Williston Observer 6/1/2023

Love for Williston

BY ADDIE THOMAS Grade 6

I have lived in Williston my whole life (12 years). I love living here because it’s the kind of town where you can walk into a store and immediately recognize someone who you either go to school with or live near.

Our population is definitely getting bigger, but we are adjusting to the change and building more houses. I must admit that I don’t love how developed Williston has gotten, but it isn’t realistic that our town would stay small forever.

I love how I have so much room to hang out in my yard. I don’t live in the Village, I live just outside of it, but I am still only five minutes away from the school. I live really close to all of my friends, and my grandmother and cousins.

I love how Williston Central School has a really nice outdoor space for us to use during breaks

BY EVEY LAWRENCE Grade 7

What is the best part of living in Vermont? Well, if someone asked me this on a regular day, of course I would say the maple syrup (especially if it was someone from out of state). But honestly I don’t know if I feel that way completely. Personally, what I really think the best part of Vermont is,

in school days. In my house (Sterling), we get two breaks a day, not including recess. I love how we have a lot of options of where to go or what to play. You can play kickball on the softball fields, soccer, basketball, or just play tag on

The Williston Schools have so many activities for everyone, and really great outdoor spaces.

One thing I would like to change or add to Williston is a rec center, or somewhere where people can go and have multiple choices of activities to do. It would be fun to have a place to meet up with friends or to go with family. I play basketball for Williston, so I know that our Girls A team has to bus to Allen Brook School four times a week for practices. This time seriously cuts into our practices, and it would be nice to be able to have another indoor court nearby.

Water awakens

As winter crawls to an end The water flows fast

As the frog jumps and makes a splash

The minnows swim as the water hits the rocks

I hear the deer run at the sound

the playground.

I also love how our schools have a lot of sports teams. We have at least one for every sports season. We don’t only have sports, though. I know that a lot of kids don’t enjoy playing sports, so there are other options. You can work in the gardens, there is a chess club every Monday, or you can go to a card club.

If we ever built a place in Williston like this, I would like it to be near the school so kids could walk there after school. There could be a pool, indoor or outdoor sports fields, a dog park and maybe a place to get snacks.

All in all, Williston is a really great place to live in, and I am very glad to be here. Thank you for reading.

Love for Vermont

is my friends and family and the experiences that I get to enjoy with them, and the memories I make.

Vermont is amazing in all ways, shapes and forms, but the best feeling is when you make memories with loved ones. That is the truest of all.

Take a moment to acknowledge your friends and family, and what they’ve done for you in the

grand scheme of things and realize how many great and amazing memories you share with your loved ones. It’s the best feeling in the world when someone you love picks you up when you’re feeling down. It’s amazing, and genuine. Not many things are genuine and true anymore, so when something actually meaningful happens, it’s the greatest feeling in the world (or it should be).

Experiences are that important. I think everyone should have a chance to spend time with relatives or grandparents who don’t have much time left. And always take time to appreciate the small stuff, no matter how small, you never know when someone could leave you.

It’s also always good to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. It’s even better with friends. And

Of other hikers and mountain bikers

By Graham Howell, Grade 4

while many people might not think about the small things or how nice it is to have good friends that you can have a good time with, you should really take a second or two to do that. After doing that go and see your friends! Your friends always make you feel better. Maybe go for a hike, a bike ride, or just have some fun. So that’s what I think the best part of living in Vermont is.

Masthead art by Shannon Fahy

Photo by Lachlan Cossette, Grade 4

All in all, Williston is a really great place to live in, and I am very glad to be here.

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A vision of Buddha

BY SAUJAN GURUNG Grade 8

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Every time I look at this painting of Buddha, a God to Buddhists, I feel calm and safe because he’s my God.

put myself in his shoes and feel his innocence and peacefulness, showing on his rested face and posture.

I can imagine that the view from where he is seated, crosslegged, upon a wide flat stone, is this beautiful and surreal throng of trees and wild animals in the

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I can visualize his aura beaming out of his physical body, causing his ochre-colored dress to appear as if it’s glowing.

I can hear the rocky shiny waterfall in the background of where Buddha is seated. I can hear the birds chirping and flourishing around the tilted sage green trees.

I can use my clear vision to see the leaves falling and flying around the dark blue sky. I can

My painting has a true story behind it, connected to my religious beliefs, which will always be stored in my memories.

My dream bedroom

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My dream bedroom would be an aesthetic room. In my dream room I would definitely have a bunch of pictures of my family hung up on the wall by a piece of string with a paperclip to hold them on the wall.

It would be nice to have a queen-sized bed with light purple blankets, sheets and pillow cases with a nice, warm, fuzzy white blanket over the edge of the bed — nothing too vibrant, basic or classic.

What I would put next to my bed is a small nightstand

with a small book shelf on the bottom, with some books that I like to read. I like to read mystery, graphic novels and nice poem books — the type of poem books that make you begin your day off strong and make you feel really good about yourself.

It would be really cool to have a mini fridge with a bunch of drinks and snacks for a late night snack.

I definitely want plants in my room, like veins hanging off from the walls draping over the picture and the two windows. I have always wanted two windows in my room on each wall. In the morning it would be nice

to look out the window and see a beautiful bright yellow sun in a bright blue sky, and under that sky is a cool blue ocean with a bunch of waves.

Then when it’s the evening/ dinner time, I want to be looking out the windows and see a gorgeous sunset over the ocean — a nice yellow, orange, red, purple and black-colored sunset with the sun shining on the water.

It would be cool to have a mountain view too, especially on snowy days, you could see the winter snow on the mountain tops. I think adding a butterfly painting on the ceiling would be really nice.

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Bike paths for Williston

BY ELIJAH K. ADDISON Grade 4

We can make Williston a better place by making more bike paths.

An important reason we need more bike paths is because people need to get more exercise, and having more paths will help with that. Kids need more exercise so they can be fit and healthy too.

A perfect place

BY MILO HAYES Grade 7

As I wander through the forest, I find a place. A place of wonder. Sun shining, Birds tweeting, Wind blowing, A perfect place.

I linger for a while, Soaking in the summer sun, But leave I must, For I have a family.

I return a month later, And find it gone. Destroyed by humanity, In its place, A factory Spewing muck and smog.

My heart weeps for that beautiful place that it once was. Slowly I walk back home, As I think … why? Why would they do this? Greed, says myself Greed, I vow to protect, To protect the perfect places, Help me, Help me protect them. So that this, This tragedy, Will never happen again.

Speak up!

Send your letters and story ideas to email editor@ willistonobserver.com Williston

Some of the exercise kids can get on bike paths is biking, running and walking. Scootering is even exercise!

People can be more fit for school and work. Maybe some schools can go on bike rides, and making more paths could help. So bike paths are really important. Even if there aren’t more bike paths yet, we should go on more bike rides!

I am

BY TUCKER MCMAHON Grade 4

I am a fisherman.

I wonder what fish I will catch next.

I hear the fish splashing on the line.

I see a big drum fish in the St. Lawrence.

I am a fisherman.

I pretend that there is a huge fish on my line.

I feel the teeth of a barracuda.

I touch a big, long northern pike.

I worry that a big fish will pull me off the dock.

I am a fisherman.

I understand what pike eat.

I say “Go get the net!”

I dream to go salmon, trout, and mahi mahi fishing. I try to not fall in.

I am a fisherman.

Self Portrait

BY MALIA MURRY, GRADE 7

BY ALEXIS LEPAGE, GRADE 1

What is the best advice you have ever gotten

The best advice I have ever gotten is my grammy told me to leave my iPad at her house.

— Ollie Snyder

The best advice I have ever gotten is that friends told me ways to calm down.

—

Sarah Poulin

The best advice I have ever gotten is to not eat hard candy because of my spacer.

—

Asa Wakeman-Smith

The best advice I have ever gotten is to never ride your bike without your helmet.

—

Wiley Whritenour

The best advice I have ever gotten is my mom told me to go out and play.

—

Camden Commo

The best advice I have gotten is to not go on the main road by yourself.

—

Isabel Johnson

One time my mom switched my clock from 6:55 a.m. to 7 a.m. because I woke up early. But we forgot to change the clock and I could not get downstairs in time, so she switched it back to 6:55 a.m. and I got downstairs in time.

— Devan Mazlish

My mom told me to look under the couch for my favorite stuffed animal and it was there.

— Alexis Lepage

I wish there was a law that said …

I wish there was a law that said that you could food fight.

— Noah Luby

I wish there was a law that said we don’t need to wear shoes in school.

— Addie Taylor

If you opened up your own business what kind of business would it be and how would you promote it?

If I could open up a business it would be one that sells treats and I would put up signs.

— Evie Shearer

ny jokes.

BY XAVIER LEDUC, GRADE 1

— Ezra Dickin

My brother because he makes funny faces.

— Finn Murphy

Imagine someone you know from out of state is moving. Try to convince them to move to Vermont.

If I could open up a business it would be a Target because it has lots of toys.

— Piper Motter

If I could open up a business it would be a singing business. I would put it in the newspaper.

— Vivien Sivo

BY FINN MURPHY, GRADE 1 BY GABBIE SWARTZ, GRADE 1

What does it mean to be a good friend?

A good friend means you are good to them and sweet to them.

— Filippa Escorpizo

Being a good friend means standing up for your friend.

— Cade Bufano

What makes you laugh?

My sister, chasing me.

— Jameo Carter

Books because some have fun-

I think you should move to Vermont because it is beautiful.

— Eliza Andrews

I would live in Vermont because it is cool.

— Dylan Juiffre

Who inspires you and why?

My mom inspires me by showing me dance videos.

— Spencer Ashley

My brother inspires me because he is really smart.

— Esmee Flattery

Filippa inspires me because she is great at drawing.

— Brynn Marcotte

What is the best part about living in Williston? What can we do to make it a better place.

The best part about living in Williston is the bike riding, and we should get more playgrounds to make it a better place.

— Audrey Newkirk

What is something that is important to you that most people don’t discuss or know about.

I have two special blankets. Diane Lefebvre

We need to do better

BY NATALIE JEWETT Grade 8

I think one of the biggest issues in our country is human rights.

So many rights are being ripped away from us. Trans kids aren’t safe. LGBTQIA+ rights are being taken away. In some places, you can’t marry the one you love. We can’t get abortions in some places.

We are going backwards. People are shouting out slurs and awful things at these beautiful people who deserve to love who they want, people who just want to be themselves.

What is happening to our country?

Schools are scared to put up pride flags and BLM flags because of the awful people out

OPINIONS

The dress code is sexist

BY SIERRA KENNEY Grade 7

tiny top or extremely short shorts. I just feel like, instead of making the

there. Kids are being bullied and harassed for what the color of their skin, gender or sexual orientation is, and so much more. This. is. Not. Ok.

I know we can’t live in a world where everything is OK and everyone is nice and doesn’t treat people so badly. But we can and need to do better.

We are losing people every day because of how people treat them. We should be teaching our kids to respect others.

The way I’ve been seeing people treat others is appalling. It’s disgusting and it needs to stop.

You can be judgmental and stuff like that, but saying awful vile things isn’t okay. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it.

We need to do better.

Why is it that dress codes never apply to boys? They are almost always made for girls.

For example, one of the rules in my school’s dress code is that we can’t show our stomachs (which I find it pretty annoying, that people sexualize stomachs). And by “we” I mean the girls.

If we’re going to have a dress code, at least make it equitable. I understand that girls and boys have different body structures, but still, why do the girls have to dress a certain way? Because people think it will be distracting or they think it’s inappropriate? Since when is showing some of my stomach inappropriate?

Don’t get me wrong. Girls shouldn’t come in wearing a super

girls wear clothes that won’t “distract” the boys, people could just enlighten the boys if they get distracted. Most of the time they don’t, unless you count how they start telling teachers that a certain girl needs to be “dress-coded.”

Another thing that I feel like happens is that some teachers target one specific body shape. It’s not all the teachers, it’s just some of them. The hardest part is calling teachers out when they do it, because if you do call a teacher out you get in more trouble.

It took a while for people to finally listen to the kids and change the dress code. It changed last year, but I feel like it still needs to be changed.

Most schools don’t allow girls to show their shoulders. What’s next, we can’t show our knees or ankles?

Schools are always about letting kids express themselves. At this point, maybe we should just go to uniforms if we can’t express ourselves. I just think that people need to stop sexualizing everything girls wear.

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Schools are always about letting kids express themselves. At this point, maybe we should just go to uniforms if we can’t express ourselves.

Things I wish adults knew

BY PIPER INGERSOLL Grade 8

I wish adults knew how foolish they look sometimes.

When they fight in wars over land, but destroy the land they are fighting for in the process.

When they get so upset in silly arguments like who to elect for president, and when they storm the capitol and harm each other to “prove a point”.

When they turn a blind eye to problems like global warming, world hunger and those who are suffering. When they harm each other, further shattering this already broken world, shattering children’s dreams in the process.

I wish adults knew how much fear they cause when their children see the news. When people disappear without a trace, and family members murder one another. When shooters attack schools, and ads and social media spread harmful propaganda full of lies and deceit, so no-one knows what fact or a figment of someone’s imag-

ination is.

I wish adults knew about all of their kids’ ideas. I wish they would listen to them instead of turning them away assuming it’s childish stupidity. Because even some of the most fanciful ideas can be modified and used to create something useful.

I wish adults knew that sometimes no action is the best action.

I wish adults knew that sometimes harm cannot be undone, and we cannot bring back species from extinction.

I wish adults knew how much it means to someone when they put a smile on their face and treat people with kindness, because we don’t know the person or what they have had to go through.

I wish adults knew that kids see more than they think, that kids imitate their parents. So if we want to improve our world and our species as a whole, we need to set a better example for the new generation so they will set a good example for the generations to come after them. So maybe, just maybe, we can start helping our world instead of harming it.

BY MALASHIE TONOKI Grade 8

Being a kid is already super hard. Rumors, drama, puberty … Everyone just wants to fit in, especially in middle school. For me, that feeling can feel like reaching for the stars.

Life as a black person makes belonging difficult, and not because of my beautiful skin but because of how others perceive it. During school I experience racism in many forms, one of which is microaggressions.

What do these microaggressions sound like?

As a small child in this community, I’ve been asked: “Do you live in huts in Africa?”

“Oh you’re so well spoken for a black girl!” “But

you don’t act black” “Do you speak African?”

The list of these comments is never ending.

It’s not my job to educate people on the harm in these statements, or on racism altogether. It is also not my job to educate others on black people. My peers should not look to me to speak out in history classes during Black History Month or expect me to be silent during the other months.

As hard as this has been, I have had no choice but to push myself to be an advocate for myself and my community.

The point is to work toward calling the rest of our community “in” instead of “out” about these issues. I look forward to having more conversations about this.

How to have the best year of your life

BY ZOIE AGUILLON Grade 8

Here are three pieces of advice I would give myself.

The first thing I would tell myself is to work on yourself. I don’t mean you should go to the gym, dress better or style your hair every single day. Of course you can try or commit to those things, and sometimes they can actually help people, but working on yourself doesn’t necessarily mean the outside.

You have to remember to think about self-respect and realizing how much you are worth. Not how much you are worth to your friends or in terms of money, but how much potential you have.

You have to know that you are a great person and beautiful on the inside and out. No matter what you look like, the color of your skin, your sexuality. Just remember to try and always be kind to yourself.

Another thing that is important is to be nice to others. Putting kindness out into the world can make a big difference, even if you’re only doing a tiny thing

— for example, offering someone help in different situations, complimenting someone or even just being friendly during a conversation.

Being rude can leave a big impact on others, and you. When someone’s mean to another it can spread. By putting out kindness, you can make that person feel bet-

ter about themselves, which can also make them do the same. But that can also happen when you’re rude, you bring down others, which can also leave an influence on them.

The final thing I want to talk about is just being yourself. That may sound a little cliché, but being yourself is one of the best and most important ways to succeed in having a fun year. When you’re being yourself, you don’t think about what other people are thinking about you, or if they’re laughing at you with their friends.

When you don’t think about other people’s thoughts about you, you tend to forget about all the other things you don’t like about yourself. You figure out how to embrace your uniqueness instead of hiding it to please others.

Right now we are living in an era where everyone is worrying about everyone but themselves how they look, what they do, how they act, and more. It’s all about loving yourself, and everyone around you.

That’s what my advice would be in order to have the best year of your life.

BY HANNAH RAFUSE, GRADE 3

Right now we are living in an era where everyone is worrying about everyone but themselves — how they look, what they do, how they act, and more. It’s all about loving yourself, and everyone around you.

Favorites and inspirations …

BY AVERY ANTONIOLI Grade 7

There are so many people who inspire me, such as my family, my friends and some famous athletes like Carli Lloyd and Rose Lavelle.

But there is one person who inspires me a lot with her great personality, kindness, her amazing basketball skills and her soccer skills (when she used to play). That person is Catherine Gilwee.

You might recognize her name because she plays for the UVM Catamounts, where she is one of the starting guards for the women’s basketball team. Catherine inspires me to be like her because she is a good person, has a great personality and is very kind.

I remember when I first met Catherine. I was 9 years old and I was going to the CVU basketball camp during summer break. After I signed into camp, I went over to Coach Ute Otley (the head coach of the CVU varsity girls team), and she told me to go and meet my coach for the camp. Her name was Catherine Gilwee. When I went over, she was so nice to me and everyone else in

OPINIONS

Why you should eat less meat

BY TORY WANNOP Grade 4

I think something people don’t talk about enough is how much meat people eat. I am vegetarian so this is something that is important to me.

I’m vegetarian because I love animals, and eating meat isn’t good for animals or the environment. Even if it feels like a small change, now my

family buys and eats a lot less meat because of my change. And that helps a lot more than you realize.

Meat has a lot of protein, especially for sports, but if you eat too much meat, then it’s not good for you.

Another thing people don’t realize is how terribly animals are treated. When they’re kept in cages they can’t get essential things they need to live a happy and healthy life. Also

their cages are overcrowded, which is not healthy.

The way meat is processed and made is also not good for the environment. Meat puts out way more carbon emissions than other foods, like fruit, pasta and natural ingredients, do.

All I ask you to do is eat a little less meat, especially red meat. It makes a big difference, even if it only feels like a small sacrifice.

my group.

She would always encourage us, and I am 100 percent sure that she made me a better basketball player, not just skill-wise but also how to act like a respectful basketball player as she is one herself.

When I played for Williston Rec Basketball, my team went to a CVU girls basketball game and played during halftime. After the game, I went and said hi to some of the players that had coached at the camp, such as Catherine, but also someone named Josie Pecor (who is an incredibly talented soccer player).

I remember going over and telling them that they played great. They were so nice to me, and my mom got a picture of me with them and she still has it to this day.

Now, instead of going to the CVU games I go to Catherine’s UVM games. I was very fortunate to be at the championship game that took them to the March Madness tournament. If you can, go and watch Catherine play next season. You will be dumbfounded by how good she is.

She is really a big inspiration to me and I’m sure others too.

Catherine Gilwee, UVM Catamount basketball player.

FILE PHOTO BY AL FREY

BY ALIYAH BARLOW Grade 4

I am good at gymnastics

I wonder how far I will get I hear the trampoline

I see the bars

I am good at gymnastics

I pretend to do a backflip

I feel excited I touch the floor

I worry I will slip I cry when I fall I am good at gymnastics

I understand that some people can’t do stuff

I say, “I love gymnastics”

I dream of going to a competition

I try my hardest I am good at gymnastics.

BY ALEXANDER VOLLMER Grade

4

I am a shark lover

I wonder why the ocean is hiding the deepest sea creatures

I hear music

I see clams

I am a shark lover.

I pretend to swim

I feel calm

I touch rocks

I worry that sharks are hunted

I cry when sharks die I am a shark lover.

I understand that sharks are afraid of humans

I say sharks are mysterious

I dream of sharks

I try to save sharks

I am a shark lover.

Indian gazelles by Devan Mazlish, Grade 1

Asiatic lions by Eva Lewis, Grade 1

Shrek

BY RYAN SICARD Grade 8

Are you in the mood for fitful banter?

Shrek walks in and he’s quite the enchanter.

Green muscles both large and capacious No cap, he’s really quite gracious.

But grapple with him and I pity the fool

With an audible pang, you’ll be face down in your drool.

His copious layers adeptly deployed

Fastidious haters, defeated, annoyed.

Liking Shrek be -

came the new trend Preceding them all was Donkey his friend

He became someone we all adore Shrek can simply walk into Mordor

He strikes a pose with his arms down low So you don’t pass out from his B.O.

When Alexander Graham Bell invented new tech He already had a voicemail from our boy Shrek

I hope that sums up why he’s the best. So look at his picture if you’re ever depressed.

Radient flower

BY BROOKE AURIEMMA Grade

8

In a field a beautiful flower bends and smiles softly

Oh to be so radiant

Blues, reds, purple, pink: radiant My eyes land on one

If I had a superpower

FIONA DUBACK Grade 5

If I had a superpower, it would be smell shift because, one, a lot of the other superpowers are already taken, and two, pretty much all of the other superpowers have loopholes.

For example, if you had the ability to stop time, it wouldn’t stop time for yourself, so eventually your kids will be older than you.

Dark Purple

BY ELLA PERYEA Grade 4

gorgeous flower Landing oh so softly

I run to the flower, I sink closer, softly Looking at all the colors, they are radiant One spectacular flower

Flower, so softly radiant

It sounds like when the oven timer goes off and the apricot pie comes out.

It moves like the purple leaves on a purple tree.

It feels like a sharp clingy feeling to the touch

It looks like amethysts, purple slime, life-savers, skittles and bruises

Pangolins by Charlotte LaMar, Grade 1

SELF LOVE

Isn’t

Whether you’re considering clear aligners, retainers or today’s braces, an orthodontist is the smart choice. They have 2 to 3 years of education beyond dental school. So they’re experts at helping you get a great smile—that feels great, too.

Queen Sizzle

BY MATHIUS ESCORPIZO Grade 3

Sun pattern down their body. A few burning scales Spikes all over their backs Can breath fire

Tips of their tails are burning hot Claw tips are burning hot too.

Favorites and inspirations …

BY EMMELINE BREWER Grade 8

When people ask who my favorite athlete is, I never know what to say. Should I choose a swimmer? A field hockey player? A track and field athlete?

But one Olympic gold medalist stands out. Is it because she’s a woman in a fairly male-dominated sport? Is it because she’s British? Is it because she’s a horseback rider? The answer is … I don’t know. But what I do know is that Charlotte Dujardin deserves much more recognition than she gets.

This talented woman set a crushing dressage record of 94.3 percent, which is unheard of in the equestrian community (65 percent is considered a decent score, and many people strive to hit that mark). She broke all records on a horse named Valegro.

Valegro is truly a talented horse. He was eager to work with her and so happy to comply that they made an incredible duo. Charlotte’s training method is simple: You treat horses with kindness, and they will want to do what you ask of them.

Valegro is treated with kindness and respect at his yard by Charlotte and his owner (international dressage rider Carl

Hester). You can tell. He walks around with a certain knowing strut. He gets breaks after competitions, treats and walks (yes, horses like walks, too). But most importantly, Charlotte retired him.

Many of the greatest dressage horses are pushed too far into their career, past their peak performances and into a steady mental and physical decline.

Charlotte recognized that Valegro was getting old, and that he wasn’t going to be able to maintain his physical condition, so she retired him in his prime so he would be remembered as the greatest dressage horse to ever live.

Charlotte put her horse before money and medals, and that to me is why she is my role model and my favorite athlete.

Charlotte Dujardin INSTAGRAM PHOTO @CHARLOTTE_DUJARDINCBE

I Am

BY TORY WANNOP Grade

4

I am smart and loving. I wonder what my future is. I hear animals talking to me. I see a way to solve problems. I want to change the world. I am smart and loving.

I pretend that dreams are real. I feel the soothing breathing of animals.

Keep the Trees

BY HANNAH RAFUSE Grade

I touch dreams. I worry when things are unfair. I cry when animals are mistreated. I am smart and loving.

I understand that not everybody gets along. I say rights for all. I dream of a world without conflict. I try to be nice even if I don’t want to. I hope one day everyone will be equal. I am smart and loving.

Po e tree

BY ELLA PERYEA Grade 4

Leaves sway in the wind Graceful green fills the air As that one leaf falls on the ground You feel the urge to say, ‘there I saw a leaf fall out of this tree!’ It makes me feel nice and sweet

Arbor Day

BY GRAHAM HOWELL

A taco haiku

BY SIMONE BREWER Grade 4

Hard shell goodness, crunch. Lettuce, meat, cheese, beans and rice. Stuff, stuff, bite, break, sad. ):

First grade thoughts…

If I had a superpower, it would be to bring love into people’s hearts.

— Emme Goldfried

If I had a superpower, it would be flying.

— Eli Palmer

If I had a superpower, it would be running on water.

— Charlotte LaMar

If I had a superpower, it would be to read people’s minds.

— Will Cindr

If I had a superpower, it would

be to have fire power.

— Payton Gray

If I had a superpower, it would be invisibility.

— Landon Waterman

If I had a superpower, it would be that anything I wish for would come true.

— Tatum Seeholzer

I WISH THERE WAS A LAW

I wish there was a law that said more math.

— Xavier Leduc

I wish there was a law that said

you could eat candy every day.

— Shay Dahlstrom

I wish there was a law that said never to hurt an animal.

— Gabbie Swartz

I wish there was a law that said guns weren’t a thing.

— Daniel Kernoff

I wish there was a law that said that everyone gets powers.

— Eva Lewis

I wish there was a law that said to keep your hands to yourself because there are germs.

— Vinny Washburn

Buster

Stripe is a chubby little guinea pig. Not a hamster! Stripe is also a boy, and he likes coffee. By Thi Thack, Grade 5

BY SULLY CAMPBELL, GRADE 5

BY HELEN CARR, GRADE 5

I Am

BY MILAN VAEZZADEH-SZOMODY Grade

4

I am a reader. I wonder what my next book will be. I hear the pages rustle. I see a lot of words. I am a reader.

I pretend I’m in the book. I feel happiness when I read. I touch the pages. I worry what will happen. I cry when the book ends. I am a reader.

I understand that the book will end. I say that this was a great book. I dream that I was part of the book. I try to read every word. I am a reader.

BY HARPER HAWGOOD, GRADE 4

BY MARIAN MCDONALD Grade 4

I am an actor I wonder how I can get better I hear the tapping of my feet I see the audience I am an actor.

I pretend I’m on Broadway I feel free I touch the script to memorize my lines I worry I will forget my lines I cry when I need to I am an actor.

I understand my role I say, “you did great,” to my castmates I dream to be on Broadway I try my best I am an actor.

LOCAL SHOP•EAT•SPEND•ENJOY

All funds raised by this event go directly to Angel Flight Northeast, to support Vermont patients in need of transportation for medical care.

Next Week: Father’s Day

Saving Our Oceans

Every year on June 8, people around the world are invited to celebrate World Ocean Day. The Mini Page learns more about World Ocean Day this week.

June 8

According to the World Ocean Day organization, “World Ocean Day rallies the world for ocean and climate action.” The organization works with zoos, aquariums, museums and other organizations across the globe to increase awareness of ocean and climate issues. By educating others on these topics, they hope for a better future with a healthier ocean and more stable climate.

Oceans

There are five oceans around the world: Arctic, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian and Southern. The Pacific Ocean covers more than 30% of Earth. This is also the ocean with the most islands in it. Together, the oceans make up 70% of the world’s surface.

The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean. It makes up 20% of the Earth’s surface and 29% of the planet’s water. The Atlantic Ocean is connected to all the other oceans. It’s also the first ocean to have ever been crossed by a plane.

Try ’n’

Find

Every 10 years, the Arctic Ocean’s ice cover shrinks by 12.6%. Polar bears depend on sea ice to help them capture seals for food because seals raise their young on sea ice. With the ice surfaces diminishing, or getting smaller, this makes it harder for both polar bears and seals to survive.

Cleanup event

One way to celebrate World Ocean Day is by attending a cleanup event in your area with a grown-up. These events raise awareness about the damage done to our environment by plastic pollution. According to World Ocean Day, cleaning up trash reduces the amount of plastic pollution that reaches the ocean or harms wildlife. Cleanup events can also unite a community as the volunteers work together with a common goal in mind. If you don’t have an event in your area, you can work with an adult to plan one yourself!

Words that remind us of World Ocean Day are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

Garbage Patch

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is located in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California. Marine debris, which is plastic, litter, fishing gear and other human-made waste, has accumulated in the area, stretching across an estimated 617,763 square miles of ocean. Experts say it is difficult to know exactly how big the GPGP is because the debris is constantly moving with winds and ocean currents. It is estimated there is between 1 million and 2 million tons of trash in the GPGP.

Some of the plastics in the patch are microplastics, which are smaller than a pencil eraser.

Marine debris is dangerous because animals sometimes think it’s food and eat it. Crabs and other species can attach themselves to marine debris and travel to places where they have no natural predators, which can cause major issues for the ecosystem.

Sea life can be caught in marine debris, which can cause injuries or even lead to death.

Resources

On the Web:

• worldoceanday.org

At the library:

• “Ultimate Oceanpedia” by Christina Wilsdon

• “Ocean Animals for Kids” by Bethanie Hestermann and Josh Hestermann

Mini Jokes

How did the lobster get to the ocean? By shell-icopter.

Heat stress from steadily rising temperatures in India is pushing some of its human population

Mini Fact: The average ocean depth is about 2 miles, but some parts are more than 6!

The Mini Page® © 2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Founded by Betty Debnam Issue 22, 2023

photo by Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

photo by Fruchtzwerg’s World

photo courtesy of NOAA

photo by StichtingDeNoordzee

BY MILES LIGGETT, KINDERGARTEN BY SCARLETT GUYETTE, KINDERGARTEN BY MARLEY SCRITCHFIELD, KINDERGARTEN BY REAGAN DEUTCH, KINDERGARTEN BY SAM HENDERSON, KINDERGARTEN

also the first ocean to have ever been crossed by a plane.

Try ’n’ Find

If you don’t have an event in your area, you can work with an adult to plan one yourself!

Words that remind us of World Ocean Day are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

ARCTIC, ATLANTIC, CLEANUP, DAY, DEBRIS, EARTH, GARBAGE PATCH, INDIAN, MARINE, MICROPLASTICS, OCEAN, PACIFIC, POLAR BEARS, POLLUTION, SEA LIFE, SOUTHERN, TANKER.

Mini Spy Classics

• “Ultimate Oceanpedia” by Christina Wilsdon • “Ocean Animals for Kids” by Bethanie Hestermann and Josh Hestermann

Jokes

Olga: How did the lobster get to the ocean?

By shell-icopter.

is pushing some of its human population to the limits of survival. After India’s hottest February on record, there are growing fears there will be a repeat of last summer’s record heat waves, which killed hundreds, caused massive crop losses and triggered power blackouts. With temperatures last summer comparable to those in the Sahara and Saudi Arabia, South Asia’s much higher humidity made sweating much less efficient for the population, or not effective at all.

BY VIVIAN RYEA, KINDERGARTEN BY LENNOX SUTTON-WILLIAMS, KINDERGARTEN BY MARCEL MONTAGNE, KINDERGARTEN BY DAX BRESSAK, KINDERGARTEN BY BRYSEN SIEFFERT, KINDERGARTEN

The Mini Page® © 2023 Andrews

McMeel Syndication

BY RYAN PELLON & GRACE TAYLOR, GRADE 5

BY OLIVIA PATTEN, GRADE 6

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1792, Kentucky was admitted as the 15th U.S. state.

• In 1796, Tennessee was admitted as the 16th U.S. state.

• In 1990, President George H.W. Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev signed an accord to halt production of chemical weapons.

• In 2009, General Motors Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

TODAY’S FACT:

• The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” released on this day in 1967, was the first rock album to win a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

SOLUTION

ANDREWS MCMEEL

BY SADIE BOYD, KINDERGARTEN BY SAM LEWIS, KINDERGARTEN

Kids should be allowed to drive

BY ASHTON MAXSON Grade 2

I think kids my age should be allowed to drive. That’s because you could help out your parents more. You could drive your brother to the hospital, and you could drive yourself to school.

First, if kids could drive, you could take your mom to the doctor’s. Second, you can take your brother to the hospital if he has a

broken leg. Third, I could drive myself to school so I wouldn’t be late. Also, I wouldn’t get annoyed like I do on the bus.

Some people might say no because kids might crash the car, but I think that kids could practice first for a year in a field.

In conclusion, I think kids should be allowed to drive a car because you can help your parents, you can drive your brother to the hospital, and you can drive yourself to school.

Kids should be allowed to drive cars

BY KEIREN DUCHARME  Grade 2

In my opinion, 10-year-olds should be allowed to drive cars. I’m going to tell you why.

They are smart enough to take lessons, and mostly they can read and pay attention. Kids have long legs, or they can move up the seat. That’s what I do when I go up front. Also, if they can drive, they can do groceries, and they can go to the laundromat.

Ten-year-olds are smart enough to take lessons. Also, kids

have long legs when they’re 10, and they can push up the seat if their legs are too short. Third, we could help our parents by going to the grocery shop and doing the laundry at the laundromat.

In conclusion, 10-year-old kids should be allowed to drive a car. They’re smart enough to take lessons, they have long legs, they can adjust the seat if they have to, and they can help their parents by getting the groceries and doing laundry. I hope I have convinced you that 10-year-old kids should be allowed to drive.

Memories with friends

BY IZZY RAUCH Grade 7

The amazing memories you can make with friends:

Jumping in the cold lake.

Laughing so hard you can barely breathe at something random.

Sitting in the trunk of the car watching a drive-in movie.

Watching them devour the bowl of popcorn as you sit on the couch. Going for a bike ride at sunset.

Waking up early to paddleboard and watch the sunrise.

Playing games that make us laugh.

Baking together and getting flour all over our shirts.

Swimming in the long, windy rivers.

Late nights staying up talking.

Water balloon fights.

Attempting to catch fireflies.

Turtle hunting in the lake.

Fishing off the dock.

Oh, the wonderful memories you can make with friends.

Being a good friend means…

BY NOVA PENA Grade 5

When two people come together, the two people will bond. But in such a friendship, there is a right and a wrong. Friendships can be toxic, anger and fear. But there are times you will know when a good friend is near.

A good friend will not judge you, not even for your mistakes. But a bad friend will judge you, every chance they can take.

A good friend is there for your sorrow and needs.

A bad friend will leave when it’s them that you need.

When you’re with a good friend, they make you feel happy and bright. When you’re with that bad friend, they make you clench tight. But please don’t worry, as you must see.

It’s easy to spot the difference between the red and the green. As you grow up, you will see both of them in action. But one thing you must remember, is to be the one you imagine. Be a good friend. Don’t judge and don’t bite. Don’t be the bad friend, be the one that is right.

Being a good friend means that if someone needs help, I would help them and be kind and be funny, but not too funny.

— Acadia Brown, Grade 2

Being a good friend means that you remember to be yourself near people, especially your

friends.

— Anna Clauss, Grade

2

A good friend is someone who is kind to everybody, no matter what color their skin is or whether or not they are your best friend.

— Kaisa Johnson, Grade 2

BY CLARA JOHNSON Grade 5

Being a good friend means different things to everyone.

Some might say that you have to be kind and that’s it. Others might say that you need to be brave and strong. But for me, it dives down a bit deeper.

In my opinion, a good friend means you’re loyal, kind, joyful,

BY EMMA HAMBLE Grade 8

To be a good friend is to always be there, because it shows that you care about your friendship with that person. If I am feeling sad or need someone to talk to, I hope that one of my friends will sit next to me and just listen or make me laugh, because that is what good friends do. Good friends can make you laugh when you’re sad or just talking.

Sometimes my friends

humorous and have empathy.

One of my best friends is Aunnesha Chowdhury. Whenever I need someone to talk to, she is always there. She makes me laugh so hard that sometimes I can’t even breathe. And I can count on her to always be there for me when I need her. So, I give her the same thing back.

Being good friends with someone is a two-way street. I can’t expect to get all this from

make me laugh so much that I can’t breathe. Sometimes it will be about the weirdest thing.

A good friend is nice and will make you happy. You don’t want a friend that makes you sad or is uncomfortable to be around. You need a friend that makes you smile and laugh.

I have to acknowledge that every friend group or friend gets in a fight sometimes, but that makes your friendship better and stronger because, if they’re a good friend, they will

her and give nothing back in return. You have to show that you also care.

It can be tough sometimes to find a really good friend, but when you do get one, you’ll know. My advice is to be yourself. And I promise that, even if you feel like you’ll never have a good friend, one day you will.

This is what being a good friend means to me. What does it mean to you?

never stay mad at you or not talk to you because of something that happened. They’ll talk to you and make sure everything’s alright and say sorry. They’ll do that because they value their friendship with you.

A good friend is supportive of what you do and will also give you advice to help with a situation. A good friend will hype you up and make you feel better. This is my definition of a good friend, but yours might be different.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

PUZZLE FOUND ON PAGE 19

Community Bankers – Chittenden County

Temporary Positions Available

BUILDERS | MAKERS | DOERS®

There is no better time to join our Team!

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all. Consider joining our team as a Temporary Community Banker!

Relevant Skills:

• Customer Service • Cash Handling (we’ll train you!)

Even better… if you have prior banking experience, we encourage you to apply!

If you are 18 or older and have a high school diploma, general education (GED) degree, or equivalent, consider joining the NSB Team!

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com

Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

Highway Positions Available

Highway Foreperson

This is a supervisory position that is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of the town’s highway infrastructure. A valid VT issued CDL Class A license is required. Required skills include proficient operation of a road grader, excavator, front-end loader, backhoe, and tandem plow truck. Starting pay is $32.00 - $38.00 an hour depending upon qualifications.

Highway Maintainer

This is a semi-skilled position of moderate complexity in highway maintenance and equipment operation. The Highway Maintainer II performs a wide variety of manual and automotive equipment operation tasks involved in municipal road maintenance. Work extends to responsibility for maintenance and servicing of assigned automotive equipment, requiring strong mechanical and trouble shooting skills. A valid Vermont issued Class B CDL is required. Starting pay is $22.00 - $25.00 an hour depending upon qualifications.

Both positions provide health, dental, vision and disability insurance; paid time off; pension plan; and 13 paid holidays.

A highway application can be found on the town’s website www. hinesburg.org under “employement.” Applications can be emailed to Todd Odit, Town Manager at todit@hinesburg.org.

YARD SALE

SUNRISE DRIVE ANNUAL GARAGE SALE! —Sunday, June 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Multiple houses selling kids toys, games, books and room decor, adult and kid clothing, furniture and several other household items.

WILLISTON WOODS

COMMUNITY YARD SALES—

Friday & Saturday, June 2 & 3 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Grilled hot dogs lunch on Friday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Williston Woods is located off North Williston Rd.

NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE

Old Stage Estates (the Southfield Drive/Paddock Lane neighborhood located off Old Stage Road in Williston - across the street from Windswept Farm) is hosting its annual yard sale on Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Items include kids’/baby toys, kids’ clothes, books, garden items, vintage furniture, exercise equipment, keyboard, artwork, kitchenware, and lots more.

HERITAGE MEADOWS

HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION

YARD SALE — Saturday, June 3, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Residents of our 40+ home neighborhood on Wildflower Circle, Williston are holding a yard sale. Stop by, you never know what you might find.

92 PADDOCK LANE — Friday and Saturday, June 2 -3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Multi families; antiques, tools, toys, books, bikes, numerous household items.

To place a classified ad, email rick@williston observer.com or call 802-373-2136

Deadline for classifieds is Monday.

Spring Classic

Favorites and inspirations …

BY EMERSON CAMPBELL Grade 8

My favorite book author is Ruta Sepetys, a Lithuanian-American woman who writes historical fiction, mainly surrounding World War II.

For me, historical fiction is either too childish or too overstuffed with facts and statistics. Ruta Sepetys is someone who can find that middle ground between those two, and create a very compelling story, albeit violent — though, I think the violence in her books is realistic and acknowledges the aspects of World War II that aren’t talked enough about.

Her writing style can engage me in a way that most books fail to, and I think it’s because of the emotion that she can so easily pour into her work. It might have to do with her roots in Lithuania, because, of all of her books that I’ve read (and I plan to

read more), one of the topics had to do with the role Lithuanians played in World War II. For example, her debut novel “Between Shades of Gray” is about a Lithuanian girl sent to a labor camp. “Salt to the Sea,” a 2016 novel, has a Lithuanian character who is a nurse.

“Salt to the Sea” was the first book of Ruta Sepetys’ that I ever read. My mom gave it to me off of her bookshelf when I said I couldn’t find a good book to read at school (thanks mom), and I think it was a very good introductory book.

It follows four individuals who make their way to the MV Wilhelm Gustloff, a German transport ship in use during the war. Though the many characters can be intimidating at first, their stories begin to overlap early on, and it becomes easier to follow as they make connections to each other. Also, the Wilhelm Gustloff was a real ship that actually sunk, so real history

is involved.

“Between Shades of Gray,” Sepetys’ first novel, is about the journey of a teenage girl, Lina, and her family when she is deported from Lithuania, her native country, and is taken to a Gulag labor camp in Siberia. This book got me thinking a lot more than “Salt to the Sea” purely because of how harsh it can get. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s full of wonderful characters and a compelling plot.

In conclusion, Ruta Sepetys is my favorite author because of her ability to tell stories in an engaging and realistic way. I find myself actually learning something from her books, without getting bored or lost in facts and statistics that some other historical fiction books tend to lean on.

The violence involved in her stories is a key aspect, at least for me, since similar tragedies like those shown in her stories actually happened.