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BLM flag display extended into next year

The Black Lives Matter flag will continue to fly outside Williston Town Hall for at least another nine months, the selectboard unanimously agreed Tuesday. The board originally approved raising the flag in February with an end date of June 21. The board will consider another

Lightning strikes in southwest Williston Shortly before 5 a.m. on June 9, residents in the southwestern corner of Williston were jolted awake by an enormous boom. The cause — a lightning bolt from a fast-moving thunderstorm had struck a tall white pine on Blue Heron Drive. Homeowners Andy and Ashley Mikell found the bark blasted off the sides of their tree and its roots exploded from the ground. Wire fencing was vaporized and rocks were blown out of a low stone wall. Their barn wiring was damaged. Ashley Mikell noted that a skunk who was visiting the nearby compost pile did not survive. Neighboring homes, some as far as a quarter-mile away, experienced various impacts, from a ruined furnace to a burnt-out cable modem and tripped circuits.

Andy and Ashley Mikell took this photo of a pine tree on their property after a lightening strike last Wednesday.

extension next March. Cristalee McSweeney, representing the newly formed Williston Racial Equity Partnership, urged the board to make the flag a permanent installation alongside the U.S. and Vermont flags. “The flag communicates that our community is willing to acknowledge that racism and

white supremacy have oppressed African Americans for centuries and … sends a signal that we, as community, are committed to combatting racism and racial injustice,” the Racial Equity Partnership wrote in a letter to the board. No board members expressed support for making the

Black Lives Matter message a permanent fixture at Town Hall, but all five agreed that the underlying issue continues to be relevant and unresolved. “The issue it’s calling attention to is still an emergency,” board member Ted Kenney said. Resident Cindy Provost takes exception to the flag sin-

gling out one race of people and said it doesn’t belong at Town Hall. “When you fly the flag for one thing, that leaves everyone else out,” she said. “That flag, in a sense, is racist toward all the people it doesn’t represent in our town.”

Vaxxed and maskless

— Jason Starr

Vermonters step out after pandemic restrictions end BY JASON STARR Observer staff For the first time during their pandemic-year monthly lunches at Maple Tree Place, Edith Hendley and Monica Farrington walked through the front door to the Asian Bistro on Tuesday unmasked. Gone were the hand-sanitizing station and contact-tracing sign-in sheet near the entrance. And for the first time, they could see their server’s full face. “There was a sort of freedom to it,” Hendley said. A day earlier, Gov. Phil Scott had allowed the state’s pandemic emergency order, in place for 15 months, to expire. With more than 80 percent of the state’s over-12 population having received at least one vaccine shot, all remaining pandemic rules and restrictions were lifted. Shortly after the announcement, the general manager at Agave Taco and Tequila restaurant sent a message to staff saying they are free to come to work without masks if vaccinated; the restaurant had their first maskless shift that evening. “Everyone who worked the shift didn’t know how to act,” Agave General Manager Matt Brown said. “Just like everyone else, they had masks in their car, they had masks in their purses, they had masks all over the place, and now you don’t have to worry about that … It was a relief.” Inside Best Buy and Guitar Center, masks were present in about half the shoppers and employees Tuesday. Both corporations are maintaining a masked policy for unvaccinated employ-

Spencer Snipes, right, and Josh Bowen take one of their first unmasked shifts at Vermont Meat and Seafood on Tuesday. Observer photo by Jason Starr

ees.

Jackie Estes exited Walgreens on Cornerstone Drive after her first maskless shopping experience in over a year. “It feels strange to go in somewhere and not wear one,” she said. “I think you just have to get used to it again. Just like we had to get used to wearing them, now we have to get used to not wearing them.” With restrictions easing gradually over the past few months, diners at Agave had been asking their servers what the latest mask policies were. For months, the policy required people to enter the restaurant masked, then allowed

them to remove their masks while at their tables. “I see another month or so of people getting transitioned to the new way of things,” said Brown. “I think you’ll see anxieties calming down and people feeling better about day-to-day stuff, which is nice to see.” At a press conference Monday, Gov. Scott touted Vermont’s best-in-the-nation vaccination rate, saying it is the reason that restrictions have been lifted. “Now that we have hit 80 percent … I am lifting all remaining state pandemic restrictions and here’s why: because it’s safe to do so,” Scott said. “It is safe

because Vermonters have done their part to keep spread of the virus low throughout the pandemic and stepped up to get vaccinated. In fact, no state in the nation is in a better or safer position to do this than we are.” Outside the Asian Bistro, Hendley, a retired UVM professor, agreed with Scott. “Had this been done nationally, we would have been out of the pandemic a lot earlier and had a lot fewer deaths,” she said. At Vermont Meat & Seafood on Cornerstone Drive, the sign requiring masks upon entrance was removed last Thursday, along see MASKLESS page 5

Page 2 • Williston Observer • June 17, 2021

CVU graduates the Class of 2021

Courtney McDermott, top left, welcomes classmates , faculty, family and friends to CVU’s commencement on behalf of the graduating class on Friday, June 11 at the Champlain Expo in Essex. Student speaker, Damon Ross, bottom left, also spoke. Williston’s Camie Cuttitta crosses the stage. Catherine Young, right, gives the farewell address. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

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June 17, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 3

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Williston’s Matt Yandow, top left, gets a hug from principal Adam Bunting. Jerry Greenfield, bottom left, was this year’s commencement speaker. Among the many decorated hats was this one proclaiming ‘Go Blue!’ OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

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Richmond Farmers’ Market opens for the season BY DOUGLAS PHINNEY Special to the Observer

Friday, June 4 marked the opening of this year’s iteration of the Richmond Farmers’ Market. Market organizers say they faced challenges in planning the market amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but organizers and vendors alike say

they’re hopeful for a great year. “This year feels like it’s a rebound year,” Richmond Farmers’ Market co-manager Ariana Matthews-Salzman said. Although the Richmond market had been dwindling prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers and vendors have noticed renewed interest. Despite the pandemic, revenue from last year’s market was similar to 2019, leaving

The Richmond Farmers’ Market opened for the season June 4 on a warm spring day. PHOTO BY DOUGLAS PHINNEY

organizers optimistic. This year’s market will feature 20 full-time vendors, equal to last year’s biggest day, and the busiest days of this year’s market will see up to 29 vendors set up shop on Richmond’s Volunteers Green. Eager to capitalize on this increased interest, market planners have taken extra steps to ensure that everyone in attendance feels safe and comfortable, including allowing individual vendors to enforce more strict regulations regarding masks and distancing at their stands as they see fit. Eugenie Doyle, co-owner and founder of Last Resort Farm, shares the planners’ op-

timism. Last Resort Farm, based in Monkton, has maintained a spot at the Richmond Farmers’ Market for 25 years, making it by far the longest running vendor. “Last year was difficult,” Doyle said, describing the extra steps and precautions necessary during the earlier stages of the pandemic. But today, her stand is one of the busiest at the market, with strawberries and asparagus being particularly popular. Like the market itself, vendors have found ways to thrive this past year. Jessica Cedergren LaBonte, founder of Cedar Tree Pottery, is one see MARKET page 5

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June 17, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 5

Market continued from page

of those vendors. Cedergren LaBonte started selling her pottery three years ago, but has been making it since the 1990s. For the past 20 years, she has sold her pottery alongside her job as a high school art teacher, but in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to transition to the pottery business full-time. “If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen now,” she said. Cedergren LaBonte credits the increasing interest in her business to Vermont’s unique culture, the outdoor setting of the market and what she perceives to be a generally rising interest in handmade items. This idea is seconded by Chelsea Clark, a customer returning to the Richmond Farmers’ Market for the first time in years. She said she plans to get to more local farmers’ markets this year. “I think we’re all refocused on supporting local things,” Clark said. New faces are a common theme at this year’s market. Stoni Tomson, a Richmond native passionate about being hyperlocal, is here for her first year and her first market with her new farm — the New Tradition Farm. Having spent the last five years working on various farms, Tomson decided to take the plunge and start her own operation last year. “Farmers are just going to meet the challenges that come to them, no matter what.

Farmers will find a way,” Tomson said. She is grateful to be a part of a community like Richmond, where people care for, and respect one another, she said. The feeling of gratitude to both the market and the community is one shared by market customer Polly Dakin, former resident of Richmond, and one of many customers enjoying the afternoon at the market. Dakin has been regularly attending the Richmond market since the early 90s. “It’s nice to have (the market) expanded from last year. Last year it was difficult for everybody,” Dakin said. Back at the entrance to the market, market co-manager Matthews-Salzman describes upcoming plans for this season. The season will feature agricultural events, a pop-up bike mechanic clinic and perhaps a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, along with the usual music and vendors. She hopes to grow the market into an event that’s not simply a farmers’ market, but a gathering of the community featuring other local organizations that draw in people with more diverse interests. “My goal for the market is to get the town’s people more involved,” Matthews-Salzman said. “It really takes a whole town to put on a good market.”

Douglas Phinney is a student at the University of Vermont and a reporter for the Community News Service, a student-powered partnership with local community newspapers.

Maskless continued from page

with plexiglass barriers that had been separating employees and customers. “This is the first time I’ve worked maskless,” said employee Spencer Snipes, who was hired during the pandemic. “Our regular customers have never seen my face, so it’s nice to see everyone smile and see their expressions.” Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine said state efforts to vaccinate more of the population will continue. “Our high vaccination rates will help keep coronavirus activity at historically low levels,” Levine said. “This means fewer chances for COVID to spread between people and throughout our communities, fewer if any hospitalizations, and, importantly, prevent more loss of life from the virus. It also means less opportunity for mutations and more virulent strains from developing. This protection is what is allowing us to lift restrictions. That is public health at work, but that work is far from over. We will continue getting as many Vermonters vaccinated as possible to keep this protection as strong as we can.”

Edith Hendley, right, and Monica Farrington finish up a lunch Tuesday at the Asian Bistro in Maple Tree Place. OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR

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Page 6 • Williston Observer • June 17, 2021

GUEST COLUMN

‘A penny for the planet?’ www.willistonobserver.com A publication of Twin Ponds Publishing, LLC

Phone: (802) 489-5499

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1401 Williston, Vt. 05495

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SUBMISSIONS/LETTERS SEND TO editor@willistonobserver.com • News/story tips welcomed • Letters must be 300 words or fewer • Deadline is Monday at noon Include your name, address and a daytime phone number (so 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 & organization • date, time and place of event • contact information. We only print submissions for nonprofit groups and organizations. CLASSIFIEDS SEND TO marianne@ willistonobserver.com PAID CLASSIFIEDS: There is a fee for business, real estate and help wanted ads. FREE CLASSIFIEDS: Printed on a ‘space-available’ basis; no guarantee of placement. • 25 words or fewer • Deadline is Friday at noon

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By Chapin Kaynor Are you concerned about high taxes for local government? Are you concerned about climate change? Most Williston residents care about both, but to varying degrees. A local Climate Action Fund may help achieve a balanced approach. For many years, Williston taxpayers have supported an Environmental Reserve Fund (ERF) that has provided money to purchase land or development rights deemed valuable to preserve for future residents of Williston. In addition to direct funding of conservation, the ERF has enabled us to obtain grants and donations, most recently to purchase of the Catamount Community Forest. A similar Climate Action Fund could position Williston to leverage future state and federal grants to the benefit of Williston residents. Federal and state governments are planning to support climate change projects. Gov. Phil Scott’s proposed investment

of American Rescue Plan funds includes $100 million for the Vermont Climate Action Plan and another $100 million for electric vehicle infrastructure, weatherization and fuel switching incentives. The Biden Administration’s infrastructure plan has a strong focus on climate initiatives and related jobs. Non-profit organizations are also increasing support for climate action. Most carbon-saving actions also increase local resilience. For instance, increasing local generation and storage of energy lowers our dependence on oil production and energy pricing from distant lands, and can protect us from regional power interruptions. Most carbon-saving actions also keep money within the local economy. Williston’s Energy Plan identifies “pathways,” some of which will save Williston residents money directly (like weatherization of homes) and some indirectly (like lower costs for more energy efficient public services). Some, however (like fuel-switching)

Most carbonsaving actions also increase local resilience.

have significant up-front costs — costs that are likely to be targeted by grants, provided we have some matching funds available. To position ourselves to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs to Williston taxpayers, we need to start somewhere. “A Penny for the Planet” in the municipal budget would cost taxpayers $10/year per $100,000 of appraised value and raise about $200,000 to start a Climate Action Fund. This would better enable Williston to follow the pathways in our Energy Plan and leverage grant money as it becomes available. Whether you are very worried about climate change or more concerned about taxes, there is probably a middle ground to be found where we move prudently to the benefit of both the taxpayer and the planet. Most of us care about both and I think it is time to explore a balanced approach. Chapin Kaynor chairs the Williston Planning Commission.

June 17, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Williston headed in the right direction Regarding Lauren Bostwick’s excellently penned letter to the editor in last week’s Observer (“Williston headed in the wrong direction”), this is an educatable moment for all of us. Her concern for wildlife and human-life is well founded and should be of critical concern to us all. The F-35 jets are indeed deafening — three-to-five times louder than their predecessor, according to the military’s own report. Their noise is indeed a quality-of-life disruption and health concern for humans. One must also be concerned for the fear and hearing damage wrought upon wildlife, whose heightened hearing ability is, by factors, greater than ours. The basing of the F-35 was the military’s decision, not Williston’s or Vermont’s to make. Thinking of town planning, Williston exhibits the “gold standard” for planning and development. Our Town Plan, with its zoning bylaws, directs where and at what density all manner of development may occur. It protects our bucolic lifestyle desires and our wildlife in the agricultural zone. It corrals industrial development in its area, isolating it from residential conflicts.

The Taft Corners area is the epitome of “smart growth,” sought after statewide. Our Town Plan created this zoning district, which includes commercial and residential, market rate and affordable. It requires grid street design with connectivity, versus huge paved parking lots visible from the highways. Vermont’s Legislature assisted with furthering the smart growth principle by creating “growth centers,” which Williston embraced for a specific part of the Taft Corners zoning district. These planning principles have separated our town’s commercial growth from other Chittenden County towns’ sprawl — think South Burlington and Milton on routes 2 and 7. We have another reason to be proud of Williston. We have been creating town parks in Williston since the 1980s, benefitting wildlife and people. The most recent example is the Catamount Community Forest. So, Lauren (and others with similar concerns), I urge you to take another look at your town through this lens. I want you to be able to be proud of your town. Also Lauren, I want you to continue questioning and becoming the leader in your town I know you can be. Rep. Jim McCullough Williston

Supporting the Ishams’ sound approval This year, the wonderful folks who own the Isham Family Farm are offering to the public a season of events called First: Earth Summer Series. It will include plays, a ballet, lectures and will “celebrate the environment while witnessing live performances of different cultures and genres.” How fortunate we are to have the Ishams in our midst, to bring these events to the public in a thoughtful way. The performance groups that are presenting, including Vermont Shakespeare Festival where I am the executive director, are coming out of a disastrous year and are looking forward to sharing their talents with audiences at the farm. What a special gift it is to provide pleasure to eager audiences. The Ishams represent the best of Vermont. By being entrepreneurial, they have found ways to make a living off the land and to preserve the working landscape for our enjoyment. Now they need our support as they appeal to the Williston Development Review Board for a modification to their condition of approval, to use some amplified sound for the outdoor performances.

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Since all performances are during daylight and are a distance from neighboring properties, the impact of amplified sound will be minimal. Any attempt to limit the small amount of sound emanating from actor-worn microphones or recorded music between scenes will make enjoyment of our work impossible. Mike Isham and Helen Weston are to be commended for working so hard to create a season of enjoyment in a matchless setting. We should be supporting their efforts. Ruth Wallman Williston

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Page 8 • Williston Observer • June 17, 2021

WILLISTON: BUSINESS HUB OF VERMONT

Bike boom continues at Vermont cycle shops BY ASHLEY DELEON VTDigger If you’re in the market for a new bicycle, you may want to hit the brakes. Nationwide bike shortages are making it difficult for customers to purchase bikes, as supply

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chain companies struggle to keep up with demand. “Here in Burlington, we are seeing that since the start of COVID, people really want to get outside,” said Cooper Willsey, salesperson at Skirack. “Bikes in particular are really sought after, and because many of the parts are made overseas, it’s been very tricky for any manufacturer to get them.” Hardtail mountain bikes, priced at around $2,000, are popular among some Vermonters, but overwhelming demand makes them far from easy to purchase. Some have waited since September to get one, and the waiting game is expected to continue until next year, Willsey said. In many cases, customers settle for bikes from alternative brands or different price points. “If customers wanted something in particular and had an order placed for a while, we’ve been able

Derek Tiplady, right, works on a bike at the Skirack bike shop in Burlington on Thursday. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

see BIKES page 9

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critical role in Hickok & Boardman’s growth over her 11-year tenure with the firm by developing and integrating our risk management offerings into our business client relationships,” said Paul Plunkett, the company’s president and chief operating officer.

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HAPPENINGS THE WHO, THE WHAT & THE WHEN

Businesses eligible for $30 million grant program The Vermont Economic Recovery Bridge Program opened last week and is expected to deliver $30 million in financial relief to businesses that can show a continued loss of revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we move out of the pandemic emergency and into our longterm recovery, it’s so important that we support Vermont’s small businesses and employers, who are the backbone of our economy,” said Gov. Phil Scott. “These grants will provide critical relief in the short term, allowing them to rebuild a stable foundation for their economic futures.” The program prioritizes funding to businesses that have not received prior state or federal COVID financial assistance. Grants will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development at (802) 828-1200 or visit www.accd.vermont.gov for application materials.

Bikes continued from page

Maple syrup production down 21 percent Vermont maple syrup production totaled 1.54 million gallons this year, down 21 percent from the previous year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service’s New England Field Office. Vermont remains the top syrup-producing state in the nation. Sugarmakers put out nearly 6 million maple taps this spring, an increase of 4 percent from the 2020 total. The earliest sap flow reported was Jan. 25. On average, the season lasted 28 days, compared with 38 days in 2020. The average retail price per gallon was up 2 percent to $45.50 per gallon. “Mother Nature was the story in 2021,” Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts said. “Vermont maple producers were faced with wild weather changes, ups and downs, starts and stops. But as always, Vermont producers rode the

to find something similar … So, there are ways to work around it,” said Willsey. In Morrisville, Chuck’s Bikes has yet to run into issues with supply. The key for Chuck’s was to order early and prepare for high demand. “We got a lot of bikes here, and we haven’t had any problems with running out,” said Chuck’s Bikes owner Hank Glowiak. “We ordered them very early on. We also had a lot of bikes here all winter. Then, March came and it was crazy.” Old Spokes Home, a nonprofit bike repair shop in Burlington’s Old North End, has seen an increase in sales since early spring. “There was a bike boom last year, and recently when we were doing our April numbers for sales in March, we noticed an increase. A ton of people are coming in,” said Kelly Duggan, Old Spokes Home marketing and program manager. “I think (biking) was an important way for people to socially distance themselves and take care of their physical and mental health.” The surge in biking also highlights the issue of transportation equity. “We’ve got about 90 years of building a system that supports motorized travel,” said Richard Watts, co-founder of Sustainable Transportation Vermont and director of the Center for Research on Vermont.

Williston brewery wins beer marketing award

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Hickok & Boardman appoints VP Hickok & Boardman Insurance Group has appointed Jennifer Barrett as vice president. Barrett lives in South Burlington with her husband and two children. She has 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. “Jennifer has played a

The car, and systems that support it, allow people to travel safely. Outside of driving the car, especially in Vermont, there are very few protected bike lanes, he said. “The research is absolutely clear,” he said. “If you make it safer for people to bike, more people will bike.” There are few protected bike lanes in Burlington, Watts said. People who are not able to drive due to old age or choose not to drive and use other modes of transportation are disadvantaged, he said. “That affects people who are lower income, poor or Black and brown, much more than those who are white. From a transportation equity system, it’s a shame what we have done to not recognize the other ways that people want to get around. We’ve privileged the car for a long time,” he said. With lifted restrictions and more bikers on the road, Watts hopes that the increase in people cycling and walking will extend into a time “when things get to be more normal.” Though current shortages have made it difficult to sell and purchase bikes, Willsey believes there is a silver lining. “It’s really wonderful to be so busy and be in a position where we can provide people with the means to get outside,” he said.

The Craft Beer Marketing Awards, established in 2019, recently announced its winners from around the globe, and Burlington

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The students of CVBrew brought a business into reality this spring as a fundraiser for Project Hoeppner. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Students brew awareness of teen mental health This spring, students in Champlain Valley Union High School’s Principles of Business class started a business called CVBrew to raise money for Project Hoeppner. Tasked with creating and pursuing a business idea, the students, after much deliberation, decided to develop a maple-brew cold coffee product. They chose to work collaboratively as a class, instead of individually or in small groups, and made their business a reality through persistence and community support. Shelburne Sugarworks provided a location to sell CVBrew’s homemade coffee three weekends in a row. In addition, the business set up shop at various CVU sporting events. Russell Kramer at Hacienda La Manita donated time and coffee, and Project Hoeppner donated t-shirts. Project Hoeppner is a nonprofit started by CVU parents Joe and Sue Hoeppner who’s mission is to “increase awareness around the catastrophe that is teen suicide.” A total of $1,500 was raised for the organization. Not only did Project Hoeppner’s mission align with the students’ values, they also liked the idea that it is a local organization started by CVU community members. From making the coffee, to labeling cups, to marketing on social media, to logistics, to selling the coffee — every member of the class had a role in the success of the business. They met many obstacles along the way, but they were able to work through and learn from them. The students of CVBrew are: Shahin Ardesh, Holden Bachelder, Jack Biggins, Riley Clos, Zach Doane, Hiwot Eshete, Shane Gorman, Hayden Hilgerdt, Braedon Jones, Rae Kanarick, Henry Kramer and Nolan Shea. They were supported by their teacher, Tamie-Jo Dickinson.

‘Hawks and Goats roam the diamond Coach Mark Gagne and the CVU softball program hosted the Yard Goats Williston Little League team at their game against South Burlington in May. Several Little Leaguers watched the high school game, then worked with CVU players and coaches on throwing, fielding and pitching drills. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTOS

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June 17, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 11

SPORTS

The CVU Redhawks celebrate their win in the Boys D1 lacrosse final over the Burr and Burton Bulldogs at BHS on Saturday.

Observer photo by Al Frey

Redhawks’ comeback preserves 8-time title streak BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent

For the last the seven seasons, the Champlain Valley Union High School boys lacrosse team has ended the year the same way: lifting the Division I state championship trophy. This year, with a new coach and a roster recovering from the loss of last season due to COVID, one could be forgiven for thinking the Redhawks might have a different result. But on Saturday, at the end of the D-I boys lacrosse schedule, there were the Redhawks again lifting the trophy. “We just felt very fortunate to be playing lacrosse and that was a theme that we carried throughout the season,” said CVU coach Tom Garvey. “For us to have the opportunity to defend our state championship on Saturday, it was something special and the boys made the most of it.” Champlain Valley beat Burr and Burton 8-7 with a second half comeback to capture its eighth straight D-I state title, capping off a 17-1 season. “One thing that CVU students and athletes seem to have in their DNA is a competitive desire,” Garvey said. “They want to be great

and they want to win.” Burr and Burton certainly put up a fight as the Redhawks looked to clinch the title. The No. 3 seeded Bulldogs led in the fourth quarter and looked ready to end CVU’s

reign. But two quick goals from Alex Leonard helped pull the Redhawks even and then the program’s title-winning DNA took over. “Alex Leonard really played

excellent for us in that final game in the second half,” Garvey said. “He took on a lot of the workload and he scored key goals at difficult moments to turn the tide a little bit.” After Leonard tied the game,

the Redhawks got the lead with just under six minutes to play on a goal from Nolan Shea. Shane Gorman added an insurance goal and then the CVU defense went to work, see LAX page 13

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Page 12 • Williston Observer • June 17, 2021

SPORTS CVU’s ace Oliver Pudvar, left, brings the heat during the Redhawk’s semi-final game vs. the Rice Green Knights on June 8 in Hinesburg. CVU’s Ryan Eaton, right, barrels up a pitch during the Redhawk’s semi-final game vs. the Rice Green Knights on June 8 in Hinesburg. Observer photos by Al Frey

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CVU sends Albertson off a winner BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent When Tim Albertson took the field on Sunday for his final game as coach of the Champlain Valley Union High School baseball team, he could be forgiven if there were some state championship game nerves. But his players quickly took care of that. The Redhawks scored seven runs in the first inning and pitcher Oliver Pudvar allowed only three hits in seven innings as CVU beat No. 3 Brattleboro 13-0 to capture the Division I state title for the second year in a row. “Once we put up the seven runs, it was nice to be able to enjoy six and a half innings of baseball,” Albertson said. “Once we got ahead, it was like, all right, let’s relax. Let’s just enjoy this and take a little extra moment every once in a while.” Kyle Tivnan got the Redhawks started with a single in the bottom of the first, then the next nine CVU batters got on base. Ryan Canty drove in the first two runs, then Braedon Jones doubled to score Canty. CVU kept scoring, racking up a 7-0 lead. “They were hunting fastballs,” Albertson said. “It just became an onslaught of line drives left and right. It was pretty special.” From there, Pudvar took over. The junior pitcher allowed just three hits — one in the third inning, one in the fifth and one in

the sixth — over the seven innings. He struck out 18 batters, including striking out the side in the seventh to clinch the state championship. “You could see it during pregame, he was on and you could tell after the semifinal that he was like ‘this is going to happen and I’m ready for this,’” Albertson said. “He seemed pretty focused and determined to do it and have a great game.” Canty paced the Redhawks with two runs and two RBIs, while Jones and Ryan Eaton each had two runs and an RBI. CVU added a run in both the second and third innings, then put the game out of reach with four runs in the fifth inning. “If we played to the best of our ability, we’re going to be fine,” Albertson said of the team’s mindset. “We just needed to focus on ourselves. If everybody can do their part, we’re going to be successful.” This year’s success could translate into the future, with only four players on the roster graduating. With most of the group returning, including staff ace Pudvar, the team will be in good shape to contend next season — with a new coach. Albertson reflected on 12 years with the program that resulted in four state championships. “It was a great way to kind of just be able to look back,” Albertson said. “This was well worth the 12 years of day in and day out work that went on for this to happen.”

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June 17, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 13

SPORTS

CVU’s Shame Gorman cuts into the Bulldog lead during the Boys D1 lacrosse final between the Bulldogs and Redhawks at BHS on Saturday. Observer photo by Al Frey

LAX continued from page

Clockwise from left: CVU’s Kobey Pecor serves to his Burlington opponent during their mid-May match. The CVU Redhawks, 2021 Vermont State Boys tennis champions, pose for their pre-season team picture. CVU’s Charlie Mjaanes returns a forehand to his Burlington opponent during their mid-May match. Observer photos by Al Frey

Tennis team celebrates state title BY LAUREN READ Observer correspondent When Champlain Valley Union High School’s Ben Sampson took the court for his singles match in the Division I state championship last Thursday, the Redhawks and top-seeded Burlington were locked in a back-and-forth battle for the title. When the senior walked off the court with a win, it was to a celebration with his new title-holding teammates. Sampson outlated BHS’s Theodore Schulman in three sets (2-6, 7-6, 10-8) to clinch the D-I state championship for CVU, which bested Burlington with a 4-3 score. CVU held a narrow lead after the first three matches of the day. Charlie Mjaanes won a marathon match (2-6, 6-4, 108) over Burlington’s Louis Berlind, while the doubles pair of Aidan Greer and Cooper Whalen beat their Seahorse counterparts in straight sets (7-5, 6-4). After Burlington won a singles match to even it at 2-2, CVU’s Henry Bijur came back to win his match against Sam Silberman in three sets (4-6, 6-2, 10-7) to put the Redhawks back on top.

But as Sampson was locked in his battle, the Burlington doubles pair of Khiem Nguyen and Nevin Morton got a win to even the match back up. With the two teams knotted at 3-3, all eyes turned to Sampson and Schulman.

With the win, Champlain Valley captured its first title in 21 years and its fifth championship overall. The Redhawks finished the season with a 13-4 record and handed the Seahorses their first loss of the year.

holding off the Burr and Burton offense to secure the win. “Defensively we kept ourselves in the game until our offense could start making the plays that we needed them to make,” Garvey said. “I couldn’t be more proud of how they executed what we were trying to do defensively.” It was the 11th overall title for the CVU program and the eighth championship game they have won by two goals or less. “Our seniors really stepped up and kind of put our team on their backs a little bit and guys who had been there before, they just weren’t willing to lose,” Garvey said. “They made plays that we needed.”

Garvey particularly pointed to the leadership of the team’s captains — Gorman and Leonard on offense and Cam Saia on defense. The win was the first title for Garvey, who took over for longtime coach Dave Trevithick before last year’s cancelled season. For the first-year coach, it was good to continue the program’s longstanding success. “I’m really happy that I could step in and continue this tradition that started with (Dave). And I’m really happy for our boys,” Garvey said, “They put in a lot of hard work throughout the year … I’m thrilled with the season that we had and the outcome that we had in the final game.”

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Page 14 • Williston Observer • June 17, 2021

How the emergency’s end could affect evictions, social services BY XANDER LANDEN VTDigger Gov. Phil Scott’s decision to lift the state’s emergency COVID-19 order heralds a return to pre-pandemic normalcy: gatherings with friends, open businesses and the elimination of public health restrictions. But it also brings challenges and changes to policies governing how the state treats vulnerable Vermonters, including potential new limits on federal funding for social service programs and an impending end to a moratorium on evictions. With 80 percent of Vermonters

at least partially vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Phil Scott on Monday moved to fully reopen the state, removing all pandemic restrictions for the first time in more than 15 months. Vermont’s state of emergency was already set to expire at the end of the night on Tuesday, and Scott said he would not renew it at that time. Versions of the order had been in place since March 2020. The lifting of the emergency order will trigger the expiration of Vermont’s eviction moratorium 30 days later, in mid-July. At that time, tenants who have not paid landlords

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back rent can be legally evicted from their residences. Community organizations across the state are also concerned that the end of the state of emergency will result in funding cuts to social service programs that were expanded during the pandemic. It could cost the state federal resources necessary to provide housing and food to vulnerable Vermonters, they say. Sue Minter, executive director of Capstone Community Action, an anti-poverty agency based in Barre, said she’s worried it will harm thousands of vulnerable Vermonters. “Amazingly, this COVID time, for some, has actually been a time of safety and security that they’ve been struggling to find,” Minter said Monday. “And we worry that the

trauma of a very swift transition is not going to be in their best interest.”

Ending the eviction moratorium Vermont’s eviction moratorium, slated to end July 15, dates back to May 2020. Earlier this spring, according to Vermont Legal Aid, 600 tenants faced eviction cases in the state’s court system. Such cases could not move forward during the pandemic. The state currently has a windfall of federal dollars at its disposal to help tenants pay the rent they owe. In December, former President Donald Trump signed a COVID-19 relief bill into law that sent Vermont $200 million in rental assistance. In

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June 17, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 15

OBITUARIES Virginia Rita (Mongeon) Hempstead Virginia Rita (Mongeon) Hempstead passed peacefully after a long fulfilling life on November 10th, 2020. Virginia was born in Winooski on August 27, 1924. When Virginia was 18 she was offered the opportunity to move to Richmond Virginia, to work for the weather bureau. This was a life-changing decision. Not only did she get the chance to leave Vermont and to experience a big city, but it was here she met Marian Hempstead who introduced her to her brother, Elwood. They married about a year later. Elwood (Hempy) was a veteran of WWII having fought at Guadalcanal. After they married they moved to the Bronx in New York City where they lived for a year and their first son Douglas was born. She liked living there and once told us when she would take the subway into the city, she marveled at the Italian ladies crocheting lace on their trip. Hempy wanted to be a “Gentleman Farmer” and enrolled at the University of Vermont to attend their Agricultural school. They moved to Vermont in 1949. Not knowing exactly where they would live, like many veterans, they took advantage of housing benefits and took up residence at Ft. Ethan Allen in Colchester. They moved often for the next few years while Elwood went to school. They purchased their property in Williston in 1951 where she lived until her death. They raised 7 children on the property in Williston and enjoyed their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren there as well. Virginia did what’s impossible to do in this day and age. She worked full time and raised her seven children, maintaining a house as well. She sewed most of her children’s clothing, knit sweaters, mittens, and hats. She cooked their meals with many of the items coming from the garden they grew. She canned those vegetables and made jars and jars of pickles and jellies. When one of the kids would say they wanted a snack her response was always “go out to the garden and pick something.” Virginia had several jobs outside the home over the years. Her final being working for Bell Telephone, which became AT&T. She retired from AT&T in 1989. Virginia enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, and cooking. When she retired she began quilting. Her goal was to make a quilt for each one of her sons and daughters then the grandchildren. She was able to accomplish making well over 15 full-size quilts and several baby quilts. She could catch her family off guard with funny things she would say: “She’s ugly as a fence post” or

when questioning if a gentleman was truly a redhead: “tell him to drop his pants!” One of her daughters-in-law asked her one day how she raised 7 children, she said “all I remember is that I was always angry” Sometimes it was her antics: one morning she was bringing 3 of her children to high school and it had snowed. There were 6 inches of snow on the road. They were going through an “S” curve and did a complete 360 ending up in the direction they needed to continue. Our mother continued the drive and said, “kind of slippery back there!” Another time she used a double-barrel shotgun to scare birds out of the garden. Her greatest joy was to be with her family, sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Each summer she hosted a “Garden Party” for the opportunity for the family (and extended) to see each other and see her. It was her favorite time of year. She liked to enjoy one beer during the party and then would go take a nap. She is proceeded in death by her husband, Elwood (Hempy), her daughters, Joan Margaret and Marian Constance as well as her 6 brothers and sisters. She is survived by 5 remaining children, Doug, Tom, David, Paula, and Roberta, 16 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday June 19 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Williston. Arrangements are under the care of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Robert Dawe Robert Dawe of Williston VT, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 6, 2021 at the age of 94. Born in 1927 in Bareneed, Newfoundland, Canada, the youngest child of James and Edna Dawe, Robert immigrated to Vermont as a young man where he worked as a farm hand for a few years before visiting family in Arlington, Massachusetts. While there he attended Cornerstone Baptist Church in Cambridge, MA where he met his future wife and love of his life of almost seventy-one years, Ruth Pinto. Robert and Ruth were married in 1950 and began raising their family of four daughters, first in Arlington, then in Burlington, Massachusetts. Robert proudly became a citizen of the United States in 1953. Robert and Ruth were very active in their church. They sang in the choir and Robert drove the church bus for a number of years providing transportation to church services and functions. Robert trusted the Lord as his personal Savior shortly after he began attending church. He matured spiritually quite quickly and was soon asked to become a church deacon. Robert also preached to men in the inner-city missions of Boston on a number of occasions. His faith in the Lord was very important to him and he never hesitated to share it with others. He was a life-long student of the Bible and many sought him out for his godly discernment and wisdom. He spent hours each day on his computer researching the Bible right up until his Lord called him home. Robert modeled his faith in God. He made sure his girls were in church every Sunday and lived to see each one come to the Lord in faith. Often,

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he would transport the neighborhood children to church as well. His station wagon was always full. Robert enjoyed time with his family, taking them on camping trips in summer and many trips “home” to Newfoundland. He loved visiting with his family while his daughters made lasting memories spending time with their Newfoundland cousins. Robert was a gifted carpenter, designing and building additions to his homes and building his retirement home in Delaware. He began building furniture in his later years and there are pieces of his designs in all of his family’s homes. Robert worked for many years in the iron and steel construction business but at the age of 50 he made a complete career change when he and Ruth bought the Chief Motel on the Mohawk Trail in North Adams, MA. They worked hard building up the business with Robert doing the maintenance work and Ruth doing the bookwork. Together they cleaned the rooms and had many returning guests. Their grandchildren loved spending summer vacations with “Gram and Gramp” and all learned to swim in the motel

swimming pool. Upon retirement, Robert and Ruth moved to Delaware for a number of years to be near their daughter and her family and then to Williston VT where other daughters were living. Robert will be dearly missed but he left us all with the faith that we will all be together again one day when our Lord will remove all pain and sorrow and we will walk in newness of life. There is nothing better a man can leave to his family. Robert is survived by his loving, faithful wife Ruth, his daughters, Patricia (James) Dowers of Williston VT, Colleen (Robert) Brown of Wilmington MA, Cheryl (Eric) DeBussy of Greenwood DE, grandchildren, William Waller, Amanda Voyer, Mark Halverson, Jennifer Cornell, Bethany DeBussy, Heidi Huggins, Darren Brown, Holly Stewart and fourteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents James and Edna Dawe and his daughter Gail Halverson, sister Minnie Littlejohn, and brothers, Herbert and James Stanley Dawe. The family would like to thank the staff of the McClure Miller Respite House for their excellent care of Robert and especially his home health nurse, Judy Johnson who made it possible for Robert to remain comfortable at home for most of his illness. Contributions may be made in Robert’s name to Calvary Baptist Church Missions. Calvary Baptist Church, Main St., Essex Jct., VT 05452. There will be a memorial service for Robert on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 1:00 at Calvary Baptist Church in Essex Junction, VT. Private burial on another date.

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Kids Take Over The Williston Observer addendum!

Page 16 • Williston Observer • June 17, 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE: Writing from the fifth- and sixth-graders in Sterling House at Williston Central School was mistakenly omitted from the Observer’s annual Kids Take Over edition, published June 3. Please enjoy the following selection of the students’ work.

POETRY

Home

When I say home, I think of the Green Mountain State Pine trees that rise up towards the sky When I say home, I imagine clouds rolling over the sky and geese flapping over head When I say home, I lose myself in memories of red barns and smiling faces When I say home, I recall dancing in meadows and singing in trees When I say home, I think of the place where triumphs and glories are guarded, and bad thoughts beaten away with a stick When I say home, I think of happy By Cordelia Thomas, Grade 5

Love

I once thought that love was a big fat lie, Until my heart swells like a balloon,

Is this what love is? Feeling free, like a missing piece, Like a key in a lock, Like my heart, my soul are free

I feel butterflies in the pit of my stomach, Love isn’t a game, it’s a feeling of light, of happiness, Love is a force, unexplained, that I feel for no one else, Except you. By Alex Fox, Grade 6

Lightning

ning will strike. Followed by the thunder. This is when the clouds let out their rage. Trying not to harm the innocent people on earth. The lightning will strike. By Aida Russell, Grade 5

Are racked up to piles They fall from the tree In a flurry of colors They make me smile And halloween When we all get scary With witches and wizards And many others That is autumn And it’s full of colors.

Seasons

year

From fall to spring Summer to fall And fall to winter These are the seasons of the And I love them all

The lightning is silent. It lights up a sky on a stormy night, It quietly strikes the ground. It may frighten you, it can scare you, But don’t be afraid because you can’t hear it.

Animals in the snow Snowflakes fall on my face In the wintery wonderland We will build a snowman And top it with a hat And christmas is red and green With candy canes and tinsel.

Thunder’s the one who groans. Thunder is the one who cries. Thunder is the one who keeps you up at night, But with lightning, you don’t hear a sound.

Flowers in the rain. Windows with dewdrops In a cloudless sky The birds sing And the easter eggs Decorated with colors For the holiday

Don’t go outside, adults might say, especially with an umbrella. They are right, I might strike you down, but it won’t happen tonight. When the clouds are dark, when they cry, there is a chance, a slight one at that. There is a chance that light-

The butterflies flitter And the bees do too The bright sunny sky Warms my face On the side of the pool Trying to get cool In this hot summer weather That I love the most The red orange leaves

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year

From fall to spring Summer to fall And fall to winter These are the seasons of the And I love them all By Kaedyn Edwards, Grade 5

A Reading Poem

I open the book The pages rustle between my fingers The old wrinkly paper tingles my skin I feel love and knowledge from the page through my hands And I start to read the book of age The words stream through my head Like a peaceful water with a constant stream Unstopped and attaining a fluid movement of beauty I read from knights to clowns And my mind races with thoughts I’m on my toes and then surprised Suddenly saddened and depressed I am now part of the story Flowing in the current of the words And just like the river I can’t hold on to a branch to stop Because I enjoy the feeling too much Away from reality, in a book Filled with joy and happiness Stirring thoughts in my head Though after a while I hear a sound And realize that reality is still there I realize I’m just reading a book A book that brings me to another world By Vincent Meyer, Grade 6

Disgust like

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A weird expression comes on your face Before you can stop it, words come out A word no one wants to hear But you have to say, Ew.

Saying that word makes everyone look at you They wonder, who does she think she is? Once I had that feeling I said it I let the word slip from my lips I am the one everyone’s staring at I’m the person who said, Ew. By Maddie Morris, Grade 5

My Baby River

I trembled as I walked down the hill. The current of my river sounded like ocean waves. I could feel my boots squish in the mud as, I reached my river. It was a night I knew I would remember. As it was darkening, you could feel the morning creeping up the mountains. A blaze of sunlight would shine out of the clouds. The reflection would look like a yolk spilled over the river and pond. I could feel the strong wind pulling me toward the rowboat. The whispering of rings in the water started to drift, a beautiful silver color. It was my lovely secret river. But, someday, someday the secret would unfold over the mountains like the sun. By Madi Tucker, Grade 5

PROSE Too much technology

BY LIONELLE MILLER Grade 5 I think we need to have less technology in schools. Technology in schools can disrupt learning and be harmful to student health. Tech in school can also limit social interactions in the real world. Not all students have access to a form of technology at home, and that can be a problem when they need to do homework, check the news and connect with other people online. Tech can be used in not-sogood ways. Students say it’s easy to take a photo of notes or test answers, and then peek at them while taking a test. Some kids use Twitter to create fake accounts or use personal accounts to harass other students. Technology in school can create problems, both digital and physical. It can also create cheaters. Tech in the classroom can be

Kids Take Over The Williston Observer addendum!

June 17, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 17

a major distraction. It can also distract you from social interactions with other people in real life. Students don’t all have equal access to technological resources. If all your assignments are on a computer, and you don’t have a computer at home, then it will be hard to do your work. Maybe you won’t get to do it at all. As of 2016, there were still 15 percent of homes that did not own some form of a computer. Forcing students to travel to a library or some other location for computer access creates more of a time and cost commitment when these may already be issues for them at home. The blue light emitted by computers may over-stimulate some students, which may lead to negative behaviors in the classroom. It is not good to be exposed to too much technology at a young age. Too much time on a screen at a young age can actually stunt your learning growth and make you less smart. We can institute a rule where time is split, 50 percent of the time in a period or class is spent on a screen, and 50 percent is spent off the screen and/or doing hands-on activities.

A boy named Mo BY STEFAN ST. LOUIS, GRADE 5

Once upon a time there was a boy named Mo. He lived in Haiti. He came from a very important family of lawyers, engineers, doctors, mayors, politicians, nuns, priests, generals, ministers and judges. His parents always emphasized education and family. When he was in Haiti he played soccer with his friends. They would play everywhere, in rain, intense heat — you name it, they would play in it. He also had two dogs and lots fruit trees. He had avocados, mangos, papayas, oranges, grapefruits, pomegranate, guava, melons and passion fruits. He loved competing with his friends about finding the ripest mango in the tree. It could be all the way up in the air and they would throw rocks at it, and if it fell down and they were the first one to hit it, they would get the mango. He loved taking vacations at the countryside because he liked playing in the rivers and running around with all his family on the farm in the countryside. He went to a private boarding school. He had two sisters that went to the same school. In 1984 he was 17 and he left for America. He thought he was going for a vacation with his grandparents in Massachusetts, but his parents told him, ”You are staying in America for your college studies.” Since he only knew French and Creole, and his grandparents only knew Spanish, he had to learn Spanish and English. He became an electrical engineer for General Electric. He had a cool job and that was testing jet plane engines. He studied engineering because that was his family’s preference. Then he decided to pursue what he loved, so he went back to school at UMASS Amherst. He studied political science, political economy and Afro American studies. He studied and graduated with honors and went to graduate school. He went on to do his doctorate and met my mom when he was teaching at Springfield College. They became friends and then they got married, and they had three beautiful children. And guess what? I am the third. So that is why I am telling you this story.

What is my superpower?

to work? Food and water. You need them for life. That is what humans think. That is what everyone thinks. Is this true? Maybe. I am not certain. I am certain that I can stay still, for I will never fall prey to this illusion called death. I will not. I will certainly not. To get up requires work. You have to do something. You have to move what humans call bones. You have to move the joints in a way that can accomplish given tasks. You can learn this. Young humans can learn this, but not easily. It is hard. It is a struggle. I place my hand on the snowy ground and try to hoist myself up. I fail. I try again, and my body succeeds. I have made my way up to the level of other humans. I have made myself a human. I start to walk. This is what I have to do, correct? I walk, and keep walking. What used to be my yard is faded. What used to be where I thought I could rest is disintegrated and dissolved into the air. Gone. I kept walking, not knowing what, where, who, why or when. I am living, and I am discovering new things. It is always a discovery. I heard people had powers. Super powers. That makes people special. That makes people better than others, right? Does it? How can I figure that out? Am I special? Is the world saying no to me? Is the world real? Is the world flat? These are questions. What is my superpower?

Ulrich is a Belgian Malinois x German Shepherd Blend, male, 10 months. He walks well on leash, loves all people is social with other dogs and would make a great hiking buddy or agility dog. Ulrich still has some puppy behaviors which is to be expected but overall he is just a great young dog waiting for the best, forever home.

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BY ADAM COTTON, GRADE 6 I woke up in January to see snow coming down on me. I was in my yard and had an open mouth almost full of snow. Tiny flecks of white coming down, resting on my denim jacket. I wasn’t very cold, but I wasn’t very warm. All around me, I felt a perfect temperature. No one came, no one looked. I was alone in the frozen winter grass. My eyes drifted up to the sky and watched the clouds drift by, forming shapes from inside stories. Why was I here, how did I get here? What am I doing? Where am I going? When am I getting up? Questions. Ah, Questions. So many, coming and going. Down the road, picking up the memories, picking up the answers. Back down they go, down the road. Back to where they came from. Why was there no traffic? Why is there no metal boxes, cars, zipping by and blowing more and more speckles of this winter wonderland onto me? Would I be covered? Would I freeze? Certainly not. Freezing is only a superstition. Death is only a thought. What would happen if you got killed? Shot, stabbed, suffocated, fell from a cliff, or had a heart attack? Nothing. Surely nothing could happen. Death is only a thought. Death is only a thought that humans get once in awhile. It comes through their head, but the admission is too pricey for them, so they have to turn back. Back down the road. Some get lost. They never return. They might have taken a wrong turn, down into the forest, where thoughts never return. Or do they? Has a thought come back? Back from the forest? The thought of leaving, the thought of getting up. The thought of doing something. Why must one do anything? Can one sit on the ground for days and days and be okay? They need food. That is what most think. However, food is only what you desire. If you think and become one, food becomes irrelevant. You need water. That is another factor. Then comes education. Why must one go to school? Why do they need to go to school to get a job, or fit in the world? Why do people need to fit in? Why do people need

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W I L L I S T O N

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Page 18 • Williston Observer • June 17, 2021

Vermont treasurer announces successful bond sale

Vermont State Treasurer Beth Pearce recently announced that $153.3 million in State General Obligation bonds were successfully sold in three separate series, generating proceeds of $183.1 million, including a premium of $29.8 million. The bonds were issued to fund new capital projects and to refinance existing debt with lower interest rates. The refinancing portion of the transaction saved the taxpayer over $7.6 million in borrowing costs, according to Pearce. The new capital projects portion of the bonds raised $98.8 million and was issued at an interest cost of 1.43 percent. “Investors continue to seek out Vermont bonds as a secure and reliable investment option,” Pearce said. “The continued strength of Vermont’s bond offerings enables the state to reduce the cost of borrowing for critically important projects across Vermont. These investments generate economic activity that creates high paying jobs for Vermonters.” Vermont issued “citizen bonds,” as part of the overall offering, which gave Vermont citizens and retail investors first priority to purchase $39.6 million of bonds. Funds raised by the bond sale will finance capital projects authorized by the Legislature, including clean water initiatives, improvements to state buildings, public safety, housing, conservation and recreation projects, and other capital projects.

‘The continued strength of Vermont’s bond offerings enables the state to reduce the cost of borrowing for critically important projects across Vermont.’ — Beth Pearce Vermont State Treasurer Vermont General Obligation bonds are rated AA+ by Fitch Ratings, as well as S&P Global Ratings and Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service, the second highest rating. Vermont has the highest General Obligation bond ratings of any New England state. Notwithstanding these strengths, the rating reports also note continued challenges with Vermont’s demographics and workforce issues, as well as long-term liabilities related to pensions and other post-employment benefits. “The rating agency reports are clear about the challenges ahead and Vermont must continue to take steps to address these issues so that we can continue to borrow for needed infrastructure at competitive rates,” said Pearce.

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. INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION EVENTS Register at www.willistonrec.org to be in the Independence Day parade and to run in the Independence Day 5K, both to take place on Saturday, July 3. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and the race at 5 p.m. A fireworks display will be on Saturday, July 3 at 9:30 p.m. at Williston Community Park. On Friday, July 2, there will be the Library Book Sale from 4-7 p.m. and the Town Band Concert and Ice Cream Social at 7 p.m.

tering grades 1-8 in the fall. Camp options: full days, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 pm.; mornings, 7:30 a.m,-12:30 p.m.; or afternoons, 12:30-5:30 p.m. Combine with an Enrichment Camp to make it a full day of camps, or if your child is in another program/ camp, combine with the REC Day Camp to make it a full day. Check out the Camp Grid at www.willistonrec.org to plan your child’s summer. ENRICHMENT CAMPS Spots are available in the following camps: Baseball Camp, Ultimate Frisbee Camp, Tennis Camp, Girls Self-Defense Camp, Vermont Futbol Academy Camp, Chess Wizards Camp, Knitting Camp, Horsemanship Camps, Arts Camps, Minecraft Mania Camp, Engineering Camp, Ninja Science Camp. Rocketry Camp, Lego Engineering Camp and Wow Science Camp.

TRACK AND FIELD This weeklong track and field camp focuses on running, jumping and throwing. Athletes will have the opportunity to participate in a state virtual meet. Ages 6-9, July 12-16, 5:306:30 p.m. Ages 10-14, July 1216, 6:45-8 p.m. $50. Instructor: Elise Seraus and CVU athletes.

CHESS PROGRAMS — VIRTUAL Participate in online chess games, fun and interactive lessons, tournaments, team matches, trivia and more. Age 6-12, Tuesdays, July 6-Aug. 24, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $114 Res. Online live with Chess Wizards instructors.

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or in person (fully vaccinated if attending in person). Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises, combined with balance exercises designed to strengthen the lower body and core. Age 18plus, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8-8:50 a.m. July 6-29. $130. Instructor: Carol Bennett FITNESS YOGA Virtual with live instructor or in person (fully vaccinated if attending in person). Yoga and pilates exercises to strengthen core along with cardiovascular exercises. Age 18-plus, Wednesdays 5:30-6:20 and Saturdays 9-9:50 a.m. July 7-31. $130. Instructor: Carol Bennett STRENGTH TRAINING — VIRTUAL Each class begins with a light warm-up and proceeds into basic and functional strength training exercises that help improve muscle tone, balance and coordination. Age 50-plus, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free to seniors. Instructor: Toni Kunker. YOGA- GENTLE/ SEATED- VIRTUAL The focus will be to mindfully breathe while executing basic poses in a slower paced, relaxing environment. Age 50plus, Fridays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free to seniors. Instructor: Toni Kunker. UKULELE CLINICS — VIRTUAL Sing and play your favorite tunes and learn some strumming and chording tricks and techniques. Age 18-plus. To register, email instructor Clare Innes at ukuleleclare@gmail.com. Let her know you saw the offering through Williston Recreation. Ukulele Shenanigans: Wednesdays, June 2, July 7 and Aug. 4, 7-8:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per session. Deep Dive Song Workshops: every other Tuesday in June, July and August, 6:30-8 p.m. Cost: $10 per session, or $50 for all six. BOATER SAFETY Age 12-plus. The course provides the opportunity to earn the certification necessary to legally operate a boat on Vermont’s waterways. Course can be taken online at any time at www.boat-ed.com/vermont.

June 17, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 19

SENIORS

Helping seniors find discounted high-speed internet Dear Susan, There are actually two new resources available today that can help you save money on your home internet services, but what’s available to you will depend on your income level and where you live.

Internet Discounts

Savvy Senior BY JIM MILLER

Dear Savvy Senior, Do you know where I can find cheaper high-speed internet services for my home? I’m 70 years old and live strictly on my Social Security and would like to find something faster and less expensive than I currently have. Surfing Susan

Depending on your financial situation, a good first step to reducing your home internet costs is through the new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. This is a temporary federal benefit that provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price. To qualify, you’ll need to show that your annual household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines — which is $17,388 for one person or $23,517 for two — or that you’re receiving certain types of government benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), SSI, public housing assistance, veterans’ pension or survivors pension benefit, or live on federally recognized tribal lands.

Photos from the Williston Observer

available for purchase!

Households that experienced a substantial loss of income since Feb. 29, 2020 due to job loss or furlough can also qualify for the EBB program, as long as their household income for 2020 was at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers. To apply, go to www.GetEmergencyBroadband.org, where you can apply online or print out an application and mail it in. If you’re already receiving assistance through the federal Lifeline benefit (see www.LifelineSupport.org), which is a $9.25 monthly subsidy for phone or internet costs, you automatically qualify for the EBB program, and you can receive both benefits at the same time. You can apply your EBB and your Lifeline benefit to the same or separate services. If your broadband provider already has its own low-income or COVID-19 relief program, you may be able to qualify through this program as well. Talk to your broadband provider for more information.

Low-Cost Internet If you’re not eligible for the EBB program, another resource for locating cheaper high-speed internet is Aging Connected, which has a higher income qualification. Created by the Older Adults Technology Services from AARP and the Humana Foundation, Aging Connected is a nationwide campaign created to help lower-income seniors find low-cost, in-home broadband options in their area. Partnering with telecommunications

companies, nonprofits and public entities, Aging Connected will help you search for services in your area that provide highspeed internet at a very low cost. Most participating companies charge around $10 to $15 per month, with no contract and no equipment fee. Aging Connected also provides referrals to affordable desktop and laptop computers for under $160. To qualify, you’ll need to show that your annual household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $23,800 for one person or $32,200 for two, or that you’re receiving certain types of government benefits similar to the EBB program. To search, go to www.AgingConnected.org and type in your ZIP code, name and email address — or you can call 877-7451930.

Other Search Options If you find that you’re not eligible for either of the previously listed resources, you may still be able to save on your internet by shopping and comparing. The best way to do this is at websites like www.InMyArea. com and www.BroadbandNow.com, both of which provide a list of internet providers in your area, along with pricing and download speeds. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and

author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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Page 20 • Williston Observer • June 17, 2021

EMPLOYMENT

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continued from page

people with disabilities and those without internet access. In addition, she said, her organization has clients who submitted applications in April, but have yet to receive funds to pay their rent. “These people are living every day with the fear of the eviction moratorium being lifted,” Pazdan said. “Some of them have eviction notices already in hand from their landlords, and they’re doing everything they can to get the landlords paid, but the system’s just moving really, really slowly right now.” She said her organization is

“worried about the timing” of the end of the eviction moratorium “because 30 days is a pretty short timeline based on how slowly we’ve seen things moving with the (Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program).” Across the nation, the federal rental assistance approved in December has been slow to reach tenants and landlords. That’s in part because the federal government has put forward strict documentation requirements for tenants applying for the funds. State officials are addressing the problem by partnering with 20 organizations throughout the state to help tenants fill

out applications, he said. “I think we have plenty of resources to make sure folks get the rental assistance that they’re eligible for,” Hanford said. “It’s making sure everyone takes the time to submit their application, works through any of the challenges and provides the documentation that’s required in the law to disperse these funds.”

Maintaining pandemic services In a letter to Gov. Scott last week, 130 Vermont businesses and organizations urged the governor to keep the state of emergency in place in order to see COVID page 21

HIRING?

Contact Jennifer Wolcott, jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 655-0511 ext. 118

Email Marianne@ WillistonObserver.com to place your ad here, in your local newspaper.

Building a community where everyone participates, and everyone belongs. ccs-vt.org

COVID

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School2Work Employment Specialist Be a part of an innovative program to help high school students find meaningful employment as they transition into adulthood. Working alongside a team of professionals you will support students in developing career goals, job seeking skills and securing employment. This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package, a great work environment and the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life—including yours!

Submit resume and cover letter to: Ashley Dubois, adubois@ccs-vt.org ccs-vt.org E.O.E.

June 17, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 21

COVID continued from page

maintain increased funding for social services. The state has relied on money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for pandemic initiatives, including its efforts to feed and house those experiencing homelessness in hotels and motels across the state. Without a state of emergency in place, Vermont could

‘It was a slow turning of the spigot, and now it’s just a flip of the switch. And for people who are very insecure in their situation, whether it’s their mental health, their physical location or their food access, it’s really going to be difficult.’ — Sue Minter Capstone Community Action executive director lose access to such funds. The Scott administration has said that the state will continue to receive federal dollars for emergency food distribution

and housing programs as long as the governor signs an executive order to continue the services. Scott said Monday that he intends to issue a new executive order on Tuesday that will “fill the gaps” left by the end of the state of emergency and prevent “any cliffs from happening.” “As of tomorrow night, we will have a gradual slope away from the state of emergency for those who are impacted in terms of housing and feeding programs,” Scott said. Minter said she’s worried the state will lose funding it needs to maintain food security programs such as Everyone Eats, which was established by the Legislature during the pandemic. The program, which now relies on FEMA funding, works with restaurants to provide meals for those who have trouble accessing food. In addition, Minter raised concerns about the longevity of FEMA funding that’s been used to help feed homeless residents staying in motels across the state. The state recently tightened its eligibility requirements for homeless Vermonters seeking housing in motels: As of July 1, about 700 people — roughly a third of the 2,100 adults and 370 kids living in motels — could be forced to find new housing. Minter said that the systems of support the state has offered during the pandemic “are just going to end very quickly.” “It was a slow turning of the spigot, and now it’s just a flip of the switch,” Minter said. “And for people who are very insecure in their situation, whether it’s their mental health, their physical location or their food access, it’s really going to be difficult.”

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ACROSS 1. Pledge 5. Shoot down 9. Lessen in force 13. Not held fast 14. No longer dirt 16. Worse than bad 17. Hew 18. Banish 19. Beloved family member 20. Dominant, as a male 22. Female deer 24. ‘’Sister Act’’ sister 25. Pretend 27. Results of blizzards 29. Place 32. Potentially will 34. Cabin bulding material 35. Worship object 36. ___ in judgment 37. “If you would...” 40. Family member 41. State game 43. Light line 44. Little Oliver Twist, e.g. 46. Leafy climber 47. Like some thoughts 48. Polish 49. A service winner

50. Run in the wash 51. Mechanical men 53. Hit perfectly 55. Bottom line 56. On a ____ 58. “Police” lead singer 61. Visit 63. Tether 65. Government take-over 67. Life of luxury 68. Coastal safety measure 69. Taken by 70. Statement to a judge 71. Hound’s hands 72. Assessment DOWN 1. Not quite straight 2. Floor space 3. Reveal 4. Friendly 5. Dog command 6. Inattentive 7. Like some fans 8. Tune 9. Easy chair site 10. Trend-setting, perhaps, 2 words 11. Subtract from 12. Scheme

15. Bambi’s kin 21. Outmoded, with been 23. Nonsensical 26. Give out 28. Doctor Octopus, to Spider-Man 29. Stretched car 30. Lilac, e.g. 31. Middle ground 33. Storage spot 36. Word in many business names 37. Interrogate 38. Markdown 39. Studied visually 41. Line on a repair bill 42. Smooth 45. Center of activity 47. Unlawful 49. Unaware 50. Snippet 51. Country 52. It’s owed on some roads 54. They may be scattered 55. Degree 57. Source of igneous rocks 59. Opposite of “all” 60. Fortitude 62. Type of coat 64. Patch, say 66. Kind of roast

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Page 22 • Williston Observer • June 17, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS GARAGE SALES

FOR SALE

MOVING SALE — Sat., June 19, 8am-3pm. Queen BR set, DR table, chairs, buffet, bar stools, lamps, pictures, mirrors, TVs, accent chairs, costume jewelry, children ,ladies and men’s clothing, garden fountain, garden pots and standing hooks, tools books, CDs, dorm fridge, dishes, glassware, cooking supplies, Breville panini grill (brand new), imported bone china, Japanese chinaware and much more. Everything must go. Rear of townhome at 366 Zephyr Rd., Williston.

FLAT SCREEN TV — Emerson 32-in. LC320EMX LCD TV HDMI with universal remote. Works perfectly, excellent condition. Perfect for living room, den or bedroom. $90. Call Nick 802-999-9658. PLAYER PIANO — Functioning refinished and refurbished electric Duo Art player piano - Valued at $4,000, selling for $1,000. Comes with 200 + (new and old ) music rolls as well as a reproduced in 1956, Duo Art Reproducing Piano service manual (copyright 1927 ). Contact for pictures and more

LEGAL NOTICE

Restaurant & Bakery Equipment

information. carpenterg@myfairpoint.net. Title subject “player piano.“

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, June 22, 2021 – 7:00 PMRABIES BAIT In-person or virtual participation options continued from page 2 Zoom Meeting ID 823 369 798 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656 Town Hall Meeting Room, 7900 Williston Road (enter from back parking lot)

SERVICES

Online with Lots Closing Monday, June 21 @ 12PM

PAINTING — Need a fresh start in 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 spring discount.

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FOR RENT FOR RENT: Owner-occupied duplex home in country setting. 5 rooms, 2 bedroom, 2 bath,1,100 sq. ft. Heat, hot water & appliances included. $1,600 per month, deposit, lease. N/S, 1 pet neg., e-mailrachelallairetowers@gmail. com orcall 802-434-2412.

RABIES saliva. If left BAIT untreated, rabies is almost alcontinued from page 2and animals. However, ways fatal in humans Restaurant and bakery equipment, treatment with theand rabies Stoelting Taylorvaccine soft serveis nearly machines, food trailer, and The week-long bait drop is a cooperaweek-long bait drop is amore! coopera100The percent effective when given soon after • DP 21-14 Pizzagalli Properties LLC c/o Robert Bouchard requests a discretionary permit to construct a sidewalk in front of the building to access parking lots at 188 Harvest Lane the Business Park tivein effort between Vermont and the U.S. tive effort between Vermont and the U.S. person is bitten by a rabid animal. Send classifiedsato Zoning District (BPZD). Department Agriculture Wildlife Services Department Agriculture Wildlife Services • DP 21-15 Sign Pro Inc. c/o Tracy Becker requests a discretionary permit for a master sign planof at 71 So far thisofyear, 23 animals in Vermont marianne@williston Leroy Road in the Industrial Zoning District West (IDZW). to stop the spread of the potentially fatal have to stop the positive spread offor therabies, potentially fatal tested and 14 of • • DP 11-23.4 Isham Family Farm LLC c/o Mike Isham and Helen Weston request reconsideration of the observer.comthose disease. disease. have been raccoons. conditions of approval issued April 13, 2021 to allow limited outdoor amplified sound associated with the historic barn banquet facility located at 3515 Oak Hill Road in the Agricultural/Rural RabiesResidential is a deadly viral disease of the Rabies is a to deadly viralofficials, disease of the According wildlife rabid Zoning District (ARZD). brainPlanning that &infects brain that infects mammals. It is animals often show a change inmost theiroften norProject details and site plans are available online, go to bit.ly/DRBagendas. Contact Zoning mammals. It is most often Office for more information: 802-878-6704 seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, mal seen behavior, in raccoons, foxes, bats, but skunks, you cannot telland whether THOMAS HIRCHAK CO. but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also an butanimal unvaccinated pets and livestock can also has rabies simply by looking at THCAuction.com get rabies. The virus is spread through the it. getPeople rabies.should The virus is spread through the not touch or pick up wild 802-888-4662 SERVICE DIRECTORY bite of an infected animal or contact with its animals bite of anorinfected or contact with its strays –animal even baby animals. TREE SERVICE

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June 17, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 23

Page 24 • Williston Observer • June 17, 2021

Dottie hits the road with a fresh look for summer

Dottie the Bookmobile will have a full summer schedule bringing library materials to Williston neighborhoods and events. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

In 2015, the Williston community came together to fund a new, stateof-the-art bookmobile to provide library materials for all ages. And for five years, Dottie the Bookmobile has been doing just that, visiting neighborhoods, local daycares and special venues. Although Dottie is not the town’s first bookmobile — residents may remember Dottie I and II, revamped school buses that visited Williston and St. George neighborhoods in the summers — the current vehicle is fully accessible and operates year-round. When pandemic operations were in effect last fall, the bookmobile served as a mobile annex for the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. “Dottie allowed us to easily expand our reach and meet patrons where they were — at the park, farmers’ market or even right outside the library,” said Outreach Librarian Sarah Hibbeler. “Having heat onboard was a major bonus in October.” In anticipation of the bookmobile’s sixth summer season, which runs June 22-Aug. 26, artist Ron Hernandez is freshening up Dottie’s colorful murals. “We are thrilled to welcome families back to the library, and the bookmobile is part of that excitement,” Hibbeler said. “The updated artwork will be a nice celebration of our coming back together.” In addition to regular neighborhood stops, Dottie will visit Allen Brook School on Wednesday mornings and the Isham Family Farmers’ Market on Tuesday evenings. For Dottie’s detailed summer schedule and routes, visit www.damlvt.org or pick up a bookmark from the library.

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