Allen Brook bridge rebuild faces permitting quagmire
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
It’s been three school years since the bridge over the Allen Brook that connects Williston Central School to neighborhoods to the north has been out of commission. The Town of Williston is stuck in a permitting morass that may push a rebuild back another year.
“We know that a lot of people will be disappointed if the structure is closed for another season, so we’re hoping for good news to come our way in the next few weeks.”
David Moroney
Williston
Senior Conservation Planner
The bridge was damaged and closed to pedestrians in December, 2023 after a rainon-snow deluge swelled the brook. Town staff removed
see BATS page 24
Hotel to housing
Owner seeks sale of Sonesta, conversion to
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
Two different investor groups with plans to purchase and convert the Sonesta hotel near Interstate 89’s Exit 12 into apartments have backed out recently, balking at what they anticipated would be more than a year of town permitting.
Now, the hotel’s current owner is initiating the conversion. A preliminary proposal is on the Williston Development Review Board’s May 12 agenda to repurpose the hotel’s 96 extended stay suites into studio and one-bedroom apartments. Commercial Real Estate agent Nicole Carratura is marketing the property for sale on behalf of the owners, incorporated as Nirankar LLC based in New York. She said the owners are not looking to redevelop the property
themselves, rather get the application rolling to facilitate a sale.
“The highest and best use of the property we believe is residential, but it is a long process,” Carratura said. “We lost two investor groups because they didn’t want to go through it … We thought the best approach to take would be to get the process going. If we can cut six months off the process for the next investor, that would be very helpful.”
One development scenario described in application documents is to keep 10 percent of the units perpetually affordable under the town’s “inclusionary zoning” bylaw. That would result in 10 apartments remaining affordable for people with incomes at 80 percent of the area’s median income. The remaining 86 units would be rented at market rates.
apartments
“(This) contributes to the town’s affordable housing goals and leverages existing infrastructure to create mixed-income housing,” application documents state. “This proposed hotel conversion represents a cost-efficient, sustainable approach to expanding the housing supply.”
The Sonesta hotel was built in 1988 and refurbished in 2018, according to Carratura, who is based in Killington with Blue Sky Properties, LLC. The current owners purchased the property in 2023.
A pool, basketball court, laundry room and conference room are in place. Each suite is equipped with a full kitchen, and many have a wood stove.
“It would be a nice residential community, and the location is superb so I’m very optimistic,” Carratura said.
CVU brings tech education in-house
School district launches ‘career academy’
Champlain Valley Union High School plans to launch its own technical school for underclassmen next year.
Champlain Valley School District Superintendent Adam Bunting recommended the idea to the school board as a way to continue offering project-based, career-focused learning to freshmen and sophomores that historically has taken place via partnerships with technology centers in neighboring school districts.
Bringing the program inhouse will ensure continuity for underclassmen interested in continuing with career-focused education in their junior and senior years at neighboring tech centers. The change was prompted by a newly enacted Vermont Agency of Education restriction on underclassmen tech education transfers.
“I don’t fully understand it,” Bunting acknowledged of the agency’s rule change.
CVU’s new Career Academy will launch in the fall. While the program isn’t in the voter-approved budget for the upcoming school year, it will come with a cost savings, according
see CVU page 24
Owners of the Sonesta Suites hotel on Hurricane Lane are hoping to sell the 6-acre property for conversion to housing. The 96 units are equipped with kitchens and, in some cases, wood stoves. OBSERVER PHOTOS BY JASON STARR
Around Town
ReStore recovers from back room fire
The Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Route 2A was closed this week following a fire last Thursday. The fire was contained to a back room and did not cause any injuries. Staff is assessing potential smoke damage around the store and damage to inventory.
Williston firefighters arrived on scene about 2:30 p.m., at
CALENDAR
EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
FRIDAY, MAY 1
Education and Enrichment for Everyone lecture. 2-3 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington. Speaker J. Kevin Graffagnino — author, historian and former executive director of the Vermont Historical Society. eeevermont.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 2
Williston Green Fair. Green Up Day and Energy Fair. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Village Green
MONDAY, MAY 4
Library expansion info session. 6-7 p.m. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. (802) 878-4918.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
The fire was controlled in roughly 45 minutes, Williston Fire Chief Aaron Collette reported. All staff and shoppers exited without injury. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage is estimated at $100,000.
tacking the fire with hose lines and cutting a hole in the roof to release heat, smoke and fumes. Firefighters from several neighboring municipalities were also called to the scene.
Selectboard meeting. 7 p.m. Town Hall. Agenda at www.town.williston. vt.us.
Planning Commission meeting. 7 p.m. Town Hall Annex. Agenda at www.town.williston.vt.us.
THURSDAY, MAY 7
Williston-Richmond Rotary Club breakfast meeting. Speaker: Laura Slesar, Kidpower Vermont. 7:15 a.m. Williston Federated Church. RSVP to rotaryclubofwillistonvt@gmail. com.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Native American Life in the Williston Area. Speaker Nulhegan Band Chief Don Stevens. Presented by Williston Historical Society with the Williston Lego Robotics Team. 7 p.m. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library.
Williston firefighters respond to a fire at the back of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore outlet on Route 2A in Williston last Thursday.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WILLISTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Around Town
Fire Department hires chief of training, safety
The Williston Fire Department has hired Will Moran as its first Battalion Chief of Training and Safety. This is a new leadership position at the department, focused on workforce development, safety compliance and operational readiness.
Moran is currently the emergency medical services chief
with the Vermont Department of Health and an instructor at the Vermont Fire Academy,
“His experience in managing complex, multi-agency responses will be instrumental in advancing the Williston Fire Department’s training, safety and preparedness initiatives,” says a press release announcing the hire.
Williston Fire Chief Aaron Collette added: “Will’s extensive experience, collaborative leadership style and proven track record in both emergency services and public health make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. This position is critical to ensuring our members are trained to the highest standards and that safety remains at the forefront of everything we do.
Summer concert series kicks off in June
The Maple Tree Place Summer Concert Series returns with Thursday evening shows on the Maple Tree Place green. The series kicks off June 25 with a
Beetles tribute band. Weekly concerts continue with six total shows, including July 9, 16 and 23 and Aug. 6 and 13.
Historical society launches speaker series
The Williston Historical Society is partnering with the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library on a Williston History Series this spring.
Upcoming events include a May 13 presentation, Native American Life in the Williston Area, with speaker Don Stevens, chief of the Nulhegan Band and members of the Williston Lego Robotics Team. Start time is 7 p.m. at the library.
Future programs include a June 6 discussion, “The Battle to Save Vermont’s Forests,” at 1 p.m. at the Old Brick Church and a June 10 discussion on Vermont’s role in the Americal Revolution at 6:30 p.m. at the library.
More programs are in the works for the fall. Email willistonhistoricalsociety@gmail. com for more information.
Williston In Bloom seeks volunteers
Williston In Bloom is looking for volunteers to help beautify Williston Village. The organization has been serving the community for nearly 25 years, planting flowers and greenery at a variety of locations, including in front of the police station, Town Hall and National Guard Armory.
New volunteers are sought to join returning members in this effort. Contact Public Works Director Bruce Hoar by email if interested at bhoar@willistonvt.org.
Vote for Archer
Richmond 8-year-old Archer Smith is competing in the National Junior Ranger Competition sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation and is looking for local support. Vote for Archer online at https://jr-ranger.org/2026/ archer-6c71.
Winners will receive a cash prize and opportunities to inspire peers to celebrate wildlife and the outdoors.
meetings with legislators and state officials. Cadets spoke about the benefits of their membership in the Civil Air Patrol, which is a public service nonprofit for children that is affiliated with the U.S. Air Force.
Williston’s Raena Kinsey, a cadet airman first class with the Civil Air Patrol, meets Lt. Gov. John Rodgers during a recent trip to the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier. Local cadets were
Will Moran
Lawmakers look to reign in computer use in schools
Williston’s Rep. Arsenault is a leading voice
BY COREY MCDONALD VTDigger
Blake Fabrikant is the dean of students at Sharon Academy, an independent school in the central Vermont town, where he also teaches a class on film and philosophy.
In his class, students watch films and are expected to write essays on them. In prior years, students would write their assignments on their Google Chromebook laptops.
May 9
Celebrate a new season at the Museum! Community Day invites visitors to experience the Museum as a vibrant gathering place rooted in creativity and community. In collaboration with the Vermont Community Foundation, the day emphasizes connection and belonging, encouraging visitors to engage as “neighbors, not strangers” through guided tours, artmaking sessions, seed swapping, music, games, performances, and more.
Saturday, May 9 , 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Admission is free all day!
Supported by:
But this school year, it’s strictly pen and paper. And Fabrikant said it’s been the most successful class he’s taught in 10 years, in no small part because of the absence of technology.
“It felt like the students, when you asked them to do something that was handwritten, were much more likely to turn it in, and much more engaged with the work,” he said.
Fabrikant is one of a growing cohort of teachers, parents and others in education advocating against the use of education
technology tools and software that have flooded Vermont’s classrooms over the last decade.
They point to research that has shown these digital tools have not improved students’ academic results or test scores, and, in fact, may actually be harming their cognitive capabilities. This has only been accelerated by the rollout of artificial intelligence in some schools, they say. They also voice concerns about education
technology companies’ use of student data.
Their efforts were foreshadowed last year, when the Legislature passed a bill prohibiting smartphone use in schools. Now, two bills working their way through the Vermont Statehouse would set new parameters around the use of technology in the classroom altogether.
One bill in the Senate
Students at Union Elementary School in Montpelier work on computers.
Computers
continued from page 4
Education Committee, H.650, would stand up a state registry and require educational technology providers to register annually. This would allow the state to develop procedures to vet all school technologies for efficacy before schools can use them.
Rep. Edye Graning, D-Jericho, sponsored the bill with Rep. Angela Arsenault, D-Williston. Graning, in an interview, said she introduced the legislation because there’s “very little independent oversight into whether these products are actually doing what they say they’re going to do.”
“The hope is that we can get some legislation started so that we can begin regulating the industry … and figure out how we can ensure that these products are actually educating,” she said.
Meanwhile, a separate bill sponsored by Arsenault, H.830, would give parents the right to opt their students out of using education technology in schools altogether.
“No one was ever made to prove that using technology the way we are in education currently was the right thing for kids,”
Arsenault told lawmakers on the House Education Committee this month. “And now parents are being asked to prove why it’s not, and we have to flip that around.”
TECHNOLOGY SATURATION
Technology use in schools accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Covid lockdowns forced schools to adopt an array of technological practices to allow for remote education.
School-issued Google Chromebook laptops have since become ubiquitous, as have education programs like Google Workspace, Khan Academy, Magic School AI and Powerschool.
Teachers and administrators use these programs to organize and provide curriculum content, structure classroom teaching, track student learning and communicate with parents and guardians.
For educators, it’s a blessing and a curse. Technological products and software are “an incredibly important tool,” Chris Young, North Country Union High School principal, said in an interview. “And, technology in general is a real problem for us.”
Learning management systems allow teachers to create lessons online so that
students can access them if they aren’t in school. But Young also noted that much of the bullying, hazing and harassment cases in his schools usually occur via devices and social media.
For teachers like Fabrikant, there’s a growing apprehension around technology’s use in schools. He is part of a volunteer parent group called the Vermont Coalition for Independence, Reconnection and Liberation, which advocates for less technology in schools and has pushed lawmakers to regulate it.
“We want to make sure whatever is put in front of our children passes the level of scrutiny that is required for any other product that’s put in front of kids,” said Laura Derrendinger, a parent of four children, member of the volunteer group and a leading advocate for last year’s phone-free schools bill.
After schools spent billions of dollars
on tech products and years integrating them into curriculum, studies have found that these tools have not improved students’ test scores or academic progress.
Jared Cooney Horvath, a neuroscientist, educator and author of “The Digital Delusion,” told Senate Education Committee lawmakers that the “data is alarmingly clear that digital technology does not improve student learning.”
“In fact, in almost every instance we have, it harms student learning,” he said.
Horvath pointed to data showing that school systems that adopt digital learning methods also saw their test scores drop. In Vermont, test scores began to decrease in 2014, following a 20-year period of consistent improvement in fourth- and eighthgrade math and reading scores, he said. The state’s scores have been decreasing ever since.
Adam Geffken, Account Manager adam@willistonobserver.com 802-338-1655
Rick Cote, Associate Publisher rick@willistonobserver.com 802-373-2136
EDITOR
Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com
PRODUCTION & DESIGN
Jan Kenney jan@willistonobserver.com
PUBLISHER
Susan T. Cote susan@willistonobserver.com
BILLING INQUIRIES
Michael McCaffrey office@willistonobserver.com
ADVERTISING SPACE DEADLINE
Friday at 5 p.m. for the next Thursday issue adam@willistonobserver.com 802-338-1655
CLASSIFIED ADS
Deadline is Friday 5 p.m. There is a fee for business, real estate, help wanted and legal ads. Free classifieds must be 25 words or fewer and are printed on a space available basis.
SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS
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.
The Williston Observer reserves the right to edit or refuse submissions or advertising. Opinions expressed in the paper are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the paper.
A publication of Twin Ponds Publishing LLC
Member:
Election editorial policy
The Williston Observer welcomes election-related Letters to the Editor submissions leading up to local, state and national elections. We refrain from publishing electionrelated material in the issue immediately preceding an election.
The bond is only the beginning
The Williston public library matters. It’s a gathering space, a place for children to learn, and a resource for our community. No one wants to see it fall behind. That shared love is exactly why so many of us are calling for a reconsideration of the $13.9 million bond.
A “yes” vote on reconsideration is not a vote against the library. It is a vote for thoughtful planning.
Look around at your neighbors. Grocery bills are up, heating costs haven’t let up and families across Williston are making hard choices about what they can afford. Meanwhile, the library director points to a 9% operating cost increase.
I appreciate that the project team is thinking carefully about costs. But that estimate covers only the period leading up to
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
opening day, not the full, ongoing cost of running a much larger facility for years to come.
A library with expanded programming, more community event space and greater capacity is a wonderful vision, but realizing that vision takes sustained resources. More square footage means more staff, more utilities and more maintenance every single year.
As neighbors who care about this community, we should ask for a realistic, long-range operating picture. We’re asking not because we doubt the library’s intentions, but because that’s what responsible planning looks like. The bond is only the beginning of the investment.
Before this community takes on a generational commitment, we deserve to explore every option, including lower-cost alternatives that could serve our library well without stretching the town’s finances for years to come.
Supporting our library and supporting fiscal responsibility are not opposing values. Vote “yes” to pause. Vote “yes” for a better plan. Vote “yes” on reconsideration.
Jennifer Kennelly Williston
Unwanted alterations
My wife and I attended a gathering at the Williston library about a week ago for the purpose of learning about the
proposed expansion. I lived for about six years as its next door neighbor and in fact helped plant some of the (now mature) trees on the Village Green. And I supported, with my fellow selectboard members, the extension of sidewalks in the Village.
The town has long advocated a goal of emphasizing and enhancing its historic character, and indeed its current development guidelines reflect a desire to support a walking environment. Unfortunately, the current proposal appears at odds with this sentiment and instead directs library patrons to a new rear entry and parking lot. Conflicts with bus traffic, parents, students, bicyclists and recreation activities are inevitable.
The Village Green would be shrunken, some of it converted with asphalt and several of its shade trees removed.
Before embarking on an extravagant and permanent alteration of the Village center, I hope Williston would engage an experienced landscape architect to review the proposed scheme.
Could the Armory become a solution to some of the community’s expressed needs?
Peter Judge Williston
Vote for fiscal responsibility
I am writing to share some concerns regarding the upcoming vote on the proposed library
expansion project and to advocate for a more fiscally responsible approach for our community.
While the proposed library project is impressive, the $14.5 million price tag is excessive. The argument that the tax impact is negligible — it’s been compared to the cost of a Netflix subscription — overlooks the broader issue of financial responsibility.
This is not just about a single project; it is about a consistent failure to negotiate better pricing or reject non-essential ballot items. We must prioritize fiscal discipline to protect our community and ensure its longterm stability.
Several features of the current proposal deviate from the core functions of a library and duplicate existing services provided by the Williston schools. For example:
Makerspace and tutoring: Programs involving 3D printers and robotics, as well as tutoring services, should remain integrated with the adjacent school’s infrastructure where academic credit and specialized staffing are already available.
Conference rooms: The library should prioritize its primary mission rather than functioning as a free business center.
— Environmental impact: This expansion would consume a significant portion of the Village Green, which is a vital space for community events like July Fourth celebration.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
from page 6
Williston’s demographic trends do not support doubling the size of the library. A $13.9 million bond for an institution that generates no revenue, coupled with the inevitable rise in operating costs, is not fiscally responsible.
We must focus on sustainability to ensure Williston remains an affordable place to live and raise a family.
Make the time to vote on May 19. Your vote counts.
Thank you for your time and for considering the long-term future of our town.
David Martel Williston
Vote ‘no’ and let’s go
When my husband and I moved to Williston more than 50 years ago, this was a very different town. There was just a blinking yellow light at Taft Corners; the fire department was an engine housed in what is now
the Town Hall Annex; Williston Central School was the only school in town; the town band fit entirely into the bandstand on the Village Green; and the little red brick library housed the entire adult collection upstairs, leaving the basement for children.
Things have changed enormously since then! Taft Corners is now the commercial hub of the county; the fire department has almost outgrown its facility on Williston Road, as has the “new” police station in the village; the town band has grown so large it needs a larger performance space; and that little red brick library has sprouted two additions since 1986.
Fifty years ago there were no big developments such as Southridge and Brennan Woods. As new residents have moved to Williston, much has changed. What hasn’t changed is the oldtime feel and small-town atmosphere of our community. That is something we all should cherish. And that is why I support the Village Vibrancy Project, which will enhance our Village Green and expand our treasured library.
Our library is far more than just a building to house books. It is a village center that welcomes, often by name, all members of the Williston community whether they come to check out books, use the free wi-fi, attend a meeting or a program, or just to hang out. The library is one of Williston’s treasures — but with the town’s extensive expansion, we have outgrown the building.
The proposed expansion will create a building that should be adequate for the next 25 years, yet with its brick and clapboard exterior will fit seamlessly into the aesthetic of our beautiful village. The renovation of the Village Green will provide space for our town band (as well as other performances) and be an inviting space for recreating in the heart of the village.
Please vote “no” to reconsideration of the original vote to proceed with the Village Vibrancy Project.
Barbara Mieder Board of Trustees
Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
see LETTERS page 8
PLUMBING SYSTEMS
Full-service plumbing for new construction, renovations, and service work. Includes water and drainage piping, water heaters, and complete system installations.
HEATING SYSTEMS (BOILERS & FURNACES)
Efficient, reliable heating systems designed for Vermont conditions. Boiler and furnace installation, replacement, and system upgrades.
AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS
Professional installation and replacement of air conditioning systems and heat pump mini-splits for homes and businesses.
COMMERCIAL PLUMBING, HEATING & HVAC
Installation and service of plumbing, heating, and cooling systems for commercial buildings and facilities.
PIPE WELDING & MECHANICAL PIPING
Specialized pipe welding for hydronic, gas, and mechanical systems, including fabrication and field installation.
Letters
continued from page 7
Let’s keep building our library
The library is at capacity, programs are limited due to space constraints, the collection can’t grow without removing existing materials, and staff and volunteers are working in cramped conditions. The library renovation and expansion project directly addresses these issues and reimagines the library as a true community hub.
Scaling back the project would only serve as a temporary fix, leaving many of the current challenges
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
unresolved and likely forcing another renovation in the near future. The proposed design is forward-looking, accounting not just for today’s needs but for the continued growth of our community.
As an interior designer, I’ve seen construction costs rise by nearly 30% over the past five years, and there’s no indication that trend will reverse. In fact, delays only make projects more expensive. A clear example is the Ilsley Library expansion in Middlebury: Initially estimated at $9.6 million in 2017, the cost grew to $17 million by the time it was approved in 2023. Waiting will not save money; it will almost certainly increase the financial burden.
The need exists now, and acting
now is the most responsible course. Personally, I would love to see this project completed while my daughters are still in school so they can benefit from everything the library will offer. But more importantly, this is an investment in the entire community — serving residents of all ages for years to come.
To me, it is not just a justified expense, but a meaningful and lasting one.
Lauren Miles Williston
Tax benefit
I am sympathetic to those who do not support the library expansion. I am a senior on a fixed income and I don’t have a $300,000 home. State taxes have increased dramatically in the past several years and will likely continue to rise. However, when we pay these taxes they basically are to maintain
the status quo. We don’t really see where the money goes, and with the state it’s like water on concrete. It will fill every invisible crack and crevice available.
The major difference here is that you will see and experience a tangible benefit to the town of Williston and the Village Green. The community band will have a structure on which to perform.
You will see where the money goes and know that it is directed specifically to our community.
We know Williston will only increase in population in the coming years, and a bigger library and community meeting place will be needed. The longer we wait, the more it will cost.
Space constraints
My name is Audrey Shearer and I’m an eighth grader at Williston Central School. I volunteer at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. For me, the library is a safe space where I can be myself. It’s also a place where I meet many people who use it as a safe space just like I do.
I’ve seen many bright, happy things at the library, but I’ve also seen many flaws. One of the biggest flaws is that the library is a bit cramped.
That is why I support the library expansion project and hope that those who agree will make an effort to either vote early or come out on May 19 and vote “no” to the reconsideration vote. Gerry Ortego Secretary Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
With the library small, it limits what you can do in it. I prefer quiet spaces, but the children’s areas are so small that young children end
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters
continued from page 8
up playing in other areas where there’s more room. This makes it harder to concentrate on books and crafting activities.
The library also has board games and corners with tables to play the board games. However, the corners are small, and the tables only comfortably fit two people. If the library expanded, there would be more room for people to play games together.
Another problem I’ve noticed is the library has limited room for activities. There’s only one room for special activities. A bigger library would mean more rooms like that, and that would mean more activities.
Overall, I believe that many people could benefit from a bigger library, especially parents and children.
Audrey Shearer Williston
Ballot clarity
Let’s be clear about the Library/Village Green reconsideration bond vote. When facts don’t align with the public record, quotes are taken out of context and positions shift over time, it’s fair to ask what’s driving this effort.
A recent letter opposing the bond (“War
changes library calculation” April 23) cited global economic uncertainty and rising costs as reasons to reconsider. Those concerns are real, but tying a local library investment to international conflicts and national spending doesn’t provide a meaningful basis for evaluating this project. Decisions about our town should be grounded in local facts and longterm needs.
It’s important to note that the estimated cost per household is based on current conditions. Williston has steady housing growth, and while not everyone welcomes that growth, it’s happening. As more homes are added, the cost is spread across a larger tax base over time, reducing the impact on individual households.
The library is not simply a place to pick up books, but a community space offering programs and resources for residents of all ages.
The project’s FAQ page provides a helpful overview: willistonlibraryproject.org/index.
php/faqs
If someone disagrees, that’s their right. But multiple residents have had their signs stolen. That isn’t constructive engagement. It’s an attempt to limit the visibility of information. This vote deserves a debate grounded in facts, not shifting narratives or attempts to silence information.
Scott Wasserman Williston
Permit $. 5 TOTAL Direct Cremation Charge $1495*
*Transfers from Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties (AND Jeffersonville & Cambridge) are $1495. All other Vermont Counties $1995
HOME & GARDEN
Building a birdhouse — a step-by-step guide
Building a birdhouse is a simple weekend project that checks all the boxes: adding charm to your yard, nurturing local wildlife and giving you a front-row seat to nature.
Seasoned DIYers and first-timers alike can follow this step-by-step guide to create a functional, welcoming birdhouse.
STEP 1: DESIGN IT
Start by deciding what type of birds you’d like to attract. Different birds prefer different house sizes and entrance types.
A simple, classic birdhouse design makes the project beginner friendly and works well for common backyard birds like wrens, chickadees and bluebirds.
In general, plan for at least a 1-2-inch entrance hole, a 5-by-5inch interior space and 2 inches or more of roof overhang.
STEP 2: GATHER MATERIALS AND TOOLS
Most DIY birdhouses can be built with basic materials and tools you may already have at home, including untreated cedar or pine wood, screws or nails, wood glue, sandpaper, exterior-safe paint, measuring tape, pencil, saw and drill.
STEP 3: MEASURE AND CUT WOOD
Measure and cut wood to make the front panel, back panel, two side panels, floor and roof. Then sand all edges for smooth assembly.
STEP 4: DRILL HOLES
Using a hole-saw bit, drill an entrance hole into the front panel. Position it a few inches below
the roofline to keep predators out. Next, drill 2-3 small drainage holes in the floor piece to prevent water buildup and help keep the birdhouse dry.
STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE BIRDHOUSE
Attach the side panels to the back panel using screws or nails. Add the front panel then secure the floor piece, slightly recessed, so rainwater can drain. Attach the roof last, making sure it slopes slightly to allow water to run off.
STEP 6: PAINT THE EXTERIOR
If you paint your birdhouse, stick to neutral, nature-inspired colors. Light browns, soft greens or white help regulate temperature and blend into the environment.
STEP 7: MOUNT YOUR BIRDHOUSE
Once dry, place your birdhouse in a quiet, sheltered spot away from heavy foot traffic. Mount or hang it 5-10 feet off the ground, facing away from prevailing winds.
Visit eLivingtoday.com for more DIY project inspiration.
Family Features
Most DIY birdhouses can be built with basic materials and tools you may already have at home.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK
HOME & GARDEN
Getting kids involved in the garden
Gardening is a simple way to bring families together while simultaneously teaching kids hands-on lessons about nature, responsibility and healthy living.
Whether you have a backyard garden, a few containers on the patio or are looking for a starting point, getting your children involved in planting and caring for plants can spark curiosity and create lasting memories.
Begin with a manageable project, such as a few containers, a small garden bed or a single planter box. This helps keep the experience fun rather than overwhelming and allows children to see progress quickly.
Also consider these family friendly tips: LET KIDS CHOOSE THE PLANTS
Giving your children a say in what goes into the garden can help build excitement and a sense of ownership. Ask them to pick a few colorful fruits, vegetables or flowers that grow quickly, such as sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, mint, sugar snap peas or marigolds.
GIVE THEM THEIR OWN SPACE
Assign the child a small plot, container or row in the garden. Let them be responsible for watering, planting and checking on their plants. Kids feel proud when they have something that’s their own.
GET KID-SIZED TOOLS
Little hands typically work best with tools designed just for them. Small watering cans, lightweight trowels and childsized gloves help kids participate safely and comfortably.
ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY
Gardens don’t have to be all work. Add some fun to the process by adding artistic touches. Projects such as decorating pots, painting plant markers or creating a fairy or butterfly garden can keep imaginations engaged as well.
Find more family-friendly gardening advice at eLivingtoday.com.
Family Features
Getting kids involved in planting and caring for plants can be a fun activity with side benefits of introducing science, art, responsibility and so much more.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS
The Williston Community Garden is a 30-plot area off Mountain View Road near
Brennan Community Park. Open plots of varying sizes and prices are now available. Registration is first-come, first-served at willistonrec.org.
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Ages 18-plus. This Cornhole Tournament is a fundraiser for the R. Fortin Memorial Scholarship Fund. Grab a partner and toss your way to victory. The tournament is a 16-team double-elimination format to be held on Saturday, June 13, from 12-5 p.m. Pre-registration is required at willistonrec.org.
KIDS’ FEST
Kids’ Fest is a family-friendly day at the Village Community Park. There will be children’s activities, games, giveaways, food and fun. Saturday, May 16, from 12-2 p.m. This event is free to attend, and pre-registration is not required.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
SOUND BATH AND SOUND MASSAGE
Ages 10-plus. Lie down, relax and allow the sounds and vibrations of crystal bowls, gongs and flutes to calm the body and mind while Tibetan singing bowls are gently rung and run on the body, if you choose. Rise from this deep restorative rest feeling refreshed and recharged. Instructor: Kirk Jones. Thursday, May 7, 6-7 p.m., $37.
ADULT PROGRAMS
SENIOR HIKING
Hike more, explore local hiking trails and make friends who share a love for the outdoors and being active. This program will meet once a week for five weeks. Hikes range from 2-5 miles and take 2-3 hours. Wednesdays, May
6-June 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m., $20.
ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR
Join attorney Lisa Companion of LMC Law to learn about how you can transfer and protect your assets in this Estate Planning Educational Seminar. Discussion will include wills, trusts, power of attorney, and living wills, as well as mistakes you should avoid to protect you and your loved ones. Thursday, May 14, 5-6 p.m., $10.
NUTRITION BASICS WORKSHOP
Transform your relationship with food and fuel your fitness goals in this 1.5-hour nutrition workshop. Designed for beginner fitness levels, this workshop combines expert guidance with practical tools to help you understand the science of nutrition and its impact on your body. Instructor: Courtney Dessormeau, certified nutritionist. Monday, May 11, 5:30-7 p.m., $37.
PICKLEBALL INTRO
Learn the rules, a variety of drills, some basic game strategies, and how to play this unique sport in this two-hour introductory clinic. Resources will be provided for continued learning and playing opportunities. Bring a paddle or borrow a loaner. Instructor: Corey Gottfried. Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., $35.
PICKLEBALL 101
Focus on the fundamentals of pickleball, including shot selection, court strategy, drills and playtime. Bring a paddle or borrow a loaner. This clinic is intended for players who already
know the rules. Instructor: Corey Gottfried. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 26-28, 5:307:30 p.m., $75
TENNIS IN THE PARKS — LEARN & PLAY
This program is for beginner and returning novice players. Focus on fun and learning the basics. Get great exercise while developing the skills to serve, rally and play tennis. Thursdays, May 7- June 18, 6:15-7:45 p.m., $85.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
ARCHERY
Grades 6-8. This program will teach the fundamentals of archery technique and equipment. There will be guided target shooting and accuracy games. Instructor: Fred Murray. Tuesdays, May 5- June 9, 2:504:15 p.m. $85.
TENNIS IN THE PARKS — LEARN & PLAY
Grades 6-8. This program is for beginner and returning novice youth players. Focus on fun and learning the basics. This program uses modified tennis balls, age-appropriate rackets and engaging activities. Thursdays, May 7- June 18, 5:15-6:15 p.m., $75.
KIDS NIGHT OUT
Ages 5-10. Give your kids a night of fun while you enjoy a little time to yourself! Join us from 5:30–8:30 p.m. for an evening filled with games, crafts and tasty treats. We’ll have pizza and snacks to keep everyone fueled for the fun. Friday, May 8, 5:308:30 p.m., $15.
OBITUARIES
Paullette “Paully” Russell
On Dec. 16, 2025, the world lost a master gardener, a peacock tamer, and a woman who was never afraid to speak her mind. Paullette “Paully” Russell, 71, passed away peacefully after experiencing a life-altering stroke, leaving behind a legacy of open doors, full hearts, and strong opinions.
Paully did things her own way. She was beautifully stubborn — a trait that came in handy whether she was raising kids, fixing a broken appliance with duct tape, or, in her final year, battling and beating cancer. She married the love of her life, Wesley Russell, on Aug. 4, 1975. They held the wedding on a Monday for one reason only: to ensure their coworkers would be free to join the party. Despite the melting summer heat, it launched a 50-year partnership filled with love and noise.
Paully’s resume was eclectic: Bookkeeper, scout leader, artist, substitute teacher, and bird watcher. But her true calling was “Bonus Mom.” Running her home daycare for over 40 years, she raised hundreds of community children alongside her own four kids. She was the mom who surrendered the partially finished basement to her children, allowing them to transform the space into discos, movie theaters, and game rooms to suit their every desire. She was the host who welcomed you for Saturday potlucks, Magic: The Gathering tournaments, and holiday feasts. She loved her cats, her garden, and a good dollar store bargain — roughly in that order.
She is reunited now with her sons, Brian and Benjamin; her parents, Anatole and Bertha Lacourse; her in-laws, Carroll and Bette Russell; and her nephew, Steven Russell.
Paully’s spirit lives on through her husband, Wesley Russell; her son, Christopher Russell, and his wife, Maryann; her daughter, Laura Rice, and her husband, Dean; her daughter-in-law, Andrea Russell; her grandchildren, Nicholas, Steven, Izzy, Ellie, and Charles; and her best friend, Mary Hemingway. She also leaves behind many beloved in-laws, nieces and the “bonus kids” who found a home in her heart.
We would like to thank the UVM Medical Center nurses for their support and for having the appropriate amount of
humor during our last few days.
Please join us for a celebration of life on Sunday, May 24, from 1-4 p.m. at Buck Ridge Barns in Hinesburg, VT. We look forward to honoring Paully’s memory together when the flowers she loved are budding. A silent auction featuring some of Paully’s art will be held, with all proceeds benefiting the American Heart Association.
Grace C. Farley
Our beloved mother Grace Constance (Wagner) Farley, 93, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026 at Burlington Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Grace was born Sept. 11, 1932 in Fitzwilliam, NH to parents Charles Wagner and Laura (Huston) Wagner, the oldest of three children. She married the love of her life Stewart Barrett (Barry) Farley Jr Aug. 28, 1954 in Fitzwilliam, NH. They moved to Kingston, NY where they welcomed their son and daughter. They became permanent residents of Williston in 1968.
Grace worked for many years as a nurse, taking time off to raise her two children. Cherished memories were made camping at Ricker Pond in Groton State Forest, and in her active involvement with Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. In 1968, the family spent an entire summer camping before they moved permanently to Williston.
After her children were grown, Grace found her passion working as a teacher for the former Pine Ridge School in Williston. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband to Maine and Florida, where they spent several winters as snowbirds. Grace was an active member of the United Church of Hinesburg, volunteering for many annual events including the church bazaar, where she helped start up “Grandma’s Attic”, and plant sales. She played an integral role in the creation of SCHIP, a nonprofit second-hand store that provides grants to local nonprofits.
Grace was a strong, compassionate woman who loved the ocean and beach. Most of all, she loved her family deeply.
Grace is survived by her son Stewart Barrett (Bart) Farley III (Kathy) of Las Vegas, NV, daughter Melissa Loretan (Eric) of Bristol, VT, grandchildren Kara Renninger (Joshua) of Canyon, TX, Stewart Barrett (Barrett) Farley IV (Kaye) of Las Vegas, NV, Caitlin Leveillee (Ethan) of Dacula,
HELP KEEP BEARS WILD
NEVER FEED BEARS
Take down birdfeeders, secure garbage, and feed pets inside. Feeding bears is bad for the bears and it is illegal!
SECURE GARBAGE & FOODS
Behind closed doors or in bear-proof bins. Keep garbage indoors until pick-up day.
USE ELECTRIC FENCES
To protect chickens, bees, livestock, and compost.
BE LOUD
Make bears feel unwelcome near homes, yards, and campgrounds.
Obituaries
continued from page 15
GA, Kristi Toms (Luke) of Las Vegas, NV, and eight great-grandchildren: Stewart Barrett (Brody) Farley V and Baelynn Farley; Finley, Wyatt, and Brandt Renninger; Reid and Jane Toms; and Benjamin Leveillee.
Grace was predeceased by her parents and by her husband Barry, sister Nancy Billow, and brother Thomas Wagner.
We are grateful for the wonderful care she received from Home Health & Hospice of Vermont, caregiver Cheryl Papazoni of Green Mountain Nursing and Rehab, long-time friend Howdy Russell, nieces Karen Billow and Amy Austin, and many dear friends.
A celebration of life will be held at the United Church of Hinesburg on June 27 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be
made to Home Health & Hospice of Vermont; the United Church of Hinesburg; or charity of choice.
Eva Bogue
Eva Bogue, 95, of Williston and Burlington, passed away peacefully April 20, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on March 4, 1931 in Fair Haven, VT to Maria and Luigi Gabriele who emigrated from
OBITUARIES
Italy. While attending grade school, she would often trade her sandwich made with homemade bread for one of store-bought bread, because, growing up during the depression, for her that was a treat.
After high school she moved to Burlington to attend the Mary Fletcher Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1952 with her RN degree. It was there that she met her future husband, George, and they were married on May 1, 1954, and settled in Burlington. Instead of spending money on a honeymoon that would last for a week, they decided to build a camp in Underhill, VT at the base of Mount Mansfield where they could honeymoon for the rest of their lives.
Eva loved gardening and always had a large one at camp where she grew enough vegetables to freeze and feed her large family all winter. She also loved picking wild blackberries and could pick faster
than anyone in the family, always able to scrounge enough berries for a homemade pie.
She was proud to be a registered nurse and worked part-time at the UVM infirmary until her youngest child was in high school, then she worked full time at the Burlington Convalescent Center until her retirement. After retiring, she volunteered for many years at the Burlington Senior Center.
When she was 80, her children talked her into going to Italy to meet relatives she never knew existed. While there she saw where her parents grew up and met numerous cousins for the first time. At dinner she was shocked when one of them produced a photo of her as a baby with her parents and older siblings taken in Rutland. It turned out to be the trip of a lifetime.
Colchester April 17, 2026 after courageously fighting a year-long battle with dementia and other health issues.
Penny was born on Sept. 7, 1960 in Randolph, the daughter of Joanne and Jim Tabor. She graduated from Woodstock Union High School in 1978. She had worked at the People’s United Bank and TD Bank North in Williston for many years as a Vice President and Wealth Management Officer. Well known by many throughout the Vermont as “The 401k Lady” this is how she wanted to be remembered as her legacy.
Eva was the heart of her large family, and an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives. We are grateful for the many wonderful memories we hold in our hearts. She is survived by her five children, Bonnie Doble (Bill), David Bogue (Lucy), George Bogue (Ellen Kresky) Betsy Austin (Jay), Jeanne Albertson (Scott), nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, her brother Ray Gabriele (Joan), sister-in-law Jeannine Bogue, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband George, sisters Josephine, Emily, Louise, and Jeanette and her brother Tony.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the staff at The Converse Home who treated her, and all of us, as family and were particularly helpful during her final days.
A celebration of her life will be held at the family’s convenience.
Penny J. Tabor
Penny enjoyed vacationing at York Beach, Maine, after Labor Day every year being with her family, loving her cats, and was very much “a people person”! She was always a very loving and caring person to all who truly knew her, and would always tell you how much she loved you, and would give a big hug and a kiss every time she saw you, even towards the end of her life.
Penny is survived by her partner of over 38 years, Bill Howrigan of Williston; sisters Pam Simpson and husband Jeff of Hartford, VT, Karen Peterson and husband Robert of Mendon, VT, Susan Rose and husband Mark of West Lebanon, NH; niece Christina Spriggs and fiancé Neb Kelbessa of Somersworth, NH, nephews Kyle Spriggs and wife Liz of South Strattford, VT, Garrett Rose who is serving in the US Marine Corps, and Robbie Peterson of Rutland, VT.
There will be no funeral or burial services per her final wishes. However, there will be a “Memorial Celebration of Life” party to celebrate Penny’s life in the near future. As everyone who knew Penny, she loved her classic rock, and would like AC/DC, Def Leppard, Nickelback, ZZ Top to play along with other classic rock music as she loved her life, and wants everyone who attends to truly party!
Donations in memory of Penny can be made to the Chittenden County Humane Society of South Burlington, along with other nokill animal shelters, as Penny dearly loved her cats, and she knows that animals desperately need our help during these trying times.
Online condolences may be left at www.champlaincremation.com. Arrangements are by the Champlain Cremation in Williston.
Penny J. Tabor, 65 of Williston passed away peacefully at The McClure Miller Respite House in
Computers
continued from page 5
“We’ve wiped away 20 years of growth in less than 10 years because we went tech heavy,” he told lawmakers. “And it’s not just us. It’s across every country we’ve ever explored.”
Likewise, Arsenault’s legislation notes that in 2016, when technology became more fully integrated in schools, the 85,000 Chromebooks in schools outnumbered Vermont’s student population. Since 2016, Vermont students’ reading test scores have declined significantly.
“I think that just speaks to the utter saturation in our schools of classroom technology, and the way that it was adopted with a great deal of understandable optimism,” Arsenault told House Education Committee lawmakers this month. “But we have to take a look at what’s actually happening now and really critically review whether that optimism was warranted.”
‘WE’RE BEHIND’
Graning’s bill faced some pushback during testimony in the Senate Education Committee.
Abigail Wilson, the director of state policy for the Software & Information Industry Association, a trade association for digital and business software agencies, told lawmakers that H.650 misses the mark. She
said the issue is not how much screen time students get, but what they use the screens for, and “who governs it.”
“That distinction matters enormously because the technology these bills target and the technology that genuinely concerns most parents are not the same thing,” she told lawmakers.
Wilson urged lawmakers against a “blanket prohibition.”
Peter Drescher is director of technology and innovation at Essex-Westford School District and the vice president of
VITA-Learn, a nonprofit of ed tech professionals to promote and support the use of information technology in Vermont’s schools. He told Senate lawmakers that many school districts have robust policies in place to protect students from harmful content on the internet.
“We also try to empower our teachers in understanding, you know, that they don’t have to use technology all the time, and that there are appropriate times for it,” he said.
He told lawmakers his district has moved toward using “less and less” technology for younger students based on teacher requests.
Vermont Agency of Education officials said they agree with the intent of the H.650, but said the two prominent concerns, of educational technology effectiveness and student data privacy, “require different solutions.”
H.650 remains in review in the Senate Education Committee. Arsenault’s bill, H.830, allowing parents to opt their students out of tech use, missed the Legislature’s crossover deadline, but there may still be an opportunity to tack the legislation onto a miscellaneous education bill.
Regardless, Arsenault and Graning both see these as multiyear efforts.
“Technology today and the way our kids use it is an enormous field, and it’s going to take a lot of targeted laws to help protect them,” Graning said. “And we’re behind.”
A quarterly section in the Williston Observer featuring some of the best eateries and restaurants in the area!
If you would like to have your establishment included in this section please call Adam at 802-338-1655 or email Adam@WillistonObserver.com
Williston
Serving our community since 1985
Rep. Angela Arsenault
A Berry Happy Mother’s Day
Are you looking for something sweet to do for Mom on Mother’s Day? The Mini Page loves the idea of sharing some tasty berries with her on her special day. Along the way, we learned some fascinating facts about these little power-packed fruits. Is it really a berry?
Many of the small fruits that we call berries are not true berries. Botanists, or scientists who study plants, consider a true berry to be a fruit that develops from a single ovary, or female part of a plant.
True berries include huckleberries, gooseberries and some mulberries. The delicious fruits that we often eat are from three different categories:
• False berries, such as blueberries and cranberries;
• Compound fruits, such as blackberries and boysenberries;
• Accessory fruits, such as strawberries.
Small but mighty
Berries may be small, but they are packed with nutrients. They’re a great choice because they’re easy to eat, taste juicy and sweet, and are good for us. For example:
• Cranberries help our bodies process food. They may help prevent heart disease, stomach problems and some cancers.
• Blueberries have large amounts of antioxidants, substances that help our bodies
Try ’n’ Find
Next Week: Summer writing
Mini Fact: Berries provide a lot of energy for animals that depend on them, such as bears and foxes.
stay well. They’re also high in vitamin C.
• Red raspberries may help our bodies fight cancer cells. They may also reduce pain from arthritis and other diseases.
• Strawberries have a lot of vitamin C and potassium.
Other uses for berries
Experts say people have used berries in other ways over the centuries. Native Americans used berries to make dyes for clothing and blankets.
They also may have cured infections from arrow wounds with cranberries. Iroquois Indians used blueberries in their ceremonies to bring health in the coming season.
Berry stories
Along with their importance to our health, berries have legends and superstitions, or beliefs, that surround them.
• The name “cranberry” came from European settlers in America. They thought the cranberry flower looked like the head, neck and bill of a crane.
• Many berries on a holly bush are thought to be a sign of a hard winter coming.
Words that remind us of berries are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Cook up something special
How about sharing some berries with Mom and the family for Mother’s Day on May 10? Here’s a Mini Page recipe you might try.
Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Cake
You’ll need:
• 1 (18.25-ounce) box lemon cake mix
• 1 (6- to 8-ounce) container plain yogurt
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• Round tube or bundt cake pan
• Cooking spray
What to do:
1. Combine cake mix, yogurt and eggs. (Do not add oil and water.)
2. Blend until moist, then beat 2 minutes at medium speed.
3. Fold (gently stir) in blueberries.
4. Spray tube pan with cooking spray. Add cake mixture.
5. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 40 minutes or until done.
6. Cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan. Serves 8 to 12.
Mini Jokes
Ben: What do you get when two strawberries are introduced?
Betty: A strawberry shake!
Brianna: A blackberry jam!
Barry: What’s it called when hundreds of blackberries are stuck in traffic?
Founded by Betty Debnam Issue
• Blueberries have large amounts of antioxidants, substances that help our bodies
Try ’n’ Find
• Many berries on a holly bush are thought to be a sign of a hard winter coming.
Words that remind us of berries are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Ben: What do you get when two strawberries are introduced?
Betty: A strawberry shake!
Barry: What’s it called when hundreds of blackberries are stuck in traffic?
Brianna: A blackberry jam!
Eco Note
Periods of extreme heat that make routine outdoor activities unsafe have doubled worldwide since 1950, according to a new study. Nature Conservancy researchers found that rising temperatures and humidity increasingly push conditions beyond what the human body can safely tolerate, even for light tasks performed in the shade. Older adults are especially vulnerable, with those over 65 now experiencing 900 hours per year on average worldwide when heat severely restricts safe activity, up from roughly 600 hours in the 1950s. About one-third of the global population lives in areas where heat significantly limits daily activity during the hottest periods.
For later:
Look in your local newspaper for events and activities related to Mother’s Day.
by Michaela Goade
by Doris Buchanan Smith
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
My 60-year-old brother was recently diagnosed with prediabetes, which surprised all of us because he’s fairly active and isn’t overweight. Now I’m wondering if I could be at risk too. Does prediabetes run in families, and what exactly does it mean?
— Younger Sister
Dear Younger,
Yes, you could be at risk. Having a close family member with diabetes increases your chances of developing it yourself, though family history is just one factor. Age, weight,
Understanding prediabetes
lifestyle, blood pressure, cholesterol and certain ethnic backgrounds also affect risk. Here’s what you should know.
WHAT IS PREDIABETES?
Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. It is far more common than most people realize.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 115 million American adults have prediabetes, and the majority don’t know it. Without intervention, many will develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years.
Even before diabetes develops, elevated blood sugar can quietly damage blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage and vision problems. Once diabetes develops, daily blood sugar monitoring, medications, insulin, and lifestyle adjustments may become necessary.
The good news is that prediabetes does not make diabetes inevitable. In many cases, it can be reversed. Modest weight loss, regular physical activity and healthier eating habits can significantly reduce — or sometimes eliminate — the risk of progression. In some situations, medications may also be prescribed to help control blood sugar.
WHO SHOULD GET TESTED?
Prediabetes usually causes no noticeable symptoms, so testing is the only reliable way to know if you have it.
Adults age 45 and older should be screened, particularly if overweight. Younger adults should also consider testing if they are overweight and have other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle or a family history of diabetes. Certain ethnic groups — including Latino, Black, Asian and Native American adults — have higher risk and may benefit from earlier screening.
To quickly assess your risk, take the free online screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org.
HOW IT’S DIAGNOSED
If you are at risk, your doctor can order one of three blood tests. The fasting plasma glucose test requires an eight-hour fast. The oral glucose tolerance test measures how your body processes sugar. The hemoglobin A1C test reflects your average blood sugar over two to three months and can be done at any time, regardless of when you last ate.
Most Medicare and private insurance plans generally cover diabetes screening tests at little or no cost if you meet risk criteria such as being overweight, having high blood pressure or having a family history of diabetes. Home glucose meters are not intended to diagnose prediabetes.
TAKE ACTION
If you are diagnosed with prediabetes, don’t panic. Many people
restore healthy blood sugar with lifestyle changes alone. Losing 5-7 percent of your body weight, getting at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, and reducing refined carbohydrates can make a meaningful difference.
For additional support, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sponsors the National Diabetes Prevention Program, which offers structured lifestyle-change classes in person and online across the U.S. (cdc.gov/ diabetes-prevention). Local hospitals, clinics and community centers may also offer similar programs. A simple screening test can provide peace of mind or give you the opportunity to take action now and prevent diabetes in the future.
Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first president of the United States.
• In 1803, representatives of the United States and France concluded negotiations for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory.
• In 1812, Louisiana was admitted as the 18th U.S. state.
• In 1945, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun Hitler committed suicide as Soviet troops approached his bunker in Berlin, Germany.
• In 1975, Saigon, capital of South Vietnam, fell to communist forces, effectively ending the Vietnam War.
TODAY’S FACT:
• After George Washington died in 1799, his wife, Martha, burned all but three of the letters the two had exchanged to ensure their relationship would remain private.
SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 22
RABIES BAIT
continued from page 2
The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
RABIES BAIT continued from page 2
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.
So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.
The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.
So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.
According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
SHELBURNE DAY continued from page 4 face Towards burne-Hinesburg head the Golf depending land. Rotary’s
Shelburne Historical Society will have a display and president Dorothea Penar will lead a cemetery tour at 1 p.m. Food vendors round out the event with everything from coffee and lemonade to burgers and creemees. Kids will enjoy meeting animals from Shelburne Farms, craft projects, and
According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.
Shelburne display lead dors from creemees. from SHELBURNE continued
Bats
continued from page 1
the damaged section last fall to prevent unsafe crossings and has been working with state and federal wetland regulators on permitting its reconstruction. Plans call for streambank stabilization and riverbend rerouting to increase the bridge’s flood resilience. Anticipated excavation and tree-clearing triggered an Act 250 amendment process that pulled in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, according to Williston Senior Conservation Planner David Moroney.
“That really ballooned the permitting requirements and required a whole bunch of extra input,” he said.
Through federal regulators, Moroney has learned that the Allen Brook area is home to two species of bats that are on the federal endangered species list: northern long-eared bats and tricolored bats.
“Those two species like to roost in the summer in riparian areas,” Moroney said. “That’s our project area.”
A pedestrian bridge over the Allen Brook has been closed since sustaining flood damage in late 2023.
The town would like to hire an excavator to clear a path to the river this summer, then work on flood resilience and bridge reconstruction in the fall. But the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prohibits tree-clearing during the summer months to protect bat habitat. If the tree-clearing has to wait until the fall, the project would be up against a
state ban on working in streams after Oct. 1, Moroney said.
“We could end up getting boxed out of this entire season … and not do the work until the following spring (2027),” he said.
The bridge was a popular walking route to school for students and a connection to Village Community Park. Moroney is currently awaiting
a determination from federal regulators.
“We know that a lot of people will be disappointed if the structure is closed for another season, so we’re hoping for good news to come our way in the next few weeks,” he said.
CVU
continued from page 1
to district Chief Operations Officer Gary Marckres. That’s because the district won’t be paying tuition — at about $22,000 per student — to other district tech centers. Marckres anticipates there will be 16 students enrolled in CVU’s program next year. As a “pre-tech” program, it is for underclassmen considering future tech center education at the Burlington Technical Center and the Center for Technology in Essex.
“We don’t want to lose the program,” said Bunting. “It’s been a lifeline for several students in terms of meeting their identity, their interests and their direction.”
As a first step, the school board recently approved the hiring of a project-based learning teacher to start in July. The teacher will be tasked with designing a curriculum and collaborating with local businesses to let students sample various career options and alternative paths to graduation.
