Voters bless budgets at Town Meeting
Sanchez wins school board seat
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Williston voters overwhelmingly supported the selectboard’s budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year during Town Meeting Day on Tuesday, approving the creation of three new municipal positions as part of a $15.9 million town budget.
The vote tally was 1,275 to 744, the Town Clerk reported Tuesday night after all-day voting at the National Guard Armory on Williston Road.
Voters also passed a separate tax to fund the town’s land conservation efforts (1,517 to 515) and elected Ellie Beckett and incumbent Ted Kenney to the selectboard. Both ran unopposed for a three- and twoyear seat, respectively. Also, Shari Westman was elected to
a five-year term on the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Board of Trustees.
“I am deeply grateful to the voters of Williston for electing me to serve on the selectboard,” said Beckett. “Your support and encouragement throughout this journey have meant the world to me … I truly appreciate every one of the votes I received.
“I am honored by the trust you’ve placed in me, and I am committed to working hard to make a positive, lasting impact on the future of our great town.”
In the only contested election of the day, Jean Sanchez (914 votes) narrowly beat out Steve Francisco (822 votes) for a three-year seat representing Williston on the Champlain Valley School Board.
The election marks the end of Terry Macaig’s service on the selectboard. Macaig was honored at Monday’s Annual Meeting at the Williston Central
School auditorium, gracing the inside cover of the town’s annual report distributed at the meeting. Macaig served on the selectboard for 23 years, 17 as board chair.
“A steady and pragmatic voice on the selectboard for over two decades,” the report lauded, “Terry steered the board through many complex
and at times difficult policy conversations … His dedication and unwavering commitment to community service has set a lasting example of professionalism and what it means to serve.”
The town’s budget increases spending over the current fiscal year by roughly $900,000 (5.9 percent) and is projected to increase property taxes by about 10 percent. The new municipal property tax rate, to take effect in July, is estimated to amount to $390 for every $100,000 of assessed property value — an increase of $35 over the current rate of $355 per $100,000 of assessed value.
Two of the new town staff positions will be stationed at the Police Department — a social worker and patrol officer. The third is a human resources director under Town Manager Erik Wells.
The new tax for land conservation amounts to $5 for
every $100,000 of assessed property value. It will generate about $110,000 for the town’s Environmental Reserve Fund in the coming year, and would need to be re-approved annually by voters.
In addition to the town budget and conservation tax approvals, voters also endorsed the Champlain Valley School District’s $102.7 million budget. The vote tally in the five-town district was 4,494 to 1,843. The district’s budget will increase spending by $922,877 (.9 percent) over the current fiscal year, despite a staff downsizing of roughly 40 positions. For the first time in the nine-year history of the district, education property taxes are projected to decrease for Williston property owners. School officials estimate the new rate, to take effect in July, will be $1,870 for every $100,000 of assessed property value — $80 (4 percent) less than the current rate.
Jean Sanchez, 914 (elected);
(Clockwise from left) Volunteers check in voters at the National Guard Armory in Williston on Town Meeting Day, March 4. Of the 8,549 residents eligible to vote in Williston, 2053 cast ballots, representing just under a quarter of the rolls. Elllie Beckett, selectboard candidate, stands outside the polls on Tuesday. In-person voters head into the polling site. Donations for the Williston Community Food Shelf cereal drive accumulate inside the armory doors OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY AND SUSAN COTE
Ken Pidgeon named VT Engineer of the Year
Williston resident Ken Pidgeon, who recently retired as president and CEO of Engineers Construction, Inc. (ECI), has been chosen as 2025 Vermont Engineer of the Year by the Vermont Society of Professional Engineers. Last year, the company became a 100% employee-owned ESOP. Ken now serves as chairman of ECI’s board of directors.
‘Wet Wildcats’ take the Plunge in Special Olympics fundraiser Around Town
After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering at the University of Vermont and the University of New Hampshire, respectively, then launching his career with GEI Consultants in Winchester, Mass., Pidgeon returned to Vermont to join his family’s company in 1998.
One of his first challenges upon his return to ECI was to develop a way to plow 96 miles of innerduct conduit along the New England Central Railroad. With about one month to develop a design to address difficult criteria, Ken conceived of an innovative rail plow that efficiently completed the project. The design was subsequently awarded a U.S. patent.
Ken and his brother Scott bought out
Ken Pidgeon
their father Alan Pidgeon in 2004. Under Ken’s leadership, ECI further expanded its capabilities and took on multiple high-profile projects. One of these involved tackling a particularly challenging culvert replacement in East Ryegate, Vt. The project was widely recognized as the deepest braced excavation ever undertaken in Vermont and received several awards.
Town water bills due by end of month
The Williston Public Works Department has mailed water, sewer and stormwater bills to property owners. Payment is due by March 31. Industrial Ave. sidewalk public meeting scheduled
The Williston Public Works Department is hosting a public feedback meeting regarding the construction of a sidewalk along a portion of Industrial Avenue. The town received a state “Transportation Alternatives” grant for the project. The meeting is schedule for 7 p.m. on March 18 at Town Hall. Contact Christine Dougherty for more information at cdougherty@willistonvt.org or 802-8781239 ext.199.
Providing Peace of Mind for Families and Loved Ones
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
THIS WEEK
EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
Thurs., March 6—Champlain Valley School Board reorganization meeting: 6 p.m., CVSD Central Office, Shelburne
Fri.-Sun., March 7-9—Vermont Flower Show: Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction. Schedule at vnlavt.org/ vermont-flower-show/
Tues., March 11—Williston Development Review Board meeting: 7 p.m., Town Hall. Glaser Specific Plan. Full agenda at www.town. williston.vt.us
Thurs., March 13—Sustainable Williston social: 6:15-8 p.m., Goodwater Brewery. Join the monthly Sustainable Williston social to catch up on all things sustainable.
Tues., March 18—Industrial Avenue sidewalk public feedback meeting: 7 p.m., Williston Town Hall. More information by email at cdougherty@ willistonvt.org or (802) 878-1239 ext. 199.
Tues., March 18—Williston Planning Commission meeting: 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda at town.williston.vt.us
Tues., March 18—Champlain Valley School Board meeting: 6 p.m., CVU library. Agenda at cvsdvt.org.
Sat., March 22—Williston Historical Society presents “Dangerous Characters: The Life and Crime of Delia and Charlie Potter:” 2-3 p.m., Dorothy Alling Memorial Library.
Williston school students, teachers and parents — 46 in all — raised about $13,000 for Special Olympics Vermont during the Penguin Plunge in February. Participants jump into Lake Champlain in Burlington for the event. The event raised about $550,000 and Williston’s “Wet Wildcats” was the second-highest fundraising team of all participating schools.
PHOTO
CSWD finds new site for recycling center
District
under contract
for Hinesburg Sand and Gravel parcel on Redmond Road
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
The Chittenden Solid Waste District’s new recycling center project is back on track and back on site at Redmond Road in Williston.
The district is under contract for a $3 million purchase of 38 forested acres currently owned by Hinesburg Sand and Gravel at the northern end of Redmond Road. The parcel is across the road from the district’s Williston drop-off center and composting operation.
The Hinesburg company, which operates a sand excavation pit on the east side of Redmond Road, offered the parcel to the district last year after previous attempts to find a parcel suitable for construction fell through, according to district Executive Director Sarah Reeves. She expects the deal will close by the end of March. The district’s board authorized the purchase in February. An independent municipal entity, the district handles recycling for 18 member communities in Chittenden County.
“We’re grateful to (Hinesburg Sand and Gravel owner) Tim Casey for approaching us and for working with us,” Reeves said. “We’re very excited to have this opportunity on Redmond Road because our other main facilities are there.”
The district’s existing recycling facility is off Industrial Avenue and currently processes roughly double the recyclables it was built to handle in 1993, Reeves said.
Chittenden County voters passed a $22 million bond in 2022 to help fund a new recycling center, one that would automate sorting and increase capacity to handle the area’s
anticipated residential and commercial growth. The district had identified a 27-acre parcel it owns on the east side of Redmond Road to build the facility, and obtained construction approval from the Williston Development Review Board in 2023.
But last summer, regulators with the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources flagged the parcel as unbuildable wetland, prompting district leaders to undertake a countywide search for a new site.
“We haven’t done a lot on this project, except to find a new location, since June,” Reeves told the CSWD board in February. “We’ve been pretty stuck in a holding pattern until we could secure a site.”
Construction cost estimates have ballooned since the passage of the 2022 bond. The initial estimate was $27.5 million, but that was amended up to $31 million as of last year. The cost of construction on the new parcel has not yet been estimated.
In addition to the $22 million bond, other funding sources include state grants and district reserves.
If the sale closes as planned on March 31, the district would draw up new applications for consideration by the Development Review Board. The parcel has already been deemed buildable by wetland regulators at the Agency of Natural Resources, according to Reeves.
The building and parking lot footprint would account for about 6 acres of the 38-acre site.
Reeves said Hinesburg Sand and Gravel has never built on or extracted material from the site.
“We’re looking to leave as much of it forested as we can,” she said.
She hopes to break ground this fall.
Casey, the owner of Hinesburg Sand and Gravel, did not respond to a request for comment.
The red marker notes the parcel off Redmond Road that the Chittenden Solid Waste District plans to purchase and build a new recycling center on.
Richmond sacks ex-Hinesburg police chief hours before his start date
Anthony Cambridge faced scrutiny over his Hinesburg departure
BY ALAN J. KEAYS VTDigger
At the eleventh hour, the Town of Richmond backed out of its plan to bring on Anthony Cambridge as its police chief.
Richmond Town Manager Josh Arneson made the announcement Monday night after a roughly
30-minute closed-door meeting with the selectboard.
“I have an update regarding the police chief position,” Arneson said when the officials came out of their executive session, according to a video of the proceeding by Mount Mansfield Community Television. “The update is that we will not be going forward with Anthony Cambridge’s employment with the town.”
Arneson then added, “I am not going to comment on any details based on it being a personnel matter.”
The selectboard offered no insight into the decision Monday night — their only comment on the subject came from Selectboard Chair Dave Sander, who simply thanked the town manager.
Arneson, in an email Tuesday morning, reiterated that he would have no comment “based on it being a personnel matter.”
VTDigger reported last week that Cambridge had faced scrutiny by Hinesburg town and police officials for deleting security footage and shredding documents in the time leading up to his departure.
Cambridge denied any wrongdoing.
Neither Cambridge nor his attorney, Pietro Lynn, immediately returned messages Tuesday seeking comment.
Cambridge had announced in January that he would be resigning as police chief in Hinesburg to take a job leading the police force of the next-door community of Richmond. He had served under an inter-municipal agreement as the police chief for both towns over a two-year period, with Richmond paying Hinesburg an annual fee. His start date for the job in Richmond had twice been pushed
back and most recently had been set for Tuesday.
A “hire letter” from the Town of Richmond, dated Jan. 6, and signed by Cambridge and Arneson, laid out the terms of Cambridge’s hiring to the fulltime position.
According to the letter, Cambridge would receive an annual salary of $99,958, plus health and dental benefits, and an annual stipend of $3,000 for residing in Richmond. He was to work under the direction of the Richmond town manager, the letter stated.
“This letter of hire does not entail a contract agreement,” the two-page document stated. “There is no implied or stated promise of continued employment and the Selectboard reserves the right to terminate this position at any time.”
The letter ended, “We are certain that you will find this position to be very interesting and challenging.”
Anthony
VT businesses brace for uncertain trade war
BY HABIB SABET VTDigger
Vermont Frames, a Starksborobased timber framing company, uses Canadian wood in many of the handmade frames it builds for homes and barns across New England.
Each year, the company imports about $350,000 worth of Douglas Fir timber from Canada, representing approximately a third of its wood supply, according to Kevin Moyer, the company’s owner.
With 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods taking effect Tuesday, Moyer is preparing to pay a premium for that timber, which he said would eat into his already thin margins.
“There are certainly going to be headwinds. We won’t be able to grow as much. I won’t be able to hire as many people as I want to,” Moyer said. “It hurts. It didn’t have to be this way.”
Moyer is one of many Vermont business owners bracing for the impacts of President Donald Trump’s trade policy, which officials have said could dramatically shake up the state’s economy. Canada is Vermont’s number one trading partner, and the state imports over $2.5 billion in goods from its northern neighbor each year, according to the Canadian consul general in Boston.
But as of late Monday afternoon, just hours before the levies were expected to take effect, Vermont officials and business leaders were still grappling with uncertainty over exactly which Canadian goods would actually be subject to tariffs.
“All of this is happening so quickly and in a way that’s not consistent with past practice,” said State Treasurer Mike Pieciak. “You worry that the uncertainty itself is going to bring about an economy that is not as confident and therefore not growing as robustly.”
Trump initially threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on most imports from Canada and Mexico beginning on Feb. 4, with fuel imports from Canada receiving a lower 10 percent levy.
After deciding to postpone the
tariffs for 30 days, the Republican president last week announced that they would proceed as scheduled and take effect on Tuesday, potentially sparking a trade war with two of the U.S.’s closest trade partners, both of whom have threatened to declare retaliatory tariffs.
But since then, the Trump administration has yet to offer much in the way of specifics, Pieciak said, making it hard to parse the potentially sweeping impacts the tariffs could have on Vermont’s economy.
“All of this is happening so quickly and in a way that’s not consistent with past practice. You worry that the uncertainty itself is going to bring about an economy that is not as confident and therefore not growing as robustly.”
Mike Pieciak State Treasurer
“When things aren’t done with a scalpel but are rather done with a sledgehammer, then that has a broad impact,” said Pieciak, who formed a taskforce in January to assess the potential economic consequences of Trump’s policies.
One area of the economy that could see a big impact is Vermont’s energy sector, which relies heavily on Canadian imports, purchasing about $775 million of electricity and $420 million of fossil fuels from Canada per year, according to the Canadian consulate general.
But it remains unclear how much of those imports would be subject to the 10 percent tariff on Canadian energy.
“There are lots of questions on our mind that we need answers to before we can understand the implications for us,” said Rebecca Towne, CEO of the Vermont
Electric Cooperative.
According to Towne, the cooperative imports about 40 percent of its electricity from Hydro-Quebec, a Quebec based supplier of hydroelectric energy. Last month, Towne told VTDigger that the cooperative could see up to $2 million in extra costs in 2025.
But on Monday, Towne said there was still too much uncertainty surrounding the policy to determine any real impact on price increases for consumers.
“We still have to wait for more clarity from the federal administration to understand how this would work,” Towne said. “We’re not even sure what entities are responsible for paying the tariff and how that would be measured and how we would report and pay.”
Vermont Gas Systems, the state’s only natural gas distribution company, gets almost all of its gas from Canada, according to public affairs director Dylan Giambatista. The levies could lead to price increases for more than 50,000 customers that rely on the company.
But Giambatista said that Vermont Gas still had more questions than answers about how the tariffs may impact gas imports.
“We are waiting for federal guidance that will determine how these import tariffs will be applied, at which time we will be able to estimate rate impacts and address them through the regulatory process,” Giambatista said in a written statement.
Allison Hope, the executive director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association, said that, despite the uncertainty surrounding other sectors, the state’s sugaring industry was primed to take a hit from the tariffs.
According to Hope, the tax threatens to raise costs on imported equipment for local sugar manufacturers even as it makes imported maple products themselves more expensive.
“It’s all so intertwined that I don’t see in the long run how a 25 percent Canadian tariff could be favorable,” Hope said. “It’s going to have an impact in a number of different ways.”
GUEST COLUMN
Building homes and opportunities for all
BY ELI LESSER-GOLDSMITH
Nearly every personal and professional conversation I’m part of comes full circle to the fact the people cannot find places to live in Vermont.
For co-workers, friends who have moved away from Vermont and now want to return, other companies looking to recruit and add jobs, students who are graduating and want to stay in Vermont, and more, the common theme is “we can’t find a home or an apartment in Vermont to live in.”
This puts Vermont at a crossroads. The housing crisis that has gripped our state for decades is not only a threat to families and individuals struggling to find homes, but also to the vitality of our entire economy, and the very fabric of our communities. It’s time to take bold action.
As the CEO of Healthy Living, I see firsthand how the lack of affordable, accessible housing impacts our employees, customers and the broader state. No matter where you live or work, lack of housing that’s affordable for
working families is a significant barrier. That’s why I strongly support the Let’s Build Homes initiative and I urge you to as well. There are already over 500 businesses and individuals who have joined the cause, sending a strong and unified message of support for commonsense reforms.
The approach outlined in Let’s Build Homes is both pragmatic and visionary. By focusing on coalition-building, state-level policy reform, local engagement, strategic planning, and cultural shifts, this initiative tackles the housing crisis from many angles. It reflects an understanding that solving complex problems requires collective action by leaders at all levels and a commitment to truly making progress.
One of the most compelling aspects of the initiative is its emphasis on building a broad coalition. Housing is not just a social issue, it’s an economic imperative. Businesses across Vermont, including Healthy Living Market, are facing significant challenges attracting and retaining our amazing employees due to the lack of
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Deadline is Monday noon for Thursday issue. News/ 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.
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“We really must shift the narrative on housing and development in our state. Vermont’s character is not diminished by growth, it is enriched by it.”
available housing. Uniting individuals, organizations, municipalities and businesses under a common focus ensures that more voices are heard and perspectives considered. It also underscores that housing is a shared responsibility — we all have a stake in creating a state where people can afford to live, work and thrive.
At the state level, pro-housing policies and regulatory streamlining are long overdue and can be done thoughtfully with smart development strategy and environmental protections in place. By advocating for reforms that promote housing growth while maintaining our state’s unique character, we will strike the right balance between progress and preservation. We have to find that balance, and we cannot allow our fear or NIMBYism to slow or stop this momentum.
Simplifying permitting processes where we can is important for creating more opportunity and greater equity. Small builders and property owners often face insurmountable hurdles in navigating complex approvals. Delays and uncertainty often present too much risk, drive up costs and prevent projects from happening at all. Empowering state and local
officials to adopt pro-housing ordinances and supporting those navigating red tape will accelerate progress while respecting local autonomy and ensuring compliance.
Strategic planning for community infrastructure needs is another cornerstone of this initiative. By focusing investments on infrastructure such as water, wastewater, sidewalks and more, which is desperately needed in many Vermont towns, we can create vibrant, walkable communities that attract residents and businesses alike. We are very proud to be a model for this growth in South Burlington. But there can be no one-size-fits-all approach. Each community should have the ability to grow within its means all with a focus on the sustainability and livability of our communities. Finally, we really must shift the
40 years Whistling, Observing
This month is the 40th anniversary of the founding of this Williston newspaper. As I am the only surviving founder, I wanted to acknowledge this town milestone.
Originally published in March 1985 as the “Williston Whistle,” the paper’s intent was to share an awareness of the upcoming proposals before our town that would affect everyone. With a population of only around 3,000 in that year, there was no medium to communicate to all citizens, so, four women of the town: Louise Ransom, Elaine Park, Ruth Painter, and myself decided we would do it.
Sally Bryant joined us a year later and became part of the team.
With one daisy-wheel computer and no copier or any printing conveniences, we somehow cut and pasted typed-up columns on broadsheets to be delivered to B.D. Press for printing. Every citizen got a free copy in the mail each month.
So much happened to change
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
the town in those first 10 years that we ran the paper. We witnessed the distinct bucolic land around us become malls and box stores with growth so exponential, it’s hard to recognize now the town we knew. But in a recent visit to Williston, I see it’s a thriving town.
The experience of founding and maintaining the Whistle until it was sold in 1994 (and became the Observer — a good change), was one I personally view as one of the most significant of my life. Not just to witness “a town in transition” but because it gifted me with four women friends who were selfless, caring and astute.
Diane Goodrich Ontario, Canada
Tree treasure
To all those who go in and out of our town library (“The library we need and deserve” Feb. 27): Have you stopped to look at the massive white birch tree by the stairs? It is unique.
White birch is a softwood tree and seldom, if ever, lives to reach see LETTERS page 14
Freshmen winners
The CVU JV B boys basketball team closed out its season with an impressive 15-1 record under the leadership of Coach Travis Hart.
This talented group of freshmen demonstrated dedication, motivation and relentless hard work, coming together as a cohesive unit as the season progressed. Their teamwork and determination made for an unforgettable season, setting the stage for a bright future in the program.
Darcy Mazlish Williston
REC DEPARTMENT GIFT
CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
Recreation & Parks WILLISTON
ZUMBA GOLD
Give the gift of play. The Rec Department is now selling $10, $25 and $50 gift certificates online at willistonrec.org. Click on the “Register” tab under the “Store” menu item.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
DANGEROUS GIRLS
Ages 14-plus. Dangerous Girls is a practical self-defense class designed for teens and young women. The program offers a combination of kickboxing and grappling. You’ll learn real fighting while bouncing to sweet tunes. It’s fun, it’s social, and before you know it, you’ll be able to kick butt. Instructor: ONTA Studio Staff.
ROOT7 VOCAL
PERCUSSION
& IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP
Ages 13-plus. Root7, Vermont’s contemporary a cappella group, will host singalongs for beginner, intermediate and experienced vocalists who want to learn and work in groups. Thursday, March 27, 7-9 p.m.
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 online at willistonrec.org.
ADULT PROGRAMS
DOG TRAINING PROGRAMS
Ages 18-plus. A variety of dog training programs are offered, beginning in late March. Instructor: Deb Helfrich. AI WORKSHOP
Ages 18-plus. In this course, you’ll be introduced to two AI tools — ChatGPT and Copilot. Learn how to construct effective prompts, check out a few useful applications, and have some hands-on practice. Instructor: Deb Helfrich
Ages 18-plus. This is a modified version of Zumba that is geared toward active older adults seeking lower-impact workouts. Each class introduces easy-to-follow choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m., $10 per class at the R.E.C. Zone- 94 Harvest Lane. Instructor: Ciara Gregory
ACCESSIBLE YOGA
Ages 18-plus, geared toward folks ages 50-plus. Vinyasa Yoga Flow. 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. Mondays, 1-2 p.m., $5 per class at 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. Fridays, 6-7 p.m., $10 per class at the REC Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
SELF-DEFENSE KICKBOXING INTRO
Ages 18-plus. This class mixes training techniques from multiple martial arts, including Filipino stick fighting, kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu, to create a fun, non-competitive environment where participants can learn practical self-defense skills. Perfect for both beginners and those with a prior martial arts background. Instructors: ONTA Studio staff
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.
SENIOR COMMUNITY MEALS
Ages 60-plus. On Tuesdays, the Rec Dept. and Age Well will host free community meals. Space is limited, and advanced registration is required. Registration closes one week before the scheduled meal date. Following the meal, a program tailored to seniors will be offered. To register, call (802) 876-1160 or email recreation@willistonvt.org.
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, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.
YOUTH/TEEN PROGRAMS
COOKIE DECORATING
Grades K-8. With no school on Monday, March 31, it’s the perfect opportunity to get creative and enjoy quality time together.
Each registered participant will receive a cookie-decorating kit featuring six themed cookies, three bags of icing, a sprinkle set and a handy cookie tool to help bring your designs to life. We’ll be decorating cookies inspired by a magical story featuring a frog and a princess. While decorating, enjoy a special feature that will keep everyone entertained. It’s a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, combining creativity, treats and a bit of magic. Monday, March 31, 2-4:30 p.m.
INDOOR SOCCER
Grades 3-5. This six-week after-school program will focus on playing different types of soccer games and scrimmages. Teams will be made up each week from the registered participants. It’s a great opportunity for kids to stay active. Open to all levels of experience. Instructors: Rec Staff.
SUMMER CAMPS
Camp registration is online at willistonrec.org. New camps recently added are Ninja Science and Girls Ninja Science. Campers can sign up for waitlists on camps that are already full.
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.
WILLISTON POLICE OBITUARIES
Feb. 2 at 8:53 a.m. — Report of a male in Jolley causing a disturbance. Male was issued a notice of trespass and moved along.
Feb. 2 at 7:12 p.m. — Report of a confrontation at PetSmart between juveniles. Case is still under investigation.
Feb. 2 at 8:47 p.m. — Report of a male in Walmart who had stolen in the past. Male was issued a notice of trespass and moved along.
Feb. 3 at 2:37 p.m. — Report of a male experiencing a mental health crisis on St. George Road. Male was transported to the hospital for evaluation.
Feb. 3 at 11:43 p.m. — Assisted Essex Police with a missing female.
Feb. 4 at 10:31 a.m. — Suspicious vehicle located in Maple Tree Place. Vehicle was moved along.
Feb. 4 at 4:08 p.m. — Female on Harvest Lane asking people for help. Female was located and given a curtesy ride home.
Feb. 5 at 8:23 a.m. — Suspicious vehicle on Cornerstone Drive. Vehicle was located and operator was issued a notice of trespass and moved along.
Feb. 5 at 4:36 p.m. — Report of someone receiving threatening messages on Hawthorne Street.
Feb. 6 at 4:08 a.m. — Suspicious male and female at Home2Suites. Female was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Male was issued a citation to appear in court for cocaine possession.
Feb. 6 at 6:14 p.m. — Male at Home2Suites refusing to leave. Male was given courtesy ride to COTS.
Feb. 6 at 11:18 p.m. — Traffic stop conducted. Male operator was issued a citation to appear in court for cocaine possession.
Feb. 7 at 11:20 a.m. — Report of a truck broken down in the middle of Williston Road. Truck was eventually moved.
Feb. 7 at 4:42 p.m. — Fraud reported on Essex Road.
Feb. 8 at 7:36 p.m. — Suspicious male in Walmart. Male was located and moved along.
Feb. 8 at 10:22 p.m. — Traffic stop conducted. Female operator was issued a citation to appear in court for driving with a criminally suspended license.
Officers also conducted 39 traffic stops and responded to 11 alarm activations and six motor vehicle crashes during this time frame.
LaRose
Catherine P. LaRose, 91, of Williston passed away peacefully February 26, 2025, at the Converse Home in Burlington.
Catherine was born in Au Sable Forks, NY, daughter of Paul and Rita Poland, the eldest of 6 children. At an early age Catherine and her family moved to Burlington, VT where she attended Burlington schools.
Catherine met the love of her life, Frederick LaRose, while living in the old North End of Burlington. Catherine and Fred married in 1955 and raised six children. In 1971 the family moved to Williston where Mom and Dad’s home of served as the hub of countless joyful and loving family activities that occurred for decades.
Catherine worked in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Vermont School of Medicine for over 35 years, retiring in 2007. Although Catherine had a long, successful career as a professional, her true vision
of purpose was fulfilling the role of a homemaker. She had the good fortune of many enjoyable years of retirement with her family.
As a wife and mother, Catherine held a strong commitment to providing endless, loving support to her husband, and children. She cherished her nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She consistently provided support for her family during times of need.
Catherine was a devout Catholic. She was a parishioner of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Williston, VT. She found comfort in prayer and her faith remained a driving influence throughout her life. She passionately prayed for her loved ones and friends’ well-being until her final breath. Catherine will be remembered for her kind and caring heart.
Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband, Fred, in 2019 after 64 years of devoted marriage. Catherine is survived by her son David LaRose (spouse Paula), son Bradley LaRose (spouse Karin), daughter Diane Hollwedel, son Kevin LaRose (spouse Donna), daughter Kimberly Gaboriault (spouse Gary) and daughter Kathy LaRose (partner Rex Ste. Marie).
A Catholic funeral mass for Catherine took place at St. Joseph Cathedral in Burlington March 4, 2025. A burial will take place when the weather permits. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Catherine’s name to any food shelf.
Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral and Cremation Services. To send online condolences please visit www.readyfuneral.com.
WILLISTON COMMUNITY
A Slave No More
I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can’t say I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger. Harriet Tubman
Do you know about the Underground Railroad? This was an organized network of people who helped enslaved people escape to the northern United States and Canada in the late 1700s and through the end of the Civil War. Harriet Tubman, a former slave herself, helped more than 300 people escape slavery over 10 years. This week, The Mini Page learns more about this important abolitionist*
Early days
Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross around March 1822 in Maryland. Her parents were enslaved people on a plantation there. She had eight brothers and sisters.
Harriet worked as a nursemaid and muskrat trapper as a child. When she was older, she did field and forest work and hauled wood.
In 1844, she married John Tubman and changed her first name to Harriet, after her mother. While John was a free man, Harriet
Try ’n’ Find
Next Week: World Water Day
Mini Fact: Harriet Tubman, far left, had to care for babies when she was just a child.
was still enslaved. In October 1849, she escaped. However, John refused to go with her. On the road to freedom
Harriet had to travel by night, using the North Star to guide her. She got help from the Underground Railroad as she made her way into Pennsylvania.
Harriet worked in Philadelphia to save money. Starting in 1850, she returned to southern states again and again to help others run to freedom. By 1860, she had made 19 trips to slave territory, including one in which she rescued her 70-year-old parents. People started calling her “Moses,” after the biblical prophet who led the Hebrews to freedom.
At home
In 1859, Harriet bought a farm in Fleming, New York, where she often took in family members and friends. Later, during the Civil War, she worked as a nurse and helped gather intelligence for the Union Army in South Carolina.
After the war ended, she returned to New York and married Nelson Davis. She continued to work for the abolition of slavery and for the right to vote for women.
Later life
Back in New York, Harriet struggled in poverty. She was mostly unpaid for her own work with the military, and in 1880 her house burned down. When her husband died, she received his pension, or pay, from his time in the Union army. Finally, in 1899, she was awarded her own pension of $20 per month.
In the early 1900s, Harriet worked with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Auburn, New York, to open the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged. Three years after it opened, Harriet became a resident there herself. She died there in 1913 of pneumonia at about 90 years old.
No turning back
Harriet had no patience for enslaved people who lost their nerve on the road to freedom. She was known to pull out a pistol and threaten their lives if they tried to turn back.
Harriet knew that if someone gave up and returned to slavery, they might be tortured into giving up information about how Harriet helped people escape.
Words that remind us of Harriet Tubman are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
library:
“Harriet Tubman: Union Spy” by Christina Leaf
“Go Free or Die: A Story About Harriet Tubman” by Jeri Ferris Resources
Henry: Why are teddy bears never hungry? Hannah: Because they’re
Founded by Betty Debnam
Harriet Tubman around 1868
At the library:
• “Harriet Tubman: Union Spy” by Christina Leaf
• “Go Free or Die: A Story About Harriet Tubman” by Jeri Ferris
Try ’n’ Find
Words that remind us of Harriet Tubman are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
ABOLITIONIST, ARMY, CONDUCTOR, ESCAPE, FREEDOM, HARRIET, MARYLAND, MOSES, NURSE, PENSION, RAILROAD, SLAVERY, STAR, TERRITORY, TUBMAN, UNDERGROUND, UNION, WAR.
Cook’s Corner
Stellar Stew
You’ll need:
• 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 (16-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
• 4 carrots, cut in 1/2-inch pieces
What to do:
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups tomato juice
1. Combine all ingredients in a 3-quart casserole dish. Mix well.
2. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour. Serves 6.
Mini Jokes
Henry: Why are teddy bears never hungry?
Hannah: Because they’re always stuffed!
* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
A “ghost” island in the Caspian Sea reappeared in early 2023 near Azerbaijan, only to nearly vanish again by the end of 2024, continuing a centuries-long pattern of temporary appearances. Formed by eruptions of the Kumani mud volcano, the island briefly emerged without the dramatic jets of fire such eruptions often produce, making its sudden arrival and quiet disappearance even more surprising. Australian geophysicist and mud volcano expert Mark Tingay noted that despite being close to the mainland, its emergence since 2023 had gone largely unnoticed.
For later:
Look in your newspaper for articles about people helping others.
Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
by Dan Thompson
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
What can you tell me about reverse mortgages? When my husband passed away last year, my income dropped almost in half, and I’ve been struggling to keep up with my monthly living expenses.
Senior Homeowner
Dear Senior,
For retirees who own their home and want to stay living there but could use some extra cash, a reverse mortgage is a viable financial tool, but there’s a lot to know and consider to be sure it’s a good option for you. Let’s start with the basics. A reverse mortgage is a unique type of loan that allows
SAVVY SENIOR
Is a reverse mortgage a good idea?
older homeowners to borrow money against the equity in their house (or condo) that doesn’t have to be repaid until the homeowner dies, sells the house or moves out for at least 12 months. At that point, you or your heirs will have to pay back the loan plus accrued interest and fees (usually by selling the home), but you will never owe more than the value of your home.
It’s also important to understand that with a reverse mortgage, you, not the bank, own the house, so you’re still required to pay your property taxes, homeowners insurance and upkeep. Not paying them can result in foreclosure.
To be eligible, you must be 62 years of age or older, have at least 50 percent equity in your home, and currently be living there.
You will also need to undergo a financial assessment to determine whether you can afford to continue paying your property taxes and insurance. Depending on your financial situation, you may be required to put part of your loan into an escrow account to pay future bills. If the financial assessment finds that you cannot pay your insurance and taxes
Your couch is worth more than the change in the cushions!
Donating to the Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity ReStores helps support a ordable housing construction. Our ReStores are locally run and bene t VT families!
We accept furniture, hardware, appliances, electronics, and more.
Donate at one of our three locations or schedule a FREE donation pick-up for large items or large quantities of goods. Donate your new or gently used items today!
and have enough cash left to live on, you’ll be denied.
LOAN DETAILS
More than 90 percent of all reverse mortgages offered are Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM), which are federally insured and offered through private mortgage lenders and banks. HECMs have home value limits that vary by county but cannot exceed $1,209,750 in 2025.
How much you can actually get through a reverse mortgage depends on your age (the older you are, the more you can get), your home’s value and the prevailing interest rates. Generally, most people can borrow somewhere between 40 and 60 percent of the home’s value. To estimate how much you can borrow, use the reverse mortgage calculator at ReverseMortgage.org.
To receive your money, you can opt for a lump sum, a line of credit, regular monthly checks or a combination of these.
But be aware, reverse mortgages aren’t cheap. You’ll have to pay an origination fee, which is the greater of $2,500 or 2 percent of the first $200,000 of your home’s value plus 1 percent of the amount over $200,000. HECM origination fees are capped at $6,000.
You’ll also be charged an initial mortgage insurance premium, which is 2 percent of the loan amount, along with closing costs that will likely run several thousand dollars.
Any amount you borrow, including these fees and insurance, accrues interest, which means your debt grows over time.
To learn more, see the National Council on Aging’s online booklet “Use Your Home to Stay at Home” at NCOA.org/article/ use-your-home-to-stay-at-home.
Also be aware that, because reverse mortgages are complex loans, all borrowers are required to get counseling through a federally approved independent counseling agency. Most agencies charge between $125 and $200. To locate one near you, visit Go.usa. gov/v2H, or call 800-569-4287.
OTHER OPTIONS
If a reverse mortgage doesn’t suit you, you could also tap your home equity by getting a regular home equity loan or line of credit. This type of borrowing requires you to make payments, and lenders can freeze or lower limits on lines of credit, but the borrowing costs are much lower. Alternatively, you could also sell your home and move somewhere cheaper.
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.
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1836, the Alamo mission and fortress compound in Texas fell to Mexican forces after a 13-day siege.
• In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that African Americans were not citizens in Dred Scott v. Sandford.
In 1951, the espionage trial of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg began in New York Southern District federal court.
• In 1981, Walter Cronkite signed off for the last time as the anchor of “CBS Evening News,” a post he had held for 19 years.
TODAY’S FACT:
• Michelangelo’s talent as a sculptor first drew attention after a failed attempt at art fraud. The cardinal who purchased his fake antique cupid statue was so impressed with Michelangelo’s work that he invited the artist to Rome for a meeting.
SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 14
2024 AND 2029 NOISE EXPOSURE MAPS (NEMS) PREPARED FOR PATRICK LEAHY BURLINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BTV) ARE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD
The City of Burlington is announcing that the FAA has determined that the year 2024 and 2029 Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) prepared for Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) were developed in accordance with the procedures outlined in Appendix A of Title 14, Part 150 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
The NEMs may be downloaded using the links on the website below. For further information, please contact Larry Lackey, Director of Planning, Engineering and Sustainability at 802-338-8106. Visit www.btvsound.com for the 2024 and 2029 Noise Exposure Map.
SUDOKU SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 13
CROSSWORD SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 13
Letters
continued from page 7
a great size. I challenge anyone to find a similar tree in the whole of Vermont.
We do not “need and deserve” this tree. It is sheer serendipity. Has any thought been given to its survival in the excitement of viewing plans for a building and expanse of asphalt that “we deserve?”
Elizabeth Hazen Williston
Anti-tobacco for multiple reasons
As an eighth grade Williston Central School student, I recently attended the Statehouse rally with Our Voices Exposed, sponsored by the Vermont Department of Health, against tobacco and vapes.
I’d like to share some of the
Lesser-Goldsmith
continued from page 6
narrative on housing and development in our state. Vermont’s character is not diminished by growth, it is enriched by it. Welcoming new neighbors and fostering more opportunity is how we ensure that Vermont remains a place where everyone, from young families to retirees, can find their place. Too many have become comfortable with the status quo, which benefits
things I learned.
Many people know that tobacco is dangerous for health, but did you know that many vapes are being sold before evaluation from the Food and Drug Administration? The FDA isn’t doing its job of making sure that products are safe, so we don’t even know their full contents.
Initially, vapes were advertised as a healthier alternative to traditional combustible cigarettes, which was not true. They contain similar harmful chemicals that are found in cigarettes.
Teens who first try tobacco using a flavored vape are 300 percent more likely to become a traditional cigarette smoker within two years. Approximately 86 percent of Vermonters who use e-cigarettes first got into smoking by using a flavored vape. About one in seventeen high school students use tobacco. That’s about 6 percent, and 85 percent
those with money and those who were lucky enough to buy a house before the pandemic drove up costs.
The housing crisis cannot be solved overnight, but with the comprehensive strategy outlined in Let’s Build Homes, we can make meaningful progress this year.
As a business owner, lifelong Vermonter and someone who has been a champion for more and more people moving to Vermont
LEGAL
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – 7:00 PM Town Hall Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656
DP 25-07 White Cap Ventures requests pre-application review of a proposed 30,075 SF building and 162 space parking lot on Parcels 3 and 4 totaling 4 acres at the end of Winter Sport Ln in the Industrial West Zoning District (IZDW).
DP 24-06 Rivers Edge Development c/o O’Leary-Burke Civil Associates requests discretionary permit review of a 107-unit residential subdivision in accordance with SP 23- 01 Glaser
Specific Plan on a ±94.66-acre undeveloped parcel at the southwest corner of Mountain View Rd and Old Stage Rd with ±48.42 acres of protected open space offered for Town ownership in the Residential Zoning District (RZD). Continued from January 14, 2025. Project details and site plans are
of them will become addicted.
Tobacco companies like “Juul” and “Camel” often market their products toward children, building a following in the next generation. It’s illegal, however, for minors to purchase these items.
Oftentimes, tobacco is used to deal with stress, yet tobacco will lead to more mental and physical health issues. The toxic chemicals in these products are not only dangerous to us, but to the wildlife around us due to the pollution they create.
Help us make a change while we still can. You can help the future of our world by educating others about the dangers of tobacco. If you’re using tobacco, stop and get some help. Teens can search “My Life My Quit” while adults can consult “802 Quits.”
Parker Carney Williston
to enjoy this amazing place we all live, I urge everyone — businesses, policymakers and residents — to support this initiative, speak with your lawmakers, and help build a brighter, more inclusive future for our state.
Join us at letsbuildhomes.org.
Eli Lesser-Goldsmith is the owner and CEO of Healthy Living Market and Café, with locations in Williston and South Burlington.
CLASSIFIEDS
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
LEGAL
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA
Thursday, March 20, 2025 – 3:00 PM
Town Hall Annex – Planning & Zoning Conference Room
7878 Williston Road, Williston VT 05495 Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532
Annual Growth Management Review and Allocation. All projects that successfully completed pre-application review in calendar year 2024 are eligible for allocation per Williston Unified Development Bylaw Chapter 11 Growth Management.
DP 25-04 Marcotte Subdivision, Caboose Lane (ARZD) – 8 dwellings
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.
LEGAL
PUBLIC MEETING
Groundwater Remedial Action at Commerce Street Plume Superfund Site
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) invites you to attend a public information session to discuss the ongoing work at the Commerce Street Plume Superfund Site in Williston, Vermont. VTDEC and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), as well as VTDEC’s contractors, will provide updates and answer questions regarding the Groundwater Remedial Action work continuing this year.
More information can be found at www.epa.gov/superfund/ commercestreet.
The public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6:00pm at the Williston Town Hall, located at 7900 Williston Road. A virtual option will also be available, using this meeting link: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/84876354727.
CougarHawks fall to the Crimson Tide
CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU-MMU goalie, Ella Gilbert makes a save during the CougarHawks’ 2-0 loss to the Spaulding Crimson Tide on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Cairns Arena. Maeve Gilbert faces off against Spaulding’s Lilly Mayo. Megan Rivard skates the puck up ice. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
CLOCKWISE (l to r): The CVU Redhawks gather before hosting the Rice Green Knights in high school hockey action on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Cairns Arena. Rice won the contest 5-0. Brady Jones gets by Rice’s Ryder Donati. Ronald Csizmadia faces off against Rice’s Baylor Lamos.
OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY