Williston Observer

2 1/2 popcorns

“Into the Woods”

Lumbers a Bit

2 & ½ popcorns

By Michael S. Goldberger

film critic

Director Rob Marshall’s movie adaptation of James Lapine (book) and Stephen Sondheim’s (music and lyrics) “Into the Woods” is whimsical and enchanting until about the 60% mark, at which time it bogs down into the catastasis. That’s the point in drama, as I explained to my daughter Erin when she was little, when push comes to shove and it looks like things might not work out too well. She quickly informed: “I hate the catastasis.” Well, me too sometimes. Here, in what is essentially a two-part saga, it disrupts more than heightens the experience. [Read more...]

By Ginger Isham

Sometimes I double a soup recipe so I can put some in the freezer for later. I save any kind of left over potato, veggies, canned tomatoes, rice, pasta and meats for soups. By adding onion, garlic, celery and spices, along with chicken or beef broth, you can be creative with soups. The following soup is one I have not made for a long time.

Mulligatawny Soup
(the name means “pepper water”)

1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 medium tart apple, peeled and chopped
1 medium stalk of celery, sliced [Read more...]

Elder Education Enrichment will begin its spring series of programs on Feb. 2.
The EEE series is held at the Faith United Methodist Church, a handicapped accessible facility, located in South Burlington at 899 Dorset St. Parking is available at the church, with overflow parking allowed at the north end of the Temple Sinai parking lot at the corner of Swift and Dorset streets.
Lectures cover topics in areas including Vermont issues such as community policing, Vermont and U.S. history and foreign affairs. Each lecture starts at 2 p.m. and lasts one hour. Coffee and refreshments are served 1:15 and 1:45 p.m. during the first session of each month. [Read more...]

By Jim Miller

Dear Savvy Senior,
Where can I find out about alternative transportation options for my elderly mother? She needs to give up driving, but before she does, we need to figure out how she’ll get around.
—Searching Daughter

Dear Searching,
Alternative transportation services vary widely by community, so what’s available to your mom will depend on where she lives. Here’s what you should know. [Read more...]

Coburn Agency announces new leadership

Michael Coburn

Allstate Insurance Company recently announced that The Coburn Agency of Williston will be taken over by Michael Coburn. Michael Coburn, son of original agency owner John Coburn, has been working in the agency for more than eight years.
“The agency is owned and operated by a family, and customers tell us that we make them feel like family, too,” Michael Coburn said.
Hoehl donates $2 million endowment to Stern Center [Read more...]

By Mal Boright
Observer correspondent

Paige DuBrul, co-captain and midfielder of the undefeated Division 1 champion Champlain Valley Union High girls’ soccer team, has been named the state’s female high school athlete of the month for November by the Vermont Sports Media Association.
DuBrul led the Redhawks to their fourth [Read more...]