Williston Observer

May 26, 2011

Rash of thefts reported

More than 15 unlocked vehicles were burglarized in Williston on May 16, according to police reports. Thefts and break-ins were reported on Country Lane, Southridge Road, Stoneybrook Drive, Elk Lane, Harte Circle and Deer Run, according to the report. Stolen items included a few dollars in change, binoculars, two GPS devices, a purse and a $1,500 Dell laptop computer, the report notes. Police have been patrolling the affected neighborhoods more frequently since the thefts, according to police. Anyone with information is asked to call Williston Police at 878-6611.

 

Retail theft

Lee C. Melanson, 49, of Burlington was cited on a charge of “attempted felony retail theft” from Wal-Mart on May 16 after allegedly trying to steal more than $900 worth of merchandise, according to police reports. He was cited to appear in court.

 

Suspicious person

Police received a report on May 16 that a man was in the Dick’s Sporting Goods parking lot waving an umbrella and yelling that he was “going to kill people,” according to police reports. Police investigated and determined the man was waiting for the bus and appeared to have some “mental issues,” according to the report. The man got on the bus, and no charges were filed.

 

Residents reported that two men were scouring local neighborhoods and trying to sell cleaning products, according to police reports. The men were reportedly in their late 30s or early 40s and were wearing “dirty jeans and dirty t-shirts,” the report notes. Police located the men, who had a “Peddlers Permit” for Burlington, but not for Williston.

 

Truck break-in

A Hinesburg resident reported to police on May 17 that his truck was broken into while parked overnight at Berlin City and numerous items were stolen, according to police reports. Anyone with information is asked to call Williston Police at 878-6611.

 

Multiple charges

Craig A. Grasso, 42, of Stowe was cited on a charge of driving with a suspended license-criminal, providing false information to a police officer, and violating a court order requiring that he not be charged with a new crime or with operating a vehicle without a license, according to police reports. He was lodged at Chittenden Community Correctional Center. No other information was released.

 

Driving under the influence

Luramay R. Haskins, 23, of Essex Junction was cited on a charge of driving under the influence on May 21, according to police reports. Haskins’ blood alcohol concentration was .133, the report notes. The legal limit for driving in Vermont is .08. Haskins was cited to appear in court on June 9.

Lewis J. Morley, 22, of Jericho was cited on a charge of driving under the influence on May 21, according to police reports. Morley’s blood alcohol concentration was .135, the report notes. He was cited to appear in court.

 

Careless and negligent driving

Christopher J. Scanlon, 20, of Richmond was cited on a charge of careless and negligent driving on May 21 after driving 80 mph up Monastery Hill in the village, according to police reports. He was cited to appear court.

 

Cart of merchandise stolen

A woman walked out of Christmas Tree Shops on May 21 with a “cart full of merchandise that was not paid for,” according to police reports. The investigation is ongoing.

 

Petit larceny

Terrace Drive residents reported to police on May 23 that they heard a “loud muffler” outside their home and when they turned on the lights, they saw someone “going through their car,” according to police reports. Police subsequently cited Christopher Boutin, 20, of Hinesburg, Brian K. Alexander, 21, of Winooski and Joshua L. Louko, 18, of Winooski on charges of petit larceny, according to the report. No other information was released.

 

Police provide sticker shock

Williston Police participated in the Sticker Shock program (see photo above) at Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy in Williston on May 6. Police joined several students and adults in placing warning stickers on alcoholic beverages and store coolers to educate the public – the stickers warned of the penalties for providing alcohol to minors. The warning read, “It is ILLEGAL…. to provide alcohol to a person under 21. Fines are up to $10,000 and/or up to 5 years in jail.”

 

Click It or Ticket

State, local and county law enforcement teamed up to show support for Vermont’s Click It Or Ticket program beginning on May 23. Officers will continue working as teams throughout Vermont doing both “saturation patrols and checkpoints” to make sure people are wearing seatbelts. Those found without seatbelts will be issued tickets. The program of increased patrols runs through June 5.

 

Police notes are written based on information provided by the Williston Police Department and the Vermont State Police. Please note that all parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

May 26, 2011

 

Vermont 2A sidewalks must be connected

I am writing in regards to your May 5th front-page article, “Hearing sets Stage for new sidewalk.” I’m curious how Old Stage Road became the next sidewalk to be completed. I was glad to hear that safety was a major consideration for the new sidewalk to be built on Old Stage Road.

I was surprised to see the following week no one wrote and mentioned safety on Vermont 2A. On 2A, some fine new sidewalks have been made but not connected. Between the light at Mountain View Road and the Vermont State Employees Credit Union at 1755 Essex Road, there is no sidewalk. This means individuals making essential trips to catch the CCTA (Chittenden County Transportation Authority) bus for work or to the grocery store for food have to walk IN traffic.

Vermont 2A traffic is much busier than Old Stage Road traffic. I would imagine the higher traffic volume and purpose of walking (work/weekly groceries) would make completing this stretch of sidewalk a high priority. Perhaps these sidewalks will be addressed during the planning for a church at Beaudry Lane? I wonder if Williston has any plans to complete this sidewalk.

Ken Gregory

Williston

 

 

Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide

Some may be familiar with the above, which was first used by Australia’s Cancer Council campaign in 1981. This has become a worldwide reminder to all about what can be done to protect ourselves from the sun. May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. With the welcomed arrival of warm weather and sunshine, it is a reminder on how we can enjoy the outdoors and still protect our skin. Seek shade, slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and slide on protective sunglasses. There are many sources for information about skin cancer and how to prevent sun damage, what to look for, what type of sunscreen to use, how often to apply, why one should avoid tanning booths, and why a child under six-months-old should stay out of the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society web sites have much information. Check your skin regularly and be aware of what to look for. The ABCDE guidelines for self-skin exam for melanoma are at the web sites, too. The letters stand for: A, asymmetry; B, border; C, color; D, diameter; and E, evolving.

You can enjoy the wonderful outdoors of Vermont and be sun smart, too!

Carol Burbank

Williston

It’s never too late for a CVU summer connection

May 26, 2011

By Duncan Wardwell

 

The Champlain Valley Union High School summer camp provides many ways for CVU students to create positive connections to their educational environment. For more than 12 years, the camp has connected incoming ninth-graders with academics, clubs, sports, and CVU culture. Current and former CVU students serve as counselors to challenge campers to develop high school attitudes. The CVU summer camp illustrates how high school students may experience success in a variety of ways.

The process always begins in the winter when parents and students attend the eighth grade parent night to learn about CVU and the camp. I talk to groups of parents in core classrooms and a few experienced counselors answer student questions at four corners.

We want to prompt students to create a good first impression. Everyone wants to make new friends and know the layout of the school.

Families are encouraged to register as early as possible so I can coordinate counselors for interest area activities; however there are no deadlines on when students can join the camp. I joke with parents that they can register up until the last day of camp. I remove obstacles that might interfere with a good connection, and coordinate transportation and scholarship support. I’d rather have a student make a small connection rather than no connection at all.

The camp implements a variety of ways to cascade learning between new and current CVU students. Incoming ninth graders sign up for interest area groups led by counselors and CVU staff. Counselors serve as mentors for campers to develop high school skills. Last year, Anthony Jordick completed his CVU graduation challenge project based on personal experiences as a camper and counselor. He created a handbook for students to utilize during the summer and school year.

Jordick said: “Lessons about making friends, managing your time, and using the resources available to you are all things that we can learn from, as an adult and a learner. Making connections with the school is equally as important.”

André LaChance, a CVU English teacher for 22 years, challenges summer academy campers to know their teachers.

“It’s nice because I work in an informal way with a small group,” he said. “We talk about life at high school as a student, and we learn strategies for success. I also challenge them to interpret literature and write with revision techniques.”

The activities at the camp provide the initial connection but it often expands into the fall, winter, and spring.

“I often see them later in my English classes or help advisors and teachers plan for success,” LaChance said.

All interest area choices provide ways for campers to orchestrate success at CVU. The students that sign up for CY CVU explore how to improve personal assets through clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Campers choose ways to connect to CVU with a technological, artistic, or athletic talent. LaChance also observes how counselors implement skills that transcend CVU.

“I mentor counselors as they facilitate a community environment,” he said. “The campers already feel ownership of their building and their decisions before walking off buses in September. We hand-select a talented group of counselors.”

The counselors learn how to implement CVU skills to the world in front of them.

Ellen Snyder explained, “As an experienced counselor, I really enjoy planning lessons, acquiring materials, and teaching art skills that allow a camper’s creativity to flourish.”

The counselors develop leadership skills and experience responsibilities that transcend high school. Each counselor contributes a unique talent, but is diverse enough to lead many fun interest areas activities.

There are many ways to discover success at CVU during the summer. Many future, current, and former CVU students will connect with content and community resources. To find out how to enhance your CVU connection, check out the CVU summer camp website at cvuhs.org or call me at 482-7194.

Spaces are available for incoming ninth graders in both sessions, all interest areas.

 

Duncan E. Wardwell is co-director of Access CVU and coordinating the high school camp for the 13th consecutive summer.

 

Memorial Day memories

May 26, 2011

By Kim Dannies

 

A soggy, sunless mud season has driven Vermonters collectively insane. It’s time to break out and celebrate a holiday in style. This weekend, as we remember those who have given their lives to protect our freedoms, trot out something special to share with loved ones. I’m thinking grilled beef tenderloin filets. Yes, tenderloin is pricey per pound, but no more so than lobster or lamb, and there is zero waste. It’s rich and satisfying, so smaller portions go further. Decidedly festive and delectable, it’s easy to prepare (even if it rains). This menu is guaranteed to make some nice memories for you and your guests.

 

Cherry Tomato and Bleu Cheese Salad (with Vermont Cure Bacon Lardons)

Buy the mini slab and slice up chunks of the bacon (lardons) Fry them in a large cast iron pan on a hot grill. Remove cooked lardons to paper towel, reserving the fat for the potato pancakes. Combine a mixture of spring greens, chopped celery, and sliced grape tomatoes (figure a heaping handful per guest). Add bacon lardons and crumbled bleu cheese. Toss lightly with a vinaigrette made of 2 parts olive oil and 1 part red wine vinegar. Season to taste.

 

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Peel and shred 2 sweet potatoes. Add 3 minced cloves of garlic and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Re-heat the cast iron pan on the grill or stovetop, and drop large spoonfuls of potato into the hot bacon fat. Brown and form pancakes, flipping once. Cook for about 7 minutes. Makes 8 pancakes.

 

Grilled Asparagus

This one is easy and breezy. Snap off ends and toss spears in olive oil. Throw on the grill and sear, turning often for 5 minutes. Plan on 4 to 6 spears per person.

 

Grilled Tenderloin

Plan on 4 to 6 ounces per person. Cut fillets 2 inches thick. Sear on a hot grill for 4 minutes each side for medium rare, longer if desired.

 

Fresh Berry Parfaits

Combine fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and ribbon-cut fresh mint; douse with a bit of orange juice. Serve the fruit in pretty dessert cups along with high-quality shortbread cookies such as Walkers.

Kim Dannies is a graduate of La Varenne Cooking School in France. She lives in Williston with her husband, Jeff; they have three college-aged daughters who come and go. For archived Everyday Gourmet columns go to kimdannies.com.

 

Lie down to pleasant dreams

May 26, 2011

By Bill Skiff

 

“… Go not, like a quarry-slave at night,

Scourged to his dungeon; but sustained and soothed

By an unfaltering faith, approach thy grave

Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch

About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.”

 

The above is only part of William Cullen Bryant’s poem (“Thanatopsis”) that I memorized in my high school English class. I have always enjoyed the thought — more so recently.

During the past month, I have lost two Rotary friends. Heath Riggs from Richmond was a 92-year-old gentleman whose life was full of working to make the world a better place. I loved his dry Vermont humor.

Mike Coates of Williston was my buddy for many of his latter years. When you are as close to a person as I was to Mike, his passing leaves a void in my life deeper and wider than expected.

Within the last year I also lost a great dance partner, my college roommate, and two longtime tennis partners. After Mike’s death, I thought, “Wait a minute, what is happening here?” Then I realized these friends were all getting older. And it hit me — so am I.

Death has always been in my life as it is in everyone’s. Animals died on the farm when I was a kid. I experienced losing a pet calf and my friend Teddy, the canine ballplayer.

Then mom and dad died. Dad was 92 and mom was 86, so I was somewhat prepared for their passing. I was much younger then, and death for me seemed a long time away. That was then — this is now.

When I sat with Mike during his last days I realized how difficult it is to die, and how no one really wants to do it. As you realize you are no longer going to be around for family events or take another run down a trail at Bolton Valley, it makes you ponder death and your own legacy. Mike and I agreed that someday we would take another run down a mountain together; we just didn’t know where it would be or when we would do it. I liked that.

As I continue my latter days, I wonder what my legacy will be. I sometimes remember Woody Allen’s thoughts on death and dying: “I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying.” In reality, I hope when my time comes I will “rap the drapery of my couch about me and lie down to pleasant dreams.”

 

Bill Skiff grew up on a farm between Cambridge and Jeffersonville. After a career in education, he now lives in Williston, where he is a justice of the peace and Fourth of July frog-jumping official. In “Places I’ve Played,” he shares his experiences of growing up in Vermont. Comments are welcome at [email protected]