Williston Observer 2/25/2021

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FEBRUARY 25, 2021

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Remote learning frustration boils over

‘There’s got to be something better’

BY JASON STARR Observer staff It’s been nearly a year since Vermont’s public school students could attend school on a regular schedule. The frustration of so many months of online learning is starting to show.

A group of parents pleaded in mid-February with Champlain Valley School District administrators to figure out a way to open school buildings to more face-to-face classroom time — especially for middle-schoolers.

Currently, students up to sixth

grade attend class four days a week and learn remotely on Wednesdays.

Students in seventh and eighth grades are in classrooms two days a week and learn remotely three days a week. The district designed this “hybrid” model to abide by state and federal pandemic guidance requiring physical distancing between students.

Parents speaking at the Champlain Valley School Board’s Feb. 16 meeting said the length of time and reduced quality of remote learning is having a cumulative effect.

“I really think we are doing a disservice to these kids, their education and their mental health by not having them in school,” said parent Christina Sicard. “We really need to be focused on getting these kids

Town spending, school taxes down in Town Meeting proposals

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Perhaps the one thing that hasn’t yet been impacted by the pandemic is Town Meeting Day. Last year’s annual meetings and election were squeezed in just days before residents were advised to hunker down amid the first wave of COVID-19 cases.

This year is different. While there may be light at the end of the tunnel as more people are vaccinated against the coronavirus, Town Meeting Day 2021 will take place next week in full light of a public health emergency.

Cancelled is the traditional Town Meeting gathering at Williston Central School, where administrators present a budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year and residents vote by voice on a variety of mostly mundane topics (such as setting the due dates for property taxes). Those questions will now be on the ballot, with voting taking place Tuesday at the Vermont National Guard Armory at 7846 Williston Rd. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The budget presentation will be held virtually Monday via teleconference.

The Champlain Valley School District’s annual meeting has also been moved online, with questions

back in school five days a week.”

Misty Curtis, mother of a seventh-grader, said the quality of online remote instruction is inferior.

“They are only getting a few hours, if that, of school” on remote days, she said. “I know the teachers are juggling a lot, but I don’t feel that the level of education is being met …

We are looking to see if there will be a point where this will change.”

Gov. Phil Scott, in his January inaugural address, noted the shortcomings of remote learning and set a goal to return all Vermont students to the classroom full-time by April.

Superintendent Elaine Pinckney said administrators have been meeting weekly about how to accomplish that. But until federal physical distancing guidelines for

students are loosened, the district’s hands are tied.

“We have to meet the guidance,” Pinckney said.

Government guidance currently calls for 6 feet of separation for students in grades seven and up, and 3 feet for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

“We just don’t have the space for 6 feet in most schools,” said district Communications Director Bonnie Birdsall.

“We are doing everything we can to explore all the different ways we might bring students back,” she added. “We all agree these kids need to be in school more and with their peers and teachers more.”

Jill Quong, the parent of a Williston Central School seventh-grad-

er, urged administrators to “get creative” with the space available at the school, repurposing larger spaces to create middle school classrooms that can adhere to physical distancing requirements.

“What is being done? What is the timeline?” she asked. “We want some accountability as parents.”

Meanwhile, in many households, parents are working from home, unable to supervise their kids through remote learning as much as they would like.

“People are extremely exhausted,” said parent Megan Thomas. “I just feel like it’s time to try something.

There’s got to be something better for these middle school kids than sitting in their bedrooms three days a week while mom and dad work.”

Back on ice

usually settled in person moved to the ballot. The school district’s ballot will be available to voters at the armory Tuesday alongside the town ballot.

Voters will be asked to approve an $11.5 million town budget, an $85.2 million school district budget, $1.1 million in new debt for Champlain Water District infrastructure and to fill two uncontested seats on the selectboard and school board. The lone contested election is for a seat on the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Board of Trustees.

A school tax decrease How does a school budget proposal carry $2.8 million in new spending (3.5 percent) over the current fiscal year, yet result in decreased property taxes? The Champlain Valley School Board is proposing to inject $2 million in reserve funds into the budget. If voters approve the move, it would decrease the budget increase to roughly 1 percent over the current year.

That combined with Williston’s 92 percent Common Level of Appraisal — a calculation the State of Vermont makes annually to recsee TOWN MEETING page 3

CVU-MMU's Hannah Schmid gets a jump on Middlebury defenders during the Cougarhawks’ game against the Tigers on Saturday at Cairns Arena as a shortened winter hockey season gets underway. For more from the boys and girls hockey teams, see Page 16. OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

Page 2 • Williston Observer • February 25, 2021

The following Williston students, listed alphabetically, were recently honored for academic achievements at the collegiate level.

Casey Ammon was named to the Dean’s list at Purdue University for the first half of the year.

Chiara Antonioli was named to Highest Honors on the Dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2020 semester.

Mateo Barreno Smith was named to the Dean’s list at Vermont Technical College for the fall 2020 semester.

Cole Bartlett was named to Honors on the Dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire for the fall 2020 semester.

Kyra Becker was named to the Dean’s list at Vermont Technical College for the fall 2020 semester.

Kayleigh Bushweller was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Diamond Bussiere was named to the Dean’s list at Community College of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Liza Cahill was named to the Bob Jones University President’s list for the fall 2020 semester.

Samuel Clear was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Grace Colbeth was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

James Colello earned an award of excellence at Western Governors University.

Lily Cote was named to the Dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College for the fall 2020 semester.

Julia Cronan was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Natalie Curtis was named to the Dean’s list at Castleton University

Academic Honors

for the fall 2020 semester.

Ethan Czarny was named to the Dean’s list at Community College of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Nikolas Delphia was named to the Dean’s list at Community College of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Elizabeth Deluca was named to the Dean’s list at the College of the Holy Cross for the fall 2020 semester.

Reagan Dufresne was named to the Dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College for the fall 2020 semester.

Anna Frazee was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Maine at Presque Isle for the fall 2020 semester.

Cassandra Frink was named to the Dean’s list at Vermont Technical College for the fall 2020 semester.

Jessica Gagne was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Margaret Gannon was named to the Dean’s list at Nazareth College for the fall 2020 semester.

Sean Garey was named to the Dean’s list at Vermont Technical College for the fall 2020 semester.

Kelsey George was named to the Dean’s list at Vermont Technical College for the fall 2020 semester.

Sophia Gigliotti was named to Highest Honors on the Dean’s list at the University of Maine at Presque Isle for the fall 2020 semester.

Nathan Godbout was named to the President’s list at Saint Francis University for the fall 2020 semester.

Jeffrey Goldman was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Kyle Gorman was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Megane Hamel was named to the Dean’s list at the University of

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Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Annaliese Holden was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Danny Kabengele was named to the Dean’s list at Southern New Hampshire University for the fall 2020 semester.

Brianna Rose Kolibas was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Alabama for the fall 2020 semester.

Ryan Lackney was named to the Dean’s list at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for the fall 2020 semester.

Katlyn Lapell was named to the Dean’s list at Community College of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Stephanie Lemieux was named to the Dean’s list at Vermont Technical College for the fall 2020 semester.

Olivia Letourneau was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Taya LePrevost was named to the Dean’s list at Gettysburg College for the fall 2020 semester.

Margaret Martell was named to the Honor’s list at Community College of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Lily Michalak was named to the Dean’s list at Bradley University for the fall 2020 semester.

Nicholas Mogielnicki was named to High Honors on the Dean’s list at the University of Maine at Presque Isle for the fall 2020 semester.

Julia Neeld was named to the Dean’s list at the College of the Holy Cross

for the fall 2020 semester.

Paige Niarchos was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Anna Norcross was named to the Dean’s list at Vermont Technical College for the fall 2020 semester.

Callyn O’Connell was named to the Dean’s list at Castleton University for the fall 2020 semester.

Mia O’Farrell was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Mykala O’Farrell was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Lauren Palmer was named to the Dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College for the fall 2020 semester.

Ian Parent was named to the Dean’s list at Endicott College for the fall 2020 semester.

Madison Patrick was named to the Honor’s list at Community College of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Chris William Perry was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Maine at Presque Isle for the fall 2020 semester.

Nicholas Petrunich was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Kylie Pierce was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Samantha Polley was named to the Dean’s list at Community College of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Jonathan Raymond was named to the Dean’s list at Castleton University

for the fall 2020 semester.

Hannah Roberts was named to the Dean’s list at Community College of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Kelsie Saia was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Dana Sartorelli was named to the Dean’s list at Bucknell University for the fall 2020 semester.

Tyler Skaflestad was named to the Dean’s list at Ithaca College for the fall 2020 semester.

Matthew Spear was named to the Dean’s list at Vermont Technical College for the fall 2020 semester.

Bradley Sturtevant earned an Associate of Science in Business Administration degree at Castleton University.

Matthew Kenneth Trifaro was named to the Dean’s list at Clarkson University for the fall 2020 semester.

Danielle Urban was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Kevin Veronneau was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Kyle Wolfe was named to the Dean’s list at Castleton University for the fall 2020 semester.

Kaitlyn Zoller was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Adam Zuchowski was named to the Dean’s list at the University of Vermont for the fall 2020 semester.

Cole Zuwallack was named to the Dean’s list at Plymouth State University for the fall 2020 semester.

February 25, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 3

Scout bottle and food Shelburne vote would pave way drive set for March 6 for new Healthy Living store

The annual Williston Scout Troop 692 Bottle Drive and Food Shelf Pickup is planned for March 6.

Pickups will occur at Eastview Circle, Stirrup Circle, Bittersweet Circle, Hillside Drive, Sharon Drive, Meadowrun Road, Lamplite Lane, Finney Crossing, Isham Circle, Brennan Woods, Ledgewood Drive, Southridge, Pleasant Acres, Wildflower Circle, Southfield Drive, Village Grove, Lefebvre Lane, Fairway Drive, Hillcrest Lane, Michael Lane and Sunrise Drive. If you live elsewhere and

would like a pickup, call Tony at 876-7355.

To participate, bag your returnables and canned food and place them in your driveway (not in the road) on March 6 by 11 a.m. If possible, wait until the morning of pickup to place your canned food and returnables in your driveway.

A portion of bottle return proceeds and canned food will go to the Williston Community Food Shelf. The food shelf accepts all canned goods but has the need for bottled juice, chili, baked beans, laundry detergent, beef stew and cat food.

Town Meeting

of the conservative revenue projection — made with the impact of the pandemic in mind — the budget proposal being put to voters on Tuesday shows a decrease in spending of about $100,000 compared to the current fiscal year.

The budget proposal of $11.5 million would result in a level property tax rate of 27.5 cents for every $100 of assessed property value.

Much of the decrease in spending comes from a reduction in capital project plans, elimination of a full-time position in the town clerk’s office and reduced Recreation and Parks program expenses.

Also on the ballot, Gordon St. Hilaire and Terry Macaig are running unopposed for selectboard seats; Josilyn Adams and Brendan McMahon are running unopposed for seats on the Champlain Valley School Board; and Kathleen DeLuca is running against Steve Shepard for one seat on the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Board of Trustees.

continued from page

1

oncile the assessed value of homes with their market value — and the tax incentive the district received for consolidating in 2017 push the estimated tax impact of the budget into negative territory.

“In recognition of the difficult economic times the community is facing, the board has chosen to apply an unusual amount of its reserves to revenue,” said school district Chief Operations Officer Jeanne Jensen.

Administrators estimate that Williston residents will see a school property tax rate of $1.58 for every $100 of assessed property value.

That is a decrease of .3 percent compared to the current year rate.

The decrease would save the owner of a $300,000 home, for example, about $15 annually.

This is the final year of the consolidation tax incentive.

The majority of the $2.8 million in increased spending is due to increases in salaries and benefits.

The district proposes the addition of three full-time staff members: a new classroom teacher, a literacy interventionist and a director of equity and inclusion. Administrators are budgeting for a total of $2 million in new spending on salaries and benefits.

According to Jensen, the school district has received $5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds that has made the added expenses associated with the pandemic — universal meal service, creating a remote learning academy, adding staff for decreased class sizes and buying personal protective equipment — budget neutral.

A town spending decrease Town Manager Erik Wells is predicting reduced sales tax revenue, reduced interest revenue from town investments and no growth in the town’s taxable property for the upcoming fiscal year. Because

BY LILLY YOUNG Special to the Observer Shelburne residents will vote on March 2 whether to approve a $1.12 million bond to purchase land for a new Healthy Living store and rights to build a fire and rescue station in the future.

If the bond is approved, all residents will face an estimated 0.0047 tax rate on their property tax starting July 1 2021. For example, if a resident’s property is valued at $100,000, they will pay $4.70 per year.

In September 2018, Healthy Living negotiated with Rice Lumber to purchase a lot in the same complex as Heartworks and Archie’s Grill. Healthy Living approached the Town of Shelburne and offered a piece of the newly acquired lot in April 2019. The town pursued the opportunity, as the space had been considered the best site for a new fire and rescue station as early as 2007, Town Manager Lee Krohn said.

The $1.12 million will go toward purchasing the land, rights to build, shared infrastructure costs with Healthy Living and any contingencies or unknown costs that arise.

Healthy Living has agreed to pay for any extra costs that go above what the town has already agreed upon.

This would be the fourth store in the Healthy Living chain. Last fall, it opened a location in Williston.

Residents would vote to fund the construction of a new fire and rescue station in three to five years if the $1.12 million bond is passed, Krohn said.

“It’s really a two phase program,” Krohn said.

“The first is to acquire the property … If that is approved by voters, then eventually we move to phase two and the actual structure,” Krohn said.

Lilly Young is a reporter with the Community News Service, a collaboration with the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.

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Vermonters 65 and older can register for the vaccine Monday

BY ERIN PETENKO VTDigger Two major developments in Vermont’s COVID-19 battle were announced Tuesday: Vermonters age 65 and older can register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, March 1. And new rules for vaccinated Vermonters allow them to have two-household gatherings.

Vermonters age 65 and older will be able to make an appointment on the Department of Health’s vaccine registration website or through Kinney Drugs or Walgreens web-

sites, state officials said at a press conference Tuesday. They can also call the Department of Health to make an appointment, but officials recommend using the website if possible to reduce the demand for the phone lines.

Mike Smith, secretary of the Agency of Human Services, said Vermonters can make an account on the Department of Health website right now, in advance of the registration process. Once registration opens on Monday, the people who are eligible can pick a time and place to receive their first dose of the vaccine.

Officials said about 42,000 Vermonters are between ages 65 and 69.

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The next group of people who will be eligible for the vaccine — Vermonters with underlying health conditions — should be able to register in the next few weeks, Smith said. That group will include roughly 75,000 people. He said those with health conditions should not contact their health provider at this point; the state will provide more information later on.

Gov. Phil Scott said the federal allocation to Vermont will continue to rise in the coming weeks, and the coming Johnson and Johnson vaccine could increase the vaccine supply even further.

People who have been fully vaccinated can gather with people of one other household at a time, regardless of whether people in that other household have been vaccinated, Gov. Phil Scott said Tuesday.

That means someone who has received both doses of the vaccine can spend time with their non-vaccinated friends and loved ones.

“If your parents are fully vaccinated, you can go to their house for dinner, or vice versa. Or if you’re a nurse who was vaccinated in phase 1A, you can visit a friend, even if they’re not vaccinated yet,” Scott said.

That rule applies to only one household

at a time, he said. The rule was adopted after the Centers for Disease Control said the COVID vaccine likely prevents transmission of the virus, in addition to protecting the vaccinated person from getting a case of the virus.

The state also recently allowed vaccinated travelers to come in and out of Vermont without quarantining, and loosened restrictions around activities and visits in long-term care facilities.

The continued decline in COVID cases, both statewide and at a national level, should lead to an optimistic forecast for a drop in cases going into the spring, officials said.

Vermont’s COVID cases fell by 89, from 816 cases to 727 cases, in the past week, said Mike Pieciak, head of the Department of Financial Regulation. The state presentation said that Vermont’s “slow, gradual” case decline coincides with a slow decline in hospitalizations and deaths.

Pieciak said cases, hospitalizations and deaths are also falling at a national level. Cases have fallen 74 percent, hospitalizations have fallen 54 percent and deaths have fallen by 43 percent from their peak in January.

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But he also acknowledged the lingering toll of the virus, which has caused 500,000 deaths in less than a year.

“COVID now ranks as one of the deadliest events in U.S. history, surpassing deaths from previous wars. And unfortunately, marching closer to the death toll from the 1918 pandemic as well,” he said.

“The best way for all of us to honor those who have died is

to protect ourselves and our families, and to follow the public health guidance and to step up and get vaccinated when it’s our turn,” he said.

About 91,000 Vermonters have been vaccinated, split about evenly between those who have received both doses and just one dose.

Dr. Mark Levine, head of the Department of Health, said the decline in COVID cases could be attributed to several factors — the end of several outbreak-causing holiday periods, such as Halloween and Christmas; people doing a bet-

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ter job of following public health guidance; and rising immunity from the vaccine.

“This is why being vaccinated — like following our prevention efforts, wearing masks, keeping 6 feet apart, avoiding crowded places — is essential to ending this pandemic and getting back to normal,” he said.

Levine said the state had 87 new cases Tuesday and two new deaths, bringing the total deaths to 199. The Department of Health reports 36 people are currently hospitalized with the virus.

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Page 6 • Williston Observer • February 25, 2021

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Reaching the end of remote learning

BY DAN FRENCH Each month, the Vermont Agency of Education conducts a survey of schools to measure the amount of in-person, remote and hybrid learning offered to our students. We report on the data collected at one of Gov. Phil Scott’s regular COVID-19 media briefings.

The level of in-person and hybrid instruction has remained stable since schools reopened last fall. This reflects the hard work of school employees, and the fact that while schools have seen COVID-19 cases among students and staff, we’ve been able to contain them and keep schools operating safely. In fact, the rate of cases in schools has been significantly lower than the number of cases in the general population.

Relatively low virus rates in Vermont communities and effective response to cases have allowed about 30 percent of our students to go to school in-person every day.

This is the goal we have for every student.

Fifty percent of our students have a hybrid schedule, which means they are in-person some

days and remote on others. And 20 percent are in fully remote learning.

When we break the data out by grade level, it tells a different story.

At the elementary level, around 50 percent are in-person.

This has remained unchanged from October through January.

The trends have remained constant for the other grades as well, but unfortunately the amount of in-person is significantly lower.

For example, only about 20 percent of middle school instruction has been in-person each month.

High school in-person instruction is about half that.

The lower rates of in-person instruction at the middle and high school levels are probably related to the more stringent distancing requirements at these grades: 6 feet at middle school and high school vs.

3 feet in grades K-6. But we need to acknowledge that we need to do better for these students if we are going to be successful in supporting their academic progress and their social and emotional health.

This could mean reducing the minimum distancing requirement to 3 feet for all grades while keeping in place the other mitigation measures that we’ve shown work in Vermont schools.

As Gov. Scott noted in his inaugural address, this is an area in need of improvement because we know there are significant impacts — academically, socially and emo-

tionally — related to remote learning.

Our teachers and administrators are doing incredible work to mitigate this, but the realities of remote learning, and the personal connection and hands-on experiences that just aren’t possible remotely, mean that remote learning is just not an equal substitute for in-person learning. In fact, not only are too many kids falling behind academically, but inequality is also growing. And health care data show that our children’s mental health is deteriorating as well.

This is something we need to address, in collaboration with the health experts, school administrators, teachers and staff. As we consider what’s best for our kids, I think many can agree we need to get more of them back into the classroom as soon as possible.

Each week the state conducts voluntary COVID-19 testing in about 25 percent of our schools, giving every school employee the opportunity to be tested once per month.

The results from the most recent testing continue to show adults in schools have a much lower positivity rate than the general population. Of the 29,371 tests to date, only 47 cases were identified.

This translates into a positivity rate of 0.16 percent, which is much lower than the state’s overall possee LEARNING page 7

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Hope and disappointment mix on BLM The town’s decision to raise the Black Lives Matter flag came as a surprise to me (“Black Lives Matter flag to fly at Town Hall” Feb. 18). I felt hope at the possibility of Williston following in the footsteps of towns like Hinesburg to show support for the BIPOC (black, indigenous and person-of-color) community with this action.

However, as I continued to read the details of the meeting, my feelings of optimism turned to one of disappointment and frustration. I was struck by the comments made regarding Black Lives Matter being a political organization with a radical agenda. It continues to frustrate me that my white neighbors continue this rhetoric that is rooted in deep ignorance of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Black Lives Matter is a human rights movement that works to call out excessive police brutality and racially motivated violence committed against black people. The movement is about calling out the systemic injustices that the black community suffers through. The Town of Williston is not exempt from the structures of systemic racism. We are not exempt from the fact that the BIPOC community is not supported by those in power.

I believe that the most powerful tool we have at our disposal now, more than ever, is our access to information. There are vast amounts of resources out there if we know where to look, and who to ask. A great place to start is by asking the librarians at the Dorothy

Learning continued from page

6

itivity rate.

These test results are a good indicator that schools are operating very safely, and testing helps us catch cases early and contain spread. Our teachers and staff deserve a great deal of credit for these results.

Still, we have cases in schools.

There have been small outbreaks.

And, even as vaccination increases, the reality is that we will be managing COVID-19 cases in schools well into the future, much like we do the seasonal flu each year.

Our experience and data give us confidence that, if educators and public health officials make it a priority, we can safely return more students to full in-person instruction before the end of this school year.

In the weeks ahead, all Ver-

Alling Memorial Library or Champlain Valley Union High School.

To the Williston Selectboard, I hope that raising the flag is only the first step and that this isn’t a performative action. I hope that you will commit to working to support the BIPOC community. To my fellow residents, be aware of the harm your actions can cause and continue to educate yourself.

I still have hope that we can come together as a town and work toward something better, but in the meantime, I’ll be watching, and I hope that you will all reflect on my words.

or please reach out to me if I can help answer your budget questions: Kbowen@cvsdvt.org. There is a budget information meeting Monday, March 1 at 5 p.m. via Zoom.

Visit www.cvsdvt.org for log-in information.

On behalf of the school board, we appreciate your generous support through this unprecedented year.

Kelly Bowen St. George

Saode Ruben Somda Williston

I have much to be grateful for. By 10 a.m. on Feb. 16, I was able to sign up to receive my first COVID shot as a person over 70 years old. I do wish to see teachers (and other front-line workers) receiving COVID shots as

Budget support sought As finance committee chair of the Champlain Valley School Board, I encourage voters to vote on the Champlain Valley School District budget either early or in-person on March 2.

Our priority is the safe return to full-time in-person learning. The fiscal year 2022 budget was developed with a goal to return to familiar five-day-per-week instruction this August.

Each year, the school board works to develop a fiscally sound and community minded budget.

This year’s proposed budget, (Article VII on the ballot), represents a 3.5 percent increase from last year.

Article VIII requests voter approval to use a portion of the district’s fund balance to ease the voter’s tax burden. Understandably, for many of us, this has been a challenging year.

If approved, these funds help lower the percentage increase to 1 percent.

For detailed budget information, visit www.cvsdvt.org/budget,

monters who the science shows are at higher risk of hospitalization and death — those over 65 and with certain underlying conditions — will have access to the vaccine.

Already, with many elderly Vermonters vaccinated, we are seeing hospitalizations and fatalities decline significantly, signaling that the end to this emergency is approaching.

The fact is, there is no state in the country better positioned to fully reopen its education system than Vermont. And getting kids back in school every day is an essential step in helping them recover from the educational, social and emotional impacts of this pandemic.

This is another area where our response to this emergency can lead the nation.

Dan French is a former classroom teacher, principal, superintendent and is currently Vermont’s secretary of education.

soon as possible.

I was also heartened to see articulate letters to the editor in the Feb. 18 issue of the Observer about Black Lives Matter. The organization has a mission aimed at addressing hundreds of years of systemic racism in this country that includes criminal justice, fair hous-

ing, equal opportunity and more.

I look forward to seeing the Black Lives Matter flag on the Williston Town Hall flagpole as of March 1, just as it has been at schools in Williston.

Tricia Knoll Williston

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Page 8 • Williston Observer • February 25, 2021

SunCommon hosts 2nd Annual Climate Film Fest

BY SUSAN COTE Observer staff SunCommon, the Waterbury-based installer and seller of commercial and residential solar power systems and a certified B Corp, was founded with the mis-

sion of addressing climate change through expanded use of renewable energy.

From the start, the company focused on storytelling as a means of engaging customers and the community. In 2020, it widened that practice by presenting its first

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Climate Action Film Festisite (www.climatechange. val, featuring documentaries vermont.gov), Vermont is that went beyond describing experiencing a number of the climate crisis to demonmeasurably changing clistrating solutions and inspirmate factors, including rising ing action. temperatures, more intense Two sets of premiers storms, increased precipiwere aired, in Vermont and tation and shorter winters. in the Hudson Valley, home The impact already felt from to SunCommon’s second these changes is multifacheadquarters in Rhinebeck, eted, including increased N.Y. Then the pandemic heat-related emergency struck and the team quickly room visits; more ticks and moved the festival to digital mosquitos; shorter and earstreaming, expanding the lier sugaring seasons; rapidaudience. ly changing plant hardiness This year, by necessizones; increased flood and ty, the event is fully virtual. erosion dangers and water Starting March 2, there will safety risks. Other parts of be six evenings of films and A scene from the film ‘Oil and Water,’ which will the world are experiencplay at next month’s Climate Action Film Festival. panel discussions across two OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO ing these and more drastic weeks centered on solutions changes. and the activities of those who are compelling was “Oil and Water,” If you are among the many working to fight climate change. a short documentary airing Friday, Vermonters interested in better Voluntary donations from March 5. It captures an ongoing understanding the dynamics of ticketholders will go to two orga- situation in the Turkana region of climate change and what can be nizations, 350 Vermont and New Kenya, where women in ancestral done to mitigate and adapt to it, York Renews. nomadic groups have organized you may want to join upcoming “We aim as an organization to themselves to face off against a virtual events, delve into resourcserve as connectors, so we’re hop- large oil company that has brought es available at the Dorothy Alling ing the festival brings our benefit changes to their environment and Memorial Library and online or partners attention, donations and threatened their way of life. get involved in a local organizapeople who want be involved,” “This feels like a big experi- tion. said Tavit Geudelekian, SunCom- ment putting on two weeks of films Climate events in March mon’s integrated marketing direc- and interviews — and we’re so extor. cited and hoping to inspire,” said March 2-12 — The above-menHaving previewed all of the Geudelekian. tioned Climate Action Film Fesfilms in the festival, GeudelekiAccording to the State of tival is sponsored by SunComan said one he found particularly Vermont Climate Change webmon with support from Seventh Generation and the Vermont State Employees Credit Union.

The festival brings together activists, filmmakers and communities to witness and celebrate stories of climate action. The festival’s mission is to amplify voices and inspire further action in addressing the climate crisis, locally and beyond. There is a recommended donation of $10 per ticket with proceeds going to support climate action focused non-profits 350 Vermont and New York Renews. For tickets and information, visit www. suncommon.com/climate-action-film-festival/

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For gardeners concerned about their impact on the environment, Gardener’s Supply, an employee-owned company with retail locations in Williston and Burlington, hosts a series of webinars including: March 2, 6-7:30 p.m. – The Complete No-Dig Garden presented

by Charlie Nardozzi. Based on

February 25, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 9 his new book of the same name, Nardozzi will cover what no-dig gardening means, why it’s important for your soil, plants and the climate and the various ways to practice no-dig.

March 16, 6-7:30 p.m. – Edible Landscapes presented by Jacob Holzberg-Pill. Learn the basic principles of edible landscape design, including the basics of site analysis and design, making use of small spaces and plant palettes that include medicinal herbs, perennial vegetables, nuts, fruits and berries.

March 23, 6-7:30 p.m. – Designing Four-Season Gardens to Support Pollinators presented by Master Gardener Larri Cochran.

For a complete list of programs and to purchase tickets ($15), go to www.gardeners-supply-stores.ticketleap.com.

March 2, 6:30-8 p.m. – Managing Invasive Plants in Your Forest with Ethan Tapper. This Access CVU online Zoom class is free with a voluntary donation.

Whether you own a large woodlot or a small yard, you have probably struggled with inva-

sive exotic plants. They are an existential threat to the health of our ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them, and they diminish the capacity of forests to perform other important functions, including cleaning our air and our water, sequestering carbon and providing habitat for our pollinators. This virtual discussion will address the threats posed by woody invasive plants, how to identify them and options for treatment.

To register, go to www.cvsdvt. ce.eleyo.com.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library resources Library Director Jane Kearns notes many resources available for loan about climate change and activism. In addition to the resources highlighted below, the library loans passes to Vermont State parks and area museums like Shelburne Farms and the ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center.

“What better way to understand the importance of activism and the impact of climate change in our state, than visiting and supporting our science center and state parks,” said Kearns. To bor-

row museum or state park passes, request books, access eBooks or to get a library card, visit www. damlvt.org.

Youth collection featured climate titles “101 Ways You Can Help Save The Planet Before You’re 12!” by Joanne O’Sullivan “Endangered Planet” by David Burnie “Eyes Wide Open: Going Behind the Environmental Headlines” by Paul Fleischman “Greta’s Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet” by Valentina Camerini “Raising Baby Green: The Earth-Friendly Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby Care” by Alan Greene with Jeanette Pavini and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo “Sustaining Our Natural Resources” by Jen Green “True Green Kids: 100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet” by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonni Adult collection featured climate titles “All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis” edited by Ayana

Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine Keeble Wilkinson “Climate Justice and Community Renewal: Resistance and Grassroots Solutions” edited by Tokar & Gilbertson Climate of Hope: How Cities, Businesses, and Citizens Can Save the Planet” by Michael Bloomberg & Carl Pope “Dangerous Years: Climate Change, The Long Emergency, and The Way Forward” by David Orr “Oil and Honey: The Education of an Unlikely Activist” by Bill McKibben “On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal” by Naomi Klein “What Can I Do?: My Path from Climate Despair to Action” by Jane Fonda

Online climate resources www.ecochallenge.org This site focuses on changing habits for social and environmental benefit. Learn which actions have the most impact and track your progress. www.climatechange.vermont.gov This site offers an overview of the ways that a warming planet is

changing the climate in Vermont and the effects on health, water quality, flood events, farming, forests, tourism and recreation, plants and animals. It includes descriptions of what the state is doing to ameliorate and adjust to climate change – as well as practical actions Vermont residents can take on their own.

Local & state climate organizations 350 Vermont www.350vermont.org The Nature Conservancy – Vermont www.nature.org/Vermont Sierra Club Vermont Chapter www.sierraclub.org/Vermont Sustainable Williston www.sustainablewilliston.org Vermont Natural Resources Council www.vnrc.org

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Page 10 • Williston Observer • February 25, 2021

The changing interplay of snow and forests

BY ETHAN TAPPER Special to the Observer

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM

Research by Dr. Pamela Templer (and others) has illustrated the many ways that having less snow harms forests. For trees, one main issue is the loss of the insulation that snow provides. This causes freezing to penetrate more deeply into the soil, damaging tree roots and diminishing trees’ ability to

take up nutrients and forests’ ability to store carbon. It is also linked to substantially slower growth in a number of tree species, most notably sugar maple. The melting snowpack also helps rehydrate trees as they emerge from dormancy in the spring.

see SNOW page 11

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from colder, snowier winters. Most of us in Vermont rely on skiing, snowboarding, skating, sledding and other winter spots to combat the “winter blues.” When we can’t do these things, it diminishes both our quality of life (fun) and the jobs and economic activity supported by these winter recreational activities.

There is an overwhelming body of research showing that our winters are becoming milder, that our snowpack is decreasing and that these trends will continue as our climate changes. While this is certainly an economic problem and a quality-of-life problem, it also is having a number of negative effects on forest ecology.

NC

While we now have more snow than we know what to do with, this winter started slowly. If you’ve been following our forest management project at the Andrews Community Forest in Richmond, you’ll know that we struggled with warm weather and soils that didn’t freeze until far later than usual.

For loggers, the wintertime is like the summertime for farmers, or the spring for sugarmakers — a short period of time when they make a disproportionate amount of their yearly income. As forest managers, this is when some of our best work gets done; when we can manage our forests to be more diverse, resilient and complex while producing local renewable resources (wood) with minimal impacts to soils. When, like this year, we have warm, wet weather into January, it challenges our ability to do this important work.

Forest management is certainly not the only activity that benefits

Decreasing snow depth also impacts a variety of our native critters. The “subnivean zone” is the habitat within the snowpack where small mammals like mice, voles, shrews and ermine live out the winter, protected from extreme winter temperatures. Small mammals support many important functions in forest ecology, including (but certainly not limited to) feeding animals like owls, foxes and bobcats.

Lower snow depths are not a problem for all wildlife; whitetailed deer, whose populations are limited by winter severity, benefit from warmer winters with less snow. Unfortunately, as most other New England states have already realized, deer overpopulations are a massive biodiversity threat. By selectively browsing young trees and plants, they lower diversity and encourage non-native invasive plants.

Aside from addressing the root

RO LE F E XC E L

2/19/21 1:58 PM

February 25, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 11

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.

FREE SNOWSHOEING/CROSS COUNTRY SKIING EVENT

Parks and the Catamount Outdoor Family Center are collaborating to offer a free day of snowshoeing or cross country skiing at the Catamount Community Forest. The event is Sunday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m.3 p.m. Registration is required at www.willistonrec.org. Snowshoes will be made available, but skiers must bring their own equipment.

and

SUMMER CAMPS Registration is now open for

causes of climate change, what can we do? From a quantitative perspective, we can manage our forests to sequester and store lots of carbon. By far the most important thing we can do in this respect is to keep forests as forests, protecting them from conversion, development and fragmentation. We can also manage forests for carbon sequestration and storage by leaving some big trees in the woods, leaving lots of dead wood on the forest floor, avoiding large-scale disturbances and leaving some areas unmanaged.

We also need to protect our forests’ ability to be healthy, to provide amazing wildlife habitat for species under tremendous stress and to sequester and store carbon by encouraging resilient, adaptive forests that are able to stay healthy amidst the many stressors of a changing climate. We can do this actively, using forest management to help our relatively young, simple forests become more diverse and complex, and addressing threats to forest health and diversity like deer overpopulation and invasive exotic plants.

In a broader sense, we can mitigate climate change by thinking critically about where our resources come from. Forest management can’t solve all our problems, but,

Williston Recreation

Snow continued from page

10

summer day camp and enrichment camps. See the camp advertisement in this edition of the Observer. The Rec Department plans to offer camps this summer and will adjust as needed based on the COVID-19 guidelines that come from the state. It is best to register now to save a place in the camps for your children, and pay only the deposits per camper, per camp, per session. For payment, use the drop box at the back entrance to Town Hall, 7900 Williston Rd. DAY CAMP COUNSELORS Williston R.E.C Camp is hiring qualified, energetic, creative and fun-loving staff members for

this summer’s day camp. Positions are seasonal, full-time from June 21-Aug. 20. R.E.C. (Recreation Experiences for Children) Camp is an eight-week program for campers entering grades 1-8. Camp activities include gym games, outdoor activities, field trips, arts & crafts, sports and more. Apply now by emailing a cover letter and resume to recreation@willistonvt.org.

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 how to join the program.

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY COURSE (ONLINE)

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done well, wood is an example of a resource we can be proud of, one that can be produced while encouraging the health and resilience of our ecosystems.

Using local renewable resources rather than non-local, non-renewables is a powerful way to take charge of our climate impacts, lowering our effects on peoples, critters and ecosystems across the globe — and protecting our beautiful snow.

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County Forester. He can be reached at ethan.tapper@ vermont.gov, or (802) 585-9099.

For more, visit: www.linktr.ee/ ChittendenCountyForester

mont’s statewide snowmobile trail system. Register at www.vsp.vermont.gov/recreation/snowmobile STRENGTH TRAINING (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.

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SENIORS

Do I need to sign up for Medicare if I’m still working?

Dear Savvy Senior, I will turn 65 in a few months and plan to keep working for several more years. I have good health insurance from my employer now.

Do I have to sign up for Medicare when I reach 65?

Looking Ahead

Dear Looking, Whether you need to enroll in Medicare at 65 if you continue to work and have health insurance

through your job depends on how large your employer is. The same rules apply if your health insurance comes from your spouse’s job.

But first, let’s review the basics. Remember that original Medicare has two parts: Part A, which provides hospital coverage and is free for most people. And Part B, which covers doctor bills, lab tests and outpatient care. Part B also has a monthly premium, which is $148.50 for most beneficiaries in

Honor the memory of your beloved pet.

2021, but is higher for individuals earning above $88,000.

If you’re already receiving Social Security, you’ll automatically be enrolled in parts A and B when you turn 65, and you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail. It will include instructions to return it if you have work coverage that qualifies you for late enrollment.

If you aren’t yet receiving Social Security, you will have to apply, which you can do online at SSA. gov/medicare.

If you plan to continue working past the age of 65 and have health insurance from your job, your first step is to ask your benefits manager or human resources department how your employer insurance works with Medicare. In most cases, you should at least take Medicare Part A because it’s free.

(Note: If you’re funding a health savings account you may not want to take Part A because you can’t make contributions after you enroll). But to decide whether to take Part B or not will depend on the size of your employer.

Small Employer It’s never easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet, but a well-chosen pet memorial can help soothe some of the pain and keep your pet’s memory alive. Let us help.

If your current employer has fewer than 20 employees, Medi-

care will be your primary insurer and you should enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period. This is a seven-month period that includes the three months before, the month of and the three months after your 65th birthday.

If you miss the seven-month sign-up window, you’ll have to wait until the next general enrollment period, which runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 with benefits beginning the following July 1. You’ll also incur a 10 percent penalty for each year you wait beyond your initial enrollment period, which will be tacked onto your monthly Part B premium.

Large Employer If your employer has 20 or more employees, your employer’s group health plan will be your primary insurer as long as you remain an active employee. If this is the case, you don’t need to enroll in Part B when you turn 65 if you’re satisfied with the coverage you are getting through your job. But if you do decide to enroll in Medicare, it will supplement your employer insurance by paying secondary on all of your claims.

Savvy Senior

BY JIM MILLER Once your employment or group health coverage ends, you will then have eight months to sign up for Part B without a penalty.

This is known as the Special Enrollment Period.

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February 25, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 13

OBITUARY Roger Paul LeBlanc Roger Paul LeBlanc went home to be with the Lord Jesus on February 12, 2021. Roger was born in Burlington, Vermont on December 26, 1940, the son of Michael LeBlanc and Elizabeth (‘Honey” Adams) LeBlanc. At the age of 17, Roger enlisted into the U. S. Navy and served faithfully and was honorably discharged after nine years of service.

Roger had a long career in the automotive field, working for Willie Racine’s AMC/Jeep, his own gas/ service station (South Burlington) and Fitzpatrick’s Buick/ GMC. Roger retired from Ehler’s RV.

Medicare continued from page

12

ance company to find out if your employer’s prescription drug coverage is considered “creditable.” If it is, you don’t need to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. If it isn’t, you should purchase a plan (see www.Medicare. gov/plan-compare) during your initial enrollment period or you’ll incur a premium penalty (1 percent of the average national premium for every month you don’t have

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 15

Roger enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping around Vermont. He especially loved his “grand vacations” with his grandchildren.

Roger is survived by his wife of 54 years Gail (Rock) LeBlanc and their two sons: Todd (Dianna) and their children Katelyn; Andrew (Gina) and great granddaughter Amelia. Son Douglas (Aarika) and their daughter Bridget.

A socially distanced Wake and Memorial Service was held on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Vibrant Church, 2025 Williston Road, South Burlington, Vermont.

Arrangements are under the care of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service. coverage) if you enroll later.

If you have more questions or need help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see www.ShiptaCenter.org), which offers free Medicare counseling. Or call the Medicare Rights Center helpline at 800-333-4114.

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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52. Kermit's species 53. License's cost 56. Bash 59. Pro bono 61. Give one's word 63. In full voice 65. Big times 67. Additionally 68. Mammoth 69. The life of Riley 70. Downhill racer 71. Observed 72. Contract a muscle 73. Brown bottle stuff DOWN 1. Cheese choice 2. Small amount of salt 3. "The Sopranos" restaurateur 4. Swell time 5. Product 6. Shock-jock. Howard 7. Sapiens or novis 8. Especially suited 9. Goliath, e.g.

10. Other than mentioned 11. Places for props 13. Imp 16. All the pieces in a group 21. Emerald for one 23. Not even mediocre 27. Course objective

29. Soda 30. Wintertime woe 31. Little shaver 32. Wheat husk 33. Ceremonial event 34. Many years old 35. Familial group 36. Adjutant 37. "___ we forget" 38. "___ Jude" (Beatles song) 41. Go by space shuttle 42. Ticket info 44. Milk, in a way 45. Sport with greens and clubs 46. Adept 47. "Wild ___" John Travolta stars 50. 1972 musical with the song "Summer Nights" 51. Instrument panel part 52. Savage 53. Mac 54. Painter's support 55. Wear away 56. Guy's companion 57. "Poor me!"

58. Traditional beliefs 60. Coral ___ 62. Lived 64. Lion's home 66. Male or female

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Page 14 • Williston Observer • February 25, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

WARNING

Advertisement for Bids Town of Williston STP BP17(12)

Church Office Administrator - Williston Federated Church. Applicant must have extensive computer skills and office experience. Hourly 10-20 hrs/week. $15/hr.

Please direct inquiries to: 802-878-8998.

The legal voters of the Town of Richmond Vermont and the legal voters of the Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District residing in Richmond are hereby notified that in person Town Meeting has been cancelled for 2021 due to restrictions in place for COVID-19. The Richmond Selectboard has moved items traditionally voted by voice vote to Australian ballot.

Two informational meetings will be held virtually via Zoom on FEBRUARY 8, 2021 and MARCH 1, 2021 BOTH AT 7PM. The voters are further warned to meet at Camels Hump Middle School, in said Town, on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 where the polls will be open at 7:00 am in the forenoon and close at 7:00 pm in the afternoon to vote the following by Australian ballot: Article 8 Shall general obligation bonds or notes of the Town of Richmond in an amount not to exceed Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000), subject to reduction from the receipt of available state and federal grants-in-aid, be issued for the purpose of replacing and relocating 800 feet of waterline on Bridge Street, the estimated cost of such improvements being Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000)?

Adopted and approved at a regular meeting of the Selectboard of the Town of Richmond duly called, noticed and held on January 19, 2021. Received for record and recorded in the records of the Town of Richmond on January 21, 2021.

The Town of Williston is requesting bids for the Blair Park sidewalk project as described in the contract documents and plans for Williston STP BP17(12).

Work to be performed under this project includes: Construction of two separate sections of 5-foot wide concrete sidewalk, new raised crosswalk, adding raised crosswalks to existing crosswalks, and related items.

Sealed bids from pre-qualified contractors shall be accepted until 10:00 am, prevailing time on March 3, 2021 at the Town of Williston Town Offices, 7900 Williston Road, Williston, VT. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held for the project on February 16, 2021 at 10:00am via virtual meeting.

Plans may be obtained electronically from the Town of Williston, 7900 Williston Road, Town of Williston, VT 05495. Phone: 802-735-3852. Email: lschaeffler@ willistonvt.org.

OFFICE CLEANING ISLAND CLEANING SERVICES has openings for commercial / office cleaning services.

Reliable and quality service. Please contact us for a quote at islandscleaning@yahoo.com 802825-7124.

SAFE – 28-gun safe $900, “short gun” safe $400. Call Mark in Williston 802-338-5442.

Bidders shall call the phone number on the rear entrance to the Town office building, upon arrival at the Town office building, to hand the bid package directly to a Town employee. The Town offices will accept bid drop-offs between the hours of 8:00am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday. The Town offices will not be open for bid drop offs on March

➢ Solar & Heat Pump Installers ➢ Insulators

SERVICES

To place a classified or service directory ad, email marianne@willistonobserver.com

2, 2021.

Now Hiring Laborers for Immediate Openings!

SNOWBLOWER: Cub Cadet 3-stage, 2-inch, 277 ccOHV electric start. Excellent condition - used a few times. $600. Call 878-0405 and leave message with your name and phone number and Bill will call you back.

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.

FOR SALE

All questions shall be directed to Lisa Schaeffler, Local Project Manager, lschaeffler@willistonvt.org or 802-735-3852.

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 802-318-3581.

s nt de

...

’s w ro rs da r o T o te m To por Re tu

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$2,000 Scholarships available to high school seniors and college students pursuing a career in journalism

Download applications: www.nenpa.com Questions: info@nenpa.com l Deadline: March 12, 2021

EMPLOYMENT

➢ Carpenters ➢ Construction Laborers Experience preferred, but not required.

We will train the right candidate.

To apply, send your resume to:

jobs@buildingenergyus.com Questions? Call 802-859-3384 A Vermont Owned and Operated Business Serving the Green Mountain State Since 1981

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JOB OPENINGS Groundskeeper/Custodian • Champlain Valley Union High School • Full time, day shift.

Contact Tom Mongeon, tmongeon@cvsdvt.org Custodians - Immediate openings • Second Shift (multiple positions) - District wide • Hourly rate commensurate with experience and full benefits included.

• Shift hours: 3pm. - 11:30 pm.

Contact Chris Giard, cgiard@cvsdvt.org

February 25, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 15

Fondue February

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Highlighting some of the best fondue cheeses & wines all month long!

Curbside Pickup, Local Delivery & Nationwide Shipping now available!

CHEESE &WINE

Scan with your phone and check out our weekly sales list

TRADERS

erver

CHEESEANDWINETRADERS.COM • 1186 WILLISTON ROAD, S. BURLINGTON, VT • (802) 863 0143

0/week $936

SERVICE DIRECTORY BUILDING SERVICES

ANTIQUES

BEAGLE BUILDERS, LLC

ANTIQUES WANTED

Remodeling & Additions

ALL TYPES OF SIDING

Decluttering? Downsizing? Settling an Estate?

Windows & Doors • Decks & Porches

WATCHES • JEWELRY • COINS • SILVER • ARTWORK

Vinyl/Wood/Composite Kitchens & Bathrooms Sunrooms & Garages

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FLOORING

We can help you discover, learn about and sell:

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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

REAL ESTATE

• Sales & Custom Hardwood Installations • Deep Cleaning of Your Hardwood Floors • Bona-certified Dust-Less Sanding/Refinishing • Staining -Low & Non-VOC Finishes

ECOWOOD FLOORS

Contact Brian Bittner 802-272-7527 bittnerantiques@gmail.com

802-453-4340 CALL US!

IVE CORNERS ORNERS FIVE CORNERS FFIVE C ANTIQUES NTIQUES ANTIQUES A

Craftsman Stephen Le can help!

We can field questions, review photos and coordinate estate work.

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ANTIQUE SHOP ANTIQUE SHOP

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LOCAL MEATS Pastured Pork 17 kinds of pork sausage Certified Organic Beef (reg. burger $7lb, lean $5lb) Pastured Lamb • Pastured Chicken, Duck

HEIRLOOM PORK SHOP 1547 Hardwick St. E. Hardwick (802) 472-5557 leblancfamilyfarm@emypeople.net

BASEMENT SYSTEMS BASEMENT SYSTEMS

CARPENTRY

High Standards, LLC Remodeling, Rot Repair, Decks, Windows, Doors

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Drywall, Siding, Finish Work, Pressure Washing

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802-355-8193

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PROPERTY PROPERTY MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE

Your Williston Neighbor MINI EXCAVATOR • TRACTOR SERVICES

— Snow Plowing —

Michelle Desautels REALTOR®, PSA (802) 846-9503

Hydraulic Thumb Site Work Stump Removal

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Lawn Care Custom Carpentry Driveway Grading

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Page 16 • Williston Observer • February 25, 2021

SPORTS

Redhawks return to the ice

Redhawk Zach Baker gets by a Raider defender.

CVU-MMU’s Sabina Brochu brings the puck into the offensive zone.

CVU-MMU’s Karina Bushweller battles for possession along the boards.

Redhawk Angelos Carroll gets a clean faceoff win.

Four different goalscorers found the back of the net for the Champlain Valley Union High School boys hockey team in a 4-2 win Saturday over Stowe. Angelos Carroll, Devon Fay, Ryan Canty and Alex Zuchowski each had a goal for the Redhawks.

Also Saturday, the CVU girls team (which is a cooperative with Mount Mansfield Union

The Redhawks celebrate a third period tally.

Redhawk Owen Pierce gets off a shot.

CVU-MMU’s Tess Everett makes a break for the goal.

High School), beat Middlebury 2-1. Hannah Schmid and Georgia Bruneau each had a goal, and an assist for the CougarHawks, while Riley Erdman added an assist, and goalie Grace Ferguson stopped 18 shots.

— Lauren Read

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