Williston Observer 7/22/21 by Williston Observer

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Taxes decrease as home prices soar Assessor: ‘It’s just amazing to see’ BY JASON STARR Observer staff Property tax bills are arriving this week with a decreased yearover-year municipal tax rate. On June 29, the Williston Selectboard set a tax rate of 0.2721 — 27.21 cents for every $100 of property value — for the new fiscal year that began this month. The tax rate supports the $11.5 million town budget approved by voters in March. The tax rate is about three-tenths of a cent less than last year. That amounts to a reduction of about $3 for every $100,000 of property value. For a $300,000 home, for example, the property tax is about $9 less this year. Property tax bills are due Aug. 15. The town decreased its spending plan for the new fiscal year in anticipation of pandemic-related revenue loss and no growth of the Grand List — the total value of the town’s taxable property. But revenues didn’t decrease; Finance Director Shirley Goodell-Lackey noted that there were fewer delinquencies in tax, water and stormwater bills through the pandemic, bucking expectations. Meanwhile, the Grand List increased by about $13 million to $2.08 billion as the residential and industrial real estate markets boomed, even as the market for retail and office space softened. Williston Assessor Bill Hinman has been stunned by the spike in local home prices over the past year. Prices have increased 30 percent since last April, double the national average of 15 percent, he said. “Its just amazing to see,” Hinman said. “I’ve been a home appraiser for 35 years and I’ve never seen anything remotely close to it.” The last bull market in residential real estate, circa 2007, saw home prices increase by about 12 percent year over year, Hinman said. That was followed by the “great recession” of 2008. Hinman anticipates a similar market fall on the horizon. “Where this ends is a very good question, and if it ends badly, it could be scary on many, many fronts,” he said, noting current trends in inflation and increased

mortgage rates. “If history is any indication, I would hold onto your wallets because we could be seeing things that haven’t been seen since the ‘70s. We could be in for some significant challenges … It’s going to be state and national, not just Williston.” In the short term, increased home prices will cause a significant drop in the “common level of appraisal” calculation that the state uses to assess school taxes. That occurs when the assessed values of homes are significantly lower than the market values, which triggers a state-mandated property-by-property reappraisal. Hinman predicts reappraisals will be needed simultaneously in many Vermont towns and cities. The home appraiser workforce won’t be able to keep pace, he said. The town’s $13 million Grand List growth amounts to about a half-percent increase over the previous year. But there are several large commercial properties that are appealing their assessment, which is causing town officials to plan for the possibility that the Grand List will be reduced by about $7 million, resulting in about $19,000 less in revenue this fiscal year. With a reserve fund of nearly $3 million, there is little concern about the town covering the potential loss. One of the appeals is from Brookfield Properties, owners of Maple Tree Place. Brookfield believes the town’s $83 million assessment of the retail and dining plaza is too high. With a 50 percent office space vacancy rate, several retail spaces empty and a movie theater that may not reopen, according to Hinman, the pandemic has hit the property hard. Hinman said Brookfield lost $880,000 in rent in the past year because of the movie theater’s closure. Brookfield has suggested a $52 million appraisal for the entire property. “This is an evolving situation because of the vacant space,” Hinman said. “We really have to wait and see how this pandemic has impacted people’s habits for retail shopping.” Hinman has suggested to the company that it convert vacant office space into apartments. “That would be logical if their vacancy remains as high as it has been in the last 9-12 months,” he said.

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Bird banger talks continue Noise variance sought for seagull dispersal at Casella BY JASON STARR Observer staff Williston Town Manager Erik Wells is planning a decibel test as part of the selectboard’s decision whether to allow the Burlington International Airport to set off fireworks at the Casella Waste Management facility off Industrial Avenue to disperse nuisance seagulls attracted by food scraps. Parents of children attending the nearby E.J.’s Kids Klub preschool voiced concerns about the proposal at the board’s July 13 meeting. Jacob Borgeson, a U.S. Department of Agriculture biologist working with Casella and the airport to mitigate the seagull problem, first proposed the pyrotechnic techniques in May. The “screamers” and “bangers” emit up to 120 decibels. The town’s noise ordinance caps sound at 90 decibels in the industrial zoning district. Seagulls’ attraction to the Casella facility creates a hazard at the airport as the birds cross the airfield on their way from Lake Champlain

to search for food at the Casella facility. The activity is most pronounced each spring. That’s when the fireworks would be most needed, Borgeson said. He estimates they would be discharged up to 20 times per day in April and May.

experienced within 100 feet of the discharge. Wells’ upcoming testing is an attempt to verify those assumptions. The Williston Conservation Commission recommends the selectboard grant the noise ordinance waiver on a trial basis. However,

‘Maybe this is just the wrong spot for Casella. (They) should have realized that having food scraps right next to an airport would create a hazard for air traffic.’ — Terry Marron Williston Conservation Commission

“In spring, everyone is first getting outside and the kids can really be spending a lot of time outdoors,” said E.J.’s Kids Klub parent Christina Gustie. “Then, if these things are going off up to 20 times a day, I have concerns about the safety of the kids.” There is another preschool within a half-mile of Casella, as well as a dog daycare and boarding business. Wells’ initial modeling suggests the noise effect at that distance would be 60 decibels, and that 90-plus decibels would only be

commission member Terry Marron urged Casella to try bird netting, which is in use at Green Mountain Compost on Redmond Road in Williston, before resorting to fireworks. She also questioned the wisdom of locating a trash transfer station so close to an international airport. “Maybe this is just the wrong spot for Casella. (They) should have realized that having food scraps right next to an airport would create a hazard for air traffic,” she said.

Page 2 • Williston Observer • July 22, 2021

Retired Williston professor named to St. Mike’s Hall of Fame

Dave Landers of Williston was named to the St. Michael’s College Athletic Hall of Fame Monday for his time as a faculty athletics representative. Along with five other inductees, Landers will be honored at the college’s Hall of Fame banquet on Sept. 17, part of the college’s Alumni and Family Weekend. Joining Landers in the induction class of 2021 are: soccer allstar Humberto Cozenza, cross country skier and coach Steve Dowd, field hockey star and women’s lacrosse team founder Mary Stanton, all-conference basketball player Brian Young and women’s tennis coach Greg Cluff. Landers was the faculty athletics representative from 20052018. In the role, he was a liai-

Dave Landers of Williston, a professor at Saint Michael’s College for more than three decades, was named to the St. Michael’s College Athletic Hall of Fame for his time as a faculty athletics representative, liaising between athletes and faculty to improve academic outcomes. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

son between athletes and faculty members, helping improve the

come academic hurdles. He also established the Academic Mentor Program to focus additional resources on teams that were underachieving academically. Landers, who was also a professor at the college for more than three decades, was influential on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, challenging athletes to respond to the suicides of LGBT youths who had been bullied. He also helped students establish a mental health organization, Hope Happens Here, which fights stigma around mental illness on college campuses, and es-

pecially among student-athletes. Chapters have been established at several colleges and high schools. Landers first came to Saint Michael’s in March 1982 as a psychology professor, while also serving as director of the Student Resource Center for 23 years. In 2005, he transitioned to faculty athletics representative, while continuing to teach. Landers retired in 2018. He is also a published author, having released “I Wish He’d Taught Me How to Shave,” a collection of student essays and his own reflections.

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July 22, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 3

Retired Williston doctor on the bike ride of a lifetime BY DOUG PHINNEY Community News Service In April of this year, Scott Luria, a retired physician from Williston, began an epic journey. He set out on his bike with two goals in mind: to ride across the country and to visit the high point of each state along the way. His aim is to finish within a year, although he acknowledges that the barriers, like weather and the physical toll of a ride of this magnitude, that stand between him and his goal may prove insurmountable. As much as Luria would love to complete this journey, he says that simply having the opportunity to take a trip like this and enjoy the experiences along the way are reward enough for him. “The likely outcome is that I’m not going to succeed in going back and forth across the country and doing every high point, or going to the beginning of the ones I’ve already done. And that’s OK. I’ve already come to accept that that’s okay. I don’t like it, but I think it’s going to be a great trip, even if, and when, I don’t succeed,” said Luria. On this night, Scott Luria is calling from Iowa. At the time of the interview, he was already 3,468 miles into his journey. On a more straightforward cross-country ride, this mileage would be more than enough to have already completed the journey. But Luria’s added twist of attempting to visit each state’s high point means that he still has a lot of road left to cover. This added goal is something Luria has been wanting to do since college. If he’s able to complete it, he would join a club of people known as “Highpointers.” But as far as he knows, Luria will have been the first person to reach each of these high points under his own power — either on his bike, or by hiking to the points not accessible by bike. “I have been involved with this somewhat silly activity since I was 19 years old, only one year into college. Me and my best friend have been in kind of a mock race to do them all,” says Luria. So far, Luria has reached 29 high points. Many of these high points are seemingly underwhelming, like Illinois’ Charles Mound, which stands at 1,235 feet. But as Luria explains, these numbers can

be deceiving, and even the lowest high point can still present a challenge. “And even though many of the (highest points) are ridiculous, the trip to get there winds up going up many thousands of vertical feet, up and down and up and down and up and down, so that each one of them was a challenge,” Luria said. When one imagines a ride of the scale of the one Luria is attempting, amazing vistas, beautiful small towns and isolated roads may come to mind. But Luria said, while the views are amazing, it’s the people he’s meeting along the way are by far the most memorable part of the trip. Luria’s route is peppered with friends, family, former co-workers and patients, along with many now-former strangers he has befriended along the way. In one of his blog posts, Luria describes a breakfast at Berean Bean in Canajoharie, N.Y. After spending some time chatting and getting to know the owners of the restaurant, Luria was ready to leave and pay. The owners explained to him that the restaurant was run on a donation only basis, and — Scott Luria insisted on treating him. “Just another demonstration that while bike touring, it’s the people who are the highpoints,” writes Luria. Along with the cross-country trip and the highpoints, Luria is making it a personal goal to try to stop at as many “Easter egg” locations as possible. Locations include the sight of the assassination of President McKinley in Buffalo, N.Y., Bob Dylan’s childhood home in Duluth, Minn. and the baseball field and farmhouse from the 1989 film “Field of Dreams” in Dyersville, Iowa. Luria says stops like these really stand out and arriving by bicycle makes them much more intimate. “Well, only going 10 mph, it’s easy to be intimate,” said Luria. During his stop at Bob Dylan’s childhood home, the current owner saw Luria taking a photo out front and invited him inside for a personal tour. “There’s been little ‘Easter eggs’ like that scattered everywhere. And that, plus the people, are the real thrill of this trip,” says Luria. Much like the topography Luria is navigating, life on the road has its ups and downs. There

‘The likely outcome is that I’m not going to succeed. And that’s OK… I think it’s going to be a great trip, even if I don’t succeed.’

Scott Luria, a retired physician from Williston, is attempting to ride across the country and visit the high point of each state along the way. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

are entire days defined by high heat and brutal headwinds, where Luria says he’s lucky to go 10 miles without needing to stop. Cell service is spotty, which makes running a blog difficult, and cheap hotels or campsites can be few and far between. But sometimes luck strikes, like it did when Luria was riding into Chicago.

“I rolled into the lobby thinking I’ll get some probably little one bedroom — a tiny place on the first floor or something. But I always ask if (they) have any upgrades, and he gave me the penthouse suite on the 46th floor. Five rooms,” says Luria. The unexpected moments, the hidden gems of small-town America and the people Luria has be-

friended along his trip have made for an unforgettable experience, regardless of the ultimate outcome. “I fantasize about making a book from this information,” says Luria. For now, Luria keeps a detailed blog of his trip, including daily updates and photos, which can be found at www.scottluria.org.

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Amtrak returns after a 16-month pandemic absence BY KEVIN O’CONNOR VTDigger

Sold-out railcars and scores of trackside celebrants were seen at train stations Monday when Amtrak passenger service resumed in the Green Mountain State after a 16-month pandemic absence. “This is a good day for all of Vermont,” Ray Lang, Amtrak’s vice president of state-supported services, told a crowd at one of nearly a dozen stops. “We’re honored to be able to continue to provide transportation options for you.” Amtrak’s return started at 7:30 a.m., with its Ethan Allen Express departing Rutland for Castleton (riders were required to wear masks) before continuing on to New York City for the first time since March 2020. “This is yet another example that Vermont is open,” Lyle Jepson, executive director, Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, told the local crowd. Shortly after, Amtrak’s Vermonter train left St. Albans at 8:30 a.m. for celebratory stops in Essex Junction, Waterbury, Montpelier, Randolph, White River Junction, Windsor, Bellows Falls and Brattleboro, before heading south to Washington, D.C. “We are hopefully on the other side of the pandemic,” state Rep. Mollie Burke, P/D Brattleboro, a member of the House Transportation Committee, said in her town. “Now

we’re all back celebrating.” The festivities drew locals lured by $1 in-state first-day fares that sold out the Vermonter’s 300 seats. Those left at the station consoled themselves with such free specialty foods as Cold Hollow Cider Mill doughnuts in Waterbury, Palmer Lane maple creemees in Montpelier and

service benefits the entire state. “If we think about Vermont’s future — a future where Vermonters can access education and work, and pleasure and leisure — it’s by trains,” Gray said. Speaking for Amtrak, Lang said his company had record ridership in 2019 (the Vermonter alone car-

Rep. Peter Welch boards the Amtrak train in St. Albans on Monday. PHOTO BY RILEY ROBINSON/VTDIGGER

Vermont Gelato Co. frozen desserts in Brattleboro. In St. Albans, a crowd of nearly 100 people heard from leaders, including U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., who thanked residents for helping the train to return. “Each person here cared about the person next to him and her, wore that mask and kept that social distance, so that we could get to this day,” Welch said. Lt. Gov. Molly Gray said the rail

ried more than 98,000 passengers) and was on track to do so again in 2020 before “the bottom fell out.” He voiced gratitude that federal and state legislators “stepped up” to support funding during the pandemic. In Rutland, passengers — some carrying large suitcases — packed a station decorated with yellow ribbons as speakers hailed the return of the Ethan Allen Express. Rutland City Mayor David Allaire said Amtrak would provide

service to Burlington as soon as next spring and, he hopes, to Montreal in the future. “All estimates show increased ridership with the expansion of this service, which will be not only great for the city of Rutland, but for the state of Vermont,” Allaire said. State Rep. Charles “Butch” Shaw, R-Florence, vice chair of the House Transportation Committee, said the Legislature briefly considered cutting Amtrak funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2021. But that idea was “quickly dismissed” when legislators considered the cost and value. The transportation bill for fiscal year 2022 includes $8.3 million for Amtrak operation and “an additional several million dollars” to upgrade tracks and stations, Shaw said. In Brattleboro, a crowd of about 100 waited nearly an hour as the train was delayed because of all the ceremonies to the north. Most didn’t mind, knowing that beavers constructing a dam around a culvert at the nearby Dummerston-Putney town line had almost canceled everything. Windham County has received

“particularly heavy” rain in the past week, the National Weather Service reports, with upward of 3 inches of rain falling during one storm a week ago. By last Tuesday, the New England Central Railroad spotted how a blocked culvert on the Mill Brook tributary of the Connecticut River caused almost 100 feet of foundation to wash away under railroad tracks left hanging in midair. Construction crews from Bazin Brothers of Westminster worked nonstop day and night since then to replace the culvert, embankment and stone roadbed so the Vermonter train could head north Sunday night for its first Monday stop in St. Albans. That work was challenged when heavy rain Saturday caused an estimated $200,000 in damage in neighboring Brattleboro. But the Vermonter and several daily freight trains rolled through Monday, even if passengers could see construction crews still on the scene. “The guys worked 24/7 to get it done safely,” New England Central Railroad spokesman Charles Hunter said. — Emma Cotton and Shaun Robinson contributed to this report.

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Report: housing still out of reach for low-wage workers two-bedroom housing wage. The average Vermont renter can afford just $719 per month without stretching their budget beyond 30 percent of their income towards housing costs. The average statewide two-bedroom rental home has a market rate rent of $1,231, $979 for a one-bedroom. Vermont’s one-bedroom housing wage is $18.82 per hour. “Each year, the National Low Income Housing Coalition provides invaluable data that reinforces what we already know: Here in Vermont, housing is scarce, and too expensive for too many,” Sen. Patrick Leahy said. “Throughout the pandemic, I heard from Vermonters that when housing is out of reach, so are health, employment and education. As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am committed to advocating for resources to build much-needed housing, provide housing services and support cre-

ative solutions to our nation’s affordable housing crisis.” Sen. Bernie Sanders added: “It is absolutely unacceptable to me that someone should have to work two

‘The gap between average wages and the cost of housing is simply too high.’ Cindy Reid, chair of the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition Steering Committee

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jobs or pay over half their income to afford a decent place to live. We need more housing that everyday working Vermonters can afford. There is no question in my mind that housing

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Vermont’s “housing wage” is $23.68 an hour, or $49,258 annually, according to a report released Monday by the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition. The housing wage is defined as the earnings a worker needs to afford a two-bedroom apartment at market rate, while spending no more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs. The report is updated annually and covers all states and counties in the country, highlighting the gap between what renters actually earn and what it costs to rent. Vermont has the 16th most expensive housing wage in the nation, and the eighth most expensive housing wage for rural areas. The average Vermont renter earns $13.83 per hour, $9.85 less than the housing wage. Vermont has the sixth largest affordability gap for renters — the shortfall between the average renter wage and the

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our way out of this pandemic, I will continue to advocate in Congress for increased investment in affordable housing programs to eliminate this gap for Vermont’s working families.” Of the 10 most common jobs in Vermont according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only registered nurses and bookkeepers/accountants/auditing clerks have average wages higher than the one-bedroom housing wage. The report is available at www. nlihc.org. “The report again illustrates that housing costs are far too high for many Vermont households,” said Cindy Reid, chair of the Vermont Affordable Housing Coalition Steering Committee. “The gap between average wages and the cost of housing is simply too high. Federal funds for rental assistance and the construction of new housing will help, and we must continue to invest in housing to increase housing availability, and ensure that assistance equitably reaches low-income Vermonters in order to close the affordability gap.”

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is a basic human right. That is why, as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, I am fighting to invest major new resources into building and renovating more permanently affordable homes so all our people can have safe, stable housing for their families.” The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 an hour without an increase since 2009, not keeping pace with the cost of rental housing. In no state, even those where the minimum wage has been set above the federal standard, can a minimum-wage renter working a 40hour work week afford a two-bedroom rental unit. At Vermont’s current minimum wage of $11.75, a wage-earner must work 81 hours a week to afford a two-bedroom apartment. “One of the most pressing challenges for Vermonters is the lack of affordable housing,” said Rep. Peter Welch. “This critical need is too often out of reach for working Vermonters. I appreciate Vermont’s housing advocates for their leadership and work in shining a light on this affordability gap. As we make

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UVM Med Center seeks to build outpatient surgical center

Page 6 • Williston Observer • July 22, 2021

BY RILEY ROBINSON VTDigger

The University of Vermont Medical Center hopes to replace operating rooms at the Fanny Allen campus with a new outpatient surgical center in South Burlington. UVM Medical Center filed a letter of intent with the Green Mountain Care Board last week. The board has the power of approval over all hospital construction projects estimated to cost $30 million or more. The board will determine whether the hospital can afford the construction. UVM Medical Center must also demonstrate that the project fulfills an actual health care need. History suggests the Green Mountain Care Board is likely to approve the project. It has denied only one such investment request since

the board was founded 10 years ago. UVM Medical Center officials say the size and scope of the new surgical center is yet to be determined, but estimate the planning process itself will cost nearly $5 million. The letter basically asks permission from the state agency to go ahead with more detailed project plans. The new outpatient center would be on Tilley Drive in South Burlington, where UVM Medical Center already has several specialty clinics. UVM Medical Center’s lease on a seven-room operating facility at the Fanny Allen campus in Colchester runs until September 2026. However, those operating rooms have not been used since November 2020 because of air quality problems that made medical staff nauseous and dizzy. Neal Goswami, spokesperson for the med-

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ical center, said consultants were brought in to investigate what was making the staff sick, but they still haven’t found a conclusive explanation. The medical center’s letter states it had planned to “at least partially reopen these facilities in the near term,” but the age and design of the Fanny Allen facility make it unsuitable to do so. Surgeries such as joint replacements and spinal fusion, which can now be done as outpatient procedures, require large imaging equipment in the operating room, as well as machinery to increase airflow and prevent infection. The hospital’s letter says these pieces don’t fit in Fanny Allen’s operating rooms, and the design cannot be fixed with renovations. Standalone surgical centers usually enable hospitals to do a higher volume of procedures at lower cost, said Elizabeth Munnich, an associate professor of economics at the University of Louisville. Most surgeries done at these centers are elective and planned, so they’re easier to schedule because there won’t be any interruptions from the hospital’s emergency room. Munnich said that, compared to surgeries done at the main hospital, “it’s almost always going to be cheaper from the patient’s perspective, in terms of that facility fee, to have the surgery done at a surgery center.” She said surgical centers are generally quite profitable for hospitals, too. Goswami said the new construction would be paid for with capital funds, but did not elaborate on where that funding would come from. Stephen Leffler, president and chief operating officer of the UVM Medical Center, was unavailable for comment before publication of this story. UVM Medical Center also plans to expand the emergency department, increase inpatient psychiatric beds, consolidate neonatal intensive care unit facilities and relocate certain specialty clinics.

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Vaccinated Vermonters can visit Canada starting Aug. 9 BY MIKE DOUGHERTY VTDigger U.S. citizens who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can visit Canada starting Aug. 9, the Canadian government announced Monday. The northern border will be open to any Americans who present proof of full vaccination: either two doses of the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. There will be no quarantine restrictions upon arrival, but travelers are expected to follow any local public health guidelines at their destination. According to CBC News, unvaccinated children may also get a pass. A government official told the network that children under 12, who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, will be allowed to enter the country without quarantining, so long as they remain with their parents and follow public health guidelines. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last Thursday that entry into Canada for vaccinated travelers would likely resume in mid-August. Gov. Phil Scott, who has advocated in recent months for increased travel between the countries, cheered the move. In a statement Monday afternoon, Scott said he was encouraged by the upcoming change. “Vermonters value the close trading relationship and friendship we share with Canadians, and I know many are eagerly awaiting visiting again after more than 16 months.” The U.S. has not announced a similar policy, although the Department of Homeland Security has signaled that travel restrictions may ease soon. Nonessential travel from Canada to the United States has been restricted since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said Monday that he was “delighted” that Canada was reopening to American tourists, and that the U.S. should follow suit. “Our congressional delegation called for a resumption of greater cross-border travel in the beginning of June and we will continue to call for a safe reopening of the northern border until that is accomplished,” Leahy said. According to the Canadian government, 78 percent of eligible Canadians had received at least one dose of the vaccine as of July 10. As of Friday, 83 percent of eligible Vermonters had received at least one dose.

July 22, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 7

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Page 8 • Williston Observer • July 22, 2021

GUEST COLUMN

www.willistonobserver.com A publication of Twin Ponds Publishing, LLC

Phone: (802) 489-5499 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1401 Williston, Vt. 05495

PUBLISHER: Susan T. Cote susan@willistonobserver.com EDITOR: Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com ADVERTISING: Marianne Apfelbaum 802-872-9000 marianne@willistonobserver.com PRODUCTION: Jan Kenney jan@willistonobserver.com MEMBER:

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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

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

Democracy at a crossroads BY JIM CONDOS Vermont Secretary of State “The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.” — John Lewis Since its inception, American democracy has undergone continual transformation. Over the last 245 years, many activists and advocates have fought tirelessly to expand the franchise that our democratic ideals depend on: the right to vote. From suffragettes to civil rights leaders, their work has ensured that the march of progress has been oriented forward, focused on increasing access to the ballot box. Independence Day was an opportunity to reflect on the resiliency of our country, and of our democracy. There has been no shortage of challenges over the last year and a half. Despite these challenges, we achieved record-breaking turnout for a general election, which non-partisan experts have described as the most secure and the most scrutinized election in U.S. history. We were able to do so with common-sense voting reforms, providing voters with more options for receiving and casting their ballots. After the ballot counting was completed, and the careful townby-town certification process took place, we had official results and a list of election winners and losers, just like every other general election in memory. Unlike other election years,

what has followed has brought our democracy to a crossroads. Without producing any evidence, the former president and his allies have used knowingly false voter fraud claims as justification for their attempts to use state legislatures and phony “audits” to supersede the will of the

…willfully disregarding the certified, official election results in an effort to circumvent the will of the people and prevent the peaceful transition of power sets our country on a dangerous path. people and, more significantly, to restrict access to the ballot box. Our democratic principles should have to endure constant debate. However, willfully disregarding the certified, official election results in an effort to cir-

cumvent the will of the people and prevent the peaceful transition of power sets our country on a dangerous path. Sending us even further into treacherous territory, some state legislatures are using “the big lie” to roll back the voter access expansions made during 2020, and to further suppress voting rights, such as the implementation of more restrictive voter ID laws, limits on the ballot-by-mail request period, elimination or reduction in ballot drop boxes and closure of polling precincts. After record-breaking turnout in 2020, and with zero evidence of widespread fraud or election rigging, why would they want to make it harder for eligible Americans to vote? The answer is simple: because they were unhappy with the results and want fewer people to vote. Overall, there have been over 350 bills introduced in 47 states with the sole purpose of reducing access to the ballot. In June alone, 17 state legislatures enacted 28 new voter restriction laws. A small few include reasonable, understandable reforms. Most make no sense at all. It is clear that some lawmakers would prefer to pick their voters, rather than voters picking their representatives. Frankly, I am concerned for our nation. We stand at a crossroads, and the decisions we make now will ripple throughout time. There is hope. In Vermont, see CONDOS page 9

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July 22, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 9

McCullough must do more I am having a hard time understanding Jim McCullough’s letter about following Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s letter from the Birmingham jail (“Let King be your teacher on black lives” July 15). What actions does Jim think that moderate white people should take to improve the racial situation in Williston? What does Jim know about white moderate clergy and their flocks. When was the last time he was in a church in Williston and found them hiding behind separation of church and state? I have never seen Jim at Thursday afternoon or Thursday evening Williston Federated Church discussions of how to battle racism. As someone who has been in the battle against individual and systemic racism for over 60 years, I resent having Jim lecturing me and labeling me about his own short-

comings on overcoming racism. Come on Jim, join the fight to remove racism from our town and our state. Do more than listening to a 58-year-old speech. Read current anti-racist books like Ibram X. Kendi’s “How to be an Anti-Racist.” Write a positive letter to the Observer that tells your moderate white neighbors what they, as individuals and group members, can do to become anti-racists. Stop judging. Tell us what you are doing besides name-calling and judging others to stop individual and systemic racism. What have you done in your 18 years in the state Legislature to show your commitment to fighting racism?

CONDOS continued from page

we saw the record turnout as a positive, so we made the mailing of ballots to all voters a permanent fixture of Vermont general elections. We also created a new pathway for voters to correct a defective ballot so that their vote will count. We did this by working across the aisles with the support of Democrats, Republicans, Progressives and independents. In the face of the alarming rise in state-level attacks on voting rights, we cannot afford to wait for solutions one by one in all 50 states. With the gutting of the Voting Rights Act by the Su-

Charlie Magill Associate pastor Williston Federated Church

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regardless of which side of an invisible line you live on. Two federal bills pending, the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, give Congress this opportunity to act. The time has come for the partisan, political games to stop. Those who are prioritizing the promotion of politically motivated falsehoods about the security of our elections over the voting rights of the people who put them in office are committing a severe dereliction of duty. In 2021, our democracy has come to a crossroads. Fortunately, we have a roadmap. We just need to follow it.

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Honored to live in Williston I’d like to respond to Lauren Bostwick’s letter from June 10, “Williston heading in the wrong direction.” I was born on the same property that I have lived on in the valley on Route 2A for 76 years. I have seen this town go in many directions. What was once a town with farms and many chicken coops, where people would buy fresh eggs daily, has been lost forever. I deeply miss those days. Times change and we need to move with the changes. I’m not saying I agree with all these changes. Yet changes do help our community and keep our families from moving out of state, helping people get jobs and stay out of

preme Court, we no longer have the luxury of a “wait and see” approach. Congress can, and must, create minimum voter access and fairness standards that states must abide by, so that eligible voters are not being denied their voting rights. The true voter fraud in this country is denying any eligible American their right to register and vote. Congress alone can put an end to restrictive and unnecessary obstacles to voting, prohibit racebased and partisan gerrymandering, make automatic, online and same-day voter registration the law of the land, and make voting by mail accessible for every voter,

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Page 10 • Williston Observer • July 22, 2021

SENIORS

The hidden dangers of sleep apnea Savvy Senior BY JIM MILLER

Dear Savvy Senior, How can you know when someone has sleep apnea? My husband has become such a terrible snorer that he wakes himself up at night, and he keeps me up, too. Tired Teri Dear Teri, If your husband is a loud snorer who wakes himself up during sleep, he needs to be tested for sleep apnea, a dangerous disorder that affects more than 22 million Americans, but often goes undiagnosed. Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep, hundreds of times during the night, for 10 seconds or more at a time. Left untreated, it can

cause extreme daytime sleepiness, as well as other health conditions like high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and dementia. It’s estimated that every year, around 38,000 Americans die in their sleep from a heart attack or stroke because of sleep apnea. However, sleep apnea is very treatable and most insurance companies, including Medicare, cover it.

Who Has It? There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central and mixed. Of the three, obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA) is the most common and occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway. Sleep apnea is most common in people who are overweight, male, middle-aged and older. For women, the risk increases after menopause. The symptoms include loud snoring, long pauses of breathing, gasping or choking during sleep and daytime drowsiness. Because most of these happen during sleep, most people don’t recognize them. It’s usually the person they’re sleeping with who notices it.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea The American Sleep Apnea As-

sociation has several diagnostic tests at www.SleepApnea.org/treat — click on “Test Yourself.” If the screening indicates sleep apnea, make an appointment with a doctor or a sleep specialist. They will probably recommend an overnight diagnostic sleep test called polysomnography, which can take place at a sleep center lab (see www.SleepEducation.com), or at home using a portable device.

Treatment Options Your husband is at greater risk for sleep apnea if he’s overweight, smokes and/or consumes excessive amounts of alcohol. Excess weight, especially around the neck, puts pressure on the airway, which can cause it to collapse. Smoking can increase the amount of inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway. And alcohol and sleeping pills can relax the muscles in the back of his throat, interfering with breathing. Addressing these issues is usually the first line of treatment. Mild cases of sleep apnea may respond to oral devices that fit into the mouth like a removable mouth guard or retainer. These devices work by positioning the lower jaw

slightly forward to keep the airway open during sleep. Another noninvasive treatment option to consider is the new FDA approved eXciteOSA device (www. eXciteOSA.com). This treats sleep apnea and snoring by improving tongue muscle function by delivering electrical stimulation to the tongue through a mouthpiece worn for 20 minutes during the day. If none of these options work, the most effective and commonly

prescribed treatment for OBA is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. This involves sleeping with a snorkel-like mask that’s hooked up to a machine that gently blows air up the nose to keep the passages open. 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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July 22, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 11

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 15 4

18 21

40 45

58 62

Across

1. Views

57. Engraved honor 59. Haw’s partner 60. N.F.L. player 62. Take over 65. Bit of physics 69. Paleontologist’s estimate 70. Less shallow 71. Landing equipment 72. Divinity 73. Early in the morning hour 74. Dumbo’s likeable trait

5. "To ___, with love" movie 8. Semi compartment DOWN 11. Jump

12. Dynamic quality 16. This can be white 17. Kismet

22. Gets licked

Ingredients:

2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted

27. Go by space shuttle 29. Consumed 30. Cave 33. Out of town 34. Non-professional 35. Overdo, a role for example 38. Affectionate 39. Exchange 40. Sun emission 41. Scheduled for delivery 42. Measure 43. The earliest films were from the Silent ___ 44. Adjusted the jib 45. Stitch up 46. Road goo 47. “I ___ you one” 48. Engage in matrimony 50. Work out 51. Sow, ewe or mare pronoun 54. Stick 56. Something to project 58. Completed 59. Lead 60. Low-quality paper 61. Green light from the boss, 2 words 63. On target 64. Dawn’s moisture 66. Starbucks serves it 67. Tool in a trireme 68. Feminine title

32. Partitions

35. Undue speed

36. "That's ___ ..." 37. Method

38. Lock in place

39. Carhop's load

Directions:

Grilled Peach & Warmed Blueberry Shortcake

Heat your grill to high and clean it well with a grill brush. Rub the ghee all over the peaches and place them cut side down onto the hottest part of the grill. Let them sit for 3-5 minutes or until distinct lines appear on the cut side. Remove and set aside.

In a small pot, combine the blueberries and 2 Tbsp. sugar. Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise 1 Tbsp. ghee (softened at room and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds temperature) or flavorless oil and the pod to the blueberry mixture. Place the pot right onto the grill, or you can use 1 pint blueberries your stove burner inside. Simmer until the 2 Tbsp. sugar blueberries have burst and the mixture is very fragrant. Mix well to incorporate the vanilla 1 vanilla bean bean seeds. Remove the pod and discard. Zest of one lemon Zest the lemon into the blueberry mixture and add as much lemon juice as desired Lemon juice as needed —a little goes a long way! 1 Healthy Living Bakeshop In a large stainless steel bowl combine the vanilla pound cake or cream, 1 tsp sugar and vanilla extract. Beat package of fresh biscuits to firm peaks. 1 cup heavy cream Assemble your shortcakes - lay one thick slice 1 tsp sugar of poundcake or sliced biscuit on each of the four plates. Spoon the warm blueberry sauce 1/4 tsp vanilla extract over the cake so it soaks in. Place one grilled peach half on each plate. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and serve immediately.

41. Roofed sports stadium 42. Be disloyal

45. Star

46. Pull along

ONT • VERM

LOCA L

LEGEND

• VERMONT •

1. Will Ferrell character 2. Roll-call vote 3. Break bread 4. Asparagus stalk 5. Hunt for 6. Country stop-over 7. Strawberry color 8. Most immediate 9. Vacuum’s lack 10. Busy one 13. Guidelines 14. Add inches 15. Agreement 21. Matched, as a bet 23. Make blank 24. Place to see the elephants and the lions 25. It may be bitter 26. Flower garden

19. Iron or gold source 20. Pump or grill

18. Stick out

72 ACROSS 1. Views 5. “To ___, with love” movie 8. Semi compartment 11. Jump 12. Dynamic quality 16. This can be white 17. Kismet 18. Stick out 19. Iron or gold source 20. Pump or grill 22. Gets licked 24. Stripy safari view 27. A limited number 28. Study 31. Long-distance dialing requirement 32. Partitions 35. Undue speed 36. “That’s ___ ...” 37. Method 38. Lock in place 39. Carhop’s load 41. Roofed sports stadium 42. Be disloyal 45. Star 46. Pull along 49. Panoply 50. Origins 52. Electrify 53. Bust, so to speak 54. Profit bringer, cash ___ 55. Taken on board

We just love pairing fresh peaches with blueberries. Even better? Their ‘peak’ seasons both overlap each summer. This recipe is made extra special by grilling the peaches first; they become slightly caramelized and will delight your tastebuds!

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Page 12 • Williston Observer • July 22, 2021

The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library is open for in-person service during the following hours: • M o n d a y / We d n e s d a y : 10 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tuesday/Thursday/Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Masks are no longer required for vaccinated persons, except in the library’s youth area, where everyone ages 2 and up must wear a properly fitting mask. To place holds, apply for a card, get updates on programming and access all of the library’s digital offerings, visit www.damlvt.org. Public Wi-Fi is available 24/7 from the patio.

YOUTH PROGRAMS Preschool Story Time on the Green: Tuesdays, July 27 and Aug. 3, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Miss Jess for stories, songs and rhymes. Geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Register once for all story time sessions at www.damlvt.org. Preschool Music on the Green: Thursdays, July 29 and Aug. 5, 10:30-11 a.m. Dance and sing along with musician Linda Bassick. Register once for all pre-

school music sessions at www. damlvt.org. Embroidery Guild Stitch-In: Wednesday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Drop by the library to watch local embroiderers create “Tails & Tales” bookmarks for you to take home. Craft on the Green: Sponge Sailboats: Friday, Aug. 6, 4-6 p.m. Make a sailboat out of a sponge and sail it in an inflatable pool. All ages. Register at www.damlvt.org. August StoryWalks: On the Green: “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” by Kate Messner: Above ground, the world is full of green, but down below, there is a busy world of bugs and animals. Enjoy this popular Vermont picture book as you walk along the Town Green. In the Park - “The Busy Tree” by Jennifer Ward: From roots to branches, trees are amazing. Located at the Williston Community Park.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS Summer Reading Challenge: Through Aug. 14. All ages are invited to register for the Summer Reading Challenge at www. damlvt.beanstack.org and earn raffle tickets and other rewards for reading and doing fun activities.

Open to Williston and St. George residents. Dottie the Bookmobile: Through Aug. 26. Visit our bookmobile at any stop, including the Isham Family Farmers’ Market on Tuesday evenings and Allen Brook School on Wednesday mornings. See what’s new and borrow a book or two. Don’t have a library card? Get one on the bookmobile. Check www.damlvt.org for routes and schedule.

Online programs are held via Zoom. Please email programs@ damlvt.org or call 878-4918 to sign up for a program. Online Guided Meditation: Fridays, July 23 and 30, 12:30-1 p.m. Maryellen Crangle leads a short meditation over Zoom. July Brown Bag Book Discussion: Tuesday, July 27, 12:301:30 p.m. Join us online to discuss Brit Bennett’s “The Vanishing Half.” Available as an eBook on LUV/OverDrive and in print from the library. Current Events Discussion: Wednesday, July 28, 10-11:30 a.m. Connect with others online to talk about timely newsworthy topics at our popular discussion series. Cook the Book-Modern Comfort Food: Wednesday, Aug. 4, 12-1 p.m. Stop by the library to copy a recipe from Ina Garten’s latest book, then prepare your selected recipe to share at our potluck lunch on Aug. 4. Mah-Jongg: Friday, Aug. 6, 1-3 p.m. Come to the library and play with other members of the

available for purchase! Visit our website to see current and past photos of Williston events, school sports, nature shots and more! Digital and prints available. Very reasonably priced.

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August Brown Bag Book Discussion: Tuesday, Aug. 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Come for an in-person discussion of “City of Thieves,” David Benioff’s gripping World War II story. Available as an eAudiobook in Hoopla or in print from the library.

EMPLOYMENT Williston

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

Photos from the Williston Observer

community. All levels welcome. New Perspectives Book Discussion: Tuesday, Aug. 17, 12-1 p.m. Join us in person to discuss “The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer. Available as an eBook or eAudiobook in Hoopla or in print from the library.

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Champlain Community Services, is proud to be voted as one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” and we want you as part of our team. At CCS employees find a positive work culture, excellent training opportunities as well as a strong benefits package including paid time off, holidays, affordable health coverage, a $500 sign on bonus and so much more. Direct Support Professional Join our Direct Support Professional team to provide individualized supports to someone with an intellectual disability in the community, at their home or at their workplace. This is an excellent job for applicants entering human services or for those looking to continue their work in this field. Send your cover letter and application to Karen Ciechanowicz at staff@ccs-vt.org Shared Living Provider Open your home to an individual with an intellectual disability or autism and make a positive impact on their life and yours. We have a variety of opportunities and one might be a perfect fit for your home and lifestyle. Contact Jennifer Wolcott at jwolcott@ ccs-vt.org for more information Why not have a job you love? Join our dedicated team and together we’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs. ccs-vt.org EOE

July 22, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 13

EMPLOYMENT

OBITUARIES Troy O’Brien The family of Troy O’Brien would like to show our appreciation shared by family and friends at his celebration of life on June 26, 2021. Our son passed suddenly of cancer on December 12, 2020. Rest in peace Troy Lee O’Brien. — Parents Eugene and Inez O’Brien; siblings Holly Biracree and family, Ladd O’Brien and family, Sean O’Brien and family; and his children Jack O’Brien, Lyla O’Brien and Edda Gitnick.

Send us your milestones!

Let your neighbors know of births, deaths, anniversaries, marriages, commendations and other life events. Email editor@willistonobserver.com

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Page 14 • Williston Observer • July 22, 2021

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Tuesday, August 10, 2021 – 7:00 PM

DP 14-05.1 Bert & Amanda Kennedy request discretionary permit review to amend the building envelope established in DP 14-05 at 476 Lincoln Road in the Agricultural Rural Zoning District (ARZD).

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Project details and site plans are available online, go to bit.ly/DRBagendas. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA

GARAGE SALE GARAGE SALE - Saturday, July 24, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Toys, furniture, clothes. 166 Brookside Dr., Williston

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FOR SALE DRESSES — Two Baptism dresses and one First Communion dress, all in excellent condition. $20 each. Call 8715155.

EMPLOYMENT TRUE INDIVIDUALS ARE OUR FAVORITE KIND OF TEAM. Hotel Vermont and Juniper Bar & Restaurant are hiring! Full-time, part-time, and ﬂexible schedules are available.

The Williston Planning Department is currently seeking applicants for its

Planning Technician position. Join a versatile team of planners addressing urban design, land challenges and opportunities faced by a growing place in a supportive and stimulating environment. Applicants who are beginning a career in planning and looking for valuable on-the-ground experience are encouraged to apply. The town of Williston offers an excellent compensation package including health insurance, retirement, paid time off, and overtime pay or compensatory time for evening meetings. This is a 40 hour/week Monday-Friday position with a hiring range of $17.55 to $19.25/hour. The preferred deadline for applications is Friday, October 4th at 12:00PM.

0/week $936Please send a letter and resume in .PDF format to:

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July 22, 2021 • Williston Observer • Page 15

SERVICE DIRECTORY RABIES BAIT The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Forestry Mulching Services Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services for private and to stop the spread of commercial the potentially projects fatal disease. Driveways, Ponds, Land Clearing, Trails, Farms, Ski Areas, Rabies is a deadly Natural viralDisaster disease of the Recovery, Logging Cleanup, Invasive Vegetation, brain that infects mammals.Excavation It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, Visit our website for more information www.vtlandmaintenance@gmail.com but unvaccinatedBrian pets and livestock can also Washburn 802-434-4533 • 802-373-1755 (cell) get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its

RABIES saliva. If left BAIT untreated, rabies is almost alcontinued from page and 2 animals. However, ways fatal in humans treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly HOME MORTGAGE LOANS week-long drop is asoon coopera100The percent effectivebait when given after effort and the U.S. ative person is between bitten by Vermont a rabid animal. Department Agriculture Wildlife Services So far thisofyear, 23 animals in Vermont to stop the positive spread of potentially have tested forthe rabies, and 14fatal of disease. those have been raccoons. Our experience Rabies is awill deadly disease the According to wildlife officials, rabid getviral you home.of We specialize in service, customer education, and brain that infects mammals. is most animals often show a changeIt in their often norexperience in the industry. We are proud to serve you Jeff Teplitz and your family with a phenomenal home loan experience. seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, mal behavior, but you cannot tell and whether Loan Officer Contact me today for your home loan needs! NMLS #184421 but unvaccinated petssimply and livestock can also an animal has jeff.teplitz@academymortgage.com rabies by looking at P: (802) 448-7935 Corp NMLS #3113 | Equal Housing Lender getPeople rabies.should The virus is spread through the it. not touch or pick up wild MAC322-1474155 bite of an or contact with its animals orinfected strays –animal even baby animals.

LANDSCAPING

ANTIQUES

continued from page 2

TREE SERVICE

LAND MAINTENANCE

Adam’s Tree & Yard Tree & Stump Removal Yard & Brush Pile Clean Up Insured

Serving Chittenden County and beyond.

Adam Hall • 802-309-8971 PROPERTY PROPERTYMAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE

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— Snow Plowing —

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service service directo Edging and Mulching • Walkways, Patios and Walls

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Build / Remodel CONSTRUCTION

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Funeral / Cremation

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CORBIN & PALMER

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Pre-planning services available 209 Falls Road, Shelburne, VT www.hounddoghomeinspection.com timjwalker52@gmail.com (802) 985-3370

Family PT, owned and operated since 1921 MS, DPT Pre-planning services available South Burlington Shelburne 23 San Remo Drive 166 Athletic Drive 209 Falls tel Road, Shelburne, VT tel 865.0010 985.4440 www.DeePT.com (802) 985-3370 207 BOYER CIRCLE, UNIT 20

Tim Walker Family owned and operated since 1921 Licensed Inspector

(802) 876-7878 • (860) 248-9361

Tim Gould

JEFF YOUNG

To place a classified or service directory ad, email marianne@williston observer.com or call 872-9000.

428S PO2t tituw

WILLISTON, VT 05495

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CARPET CLEANING

United States Steamer

hav She tho disp lead ani dor ma from an cree it. P from ani

ANTIQUES WANTED

CROSSWORD SOLUTION (THIS WEEK’S PAPER)

BASEMENT SYSTEMS BASEMENT SYSTEMS

sali way trea 100 SH ap cont

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Page 16 • Williston Observer • July 22, 2021

Perfect pastime SD Ireland’s Tucker Stearns (above) easily avoids the pickoff attempt during his team’s game vs. the South Burlington Cats on July 14 in Hinesburg. Brought in as a relief pitcher for the starter, SD Ireland’s Zach Vincent (far right) winds up to power one over the plate. SD Ireland’s Angelos Carroll (right) shows perfect form as he snags a grounder and makes the play at second.

Pick Your Own

Blueberries!

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Still picking raspberries too!

CORN! IS READY

FARM STAND

OPEN FOR THE SEASON

Our Homegrown Veggies include cukes, pickling cukes, a variety of peas and much more!

Paul Mazza’s

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HOURS: 7AM - 8PM • 7 Da ys a Week

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Spin Studio

Personal Training Juice Bar

135 Poor Farm Rd. Colchester 879-0102

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182 Rive r Rd. Esse x 879-3760

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Brand New Assisted Living in Essex Junction! Services & Features Include:

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2 Freeman Woods, Essex Junction, VT 05452 • MapleRidgeEssex.com • 802-872-7775

Also ask about our Memory Care Community