Voters faced with separate conservation tax question
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
The Williston Conservation Commission has ambitious goals of ensuring that 30 percent of the town is publicly conserved by the year 2050.
But the Environmental Reserve Fund (ERF) voters created in the 1980s to match state, federal and nonprofit land conservation grants will need a boost if that target is to be achieved.
The commission worked with the selectboard in the fall to approve a question for voters this Town Meeting Day: Will you agree to a tax amounting to $5 for every $100,000 of assessed property value to be put toward land conservation? The tax would be separate from the town’s regular budget property tax and would generate about $110,000 for the Environmental Reserve Fund in the upcoming fiscal year. The
fund currently has about $530,000.
“We’ve been up and down as far as the amount we’ve funded (the ERF),” selectboard member Terry Macaig said during budget discussions in the fall. “We’ve shortchanged them for the last couple years.”
Last year the board appropriated $30,000 to the fund, incorporated into its regular annual budget. Over the years, the annual funding has been as high as $300,000 and as
low as $10,000. In 2020, the board didn’t budget any land conservation funds. The year before, it put in about $250,000 as part of the acquisition of the Catamount Community Forest.
The variability has made it difficult for the conservation commission to plan a pathway to its conservation goals. About 2,200 acres of land will need to be conserved in the next 25 years for the town to reach the 30 percent goal.
“We want to get into a proactive mode where we are going out to landowners saying ‘hey, can we help you make a plan for your property?’ … If you don’t want to see it developed, we would like to work with you and find a way for it to become a piece of the vision we have for Williston,’” conservation commission member Reed Carr explained.
“We need to get reliability to the funding so we can begin to line up potential acquisitions.”
Digging into school staffing cuts
Budget proposal includes nearly 40 fewer positions
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
School staffing cuts associated with the Champlain Valley School District’s proposed budget are coming into focus as Town Meeting Day approaches.
According to the school board, the budget proposal will result in about 40 fewer full-time district
employees next school year. When combined with reductions from last year, the district stands to lose about 80 positions over two years.
In a Jan. 31 letter to the community, Williston Lead Principal Greg Marino explained that the reductions will cause an increase in class sizes and a restructuring of student groupings at Williston Central and Allen Brook schools. Planned reductions include a loss of one K-2 teacher at Allen Brook, and one grade 3-4 and two grade 5-8 teachers at Williston Central.
“We are doing what we always do, which is negotiating in good faith together and trying to find what’s best for the kids, taxpayers and teachers.”
Lisa Bisbee Teachers Union negotiator
Staffing in physical education, foreign languages, and math and literacy support would also be reduced.
School administrators are seeking input from parents and school staff to determine the best classroom structures for next school year, while also accounting for a continued decline in student population.
“There are many factors that will go into final decisions on classroom and team structures,” Marino wrote. “Ultimately,
The Environmental Reserve Fund has already been used to preserve over 2,000 acres for public use, including Sucker Brook and Mud Pond country parks and Catamount Community Forest. With the fund’s ability to lure outside grants, each dollar has amounted to two dollars worth of conserved land, according to commission chair Dave Westman.
“This becomes a multiplier for leveraging those other funds,” he said. “So if the town can put money forward, then we can approach other trusts and funding sources to match those funds … and actually acquire properties as they become available.”
If approved at Town Meeting Day, the tax would be assessed only for the upcoming fiscal year. It would need to be reapproved annually by voters at future Town Meetings.
“This initiative is a way to pull out a unique need for the town, which is protecting public and open spaces, and take it out of the annual budget decision-making and have it be put directly to the voters,” said Westman.
decision making will be the responsibility of the leadership team, with guidance and oversight from Central Office.”
Decisions on future class structure will be made and shared with the community shortly after Town Meeting in March, he said, assuming the budget is approved. Which teachers will be affected by the reductions will be “based on seniority,” according to the school board.
“We will not know the
see STAFFING page 5
A skier glides along a snowy hillside in Catamount Community Forest, among the roughly 2,000 acres of publicly conserved land in Williston. FILE PHOTO BY STEVE MEASE
Williston
Willy’s Day
The Lentine family snowman on Old Stage Road has been frozen for more than three weeks during this chilly winter stretch. On Groundhog Day, he matched Punxatawney Phil with his prediction of more winter weather.
OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO
Around Town
Williston team takes the Plunge
Williston Schools’ Penguin Plunge team will join others at Burlington’s Waterfront Park on Saturday to jump into Lake Champlain in a fundraiser for Special Olympics Vermont.
The team, the “Wet Wildcats” have raised more than $2,000 and are hoping to be the top fundraising team with a goal of $17,000.
Donations can be made online at: give.specialolympicsvermont.org/ team/627213.
Town band seeks musicians
The Williston Town Band invites musicians of all levels of experience, high school age and older, to join the community group at their next rehearsal on Monday, Feb. 10, 6:30-8:15 p.m.
The band plays a variety of popular tunes, marches, musicals and more. If interested, contact Kathy Schaw, president, at willistontownband@gmail.com for more information or to register.
Richmond Food Shelf receives Rotary District grant
Vince Conte of the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club presents a $1,000 Rotary District grant check to M.J. Patchett, director of the Richmond Food Shelf.
OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO
The Richmond Food Shelf received a Rotary District Grant of $1,000 in January to help fund its Got Milk program. The program provides vouchers to food shelf patrons to get milk or cheese from the Richmond Market.
The grant comes from the WillistonRichmond Rotary Club through an application to Rotary District 7850, which includes clubs in Vermont, New Hampshire and Quebec.
Rotary ready for grant applicants
The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club is accepting grant applications from local non-profits seeking funds for projects that address the needs of the communities of Williston, St. George and/or Richmond.
The application form is available online at portal.clubrunner.ca/1453/page/grants.
Typical grant awards are between $500 and $1,000. For more information, email RotaryClubofWillistonVT@gmail.com.
THIS WEEK
EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
Thurs., Feb. 6 — Town Manager budget chat: 5-6 p.m. Town Hall meeting room. Join Town Manager Erik Wells for a drop-in chat about the town’s proposed annual budget.
Sat., Feb. 8 — Bill Skiff Story Slam: 3 p.m. Williston Central School. Storytelling competition with theme “Magic.” Share and-or listen to others. Information at https://portal. clubrunner.ca/1453/page/bill-skiff-story-slam
Sat., Feb 8 — Penguin Plunge: Williston’s Wet Wildcats plunge into Lake Champlain in fundraiser for Special Olympics. Donate at https://give.specialolympicsvermont.org/ team/627213
Sat., Feb. 8 — Sustainable Williston social: 9-10 a.m. Old Town Café and Comics in Cottonwood Crossing. Food, coffee and discussion on local sustainability and environmentalism.
Sat., Feb. 8 — Town Manager budget chat: 10-11 a.m. Old Town Café and Comics in Cottonwood Crossing. Join Town Manager Erik Wells for a drop-in chat about the town’s proposed annual budget.
Mon., Feb. 10 — Town Manager budget chat: 5:30-6:45 p.m. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. Join Town Manager Erik Wells for a dropin chat about town’s proposed annual budget.
Tues., Feb. 11 — Walk to School Day: 7:15 a.m. Williston students and parents gather to walk to school along several routes. For more information, contact Amy Brewer at abrewer@ nmcinc.org or (802) 922-2587.
Tues., Feb. 11 — Development Review Board meeting: 7 p.m. Town Hall Meeting Room. Agenda at town.williston.vt.us
Tues., Feb. 11 — Watercolor and community building: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Williston Federated Church. Four-week series (also offered on Wednesdays). Email sayrahm@ gmail.com
Firefighters extinguish Casella roof fire
The roof of a Casella Waste Systems truck maintenance facility on Avenue B in Williston caught fire Tuesday morning.
About two dozen firefighters from Williston, South Burlington, Essex, Richmond and Burlington were called in to extinguish it. Firefighters laddered their way to the roof where they found insulation ablaze. Firefighters hosed the fire under control within an hour, according to Williston Police Chief Aaron Collette.
No injuries were reported. The cause was “a ceiling-mounted waste oil heating unit,” according to Collette. Casella sustained an estimated $35,000 dollars in damage.
Williston firefighters work to extinguish a fire on the roof of a Casella Waste Systems building on Avenue B on Tuesday. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO
Scott launches task force to assess tariff impact
BY HABIB SABET VTDigger
Gov. Phil Scott on Tuesday established an interagency task force to examine the potential consequences of sweeping tariffs that President Donald Trump has declared on certain imports from Canada, Mexico and China.
The Decision Support Team task force is expected to assess the possible effects the proposed tariffs could have in Vermont while “identifying options for mitigating short-term and long-term impacts on consumers and ratepayers, as well as opportunities for expanding any potential upside,” according to a Tuesday press release
Love Out Loud
from the governor’s office.
“The Governor has asked for a tangible analysis of net impacts, not a knee jerk reaction to the idea of tariffs or the unfortunate friction federal trade policies create with our very good friends to the north and that is exactly what we’re going to provide,” Vermont Secretary of Commerce and Community Development Lindsay Kurrle said in the release.
The task force, which is led by Kurrle, includes officials from the state’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Department of Labor, Agency of Agriculture and the Public Service Department, according to the release.
The announcement came amid
mixed messaging from the White House concerning the Trump Administration’s trade policy.
On Saturday, Trump signed executive orders declaring 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, in addition to a 10% tax on certain imports from China. The president also announced a 10% tax on fuel imports from Canada.
The policies were originally expected to go into effect Tuesday.
On Monday, however, the president signed new executive orders postponing the taxes levied against imports from Canada and Mexico for 30 days, citing agreements reached with the leaders of both countries relating to border security. The tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports are now expected to take effect on March 4. The taxes on Chinese imports, meanwhile, took effect Tuesday.
The leaders of Mexico and Canada had indicated that if the tariffs were enacted they would impose similar taxes on U.S. imports. On Tuesday, meanwhile, China signaled that it would impose sweeping duties on U.S. goods and fuel imports.
According to the release, the Decision Support Team is charged with reviewing the tariff policies and providing the governor with weekly updates.
“While the President’s tariffs would undoubtedly be very disruptive, and the risk of higher prices has been well reported, I have directed my team to weigh the outcomes fairly and objectively,” Scott said in the release.
Staffing
continued from page 1
particular assignments of teachers within the structure until later in spring, especially at WCS,” Marino said.
Proposed staff cuts at CVU High School include an assistant athletic director, a wellness teacher, and teachers in English, math, science, social studies and the school’s learning center. Additionally, the school district’s central office stands to lose a director of wellness and prevention, a homeless coordinator and a mentoring administrative assistant.
Budget savings from staff cuts total $3.6 million, the school board estimates. Meanwhile, even with the reductions, teacher salaries are slated to cost the district an additional $3.2 million in the upcoming fiscal year. That is subject, however, to negotiations that are now ongoing between the school board and the teachers union on a new employment contract. The current contract, which includes annual pay raises averaging 5.25 percent, expires in June.
Teacher union leaders and the school board’s human resources subcommittee
have been holding closed door negotiating sessions since January, with their next one scheduled for Feb. 10.
Lead teacher negotiator Lisa Bisbee said the union is not inclined to scale back on its salary increase ask to near the overall proposed budget increase (less than 1 percent), even in light of the proposed staff reductions.
“I understand that it’s a difficult time financially, but I also know that both sides of the table truly respect each other and we listen to each other,” said Bisbee, who works at Williston Central School. “We are doing what we always do, which is negotiating in good faith together and trying to find what’s best for the kids, taxpayers and teachers.”
She said the district’s salaries can be a recruiting tool for hiring top-tier staff.
“In order to keep the people that we have, we need to keep those salaries high,” Bisbee said. “We need to attract and retain the most qualified teachers … (If we say) ‘don’t give us a raise’ that is not going to do us any favors in the long term for keeping the great teachers that we have, or for attracting new great teachers.”
Planning: Wills & Trusts Expert Assistance with Medicaid Applications Efficient
Election editorial policy
The Williston Observer welcomes election-related Guest Columns and Letters to the Editor submissions leading up to local, state and national elections. We refrain from publishing election-related material in the issue immediately preceding an election.
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GUEST COLUMN
We must care for our most vulnerable
BY KIM FITZGERALD
Long-term care communities support our most vulnerable. For far too long, direct care staff have been underpaid and underappreciated.
During the pandemic, they were our heroes — caring for people 24/7. They went to work in gowns and shields, continuing to offer compassionate care, often risking their own lives. They could not and would not leave their shift until someone relieved them.
On behalf of everyone at Cathedral Square, I cannot thank them enough. Unfortunately, this continues to be their reality every day. For many, flu and Covid outbreaks are a thing of the past, but not for long-term care communities. They care for those who can’t
feed themselves, those who need help dressing, and bathing, or getting in and out of bed. They care for our loved ones, those who taught
Vermont’s longterm care system is in crisis and the governor’s budget does not include a solution.
us, protected us and raised us.
Yet the Governor’s budget doesn’t seem to care for them.
While we are grateful that the budget does include necessary funding for our SASH (Support and Services at Home) model, the
FY26 budget does not include an increase in funding for long-term care providers and communities that accept Medicaid to care for our most vulnerable.
How can we pay a reasonable wage to our workers (our heroes) if we do not receive an inflationary increase for Medicaid reimbursement rates? Many long-term care communities that accepted Medicaid have closed or limited the amount of Medicaid they accept. Without increases, I’m worried more facilities will close, only exacerbating the long waitlists that already exist.
Many Vermonters must rely on Medicaid to pay for their longterm care; they do not have any other means. Even for those who do have means, once they pay see FITZGERALD page 7
story tips are welcomed. Letters to the Editor should be 300 words or fewer and include your name, address and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the letter’s author.
from page 6
down their assets at a private care facility, they will be asked to leave in search of a community that accepts Medicaid. These locations are getting fewer and fewer.
At Cathedral Square, 93 percent of our long-term care apartments are for very low-income Vermonters on Medicaid, and we have hundreds of people waiting to get in. We need more long-term care communities that accept Medicaid, not fewer.
Just recently we welcomed a new resident to Memory Care at Allen Brook, one of our assisted living communities, who had been living at the hospital for four months — not because they needed hospital-level care but because there were no available and affordable long-term care options. And this was not the first person we moved in from long, unnecessary, and costly stays at the hospital.
Vermont’s long-term care system is in crisis and the governor’s budget does not include a solution. Medicaid rates need to be increased on an annual basis and should be included in our state’s fiscal priorities. We are committed to working with the Legislature to prioritize and fund
the care our loved ones need and deserve. I urge the governor to support our critical long-term care system, which rests precariously on the backs of an underpaid workforce and unpaid family members who often sacrifice their own financial stability to fill the gaps in a neglected system.
Let’s come together and do the right thing — prioritize funding to care for our most vulnerable today and create a sustainable long-term care system for tomorrow.
Kim Fitzgerald is CEO of Cathedral Square, a provider of affordable housing with services for older Vermonters and people with diverse needs. Cathedral Square operates 28 housing communities in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties, two of which are assisted living communities including the state’s only nonprofit memory care community serving very lowincome Vermonters on Medicaid.
REPAIRS
APPRAISALS
Performed by Our Graduate Gemologists
GEARING UP FOR KINDERGARTEN
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION 2025
Allen Brook School is currently registering for Kindergarten 2025!
All students who will be 5 before September 1, 2025, and live in Williston or Saint George, are eligible for Kindergarten at Allen Brook School in the Fall
Contact us today to enroll your student: 802-871-6240 absfrontoffice@cvsdvt.org
John Michael Downey
John Michael Downey, 74, of Williston passed away Jan. 25 at the McClure Miller Respite House after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
John was born on July 9, 1950, in Dorchester, MA, the son of John and Lyola Downey. He graduated from Weston High School and went on to get his Bachelor of Science at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Those close to John called him “Jed.”
Growing up the Downey family spent many summers on the Cape. Jed was the oldest of six, he used to tell stories of
being ten years old and riding with two of his younger brothers to the beach every day. Even as an adult, he loved nothing more than to float and bob in the ocean. Jed was a life-long New Englander.
While working as a researcher at Harvard, he met Janice Vincent. She still claims he was the most “handsome man she had ever seen in her life.” They married in 1975 and would have celebrated their 50-year anniversary this summer. Jed and Janice lived in various Massachusetts and New Hampshire towns over the years, ultimately settling in Vermont to be close to their daughter Jennifer and her family.
For most of Jed’s career he worked in the printing industry. You couldn’t go anywhere with him where he didn’t stop to inspect a product’s label to see if it fit his standards. As an avid reader and expert Mr.-fix-it, Jed was the go-to resource for family and friends for advice and information, no matter the topic.
Jed had a wide range of interests; he was always up to date on real estate prices, the best gardening techniques, the stock market and the score of last Sunday’s football game. He especially liked Formula One
OBITUARIES
racing. He never missed a race when it was on TV.
Jed loved his time in Vermont, especially when he joined Cardiac Rehab Gym on Tilley Drive. There he found his people. He even convinced Janice to go with him several times a week to “work out.” Jed embodied the gentle giant trope, standing at a towering 6’5 his head stuck above any crowd he gathered in.
Jed is survived by his wife Janice (Vincent), daughter Jennifer Savas (spouse Paul), grandchildren Phillip, Perry, Taylor and Jack Savas, his brothers Kevin, Edward, James and sister Marsha Downey, his godson John Downey and nephew Liam Downey. He is predeceased by his parents Lyola and John and his brother William.
We are eternally grateful to Dr. James Boyd for his care and support.
A mass in celebration of Jed’s life was held Feb. 7 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Williston.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Frederick C. Binter Center, c/o Dr. James Boyd, One Prospect Street, Burlington, VT.
Steven W. Levings
Steven W. Levings, 74, of Williston, passed away peacefully Jan. 3 after a long period of declining health. Born in Malden, MA to Willard and Barbara Levings, he lived most of his childhood in Wellesley, MA. He attended Governor’s Academy in Byfield, MA and went on to graduate from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA.
After graduating from college, Steve lived in Washington, D.C. for a number of years. After completing further education in electronics, he moved to VT in 1980 to work for IBM at their chip manufacturing facility in Essex Junction. Known for his unconventional sleeping hours, he ultimately secured a position on 3rd shift (away from company politics and managers) serving as a diagnostic technician for the various steps involved in the semi-conductor fabrication process.
Before the Montreal Expos left town, Steve’s love of baseball and
food drew him north of the border on a regular basis, frequently for prolonged periods of time. He prided himself on knowing all of the buffet restaurants where tables covered with an endless supply of tasty concoctions could be had for just a few dollars.
He became a skilled cook himself, specializing in Thai cuisine and enjoyed spending days planning and preparing a multi-course meal for friends or family. Soon he broadened his scope by starting a private catering business (Gourmet Thai Cuisine), participating in the Burlington Food Festival in City Hall Park several years, and donating catered, private dinners back in the days of Vermont ETV auctions.
Besides cooking and spectator sports, Steve also enjoyed traveling throughout the country to a wide variety of music festivals and stock car racing events, as well as swinging a golf club or two with friends.
Having never been a fan of extreme cold, in recent years Steve had set his sights on moving down to the eastern coast of Florida, in hopes of owning a single level home in a planned community near a golf course. Unfortunately his health prevented this dream from becoming reality.
Steve is survived by his sister, Betsy Grimes and her husband Dennis, his nieces, Sara and Heather, and nephew, Christopher, as well as their children, Lily, William and Nora. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Douglas Levings. Private services will be held in the spring. Please visit awrfh. com to share your memories and condolences.
SEEKING HELP BUILDING
R.E.C. ZONE KITCHENETTE
Recreation & Parks WILLISTON
The Williston Recreation & Parks Department is raising funds to build a small kitchenette at the R.E.C. Zone, its programming hub on Harvest Lane. The kitchenette will serve all ages, including senior community meals in partnership with Age Well. The department is seeking both monetary and in-kind contributions (microwave, toaster, dishware, utensils, storage containers). It is also seeking a business sponsor. Donations can be made by mailing a check to: Williston Recreation & Parks Department; Attn: R.E.C Zone Kitchenette Fund; 7900 Williston Road; Williston, VT 05495. Call 876-1160 or email recreation@ willistonvt.org to arrange in-kind donations or inquire about a business sponsorship.
SUMMER CAMPS
Summer camp information is now available at www.willistonrec.org for planning your child’s summer. A Camp Guide was mailed to Williston homes last week. Registration starts Monday, Feb. 10 at 8 a.m. for Williston residents.
SPRING/SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE
The Spring/Summer Program Guide will be mailed to homes in mid-February. Look for new programs and old favorites.
SENIOR COMMUNITY MEALS
Ages 60-plus. The Rec Department and Age Well will combine to host free meals from 12-1 p.m. on Tuesdays. Space is limited, and advanced registration is required. Registration for each meal closes one week before the scheduled date.
Following the meal, a program tailored to seniors will be offered from 1-2 p.m. The meal menu and program listings will be posted at www.willistonrec.org. To register, call (802) 876-1160 or email recreation@ willistonvt.org.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
CIRCULAR WEAVING INTRO
Ages 13-plus. Come learn this fun, inexpensive and relaxing way to weave. This program will introduce weavers to the circular loom. Participants will either make a bowl or a flat piece and will be shown a variety of techniques to create different effects. Participants will be provided yarn and a loom to keep. Instructor: Bradie Hansen
TABLE TENNIS
Ages 12-plus. This pickup program meets on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m., October through May. Those between the ages of 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult. Preregister at www.willistonrec.org.
ADULT PROGRAMS
BONE BUILDERS
Ages 50-plus. A program of the United
Way of Northwest Vermont. This free, low-impact weight training program is designed to prevent and reverse osteoporosis in older adults. Classes are held twice per week. Instructors: Ann Naumann and Joyce Oughstun. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. at the REC Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
TAI CHI INTRODUCTION
Ages 50-plus. The ancient art of Tai Chi improves balance, increases mindfulness and relaxes the mind and body. This class will present sequences of movements derived from the Sun style, which is slow, smooth and upright in posture. Instructor: Adina Panitch. Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
SENIOR STRENGTH & FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY
Ages 50-plus. This program will concentrate on developing upper and lower body strength, improving balance and strengthening your core. In this dementia-friendly class, participants are encouraged to work within their abilities. Instructor: Jazmine Averbuck. Wednesdays and Fridays, 1010:45 a.m. Free. The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT PROGRAMS
Ages 16-plus. This program is geared to 50-plus but is open to all ages. Instructors will show you how to take it high or low. Cardio Sculpt Low/Low, Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. and Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Cardio Sculpt Low/High, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m. and Sundays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Instructor: Kit Sayers. The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
ACCESSIBLE YOGA
Ages 18-plus, geared towards 50-plus. Join this Vinyasa Yoga Flow program appropriate for everyone. Each class begins with a brief meditation and then moves into an easy practice that can be done on a yoga mat, in a chair, or both. Instructor: Robin Zabiegalski. Starts Jan. 27, Mondays, 1-2 p.m., $5 per class. The REC Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
YOGA FLOW
Ages 18-plus. Each class will start with a brief mindfulness meditation, then move into an easy Vinyasa Flow practice. You will practice a flow of yoga shapes both on the ground and standing, then you will settle on some longer stretches. Instructor: Robin Zabiegalski. Starts Jan. 31, Fridays, 6-7 p.m., $10 per class. The REC Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
YOUTH/TEEN PROGRAMS
YOUTH LACROSSE LEAGUES
Grades 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8. Registration is now open for lacrosse, a fast-paced sport that combines the power of football and
hockey and the endurance of soccer and basketball. The programs offer separate boys and girls teams. Volunteer coaches are needed. Sign up to coach when you register your child. Early bird deadline is March 9.
DRIVER’S EDUCATION
Ages 15-17. Attendance in all scheduled
class sessions is required for successful course completion. Do not register if there are dates you cannot attend. Behind-thewheel lessons will be scheduled individually. Must have a valid Vermont learner’s permit. Instructor: Epic Driving LLC. Summer sessions also available.
Summer Camps 2025
Make Kindness the Norm
Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. With this special day, kids and adults are encouraged to keep kindness to others in mind every day of the year.
The Mini Page learned about the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation to find out more about this idea. The organization’s motto is “Make Kindness the Norm.”
A change in thinking
During one summer in the 1990s, many violent acts took place in the area around San Francisco. They were labeled “random acts of violence.” (Random means done without a plan or method.)
This gave a woman in Berkeley, California, the idea of doing “random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation grew from her idea.
Putting values into action
The RAK Foundation tries to focus attention on core values, or standards of behavior, and provide ideas for putting those values into action. Some of those values include:
• leadership
• responsibility
• friendship
• courage
• sportsmanship
• confidence
• helping others
• believing in yourself
Next Week: Our states: Michigan
Mini Fact:
If someone is having a hard time with something, try offering to help instead of laughing or making fun of them.
Learning to be kind
Random Acts of Kindness Day helps adults and kids increase their self-confidence and improve their views of themselves. As you might guess, this would be difficult in a family or classroom where people are bullying others or acting mean.
The RAK Foundation shares some activities that will help kids understand how to be kind to one another.
Reach out to elders
Is there a nursing home or assisted living facility nearby? Contact the activity director to get a list of names of elders at your chosen location. With classmates or family members, divide the list of elders and create kindness notes for them. The notes might include encouragement and happy artwork that they can keep and enjoy.
Make a compliment card
How do you feel when someone admires your hair or notices your talent for sports? People love to get compliments from others. Make a list of your friends, classmates or family members. Next to each person’s name, write down something you admire about that person. Write your compliment on the card, then find pictures from newspapers or magazines to illustrate your message.
Fact or opinion?
When you’re talking with others, it helps to be able to tell whether people are stating facts, which are true, or opinions, which are their beliefs about something.
In this example, can you tell who is stating a fact and who is giving his or her opinion?
Taylor: Hey everyone, how was your weekend?
Sarah: Taylor, you got a new backpack!
Justin: That is a baby backpack! How stupid!
Now answer these questions:
• Who states a fact?
• Who gives an opinion?
• Is the opinion kind or unkind? Why?
• What could that person have said instead? Words that remind us of
Kyle: What sport does a pancake compete in? Kirsten: Stack
Founded by Betty Debnam
Try ’n’ Find
Words that remind us of random acts of kindness are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons purple onion, minced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
What to do:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Mini Jokes
Kyle: What sport does a pancake compete in? Kirsten: Stack and field!
1. Combine beans, tomatoes, red bell pepper, purple onion and cilantro in a medium bowl.
2. Mix remaining ingredients in a small jar; shake vigorously.
3. Pour dressing over bean mixture and stir gently until evenly mixed.
4. Chill for one hour to blend flavors.
* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
In 2024, Earth experienced the hottest day ever measured, breaking the previous record by a tiny fraction of a degree, set a day earlier. Europe’s Copernicus climate service calculated through satellite observations that the average global temperature on July 22 was 62.76 degrees Fahrenheit. The planet’s average temperature was also 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 F) warmer than in preindustrial times across an entire year for the first time on record. The period from February 2023 to January 2024 reached 1.52 degrees Celsius of warming.
For later:
Look in your newspaper for articles about people doing kind things for others.
Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
by Dan Thompson
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you offer me any tips on choosing and using a home blood pressure monitor? I just found out I have high blood pressure and my doctor recommended I get a home monitor so I can keep tabs on it.
Just Turned 63
Dear 63, Everyone with high blood pressure (130/80 or higher) should have a home blood pressure monitor. Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure in a comfortable setting.
SAVVY SENIOR
Home blood pressure monitors:
Plus, if you’re taking medication, it will make certain it’s working and alert you to a health problem if it arises.
Here are some top-rated blood pressure monitors to consider along with some tips to help ensure you take an accurate reading.
BEST MONITORS
The most accurate and easiest to use home blood pressure monitors today are electric/battery powered automatic arm monitors, which are more reliable than wrist or fingertip monitors. With an automatic arm monitor, you simply wrap the cuff around your bicep and, with the push of one button, the cuff inflates and deflates automatically giving you your blood pressure reading on the display window in a matter of seconds.
Many automatic monitors also come with additional features such as irregular heartbeat detection that checks for arrhythmias and other abnormalities; a risk
category indicator that tells you whether your blood pressure is in the high range; a data-averaging function that allows you to take multiple readings and get an overall average; multiple user memory that allows two or more users to save their readings; and downloadable memory that lets you transmit your data to your smartphone or computer.
The top five automatic arm monitors as recommended by Consumer Reports for 2025 are the Omron Platinum BP5450 ($90), Omron 10 Series BP7450 ($70), Omron Evolv BP7000 ($70), A&D Medical UA767F ($55), and Omron 3 Series BP7100 ($55). And the top wrist monitors are the Omron 7 Series BP6350 ($55) and the Equate (Walmart) 4500 Series ($40).
You can purchase these at pharmacies, medical supply stores or online without a prescription. Prices will vary depending on where you buy.
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After you buy your monitor, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s office so they can check its accuracy and make sure you’re using it properly. Here are some additional steps to follow to ensure you get accurate measurements at home.
Be still: Don’t exercise, smoke or drink caffeinated drinks or alcohol for at least 30 minutes before measuring. Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before measurements.
Sit correctly: Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface (such as a table) with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the middle of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor’s instructions for an
illustration.
Don’t measure over clothes: Put the cuff directly on your bare skin. Putting it over clothes can raise your systolic (upper) number by up to 40 mmHg.
Measure at the same time: It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as in the morning before taking medications, or evening before dinner. Take multiple readings: Each time you measure, take at least two readings one minute apart and record the results.
For more information on high blood pressure numbers and how to accurately measure it at home, visit Heart.org/HBP.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Place your order online or email afrey202@gmail.com
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1778, representatives of the United States and France signed an alliance in Paris.
• In 1788, Massachusetts ratified the U.S. Constitution and became the sixth U.S. state.
• In 1952, Elizabeth II became queen regnant of the United Kingdom when her father, King George VI, died.
• In 1985, President Ronald Reagan defined the key concepts of his foreign policy, which the media dubbed “The Reagan Doctrine,” during his State of the Union address.
• In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed a bill changing the name of Washington National Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
TODAY’S FACT:
• Massachusetts had the third-largest population of the 13 colonies in 1770, at 235,308. It is currently estimated at 7 million.
SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 14
Dec. 22 at 3:13 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Lenny’s. Lenny’s staff was able to get all merchandise back. Suspects left before officer’s arrival.
Dec. 22 at 4:52 p.m. — Report of an altercation at Walmart. Parties were gone upon officer’s arrival.
Dec. 23 at 11:46 a.m. — Report of a wallet stolen and credit cards being used at Shaw’s. Case is still under investigation.
Dec. 24 at 12:09 p.m. — Retail theft
reported at Walmart. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court.
Dec. 24 at 2:24 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Male was issued an arrest warrant for retail theft.
Dec. 24 at 5:09 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Old Navy. Female suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court.
Dec. 24 at 7:53 p.m. — Vehicle hit a parked police cruiser. Male operator was
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issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.
Dec. 25 at 5:19 p.m. — Report of someone who broke into Aspen Dental. It was the cleaner.
Dec. 26 at 1:21 p.m. — Report of a male in Best Buy who had previously been trespassed. Male was located and issued a citation for unlawful trespass.
Dec. 26 at 10:05 p.m. — Report of an outof-control male in Walmart. Male was a juvenile with autism with his mother.
Dec. 27 at 11:49 p.m. — Following a traffic stop, male operator was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.
Dec. 28 at 2:48 a.m. — Following a traffic stop, male operator was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI. Dec. 28 at 8:33 a.m. — Male reporting that he was hit by a vehicle. He was not injured. Officers were not able to locate vehicle.
Officers also conducted 17 traffic stops and responded to eight alarm activations and 13 motor vehicle crashes during this time frame.
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DP 24-12 Duane Merrill & Company c/o O’Leary-Burke Civil Associates requests discretionary permit review of a 3-lot subdivision of an existing 3.46-ac parcel at 137 James Brown Dr with 1.75-ac Lot 1, 0.81-ac Lot 2, and 0.90-ac Lot 3.
DP 24-12.1 Duane Merrill & Company and Brickliners Custom Masonry & Chimney Services c/o O’Leary-Burke Civil Associates requests discretionary permit review of a 9,900 SF building and associated 10-space parking lot on proposed lot #3 at 137 James Brown Dr. Project details and site plans are available on the website, town.williston. vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org
Furniture
Large
Building
CVU’s Owen Scott looks to drive on MMU’s River Hadley during
the Cougars last Thursday in Jericho.
Williston’s Quinn Rogers, left, makes his foul shot during the Wildcats’ 49-32 boys A-team win over the LC Hunt boys A-team in middle school basketball on Friday in Williston. Below, Glodi Bikule contributes with a jumpshot and Jordan Paililing, bottom left, leads a fast break downcourt. OBSERVER
