‘A very impressive approach’

By Luke Baynes

Observer staff

Leave it to Mother Nature to have the last word.

A celebratory walkthrough of the recently restored Allen Brook watershed was cut short Tuesday when the skies opened and a deluge of pelting raindrops soaked to the skin a party that included town, state and federal officials.

It was the last laugh for the erosive forces of nature that have relegated the Allen Brook to the state’s 303(d) list of impaired watersheds since 1998.

As Williston Senior Planner Jessica Andreoletti noted prior to the aborted tour, the town has wrestled with the ravages of time and nature through land acquisition, conservation easements and federal and state grant dollars.

“There were a total of 18 acres that were planted with trees and shrubs, and we conserved 37 acres of land, either through land purchased, or through conservation easements,” Andreoletti said. “We really put the money into this project and you can really see the results.”

To be exact, $401,102 was spent on the Allen Brook restoration project.

Of that amount, 55 percent was from a federally administered State and Tribal Assistance Grant, 25 percent was from a state administered Stormwater Impaired Waters Restoration Fund grant, 15 percent was a town match (comprised of a combination of Environmental Reserve Fund and capital budget dollars from the last two fiscal years) and 5 percent was from other sources, including a state Clean and Clear grant and a Lake Champlain Basin Program grant.

In addition to land acquisition and the purchase of conservation easements, the funds were used to plant trees and shrubbery within the town’s 150-foot riparian buffer along the Allen Brook watershed.

Allyn Lewis, construction chief for the Vermont Facilities Engineering Division, praised the town of Williston, which was late to the game among the eight municipalities eligible for state administered watershed restoration funds due to unprecedented turnover in the Planning and Zoning Department in 2008.

“You had a lot to do, and we didn’t think you could get it all done in the time that you were allotted to do it, and I want to commend you for getting it done,” Lewis said.

Champlain Water District General Manager Jim Fay, whose territory spans wherever water flows in the Lake Champlain Basin, offered impromptu commentary as he surveyed the watershed just prior to the downpour.

“This is a very impressive approach that Williston took,” Fay said.

Williston Director of Planning and Zoning Ken Belliveau, who saved himself a thorough soaking by forgoing the afternoon field trip and holding down the fort at the Planning and Zoning Office, gave credit to both Andreoletti and prominent town landowners for the success of the restoration project.

“I think as much as anything, it speaks to some of the relationships we have with landowners in town, that we were able to get the cooperation and buy-in that we got from people,” Belliveau said. “It’s a tremendous accomplishment.”

Crawling with Romance

By Michael S. Goldberger

Special to the Observer

 

Remember when you were little and you argued for hours as to who was badder, Superman or Batman? Well, here’s a new enigma for you: Which is better, the “Spider-Man” director Sam Raimi brought to the screen in 2002, 2004 and 2007, or this one here, “The Amazing Spider-Man,” directed by Marc Webb?  For my money it’s the latter.

Dubbed a re-imagining by the marketing wizzes, it is essentially a re-boot, a do-over, a retelling of the superhero’s conception based on the same Marvel Comics material created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Not your big brother’s Spider-Man, it’s what your Dad’s Spider-Man might have looked like if they had the technical know-how back then.

In all fairness, if all that were left to posterity were the three Tobey Maguire/Kirsten Dunst offerings, the Earth would nevertheless spin on with little remorse. Yet, now presented the oxymoronic verities of a more realistic fantasy, we wonder how we could have ever lived without it. This Spider-Man gets to the nitty-gritty of power and passion.

All the issues of why a young man would want to create an alter ego in the first place are dramatically addressed in a fine screenplay that tugs nicely at the heartstrings. The special effects, as exciting as ever, but almost always in service of the plot, are meant to illustrate just how astounding things can get when extraordinary powers are unleashed.

But what surprisingly pierces jaded skin to find the hopeless romantic beneath is the love story etched by Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-Man, and Emma Stone’s smartly realized high school heartthrob, Gwen. While the amorous angle is usually an addendum to the super saga, such is not the case here. Fact is, shucks, it’s quite touching.

Garfield’s lone wolf teen, raised by a loving aunt and uncle following the baffling disappearance of his parents, important personages in the scientific community, is a geek extraordinaire. Peter is a magnet for the high school bully, especially when his humanity stirs him to aid an even lesser nerd. Of course he pines for the school’s Miss Popularity.

We are expressively reminded of those years, told again that no matter what success or notoriety one achieves in later life, it is the impressions made in high school that are engraved for life on our psyches. And so there hardly can be any better wish fulfillment, any finer vicarious joy, than having all of those inequities blown asunder and rectified.

The epiphany for Peter comes after pondering some all but forgotten lore, cached in his Dad’s briefcase. It’s about cross-genetics, the theory being we can jump the evolutionary process by eons if we appropriate the abilities we desire from some of the so-called lower species. Coincidentally, Dad’s old partner has been trying to find the formula for years.

He is Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), an arrogant, celebrated scientist who, we suspect, knows something about the famed Dr. Parker’s curious vanishment. Missing an arm and exhibiting all the Ahab-like symptoms that can accompany such a condition, his interest in a regenerative power is personal. And yeah, he’s also into that superhuman race stuff.

Yet, albeit inadvertent, Peter proves the genius doesn’t fall far from the tree and beats the modern-day mad sorcerer to the discovery. Suddenly he possesses all the abilities of the test tube spider whose DNA he has co-opted. The revelatory sequences are wonderfully operatic, an ebullient Peter dancing through the skies, flexing his newfound resources.

His confidence soaring, the otherwise shy teen concurrently strikes up a relationship with Gwen, who just so happens to be the daughter of the police chief (Denis Leary) who regards this Spider-Man phenom as a dangerous vigilante. Sparks fly, the most enchanting of them between Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield. Talk about chemistry.

Perhaps by design, Mr. Garfield’s brooding, thoughtful righter of wrongs evinces the sort of well injected quirks and nuances reminiscent of Brando and James Dean…a sort of vague discomfort barely kept under control. Reading her partner with thespic aplomb, Miss Stone’s winsome, self-assured lass proves his mental and emotional match.

It’s exciting, too, thanks in great part to the formidable antithesis Rhys Ifans’s Dr. Connors morphs into once he unlocks the genetic blueprint, although with decidedly misbegotten result. Administering the magic potion, Dr. Connors becomes a variation on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Mr. Hyde…a big, ugly, megalomaniacal lizard, to be specific.

Thus the war between good and evil, deftly dappled with just enough gray areas of ambiguity to keep matters from getting smug, ensues. Ripe with philosophy, action, love and fantasy, making it clear this is a summer blockbuster of the first order, “The Amazing Spider-Man” draws you into its artistically woven web of solid, escapist entertainment.

 “The Amazing Spider-Man,” rated PG-13, is a Columbia Pictures release directed by Marc Webb and stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans. Running time: 136 minutes.

Courtesy photos

Three Williston artists are set to participate in this weekend’s Plain Air Festival in Jericho—Phil Laughlin, whose work includes “Tractor,” Marla McQuiston, who painted “Shelburne Pond,” and Marie Jewell.

 

 

Courtesy photos 

A variety of goods were on sale during last Wednesday’s Farmers’ Market.

Stern Center dedicates Hoehl building

The Stern Center’s new building at 183 Talcott Road in Williston was officially named the Cynthia K. Hoehl Building in honor of Cynthia K. Hoehl, a life-long teacher, tutor and current Stern Center Board member, during the building’s dedication on June 12.

Hoehl was present at the event to receive the dedication and was joined by family members, the Stern Center Board of Directors and staff and more than 100 guests.

In addition, The Stern Center recently became an approved provider of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with the National Association of School Psychologists.

Bistro offers outdoor dining

The Kitchen Table Bistro in Richmond recently opened their new patio. After years of planning, the tree- and flower-lined patio is ready for outdoor dining. The restaurant is located at 1840 West Main Street in Richmond.

 

Dumas joins DuBois & King

DuBois & King consulting engineers announced that Steven V. Dumas has joined the firm’s building services division as manager of the mechanical department. Dumas and his family live in Williston, and he works in the firm’s Williston office.

 

GME announces new engineers

Green Mountain Engineering in Williston recently announced that Tyler M. Gingras passed the professional engineering exam in April. Gingras has been with GME since 2009 as a project engineer.

GME also announced the addition of a new project engineer, Elias Erwin. Erwin is a licensed Class B designer, Class III water system operator, senior project manager, foreman and field technician.

 

Amy Partin joins RehabGYM

The RehabGYM has announced the addition of physical therapist Amy Partin to its Williston team. Partin graduated from the University of Vermont in 2011 with a clinical doctorate degree in physical therapy. She specializes in aquatic therapy.

 

St. Michael’s professor promoted

Williston resident Dr. Karen Popovich was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor at Saint Michael’s College. Popovich works in the business administration department, specializing in operations management with a specific focus in strategic enrollment management for higher education.

 

CWD manager awarded

Jim Fay, Champlain Water District’s general manager, received the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) George Warren Fuller Award on June 13. Considered AWWA’s highest award, the award recognizes distinguished service to the water supply field.

 

New owners at Simpson Cabinetry

Betsy and Andy Cabrera of Richmond have purchased the South Burlington woodworking shop Simpson Cabinetry. Longtime staff and the company’s core products will remain the same. Changes include a new showroom and design studio that has been built adjacent to the workshop. In addition, the company website will be enhanced including features that allow clients to follow the progress of their custom project.

 

Vermont submits grant request for Health Benefit Exchange

The Department of Vermont Health Access on June 29 submitted its Level Two Exchange Establishment Grant application for $104.4 million to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The Level Two Grant will support the continued planning, implementation and operation of the state’s Health Benefit Exchange through 2014. Vermont’s Exchange is set to begin operation in October 2013 as required by the Affordable Care Act.

The Level Two Grant will support efforts like major IT systems development, education and training programs and a strong evaluation strategy. Previously, Vermont received a Planning Grant in 2011 and is currently operating on funds from the Level One Exchange Establishment Grant.

The Health Benefit Exchange is a marketplace for individuals, families and small business to compare and purchase qualified private health insurance plans, determine eligibility for public health insurance plans and access federal tax credits. The ACA requires all states to have Exchanges and sets forth certain requirements, but allows states flexibility in implementation.

 

Vermont Fresh Network announces new member criteria

This spring, the Vermont fresh Network reevaluated its membership criteria to reflect the increase in demand, availability and diversity of foods from Vermont producers and distributors.

Criteria include: All food distributors, producers and restaurants must partner with and purchase from at least four VFN producers or farms; Restaurants are required to feature on their menu Vermont products in at least three of the six USDA food groups year round; Restaurants must also spend at least 15 percent of their annual food purchases on Vermont grown or produced food.

Nine Williston businesses are currently members of the Vermont Fresh Network: Adams Apple Orchard & Farm Market; Chef’s Corner Café; Monty’s Old Brick Tavern; Natural Provisions Market & Deli; Oscars; Scratch N Earth Farm; Sweet Harmony Home Bakery; Three Tomatoes Trattoria; and Windstone Farm.

 

Chelsea Green Publishing becomes employee owned

Independent book publisher Chelsea Green has become an employee-owned company, with close to 80 percent of its stock to be held by its employees.

The move makes Chelsea Green unique among book publishers in an industry dominated by investor-driven, multinational corporations. Only a handful of independent book publishers can claim employee-ownership status, and of those Chelsea Green will be near the top in terms of the percentage of stock controlled by its employees, according to a company press release.

The transaction, completed on June 29, allows a minority portion of the company’s privately held stock to be held by Ian and Margo Baldwin, who founded Chelsea Green in 1984 on the South Green in Chelsea, Vermont. Margo Baldwin is currently the company’s president and publisher and will maintain that role for the foreseeable future.

 

KeyBank names new business banking officer

KeyBank has hired Jeffrey Ciochetto as vice president senior business banking officer covering the State of Vermont. He is responsible for overseeing the development of new and existing relationships with business customers, consulting with business owners to identify banking needs and working with business banking officers and branch staff to provide quality customer service, according to a company press release.

Ciochetto has more than 29 years of experience in commercial and retail banking with a focus on commercial lending, credit and treasury cash management.  Prior to KeyBank, he most recently served as senior vice president and senior loan officer for Union Bank in Morrisville.

 

Mercy Connections hires two UVM grads

Mercy Connections is recently announced the addition of Gwen Pokalo and Hannah Hinsley, both former students of the University of Vermont.

Pokalo received an undergraduate degree in community and international development and a Master’s in community development and applied economics, with a focus in entrepreneurial development.  She also managed a small local product store and micro-business incubator at UVM for four years.

Hinsley received an undergraduate degree in public communication. Through education in service-learning classes and practical experience gained through internships, Hinsley was well prepared for the marketing coordinator position, according to a company press release.

 

Chamber appoints events director, Chamber Preferred coordinator

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce recently announced the appointment of Ellen Dube as the director of events. Formerly director of the Vermont Chamber’s group tour marketing program, Vermont Tourism Network, Dube has been involved in a variety of Vermont Chamber programs and events since 2009.

“I am excited to be a part of the Vermont Chamber’s stellar event line up,” says Dube, “I’m looking forward to working with Vermont businesses to feature their stand out products, services and staff at our events.”

The Chamber also appointed Julie McDonough as Program Coordinator for the new Chamber Preferred program, an innovative benefit marketplace providing employers with savings and customized benefits options for their employees. McDonough can be reached at [email protected] or 802-262-2113.

 

VPR receives radio award

Vermont Public Radio has been honored with a 2012 national UNITY Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association for its 2011 Vermont Reads series exploring “To Kill A Mockingbird” and race relations in Vermont.

VPR is one of six organizations—three radio, three television—to receive the award this year, given for organizations’ ongoing commitment to covering the cultural diversity of the communities they serve.

 

Lang McLaughry Spera appoints Holmes Lion & Davis director

Lang McLaughry Spera Real Estate has announced the appointment of Angie Holmes as director of the firm’s fine properties division, Lion & Davis. Holmes has been an associate with LMSRE since 2008. Holmes is taking over the helm at the retirement of the former director, Mary von Ziegesar.

Holmes will be supported by Marla Woulf, assistant director of Lion & Davis.  Woulf began her real estate career in 2009 as the firm’s Executive Assistant to CEO Staige Davis and von Ziegesar.

 

Burlington gas prices exceed FTC projections

Gasoline prices in Burlington in June were as much as a dime to 43 cents greater than a Federal Trade Commission computer model projected they should be, according to commission data turned over to U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

While Vermont motorists already pay among the country’s highest prices to fill their tanks, the June price spike in Burlington exceeded what a computer model used by government economists said was the absolute highest price stations should be charging.

While prices have dipped by several cents after Sanders made public his call for a federal investigation into unusually high gas prices, the trade commission data detail a month-long trend of unusually high prices in Burlington.

The detailed data was turned over to Sanders after he called for a probe by the trade commission and the Oil and Gas Price Fraud Working at the U.S. Department of Justice.

As of the first weekend in June, Burlington prices averaged $3.84 a gallon, about two cents more than the computer model’s predicted high and 34 cents above the predicted low, according to the FTC data. By June 30, the average price in Burlington was $3.68 a gallon, a dime more than the predicted high of $3.58 and 44 cents above the predicted low.

Burlington is one of 360 metropolitan areas around the nation where the FTC’s Bureau of Economics tracks gas prices and compares them to a projection of what high and low prices should be. The monitoring project tracks wholesale and retail prices of gasoline “to identify possible anticompetitive activities and determine whether a law enforcement investigation would be warranted,” according to the commission. The formula used by the monitoring project considers in supply and demand, geography and other factors.

Sanders pointed to evidence that in recent days Burlington gas prices were 15 cents to 29 cents greater than prices charged by gas stations only about 35 miles away in other Vermont towns.

“Prices here in the Burlington area and other parts of Vermont are much higher than they should be,” Sanders said. “So far, no one has given me a particularly good explanation.” One factor may be that just four companies own 58 percent of the stations in the Burlington market.

“People who own service stations have a right to make a profit,” Sanders said. “They don’t have a right to rip people off,” he added.

 

Vermont energy leaders combining efforts

Two of Vermont’s leading energy organizations are combining efforts to further the advancement and adoption of sustainable energy in Vermont and beyond.

As of July 10, the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation (VEIC) has assumed the programs of the Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC), building upon the cooperation between the non-profit organizations.  This transition will result in an expanded, and growing, set of comprehensive sustainable energy services that encompass biomass, other renewable energy resources, transportation and energy efficiency, according to a company press release.

“We approached VEIC with this proposal because we saw it as a way to advance our work with a partner who shares our vision for a sustainable energy future,” said Brenda Quiroz Maday, Executive Director of BERC. “The transition of BERC’s programs to VEIC will foster the continued development of sustainable biomass energy systems across the nation.”

Senator Leahy, who has helped BERC secure project support through the U.S. Department of Energy, said, “These two Vermont organizations each have international expertise and proven track records in developing renewable energy projects. By working together, they will be even more effective in increasing renewable energy options in Vermont and around the world, creating Vermont jobs in the meantime.”

“This is a great opportunity that will enhance the important work that VEIC and BERC have been pursuing,” said Scott Johnstone, Executive Director of VEIC. “By combining BERC’s deep expertise in biomass energy with VEIC’s comprehensive sustainable energy approaches, we will be better able to meet the increasingly-complex demands of our clients in Vermont and around the country. The acquisition also furthers our organizational mission to reduce the economic and environmental costs of energy use.” For more information, www.veic.org.