May 2024 - VT Courier News

•

•

•

•

•

•

COURIER NEWS

Vermont Richard Taylor PUBLISHER/EDITOR rtaylor@vtcouriernews.com

Doug Young OFFICE MANAGER news@vtcouriernews.com

Leon Thompson REPORTER reporter@vtcouriernews.com

Brad Sprung GRAPHICS graphics@vtcouriernews.com Certified Distribution Services DISTRIBUTION

rtaylor@vtcouriernews.com

VIEW POINT

The views and opinions expressed on this and the following page are solely those of the original authors and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Vermont Courier News, the Courier News staff, and/or any/all contributors to this publication.

What do you think?

Would you Consider Owning an Electric Vehicle?

I would have one just to drive around town, I wouldn’t travel with one I don’t think. I hear all the horror stories of pulling up and the chargers don’t work.

I get 600 miles on my diesel truck, and you get 300 on an electric.

I’d rather own a gas car than electric car.

Vermont Courier News is owned and published by Vermont Courier News, LLC. No person, organization or party can copy or reproduce the contents on our website and/or magazine or any part of this publication without written consent from the publisher’s and the author of the content, as applicable, The publisher authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work.

Nowadays, more places than ever are asking for tips. Most people are familiar with the checkout tablets prompting high percentages for services that tipping was never common for in the past. So what’s the deal with these tip requests? Is it appropriate to leave a tip at every interaction where the option is suggested? It’s important to look at what type of service you are receiving to get to the bottom of the situation.

As most of us know, tipping is socially appropriate at sitdown restaurants, bars, and any other situations where you receive personalized service. Nowadays 15- 20% is considered a suitable tip for most dining experiences, and 25% if the service was exceptionally good. For food delivery, $5.00 or 20% is recommended for a short delivery with higher tips if the distance is far from the restaurant or the order islarge. 20% is considered reasonable for standard haircuts as well, with higher tips for more complicated, longer jobs. You don’t have to tip at coffee shops, but some people like to give a little extra if they received excellent service or if they ordered a complex drink.

You should know that even

I would not be interested in owning one. No, I would not consider owning an electric vehicle. It just doesn’t interest me, I’m old school. I’ll stick with the old gas and pedal car!

in a restaurant setting, you don’t need to tip if all you are doing is picking up an order. Tipping culture has gotten out of hand in these scenarios- if you get asked to leave a tip when buying a pre-made sandwich, it is not only not necessary, it can be harmful to workers who rely on tips to make a living. Tipping fatigue is a very real thing, and can make people scale back on tips in situations where it’s appropriate since they’re fed up with being asked for more money when picking up food.

It’s also important to note the paper trail for tips added at checkout tablets can be hazy, and there is no guarantee that it actually goes to the people who prepared and handed you your order. While tip pooling can be a

good thing sometimes, it also opens the door to tip stealing by employers. Some cashiers even tell customers not to tip on the checkout screen, since they will never actually see the money. In the exceptional scenario that you want to tip when picking up food, why not just hand the cashier a few dollars?

Tipping is important when in the right setting, somewhere where the worker is personally making your experience beter. Don’t feel any pressure to tip at self-checkout, or where you’re just picking up an order. Keep the tips for the people who depend on them, and don’t worry if companies try to guilt you into tipping on services that tips have never been a part of.

Steve B. Judy P. Mark F. Randy P.

Bike Friendly Newport

Leon Thompson Vermont Courier News

NEWPORT — Newport’s efforts to earn Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designation roll on in May and June with this series of events for cyclists:

• May 4, 10 a.m.1 p.m.: Bike Rodeo — North Country Hospital

• May 15, noon: Bicycle Friendly Driver, Brown Bag Lunch, Work Commons

• May 17, 7 a.m.9 a.m.: Bike to Work (or anywhere) Day, FREE Pancake Break-

fast, Municipal Parklet

• May 28, 5-8 p.m.: Open Shop Night, Tune Your Bike, Eden Cider Tasting Bar

• June 7, 10 a.m.-noon: Seniors & Cycling 101, Location TBD

• June 27 at noon: Bike Commuting 101, Brown Bag Lunch, Work Commons

You can also sign up for the National Bike Challenge for May at www.lovetoride. net, or register for the local Back On The Bike challenge at: https://

tinyurl.com/Back-onthe-Bike-Newport.

With the local challenge, cyclists can attend two workshops, join the national challenge, join a group ride, and earn cycling gear and prizes.

Established in 1880, the League of American Bicyclists’ BFC program guides communities that are committed to measures that will improve and enhance their biking economies. Vermont ranks 23rd on the League’s list of bicycle friendly states.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Currently, four Vermont communities have BFC status: Burlington, Essex Junction, Montpelier, and South Burlington.

Bike Friendly Newport held its organizational meeting about BFC status last January.

For more information, or to help, send email to: rickuffordchasencdd@gmail. com or bevinbcampbell@gmail.com

Help with Jobs, Food Insecurity, Rent, and Utility Costs

In Vermont there are several towns, state and social service agencies ready to help residents with basic needs and more. Help with navigating these sometimes daunting bureaus is also available with an appointment. Following is a partial list of providers, their services and phone numbersand/ or web sites. If you are in need, or know someone who is, please avail yourself of these local groups who exist to help.

Barton Area Senior Services

802-525-1000

Food assistance & more

Cambridge Food Shelf

802-644-8911

Food assistance

Danville ECC Food Shelf

802-684-2515

Food assistance

Darling Inn Senior Meals - Lyndonville

802-626-8700

Food assistance

Hardwick Area Food Pantry

802-472-5940

Food assistance

HOPE - Lyndonville

802-626-3228

Food assistance & more

Island Pond Food Shelf

802-723-5037

Food assistance

Johnson Food Shelf

802-635-9003

Food assistance

Kingdom Community Services - St. Johnsbury

802-751-8581

Food assistance & more

Lamoille Community

Food Share

802-888-6550

Food assistance

Meals On Wheels of Lamoille County

802-888-5011

Food assistance

Montpelier Christ

Church Food Pantry

802-223-3631

Food assistance

Montpelier Senior Meals

802-223-6357

Food assistance

Neighbors in Action/ NEK 802-626-1212

Food assistance & more

Northeast Kingdom

Community - Island Pond

802-723-5276

Food assistance & more

Northeast Kingdom

CommunitySt. Johnsbury

802-748-6040

Food assistance & more

Northeast Kingdom

Community - Newport

802-334-7316

Food assistance & more

Salvation Army Barre

802-476-5301

Food assistance & more

The Galley Barre Housing

802-479-9175

Food assistance & more

United Church of Newport

802-334-6033

Food assistance

HireAbility Vermont

802-863-7500

Helping Vermonters living with disabilities achieve employment.

Helpline 1-800-642-5119

Information & Assistance for Aging Vermonters

Vermont Agency of Human Services

802-241-0440

Disability and Aging Supports, Child and Family Services, Economic Assistance, Housing Stability, Risk Reduction and Community Justice Service, Health and Wellness Get

211 functions as a Vermont help and services directory. Find the help. you need.

Green Mountain Sporting Goods

Leon Thompson Vermont Courier News

IRASBURG — How does a video store become a sporting goods outfit with a 6,000-square-foot showroom? Hard work and family tradition. Surrounded by houses and farms in Irasburg, Green Mountain Sporting Goods (GMSG) carries a full line of gear for hunting, fishing, trapping, and archery. Spouses and co-owners Trish Jones and Brien Lemois Jr., both in their forties, also ensure that their customers can get custom-built firearms, complete service and repair, and more.

Jones and Lemois live on their business property and employ two people. They also have three daughters: Dakota, 22; Andrea, 21; and Samantha, 8. “We do pretty much anything that has to do with build and repair of firearms,” Jones said. “We’ve also tried to carry on a legacy, even

though it’s changed directions along the way.”

In 1990, Lemois’ parents, Brien Sr. and Nancy, opened Nancy’s Video at the current GMSG location. By 2023, however, a rise in streaming services, less demand for video

verberated quickly that the last mom-and-pop place to rent a video in Vermont was gone.

“It was a very had decision for Brien,” Jones said. Brien Lemois Sr. died in 1998, and Nancy has early onset of Alzheimer’s with dementia, according to Jones.

cy’s Video Store. That side of the business grew over the years, and GMSG officially opened in 2006 alongside Nancy’s Video. “I’m proud of it,” Jones said of GMSG. “It’s been a lot of hard work — a lot of sacrifice. If the state

rental and the COVID pandemic had hit fast forward on the Lemois’ plans to close Nancy’s Video, even though Jones and her husband tried to keep it open.

When Nancy’s Video Store closed, word re-

“The one thing Brien wanted to do for his mother after his father died was keep the video store open, to carry on that tradition, and we held on as long as we could,” Jones explained. “COVID eventually killed our video store. Between the lockdowns and everything that was happening, COVID destroyed that portion of our business.”

Fortunately, Brien Sr. started selling fishing lures and baseball cards on the side at Nan-

lated crimes in the Northeast Kingdom.

More homeowners are looking to protect themselves, she said. Also, she sees the group of sporting goods stores in the Northeast Kingdom as a community, not a group of competitors.

was a little more business-friendly, it would certainly help things.”

Jones said GMSG has seen an increase in business with the rise in violent, drug-re-

“The way I look at it, we’re all working toward the same goal, to build a better reputation for this industry,” she said. “You don’t get there by feeling like everybody is your competitor and working against people. And, honestly, a little bit of competition keeps everybody honest in any industry.”

As Jones and Lemois expand their line of custom-built firearms, they’re also planning an all-ages fishing tournament for July 19-21 on all legal bodies of water in Orleans County. The event will benefit the Vermont Traditions Coalition (www. vermonttraditions. org). Contact GMSG for more information.

“We just do our best to keep going,” Jones said, “and we do the best with what we’re given.”

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED RV buyers’ guide

A recreational vehicle, also known as an RV or a camper, can be a worthwhile investment for people who want to travel at their leisure. RVs offer the benefit of traversing the open road without having to sacrifice the comforts of home.

The RV market has been hot over the last couple of years as people have looked to RVing as a safe way to travel. According to the RV Industry Association, shipments of travel trailers and motorhomes were expected to hit their highest level on record in 2021, with more than 533,000 units sold by year-end.

Sizable purchases are seldom easy, and purchasing an RV is no exception. In addition to choosing the right vehicle, RV owners must learn maintenance, how to drive a large vehicle, towing, and campsite etiquette. Buying an RV is a long-term investment. These pointers can help the purchase go smoothly.

New or used?

Purchasing a used RV can help people save money. However, upgrades and repairs may be costly. New RVs have the latest technology and no risk of prior wear and tear. Insurance premiums will be higher for a new vehicle, and a new purchase can

be expensive depending on the features chosen.

Figure out features and size

Take a hard look at what you are seeking in a camper. Do you want something that is just an alternative to tent camping? Are you interested in an RV that can sleep a crowd? Do you have a tow hitch and a vehicle capable of towing an RV? These questions and more will determine the style and size of the RV that’s right for you. Class A RVs are large, busshaped rigs between 20 and 45 feet in length. Class B are sleeper vans and are smaller than Class A. Class C rigs

offer size but driveability and are built into a regular truck chassis. For trailer-style RVs, the options are foldable trailers, travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheel trailers. They vary in size and features; but you’ll need a truck to tow them.

Usage frequency

When considering an RV, think about how often it will be used and where it will be stored

when not in use. Garage storage may be challenging on a larger rig, and some housing communities frown upon parking RVs in driveways. This may affect the size you choose as well as the features you need, according to KOA, the RV camp site leader.

Secure

financing

As with other vehicles, shop around for the best rates on financing;

you don’t necessarily need to go with the dealer. Also, when buying a trade-in or used rig, hire a third-party inspector to go over systems to ensure they’re in working order.

These are just a few things to consider when looking to purchase an RV. Buyers should do their homework to get a vacation vehicle that fits their needs and budgets.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

How to recognize when it’s time to replace your windows

Windows are a major component of a home. Window installation professionals will tell homeowners that the average life span of residential windows is between 15 and 30 years. Most well-maintained products can last 20 years, so homeowners who have windows approaching that age may want to schedule a window assessment and possible replacement.

Replacing windows is a job that requires advanced skill, and this is not a do-ityourself project. There are many qualified professional window installation companies that will work with homeowners to measure, order and install windows that will fit with the style of a home and local weather, all while providing features the homeowner desires.

For those wondering when to replace windows, Pella and Renewal by Andersen, two of the premiere window manufacturers, offer these guidelines.

• Difficulty opening and closing windows. A window that does not operate as it should can aggravate homeowners. If win-

dows are sticking shut or cannot be securely closed, it’s probably time for something new.

• There’s apparent window damage. Accidents happen, and if a rock is kicked up from a lawnmower and cracks a window or if spring baseball practice has gone awry with an errant throw, windows may require replacement.

• Drafts in the window are common. If heating and cooling systems are working overtime, drafty, poorly insulated windows could be to blame. Various agencies can perform energy efficiency tests in a home. Windows that are determined to be the weak spots should be replaced.

• Dated windows are present in the home. Older windows may pose safety hazards, especially those in older homes. A larger window may be needed to comply with fire safety codes allowing for window egress. Dated windows also may simply look “old” and compromise the aesthetics of a home.

• Outdoor noises are noticed quite readily. Newer win-

dows can help reduce noise transmission. So those leaf blowers, airplanes, barking dogs, and kids playing basketball up the street won’t disturb homeowners as they try to enjoy some peace

and quiet indoors.

• Fading indoors is noted. Windows that do not feature low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings will not block UV rays. Those rays can cause

fading to wood floors and furniture or pretty much anything the sunlight touches. Replacing existing windows with Low-E coating alternatives can safeguard belongings and

improve window efficiency.

Window replacement may be necessary when existing windows are showing signs of aging or damage.

May Headliners

A fire ravaged a garage and apartment in Derby on April 30. Firefighters went to the scene close to 7:30 p.m. and saw the structure, owned by Doug Sherlaw, engulfed in flames. The garage was 12 feet from Sherlaw’s home.

On April 23, VSP Tpr. Logan Miller, of the Derby barracks, responded to a report of an unconscious male at the gas pumps of the Orleans Maplefields, just before 10 p.m. Subsequently, Andrew Merrill, 23, of Charleston, was processed, released and issued a citation to appear in court for a charge of alleged DUI #2.

An April 24 fire destroyed a log cabin in Morgan owned by Sonia Stockard and Crystal Jenness. Firefighters went to the scene at about 6 p.m. and were there for nearly 18 hours.

A former Johnson man will serve at least 10 years in prison after he admitted that he sexually assaulted and beat two underage people in his home. In mid-April, David Pai, 51, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. Last September, he pleaded guilty to a count of domestic assault, two charges of

Vermont State Police (VSP) troopers in St. Johnsbury were on patrol near Tulip and South streets in Lyndon on April 21, at 10 a.m., when they saw several alleged moving violations from a motorist. After a traf-

aggravated first-degree domestic assault and two counts of sexual assault on someone under age 16 who was in his care. If Pai abides by his conditions, his minimum 20-year sentence could be reduced under Vermont sentencing guidelines, but he will likely remain on probation and on the

sex offender registry for the remainder of his life. Stowe police a rrested Pai in March 2020 after police concluded he had sexually abused two minor members of his household during 2016 and 2017, while they lived in Stowe. The abuse began when the family lived in Iowa, police said.

fic stop, officers noticed David Sibincich, 66, of Danville, allegedly exhibited signs of impairment. After a standard field sobriety test, Sibincich was cited to appear in court on July 15 for charges of DUI-Drug. David Sibincich

This Mother’s Day let us all pray Together in support uf the Israeli Mothers who lost thrir Children in the brutal Event of October 7, 2023

Andrew Merill

Will they stay or will they go?

Leon Thompson Vermont Courier News

Student encampments to protest the war in Gaza were dismantling elsewhere in the U.S. by early May, but protestors remained steadfast at the University of Vermont. The UVM encampment was quiet during midmorning on May 2 (Day 6)

-- many students were still asleep or at class. Protestors at the scene that morning did not want to be photographed or interviewed. A UVM junior who called himself “James,” also a member of the campus group Students For Justice In Palestine,

said campus police were checking student IDs, intending to ask non-student protestors to leave, but he wasn’t sure that had happened yet. James also indicated that UVM protestors would not leave until all their demands were met.

By May 5, two demands were met: The school had disclosed its financial investments to the students and cancelled its commencement speaker, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

Photos: Leon Thompson

Testing can help identify stroke risk

Stroke seems to strike out of the blue, but it’s really cumulative effects that lead to stroke. Although it may seem like stroke is unpredictable and there is no way to pinpoint exactly when one might happen, there are tests that can be done to help determine if a person is at elevated risk for stroke. This may help people make marked changes to their lifestyles and undergo more frequent screenings for health conditions that can contrib-

ute to stroke risk.

The Stern Stroke Center at Montefiore says every 40 seconds someone suffers a stroke in the United States, and every four minutes someone dies of a stroke. Stroke remains the No. 1 cause of disability in the U.S. The following are tests which measure higher stroke risk so people can take action.

• Heart auscultation: When a doctor takes out a stethoscope and

listens to your heart, he or she is performing a heart auscultation. This simple test can help identify problems with heart valves or heartbeat irregularities. Both of these conditions can cause blood clots that lead to stroke.

• Carotid ultrasound: Harvard Health says a carotid ultrasound can detect the buildup of cholesterol-filled plaque in the carotid arteries in the neck. As these arteries deliver blood to the brain, a

blockage can compromise that and lead to stroke.

• Cerebral angiography: Healthline says a cerebral angiography involves injecting a contrast medium into your blood so that imaging will clearly show blood vessels in the brain, which can help identify any blockages or bleeds.

• Electrocardiogram: An EKG monitors heart rhythm by using sensors positioned on the

chest to show heartbeat waves. An abnormal heart rhythm or heart rate can put you at risk of stroke.

• Blood pressure measurements: It’s important to have blood pressure measured regularly, as more than two-thirds of individuals who experience a stroke have hypertension, says Verywell Health. Chronically elevated blood pressure can lead to disease of the blood vessels over time, all of which can

cause a stroke.

• Cholesterol check: Getting cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years can help doctors identify if high cholesterol is a problem. Lowering LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, helps reduce stroke risk.

There may be no way to completely detect if or when a stroke will happen, but there are tests that can zero in on heightened risk factors for stroke.

RESTAURANT

America’s Taco Shop

Leon Thompson Vermont Courier News

NEWPORT –– On America Cortez’s first day of business in 2014, a customer walked into America’s Taco Shop and asked her for a taco with hamburger.

“I’m sorry, sir,” she replied, “but do you mean an American-style taco?”

“Yeah, I guess so,” he said. “You know — with hamburger in it.”

“Well, sir, we don’t make those here,” Cortez explained. “We make Mexicali California food, because we wanted to bring something new to the area.”

Cortez offered a sample. He declined. “You’re

never gonna make it here, and this restaurant isn’t going anywhere.”

Ten years, one global pandemic and thousands of happy customers later, he was wrong. America’s Taco Shop — between Orlex Credit Union and Associates In Orthodontics on Derby Road — celebrates a decade in business this fall, and

that makes Cortez glow like the bright, welcoming walls of her restaurant.

“I never thought this was going to happen,” Cortez said on a Wednesday in April, during some spare moments she had after a busy lunchtime. “I’m so grateful to everyone for supporting us all this time.”

America’s Taco Shop seats 24 people in a family-friendly atmosphere. Takeout accounts for 75 percent of the business, and Cortez employs eight people. She lives in Derby with her husband, Mike Gale, a retired U.S. customs agent who now works for a private security company at North Country Hospital. They met in 1998 and wed in 2004. They have a blended family with four children.

The food at America’s Taco Shop is authentic. The menu features tacos and quesadillas, but when asked what’s popular, Cortez notes the burritos. The freshly

fried tortillas and housemate salsa are customer favorites, too.

America’s Taco Shop has a 4.6 rating on Google. In his review, Bronson Sohan said, “If you’re ever in the Newport, VT area, America’s Taco Shop is a must. I’ve been eating here ever since they opened, then moved away. On my recent visit to Vermont, after being away for a few years, I could not wait to sink my teeth into one of America’s burritos.”

Cortez is from Mexicali (Baja California), Mexico. Her late father, Ramon, suggested her name, because he had a teacher named “America.” Ramon died when Cortez was 2. Eight years later, her mother, Teresa, remarried to Cortez’s late stepfather, Joe, and moved to California to be with him.

Joe taught Cortez how to make American food, because she was already well-versed in Mexican cuisine. She was helping in the kitchen as a toddler.

“Food was my thing — without even knowing it,” she said.

Cortez graduated from high school in 1983 and moved from northern to southern California. She met her husband, a Derby native, while he was posted with the bor-

der patrol in California.

They tired of San Diego and moved to Derby. Cortez worked at the local Price Chopper for three-plus years — and toughened up to her first-ever winters — while searching for a place to open America’s Taco Shop.

When the current location became available, a simple peek in the window sold her. Immediately.

“This is the place” she told her husband.

She opened the next week and was “so excited” to make $29 on her first day. She made $3 more on Day Two, but on Day Three, there was

a line out the door. Free samples helped, and she still offers them.

Cortez is grateful to the community and her staff for helping her restaurant survive 2020 and into now. She is mulling plans for a tenth anniversary celebration in November.

What’s been most fun for her about America’s Taco Shop?

“Cooking,” she said. “I love what I do.”

The carne asada is one of the more popular items on the menu at America’s Taco.

America Cortez owns America’s Tacos in Newport, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this fall.

SENIOR LIVING

3 fun and effective outdoor exercises for seniors

The benefits of spending time in the great outdoors are significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spending time outdoors may improve mental health and help to reduce stress, and the vitamin D the body absorbs while outside can have a positive effect on blood cells and the immune system.

Seniors can benefit from the great outdoors as much as anyone. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which strengthens bones. That’s especially beneficial for seniors, as the National Council on Aging notes that bone density often decreases after age 50, which can increase the risk of fractures. That’s especially so in women over the age of 50, as a 2021 report from Amgen, Inc., indicated women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone density within five to seven years of menopause.

Spending time in the great outdoors also provides a social benefit, encouraging individuals from all walks of life, including seniors, to get out of their homes and

spend time with other people.

With so much to gain from spending time outside, seniors can consider these three outdoor exercises as they seek to maintain or improve their overall health

1. Walking: Walking is free and effective. In fact, WebMD notes that a brisk 30-minute walk can improve blood flow, contribute to a stronger heart, strengthen bones, and even help people sleep better at night. In addition, a 2022 study

published in the journal JAMA Neurology found that people between the ages of 40 and 79 who walked about 9,800 steps per day were 51 percent less likely to develop dementia than people who didn’t walk much at all.

2. Cycling: Riding a bike is both fun and a great form of outdoor exercise. Though many studies regarding the health effects of cycling have looked at the value of riding a bike to work, a scenario that does not apply to

retirees, the results of such studies still offer insight into just how valuable it can be to ride a bike. For example, a 2020 study published in the journal The Lancet found that people who cycled to work were 24 percent less likely to die of heart disease and 11 percent less likely to develop cancer. Seniors, whether they are still working or retired, can incorporate cycling into their daily routines and enjoy all the fun and health benefits that riding a bike provides.

3. Hiking: Hiking is a bit more strenuous than walking, particularly when individuals choose to traverse steep and/or rocky terrain. WebMD notes that hiking after age 60 can help people reduce their risk of falls and fractures; lower their risk for a host of ailments, including coronary heart disease, colon cancer and diabetes; reduce blood pressure, even in adults who have already been diagnosed with hypertension; and maintain healthy bones and joints. Hiking is

not a one-size-fits-all activity, so seniors, especially those who would characterize themselves as novice hikers, are urged to speak with their physicians prior to hiking trails that are not flat.

Seniors can consider these three fun activities and others as they answer the call of the great outdoors. Walking, cycling and hiking offer a great reason to get out of the house and reap the health-related benefits of spending time outside.

PET OF THE MONTH

Beckett is a playful pup, looking for a home where he is not expected to share attention, space, or toys with other dogs. Beckett loves adult people, and is very attached to anyone he considers “his” family. He will initially bark at strangers, but once he gets to say hi he is happy to make friends. Beckett is not confident with fast movements or sudden petting though, so he needs an experienced dog owner who understands dog body language, and will advocate for him if someone he meets makes him uncomfortable.

He has lots of energy, and would make a great hiking or walking companion. For this happy pup, ball is life! He is looking for someone who will never tire of playing fetch with him, and he would thrive in a fenced-in yard. He’s not all energy though, Beckett loves to curl up and cuddle when playtime is over.

He did live with a small child, but seemed to find it stressful, and we’ve seen him nervous around kids, so he needs an adult-only home, without visiting kids. He should also have a home without any cats. He also is not a dog park or daycare dog. Beckett is crate trained and house trained.

A 5-week Good Manners training course is included in Beckett’s $350.00 adoption fee. Please call the Adoption Center at 802-4763811, or email info@centralvermonthumane. org, to schedule a time to talk to an adoption counselor about him, and to determine if you should meet Beckett.

WORSHIP 4 festive facts about the month of May

May is a festive month in many ways. Warm weather characterizes much, if not all, of May in many regions, compelling people to spend more time outdoors. And the spirit of summer starts to seep in as May flowers bloom. In fact, many people in the United States feel Memorial Day, an American holiday celebrated annually on the last Monday in May, marks the unofficial beginning of summer. That’s not all there is to know about the often festive fifth month of the year.

1. Historians believe May is named after Maia, the goddess who embodied the concept of growth in ancient Roman religion and mythology. That makes sense, as May is the month when flowers and plants begin to blossom anew, inspiring a spirit of rejuvenation among individuals who are ready for warm weather and all the benefits it brings. The name “May” has evolved from the Latin word “Maius,” which is short for

“mensis,” a word that Dictionary.com reports meant “Maia’s month.”

2. “The fastest two minutes in sports” occurs each May. The Kentucky Derby, sometimes characterized as “The most exciting two minutes in sports,” is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, and the atmosphere at Churchill Downs embodies the festive spirit of May. The Kentucky Derby also is known as “The Run for the Roses,” as the winner of the race is draped in roses in the winner’s circle.

3. One of the more beloved May holidays in North America, or at least the United States, is Cinco de Mayo. Though Cinco de Mayo is a regional Mexican holiday celebrating the Mexican army’s improbable defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, the day has been co-opted in the U.S., where it has become a

celebration of Mexican culture and cuisine. It’s not uncommon for bars and restaurants across the United States to offer special menus and discounted beverages on Cinco de Mayo.

4. Though the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo are festive occasions, Memorial Day weekend is when many people up the celebratory ante in the fifth month of the year. Memorial Day is a solemn American holiday day that honors the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the Armed Forces, and many communities host parades on the morning of Memorial Day to honor those sacrifices and the country fallen soldiers fought to protect. But Memorial Day weekend also has gained a reputation as a festive weekend to spend with family and friends. In fact, a recent survey from WalletHub found that 44 percent of Americans planned to barbecue over Memorial Day weekend.

What does a real estate attorney do?

The complexities of the law can be challenging to those outside the legal profession. An attorney on one’s side can help individuals ensure their assets and livelihoods are protected, and even help people avoid costly mistakes.

Investing in real estate is a wise but often expensive endeavor. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median home price of existing (not new) homes was $410,200 in June 2023. On average, a Canadian home costs 40 percent more than one in the United States. As of August 2023, Canada’s MLS Benchmark Price, which measures the price of a “typical”

home in Canada in Canadian dollars, was $750,100.

With so much money riding on real estate transactions, having a professional real estate attorney in one’s corner is wise. Recognition of what these professionals can do underscores how valuable they can be.

Roles of a real estate attorney

The main job of a real estate attorney is to ensure the legal transfer of property from a seller to a buyer. Real estate attorneys will prepare and review documents, ensure that a home title is clear, and facilitate the transfer of funds between parties, according

to the online financial resource NerdWallet. Real estate attorneys will identify any unpaid loans, liens, litigation or other claims against the property, uncover deed restrictions and covenants, and any breaks in the chain of title.

In addition to these services, attorneys guide their clients through searches for obligations like taxes, utility charges and homeowners association fees, according to Bankrate. Real estate attorneys also will prepare settlement statements showing the charges to all parties and how the funds will be allocated, including commissions, attorney’s fees, underwriting fee, title search

fee, taxes, and more.

A real estate attorney can work for those looking to buy or sell a private home, an investment property, a commercial business, or even guide grief-stricken relatives through the process of selling a deceased loved one’s home to settle estate obligations.

Who do real estate attorneys work for?

If the real estate attorney is representing a client’s interests only, that lawyer will be an advocate to the client and work in his or her best interests. Various attorneys tend to be involved in real estate transactions. One will represent the buyer and another the seller.

A lawyer may represent the mortgage lender if financing is involved. Another could potentially represent the title company.

Cost of real estate representation

Certain real estate attorneys will charge a flat fee that encompasses a specific series of jobs, including the preparation

of closing documents. Others may charge an hourly rate, particularly if the issue is more complex and involves litigation.

When individuals are selling or investing in property, real estate attorneys can ensure the process goes smoothly and protect their clients if complications arise.

Interesting facts related to Memorial Day

Memorial Day is celebrated annually on the last Monday of May across the United States. The proximity of Memorial Day to the summer solstice has led many to view the weekend preceding the holiday as the unofficial kickoff to summer. However, Memorial Day is about more than backyard barbecues and weekend getaways. Memorial Day honors service members who died while serving in the United States military. Though Memorial Day traces its origins to the years following the American Civil War in the mid-nineteenth century, it did not become an official federal holiday until 1971. That’s one

of just many interesting facts about Memorial Day that are worth noting as the United States prepares to commemorate the sacrifices of military personnel who died in service of the country.

• Memorial Day began as something of a grass roots movement. According to History. com, by the late 1860s individuals in towns across the war-ravaged United States began holding springtime tributes to soldiers who lost their lives during the American Civil War.

• Among the more notable postwar commemorations was one organized by former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. That com-

memoration occurred less than a month after the Confederate forces surrendered in 1865. Despite that, History. com notes that in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the birthplace of Memorial Day.

• Postwar commemorations also were organized by northern veterans of the Civil War.

General John A. Logan, who led an organization of Union veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance in May 1868. General Logan referred to the holiday as Declaration Day and chose May 30 because it was not the anniversary of any specific battle and therefore

unlikely to be viewed by some as controversial.

• Early commemorations of Decoration Day, which gradually came to be known as Memorial Day, initially honored only those soldiers who died during the American Civil War. However, that changed over time as American servicemen fought in various wars, including both World Wars, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and other conflicts.

• The red poppy has become a symbol of Memorial Day. That red poppy can be traced to a poem by Canadian John McCrae, who served as a Lieutenant Colonel in World War I. “In Flan-

ders Field” notes the red poppies that grew in fields where countless soldiers had been buried in modern-day Belgium. The poem was published in 1915, three years before the war ended. Sadly, McCrae himself was a casualty of the war, succumbing to pneumonia in France in 1918

while still in the service. Memorial Day honors service personnel who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday’s inspiration and lengthy history merits consideration as the nation prepares to commemorate countless soldiers’ sacrifices once more.

AUTOMOTIVE • MARKET PLACE

CLASSIFIED • MARKET PLACE

RECIPE Of THE MONTH

Chicken Pot Pie Bake

Time: 1 hour / Yield: 8 servings

1/4

1

HELP WANTED

Advertising/Sales

Part

•

•

•

Newspaper

Part Time

Restocking

To explore this opportunity further contact

Directions

Step 1 Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2 Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

the biscuits:***

1/2

1/2

1/4

1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, chopped into bite-size pieces

for garnish

Step 3 In a Dutch oven, large pot, or extra-large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1/4 cup of the butter.

Step 4 Add the onion and the frozen mixed vegetables to the melted butter and cook until the vegetables are softened and tender, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5 Add 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of the flour to the veggie mixture, tossing to coat the veggies in the flour, and cooking, while stirring constantly, until the raw flour smell disappears, about 1 minute.

Step 6 Reduce the heat to low.

Step 7 Add the broth to the veggie mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring after each addition.

Step 8 Add 1 teaspoon of the fine salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of the garlic powder, and the black pepper to the veggie mixture and stir to combine.

Step 9 Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, allowing the mixture to come to a boil and cooking until it thickens into a thick, gravy-like sauce, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 10 Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 11 Add the chicken to the mixture and stir until well-incorporated.

Step 12 Cook the chicken until it becomes opaque, but not necessarily cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 13 Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 14 Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Step 15 In a bowl, add the remaining flour, the baking powder, the remaining garlic powder, and the remaining fine salt and stir to combine.

Step 16 Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the remaining cold butter into the dry ingredients mixture until it resembles coarse crumbles.

Step 17 Add 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese and the remaining dried thyme to the butter mixture and stir to combine.

Step 18 Add the milk and the vinegar to the butter mixture and stir until the mixture forms a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Step 19 Transfer the casserole from the oven and drop the dough into small mounds all over the top to cover the hot pot pie filling layer.

Step 20 Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 15 minutes.

Step 21 Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the flaky salt over the casserole.

Step 22 Bake until the biscuits start to brown, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 23 Allow the casserole to cool for at least 10 minutes.

Step 24 Serve garnished with the fresh thyme sprigs.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Lions do it

5. In favor of

8. Rest here please (abbr.)

11. Pulpits

13. Leisure activity

14. Fertility god

15. Financial obligations

16. When you anticipate getting somewhere

17. Spanish river

18. Sporting events

20. Type of tree

21. Ceased to be

22. Persons

25. Synthetic resin

30. Relates to photochemical reactions

31. Father

32. Former Cowboys coach

33. City in Finland

38. Run batted in

41. Got through

43. They darken skin

45. In a harmful way

48. Form of weaving

49. City of Angels hoopster

50. Caucasian language

55. Syngman __, Korean president

56. Sun up in New York

57. Paddled

59. Fishes

60. Affirmative

61. Nimble

62. Doctor of Education

63. Soviet Socialist Republic

64. A small island

CLUES DOWN

1. Cool!

2. Hebrew unit of measure

3. Swedish rock group

4. College army

5. Favor over another

6. Called it a career

7. Egg-shaped wind instrument

8. Israeli statesman

9. Hurries

10. Slog

12. Midway between south and southeast

14. Benedictine monk

19. Self-immolation by fire ritual

23. Family of regulator genes

24. Surrendering

25. Political action committee

26. S. American plant

27. Long-term memory

28. Bark

29. Breathes in

34. Take hold of

35. Everyone has one

36. Valentine’s Day color

37. Drivers’ licenses and passports

39. Outer walls of castles

40. Enters with force

41. One thousandth of an inch

42. Deceased Chinese politician

44. Sugary secretion of plants

45. Expressed pleasure

46. Shelter

47. Utilizes

48 Forest resident

51. Fashion accessory

52. A sharply directional antenna

53. __ Kristofferson, actor

54. A bad place to end up

58. MLBer Gordon Answers to Crossword Puzzle On Page 7

PUZZLE PAGE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, it’s challenging for you and a romantic partner to get together this week and that may lead to stress. Over time you will be able to reconnect and get things back in sync.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, normally you are very open, but all of your communication channels seem to be blocked of late. Don’t be too hard on yourself as things will return to normal soon enough.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, if a family member has been in a bad mood or is feeling unwell, it is up to you to get to the root of the situation. Provide whatever assistance you can.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, you may feel like you don’t want to get involved if a friend or colleague is in trouble. But this person can really use your help at the moment and you should step up.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Don’t let your career get sidetracked by gossip and office politics, Leo. You should stand up for yourself if others are speaking poorly about you. Avoid getting involved in gossip.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, what seems to be bad news about your financial situation may not be as bad as it once appeared. Double-check the details before you become panicked.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, you may be inclined to protect loved ones from the truth this week, but they need to hear all of the details in this instance. Break any news to them gently.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you are a workaholic by nature, but when fatigue hits you this week, you’ll need to step back and give yourself time to rest. There’s a lot coming your way soon enough.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

A person who is no longer in your life may be on your mind a lot these days, Sagittarius. Cherish the fond memories you have of this person and don’t worry about being preoccupied.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, misinformation may be spreading around you and it can be tempting to add your own input to the discussions. Make sure your contributions can be backed up.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

You are finally putting some of your longstanding plans in motion, Aquarius. However, this week you may receive some information that might delay progress.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Someone may try to mislead you with some inaccurate information this week, Pisces. Conduct your own research and you’ll get all of the details you need for to draw your own conclusion.