SH 100 effortis between and the U.S. cont ative person bitten byVermont a rabid animal. a pe Department Agriculture Wildlife Services So far thisofyear, 23IVE animals in ORNERS Vermont S ORNERS IVE IVE ORNERS to stop the spread of the potentially fatal have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of hav NTIQUES NTIQUES She disease. those have been raccoons. tho NTIQUES disp Rabies is a to deadly viral disease of the According wildlife officials, rabid A Multi Dealer ShopShop leadA A Multi Dealer Multi Dealer Shopoften brain that infects mammals. It is most animals often show a Achange in their nor- anim 802.878.6167 802.878.6167 dor 802.878.6167 11 Maple Street, Essex Junction, VT VT mal seenbehavior, in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, mal but you cannot tellJunction, whether 11 Maple Street, Essex Junction, 11Open Maple Street, Essex VT Mon Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 Open Mon - Sat 10-5 Sun 11-4 from Mon - Sat Sun 11-4also butanimal unvaccinated petsOpen and livestock can an has rabies simply by10-5looking at an a 5CornersAntiques.com 5CornersAntiques.com cree 5CornersAntiques.com getPeople rabies.should The virus is spread through the it. P it. not touch or pick up wild from bite of anorinfected or contact with its anim animals strays –animal even baby animals.

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Page 24 • Williston Observer • October 14, 2021

Farmsteads furnish fantastic fall photos PHOTOS BY RICK COTE

Isham Family Farm

Parker Family Farm

Foley-Fontaine Farm

Whitcomb’s Land of Pumpkins and Corn Maze

Scratch N’ Earth Farm

Windswept Farm

Adams Apple Orchard