We have decibel data from Vermont Air National Guard F-35 flights out of Burlington International Airport, and we have anecdotes of people’s experience with the overpowering noise of the fighter jets’ takeoffs.
But we don’t yet have population-level data about the noise impacts on the lives of Chittenden County residents.
UVM math and statistics professor Richard Single is aiming to
provide that with a survey of people in Williston and other airport-adjacent communities that asks how the jets are impacting their lives.
Texas Roadhouse fined for food scrap neglect
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
A year of food scrap sleuthing in and around Williston’s Texas Roadhouse restaurant has led to a $1,600 fine from the Chittenden Solid Waste District and a requirement to submit a plan to comply with the district’s food scrap management ordinance.
The ordinance is authorized by the State of Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law, which began banning food scraps from landfill-bound trash roughly 10 years ago.
CSWD compliance staff first noticed the restaurant’s food waste in a load of trash coming into its Williston processing
center in late 2024. A subsequent visit to the restaurant found no program in place to separate food scraps from regular trash, according to staff notes presented to the district’s Board of Commissioners Executive Committee. After issuing an official warning of noncompliance in November of that year, CSWD staff were given assurances from managing partner DJ Slothower that the restaurant has an active contract with a food scrap hauler (Casella), and they were invited to observe their process for food separation. It was a process that CSWD staff found “very unusual.”
“Restaurant staff were collecting food waste in the kitchen by
see ROADHOUSE page 4
Single said the survey has garnered about 2,000 responses since it went live in mid-April.
The survey will produce
population-level data for questions such as: “How often does (F-35 noise) interfere with your ability to relax, to communicate, to
concentrate and to enjoy the outdoors?” and “How often do you need to cover your ears, close windows in your house or pause work, meetings or phone calls due to F-35 noise?”
Noise monitors set up around the airport show that noise levels from F-35 takeoffs regularly top 70 decibels and occasionally reach over 100 decibels — a noise level that the Federal Aviation Administration acknowledges is incompatible with residential areas.
“I’m interested in being able to quantify the amount of disruption, distraction and discomfort that people experience in those surrounding communities to the airport from the F-35 flights,” Single said. “I want to
F-35s have largely been absent from Burlington International Aiport this spring as they have been deployed overseas.
From left to right, Gina Frey, Melinda Petter and Jeff Petter get a jump on Green Up Day as they pick up trash along South Road a few days before the scheduled event. More photos on Page 16. OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY
Williston road warriors
LOOKFORUS
Around Town
Industrial Ave. sidewalk project meeting set for May 19
Williston’s Department of Public Works has obtained grant funding to construct a sidewalk along Industrial Avenue between White Cap Business Park and Rossignol Park. On Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m., as part of the selectboard meeting agenda, the department will be holding a local concerns meeting on to the project.
The intention of this meeting is to provide an overview of the project development process, provide a summary of identified problems the project will address, and hear public comments and concerns related to the project.
Comments can also be submitted to Public Works Assistant Director Christine Dougherty at cdougherty@willistonvt.com or (802) 878-1239.
Church food drive on tap
The Williston Federated Church is hosting a food drive Saturday, May 9 to benefit the Williston Community Food Shelf. Donors are welcome to arrive at the back of the church with donations between
9-11 a.m. Volunteers will be on hand to unload donations.
In addition to food, there is a need for feminine hygiene items.
Discover the history of Native Americans in Williston
The Williston Lego Robotics Team and guest speaker Don Stevens, Chief of the Nulhegan Band, will present “Native American Life in the Williston Area” on Wednesday, May 13 from 7-8 p.m. at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library.
The event is sponsored by the library and the Williston Historical Society.
Learn about Vermont’s Greek immigrants
Angelike Contis will present “Our Stories: Greek Immigrants in Vermont” at the Richmond Free Library May 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Contis grew up in Jericho in the 1980s, as what seemed like the only one with stuffed grape leaves (dolmades) in her lunchbox. Decades later, she takes stock of the history of Greek immigrants in the Green Mountain State, compiling info about War of Independence orphans of the 1820s, restaurateurs of the 1900s and her family friends growing up. Excerpts from video interviews with family and friends, along with other research, will provide insight into the local Greek community.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
FRIDAY, MAY 8
Education and Enrichment for Everyone lecture. 2-3 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington. Speaker Whitney WestPoss, Vergennes Community Bank, on financial literacy and fraud. eeevermont.org.
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.
MONDAY, MAY 18
Library Trustees meeting. 7 p.m. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. Agenda at damlvt.org.
TUESDAY, MAY 19
Selectboard meeting.
7 p.m. Town Hall. Agenda at town. williston.vt.us.
Planning commission meeting. 7 p.m. Town Hall Annex. 7 p.m. Agenda at town.williston. vt.us.
Library/Village Green Reconsideration vote.
7 a.m.-7 p.m. National Guard Armory.
Last Friday, dozens of labor union members, activist organizations and hundreds of Vermonters convened in Williston for May Day to call for expanded workers’ rights and voice their displeasure with the Trump administration and its immigration enforcement policies. A number of musical acts performed as attendees assembled in Maple Tree Place Park, followed by a series of speeches from local activists and labor leaders. Across the street at Hannaford, farmworkers and allies rallied for farmworker rights and to protest the grocery store’s dairy sourcing practices. A May Day protest-palooza
Register today: uvmhealth.org/jog
PHOTO BY ADAM GEFFKEN
PHOTO BY AL FREY
continued from page 1
be able to say what are the activities that are affected.”
He’s advertised the survey on Front Porch Forum, acknowledging that it is likely to be those most disturbed by the noise who take the time to complete the survey.
“I don’t think anyone has really assessed what the public’s thoughts are on this,” said
“I want to be able to say what are the activities that are affected.”
Richard Single UVM professor
Single. “I think it’s important that we know what the impacts are.”
He expects the results to show how far out from the airport impacts start to lessen because respondents are asked what street they live on. His data will either corroborate or contradict maps published by the airport (online at www.btvsound.com) outlining residential areas impacted by excessive noise. Those maps are extrapolated from flight radar data and what is known about how F-35s power up on takeoff rather than from actual decibel readings or citizen input.
Single plans to publish a report from the survey results later this year.
Single is also designing a study to illustrate the human physiological response to F-35 takeoffs, recruiting students to use wearable technology that measure pulse rate and hear-rate variability.
“The noise that is coming from the F-35 … triggers an innate stress response in individuals that are exposed to it,” Single said. “We’re trying to see what is the impact in terms of a biometric measure during the overflight.”
That study was originally planned for this semester but was postponed because the F-35s have been largely absent from Vermont this spring.
According to a Vermont Air National Guard spokesman, the majority of the Vermont Air National Guard’s 20 F-35s have been out of town on deployment since mid-December. A minority of the fleet is continuing to conduct training flights out of Burlington, mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
“Flights aren’t as consistent as they once were when everyone was home and we were flying typically five days a week,” the spokesperson said. “There are a lot fewer flights.”
Vermont-based F-35s deployed to the Caribbean in December, according to news reports at the time. In March, multiple news outlets quoted the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff saying Vermont’s F-35s had been moved from the Caribbean to the Middle East.
Gift Mom Plants
at Vermont’s Finest Plant Nursery
Roadhouse
continued from page 1
rolling Casella organics totes inside the restaurant to be used at prep and dishwashing stations and then rolling them back outside to be serviced,” staff wrote in a January, 2025 memo to the CSWD Board Executive Committee. “We found this a very unusual practice because most food service businesses do not bring external waste containers inside their establishments for compliance with Vermont Department of Health’s food safety requirements.”
Slothower did not return calls seeking comment.
The restaurant was now considered
compliant, but it was on the district’s radar for follow up checks, and this past December, compliance staff returned for an unannounced inspection, peering into and photographing the contents of the restaurant’s outside dumpsters.
Pictures provided to the CSWD Board of Commissioners show meat and vegetable scraps from kitchen prep both bagged and loose in the dumpsters. Compliance staff returned to the restaurant several times in December to confirm their suspicions of noncompliance. They noted that eight containers designated for food scraps outside the restaurant remained largely untouched throughout the month (there were no footprints in the
The Texas Roadhouse off Williston Road.
Roadhouse
continued from page 4
snow leading to them and no replacement of the liners).
“The large volumes of food waste consistently observed in the trash dumpster at Texas Roadhouse … in combination with the unused organics totes, suggest all the restaurant’s food waste has been going to landfill, with no effort made toward diverting that material,” district staff wrote in a January memo to the board.
“All the restaurant’s food waste has been going to landfill, with no effort made toward diverting that material.”
CSWD compliance staff memo
Dated January 2025
The board of commissioners assessed a $1,600 fine in January, and the restaurant paid it in February, according to CSWD Executive Director Sarah Reeves. The restaurant also submitted a plan for future food scrap management in accordance with state law. It is now considered in compliance.
“The Texas Roadhouse has submitted a corrective action plan … and allowed the CSWD Compliance Team to review and confirm their program,” CSWD Communications Manager Beth Parent said.
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:
Serving our community since 1985
willistonobserver.com
P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 802-489-5499
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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:
A monumental land posting change
BY BRENNA GALDENZI
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department commissioner set off a chain of events he likely didn’t anticipate when the department’s land-posting change last fall made it more difficult for Vermonters to post their land against hunting and fishing.
The department changed the long-standing practice of allowing landowners to date their posted signs annually — at a time of their choosing — to a fixed January date, and Vermonters pushed back hard.
The change prompted the Legislature to introduce bill H.723, which was originally drafted to codify Vermonters’ right to date their posted signs at a month of their choosing, with each posting valid for 365 days. Broader discussions soon followed, raising the question of why landowners are required to date signs at all, given that most other states do not
impose this requirement and none require annual dating.
H.723 was subsequently strengthened to include a purple paint provision, offering a more durable way for Vermonters to post their property. A simple paint stripe would mark land as posted, as is already allowed in the State of Maine and 20 other states. The bill also retained the option of using posted signs but removed the requirement to date them.
In addition, a reasonable person clause was included, recognizing that posted signs can be torn down or blow away. One witness before the House Environment Committee described a December 2025 incident in which a warden could not take legal action because some posted signs had incorrect dates or had been torn down.
The department and lobbyists representing trappers and hounders opposed this version of the bill, arguing that it constituted an attack on hunting. This oft-used
claim fell flat, as many hunters post their own land and believe they should have the right to determine what activities are allowed on their private property. Rural Vermonters, including farmers, also voiced support for H.723.
Ultimately, the Legislature compromised by removing the purple paint provision while preserving the rest of the bill’s language, resulting in a less burdensome posting requirement that better protects landowners.
Gov. Phil Scott signed the bill April 30. It goes into effect immediately and makes two crucial changes that will help Vermonters: It entirely removes the requirement to date posted signs.
It protects landowners by including a reasonable person clause. For example, if one sign is torn down or blows away, the land will still be legally posted.
Also, this isn’t the end of the road for a purple paint option. Vermonters will return in the future to advance this commonsense posting method that simplifies enforcement and also addresses the common problem of signs being destroyed.
But for now, we celebrate this step forward.
Brenna Galdenzi is president of Protect Our Wildlife. She lives in Stowe.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Now is not the time
I have hesitated to write this as many of my friends and acquaintances are planning to vote in favor of the library expansion. I, too, think having a bigger facility and expanded spaces for everyone is a great idea. But I don’t think now is the time.
With the current cost of fuel, food and prescriptions, I believe there are many families in Williston that can’t bear the added expense that the increase in taxes would be. Whether $10, $20 or $30 a month, it could very well mean the inability to buy gas for the car to get to work, being unable to feed the kids adequately or not being able to afford prescriptions.
We have many seniors and hardworking families living in Williston that can barely afford their cost of living now.
I believe strongly in the right to vote. And I hear what everyone is saying about the need for the library expansion. Please vote your conscience.
Sally Stockwell Metro Williston
My mother went to Muddy Brook School on Williston Road through the eighth grade. She used the school’s books and was very honored to go to Dorothy Alling’s home for stories and to be lent books. For her, that was the library in Williston.
Dorothy Alling supported the families and children of Williston by collecting pennies to buy books. What would she have thought of a bond for 13.9 million?
As we pay more in taxes, please think about how it affects those who do not have it to give. Congress voted to cut money for SNAP, Medicaid and Medicare. We are living with changes that are a setback for people facing hunger and lack of housing.
I don’t know how Mrs. Alling would have felt about spending $13.9 million on library improvements. I do know that, like my relatives, she would have voted, looked her neighbors in the eye and said hello, because that is what democracy is about.
Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility. I will be voting “yes” on May 19.
Dan Boomhower Williston
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Pledge more than just your vote
The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Capital Campaign is accepting pledges toward the Village Vibrancy Library Project (commitments to contribute once the project is voted through on May 19). The project includes the expansion and renovation of the library along with the improvements to the Village Green.
A stronger library means a stronger community. By expanding our public library, we invest in our children’s futures, support lifelong learning and create a welcoming space for all. Make a pledge today and help bring this vision to life.
By making a pledge (big or small) you will be demonstrating your support for DAML and Village Green improvements.
DAML is a tax-exempt department of the Town of Williston, and all donations will be tax deductible. Reach out to the library for a pledge form today.
Sherry Pidgeon Williston
Build a better library proposal
those who opposed it, now is the time to vote “yes” to re-affirm that decision: Reject the $13.9 million bond so we can get the library plan right.
This re-vote isn’t about opposing the library — it’s about asking for a plan that better fits our town residents’ priorities, the village and our financial comfort.
Swing by Town Hall for early voting and
cast a “yes” vote to reconsider the library bond approval.
Let’s keep building our library — just not at $13.9 million. Vote “yes” in early voting or on May 19 (in person) at the Williston Armory.
Cindy Roy Williston
In March, the $13.9 million library proposal passed by just 47 votes. If you were among
Call today to plan for your future home at The Pines.
Expanded Outdoor Patio and Grilling Area • Exercise Room
Vibrant Social Atmosphere with Weekly Events and Activities
SAVVY SENIOR
A letter your loved ones will treasure
Dear Savvy Senior, I want to leave something meaningful for my children and grandchildren, beyond just money or property. I’ve heard about “legacy letters,” but I don’t really know what they are or how to start one. Can you help?
— Legacy Seeker
Dear Seeker,
You’re asking a wonderful question. A legacy letter — sometimes called an ethical will — is a personal note to your loved ones where you can share your values, life lessons, cherished memories, hopes and guidance. Unlike a traditional will, which focuses on legal matters, a legacy letter comes straight from the heart.
WHY WRITE ONE?
Many people think a legacy is just money or property. But often, it’s your words, values and life lessons that leave the deepest mark. A legacy letter gives your family something to hold onto — your stories, your traditions and the experiences that shaped who you are. Children and grandchildren often return to these letters for comfort, guidance or inspiration long after you’re gone. In many ways, it becomes an emotional last will and testament, answering some of the most important questions about your life.
A legacy letter can also help explain the “why” behind your estate plan in a personal, thoughtful way. While a will handles the legal and financial details, a legacy letter adds context: why you made certain decisions or what you hope your loved ones will do with what you leave behind. That added perspective can
By Jim Miller
ease misunderstandings, strengthen family connections and leave a lasting sense of closeness.
GETTING STARTED
Take a moment to reflect on what matters most to you. What values or principles have guided my life?
What moments or experiences am I most grateful for?
What mistakes or regrets taught me the most?
How do I hope to be remembered by my loved ones?
What lessons, advice or guidance do I want to leave for my family?
Which family traditions, stories or dreams do I want future generations to carry forward?
Keep it personal and sincere. You can write one letter or several for different family members. Most letters run one to three pages, though there’s no strict rule.
If you’d like a little guidance
WILLISTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
Call responses, April 24-30
April 24 — Fire crews conducted two separate elevator rescues late Friday morning and early afternoon, first on Avenue D Extension and later on Holland Lane.
April 25 — An accidental alarm was reported on Holland Lane during the morning hours. Around midday, crews responded to a fire alarm activation on Eagle Crest.
April 26 — Firefighters provided standby
as you get started, Trust & Will has a free legacy letter writing guide with step-by-step prompts to help you organize your thoughts and begin writing. You can find it at trustandwill.com/learn/ legacy-letter-writing-guide.
If writing isn’t your thing, consider creating a legacy video. Speak directly to your loved ones, sharing stories, guidance and heartfelt reflections. Most smartphones now record high-quality video and sound, making it easy to create, store and share. A video captures your voice, expressions and surroundings in a way that a letter simply can’t.
STORING AND SHARING
Keep letters or videos in a safe, easy-to-find spot. Physical letters can go in a secure file, safe or with your attorney, while digital files can be backed up to the cloud or an external drive. You can share them now or wait until later, after you’re gone. Be sure to include instructions in your will so family members know where to find them. When it comes down to it, a legacy letter or video is truly the heart behind your will. It gives you the chance to share your values, tell your stories and even explain the intentions behind your estate plan, leaving your loved ones with words that will matter long after you are gone. Written with generosity, empathy and positivity, a few thoughtful pages or a short video can create an emotional imprint that money alone cannot provide.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
involving a non-chemical hazard.
April 28 — Firefighters extinguished a passenger vehicle fire on St. George Road in the late afternoon.
assistance at a Falcon Manor residence in the afternoon. Later, crews responded to a fire alarm on Commons Road. — An incident on Browns River Road in Essex was canceled before crews arrived. — That evening, personnel assisted law enforcement on Blair Park Road.
April 27 — A fire alarm activation on Tyler Way prompted a morning response. — A separate call on Williston Road in South Burlington was canceled. — In the afternoon, crews responded to a motor vehicle collision on Marshall Avenue
April 29 — An early morning fire alarm was reported on Boxwood Street. — Shortly after, crews responded to a brush fire on Hurricane Lane. — Two later incidents on Blair Park Road and Williston Road were canceled or determined to be unfounded upon arrival.
April 30 — Fire alarm activations were reported on Industrial Avenue late morning and on Helena Drive in the evening.
These items represent the Williston Fire Department’s non-medical call responses. The department also responded to several medical emergencies during this time frame.
Dorothy Alling Memorial Library hours:
• Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Visit www.damlvt.org to register for programs. Need help? Call 878-4918 or email daml@damlvt.org.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Children in fourth grade and younger must be supervised by someone over 16 years of age.
STORYTIME
Tuesdays, May 12 and 19, 10:30-11 a.m. Drop in for stories, songs and fun.
AFTER SCHOOL MOVIE
Wednesday, May 13, 2-3:45 p.m. PG. Try navigating
adolescence when “seeing red” is no longer a metaphor.
MUSIC AND PLAYTIME
Thursdays, May 14 and 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Drop in for music, and stay to play.
BABY TIME
Wednesday, May 20, 10:30-11 a.m. Suggested ages 0-18 months. Enjoy gentle literacy, bonding and socializing activities.
AFTER SCHOOL CRAFT
Wednesday, May 20, 2-3 p.m. Use bleeding tissue paper to create beautiful, rainbow-inspired watercolor bookmarks and cards.
MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS
READ TO A CAT (TROOPER)
Monday, May 11, 3:154:20 p.m. Sign up for a 10-minute session to read to (or hang out with) Trooper the Therapy Cat.
READ TO A DOG (ROCKO)
Thursday, May 14, 3-4 p.m. Sign up for a 10-minute session to read to (or hang out with) Rocko the Therapy Dog.
READ TO A DOG (LOLA)
Thursday, May 21,
3:30-4:30 p.m. Sign up for a 10-minute session to read to (or hang out with) Lola the Therapy Dog.
ADULT PROGRAMS
For online programs or to join a book club, email daml@damlvt.org.
TEA CLUB: DARJEELING TEA
Available the entire month of May.
ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)
Friday, May 8 and 15, 1212:30 p.m. Join our guided meditation to relax and re-center.
MAH-JONGG
Friday, May 8 and 15, 1-3 p.m. All skill levels welcome.
FRENCH CONVERSATION
Saturday, May 9 10:4511:45 a.m. All abilities welcome.
USA 250 TALK
Williston Historical Society Presents: Native American Life in the Williston Area. Wednesday, May 13, 7-8 p.m. Chief Don Stevens of the Nulhegan Band of Abenaki will present a talk on the Native American historic presence in the Williston area, with a co-presentation by the Williston Lego Robotics team, which has
been focusing on an indigenous site near Allen Brook School as part of its archeology-themed competition.
SPRING BIRDING VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Friday May 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Join us for this Audubon-provided virtual workshop with tips for bird
identification, places to bird in the area and lots of great information.
Explore color mixing to paint strawberries and hulls in all their red and green hues.
Jewelry Gifts Housewares Wallpaper and so much more
Most in-store purchases Now ‘til Mother’s Day, 5/10/26
What Will You Write About?
Along with reading new books, you could also write your own book this summer!
All it takes is a quiet place, ideas, paper and pencil or a computer. Why not become an author? Try to write several times a week. Writing is like playing ball or jumping rope: You get better the more you practice.
Step 1: Think
Think about what you are going to write about. You can do this almost anywhere. Some kids keep their ideas in a notebook so that when they have time to write, they can get started more easily.
Mini Fact: Experts say writing during the summer will help you jump back into school more easily in the fall.
The main topic or idea goes in a circle in the middle. The parts of the idea branch out from the main circle. The details branch off next.
Step 3: Write
Write your story, poem or information. Right now the most important thing is to get your ideas down.
These first attempts are called “working copy” or “drafts.”
Step 4: Read and rewrite
Read your draft to yourself several times. Think about how you could improve it. Are there details you could add that would make it more interesting? Is there anything in the draft that is confusing?
Read your draft aloud. Making changes is hard, but it makes your writing better.
Step 5: Edit
Step 2: Organize
Organize your ideas. Make a list, a chart, an outline or a web diagram.
Have you learned about webbing in school? It’s a way to get your ideas out of your mind and onto paper.
Try ’n’ Find
Next Week: The U.S. Marine Band
Step 7: Share
Share your finished writing with your friends and family. They will be so proud to know an author!
If you’d like to spread your story further, talk to the staff of the school newspaper to find out if they’ll publish it. A community newspaper or magazine might be interested in it, too.
Your writing also makes a great gift for family members and friends. Get started
When you are satisfied with your draft, edit it. That means you check to make sure you have the correct spelling and punctuation. It’s OK to get help with this. Even the best writers get help from editors.
Step 6: Publish
Think about how you could publish your writing. You could rewrite it in your best handwriting or type it on a computer. You can make a book or write a script for a movie or play. You might add pictures or decorations.
At the library: • “The Ultimate Writing Prompt Book for Kids Ages 8-12” by Eleanor Thompson
The time to start is now! Make a list of subjects you’d like to write about. We’ll get you started with a few ideas. Words that remind
Arthur: What does a cat have that no other animal has? Anna: Kittens!
Alice: What is green and likes to peck at trees?
Albert: Woody Woodpickle!
Winters are becoming shorter in about 80% of
from the research group Climate
Founded by Betty Debnam
Karelnoppe Dreamstime.com
Try ’n’ Find
Words that remind us of summer writing are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Arthur: What does a cat have that no other animal has?
Anna: Kittens!
Alice: What is green and likes to peck at trees?
Albert: Woody Woodpickle!
Eco Note
1. Coat a stovetop grill pan or griddle with cooking spray and preheat over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
2. Add strips to hot pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, turning frequently, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. In a small saucepan, combine other ingredients. Mix well and bring to a simmer, then decrease heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve strips with dunking sauce on the side.
7 Little Words for Kids
Use the letters in the boxes to make a word with the same meaning as the clue. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in the solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.
Winters are becoming shorter in about 80% of major U.S. cities, according to new data from the research group Climate Central. Despite this winter’s brutal cold and lingering snowcover, the analysis of 195 cities found that winter seasons today average about nine days shorter than during the 1970-1997 period as temperatures rise nationwide. Researchers defined winter as the coldest 90-day stretch of the year and found that winterlike temperatures now tend to arrive later and disappear earlier than in the late 20th century. Scientists say the warming trend is altering ecosystems, water supplies and winter recreation industries.
For later:
Look in your local newspaper for ideas of topics to write about.
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1847, the American Medical Association was founded.
• In 1915, a German U-boat sank the RMS Lusitania, killing as many as 1,198 off the coast of Ireland.
• In 1945, Germany unconditionally surrendered and withdrew from World War II.
• In 1998, Mercedes-Benz announced its $36 billion merger with the Chrysler Corporation.
• In 2000, Vladimir Putin assumed the presidency in Russia’s first democratic change of office.
TODAY’S FACT:
• In 1977, the horse Seattle Slew won the Kentucky Derby. He went on to win the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, becoming the 10th horse to win the Triple Crown and the first to do so while undefeated.
SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 14
April 2 at 5:29 p.m. — Report of a phone that had been stolen. Phone was located in the back of the caller’s car.
WILLISTON POLICE Comprehensive Dentistry
March 29 at 2:19 a.m. — Report of a suspicious vehicle in the Taft Corners parking lot. Vehicle ran out of gas.
March 29 at 2:52 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft, methamphetamine possession and narcotic possession.
March 29 at 11:28 p.m. — Report of a disturbance at Zephyr Place. Parties were separated for the night.
March 30 at 2:02 a.m. — Suspicious vehicle located on Shunpike Road. Vehicle was moved along.
March 30 at 4:37 p.m. — Assisted Essex PD with taking a male into custody at Zephyr Place.
March 30 at 9:04 p.m. — Suspicious vehicle on Marshall Avenue. Male operator was issued a citation for court for suspicion of DUI. Female passenger
LEGAL
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 – 7:00 PM Town Hall Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room (7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Webinar ID 813 6162 7981 on www.zoom.us/join
DP 26-10 Kyle Presson requests a DP to amend the building envelope in SUB 94-11 at 55 Overlake View in the ARZD.
DP 24-19.1 Dallas Ketcham requests a DP to construct a primary dwelling and convert the existing dwelling to ADU at 5402 St. George Road in the ARZD.
DP 21-18.3 Snyder Properties, LLC request a minor discretionary permit for the addition of a community building and swimming pool at The Annex, at 259 Alpine Drive in MRZD. Continued from April 28, 2026.
was issued a citation to appear in court for hallucinogenic possession and cocaine possession.
March 31 at 3:10 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Male suspect was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft. Male was also issued a notice of trespass for all of Maple Tree Place.
March 31 at 7:33 p.m. — Assisted a female with a scam issue.
April 1 at 11:14 a.m. — Assisted a female whose Social Security number was compromised.
April 1 at 4:04 p.m. — Assisted Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office with locating a vehicle from a retail theft.
April 2 at 10:57 a.m. — Assisted Burlington Police by checking Day Lane for a missing juvenile. Juvenile was not located.
April 2 at 12:02 p.m. — Equipment reported stolen from Vermont Ag and Turf. Subjects have not been located at this time.
CLASSIFIEDS
DP 21-18.4 Snyder Williston Properties, LLC requests amendments to construct 6 3-unit townhomes in lieu of 3 6-unit townhomes on Alpine and Eden Lane in the MRZD.
DP 26-11 Nirankar LLC c/o Pankaj Patel requests pre-app review to convert a 96room extended stay hotel into 96 dwelling units at 35 Hurricane Lane in the GZDS.
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
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – 7:00 PM
April 3 at 2:25 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft and violation of conditions.
April 3 at 7:40 p.m. — Armed robbery reported at Stewart’s on Essex Road. Male suspect was located and lodged at the correctional facility on charges of assault and robbery, criminal threatening, operation without consent and persons prohibited from possessing a firearm.
April 4 at 2:04 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Female suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.
April 4 at 8:38 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Female suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.
Officers also conducted 47 traffic stops and responded to 10 alarm activations and seven motor vehicle crashes during this time frame.
Town Hall Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room (7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Webinar ID 813 6162 7981 on www.zoom.us/join
DP 25-04 Charlotte Isham Marcotte Trust c/o John Marcotte requests Discretionary Permit to subdivide a 197-acre parcel to create 8 new dwelling lots and 2 open space lots from a vacant parcel on Caboose Lane in the ARZD.
DP 26-12 Asch Enterprises LLC c/o Doug Goulette requests a discretionary permit to construct a new 50-space parking lot at 685 Marshall Ave in the IZDW.
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
Property Manager Opportunity at The Terraces
The Terraces, a 55+ independent living condominium community in Shelburne, seeks a Property Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the property and its programs. As the Property Manager, you will will work with the Board of Directors on strategies to enhance our facilities and broaden resident engagement.
If you are excited about the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to a thriving community, go to https:// theterracesshelburnevt.com/careers/ to read more and to apply. The deadline for applications is May 22, 2026.
Dominic A. Di Cicco
Dominic A. Di Cicco, 86, passed away peacefully Feb.26, 2026.
A devoted husband, father, and man of faith, Dominic lived a life defined by service, discipline, and commitment to his family, his church, and his community.
He spent 49 years as a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving in numerous roles at both the local and state levels, including as a Past
State Deputy and for many years on the State Scholarship Committee. He was on the committee that built St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Essex Junction and served as an active member of the parish. He and his wife, Diane, were also members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.
Dominic built a distinguished career with IBM, primarily in Vermont, where he worked as a Senior Engineer in the company’s semiconductor operations.
Born April 26, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, Dominic was the son of the late Daniel and Carmella Di Cicco. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Detroit and later earned master’s degrees from Purdue University and Union College.
While at the University of Detroit, he met Diane. They were married in 1964, beginning a partnership that would span nearly six decades, until Diane’s passing in 2023.
Diane accompanied him to Oklahoma, where Dominic
SUDOKU SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 12
OBITUARIES
completed his military service. They later moved to New York, where he began his career with IBM and where their two children were born. In 1968, the family settled in Essex Junction where they built their home and community.
Dominic is survived by his daughter, Therese Di Cicco; his son, Michael Di Cicco and his wife, Maria Cristina Di Cicco; and his grandchildren, Michael Dominic Di Cicco; and Armando Gabriel Di Cicco. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Di Cicco; his sister-in-law, Teri Di Cicco; and their children, Daniel, Connie, and Patrick.
He was a constant presence in his parish and community, and a steady source of guidance and support to those who knew him.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life and visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 12 at Ready Funeral Home Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Drive, Essex Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on May 13, 2026, at St. Lawrence
Church, 158 West Street, Essex Junction, followed by a reception at Holy Family Hall and burial at Holy Family Cemetery Columbarium.
Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral and Cremation Services. To send online condolences please visit www.readyfuneral.com.
Darlene Anne Barnes
Darlene Anne Barnes, the heart of her family, passed away on Jan. 12, 2026.
Born on June 21, 1948, she was the seventh of eight children born to Edward J. and Marie Ange (LeCompte) Barnes.
A graduate of Rice Memorial High School, Class of 1966, Darlene focused her studies on business. She translated that expertise into a successful professional career, beginning at P.F. Jurgs and eventually retiring as a supervisor at KPMG Peat Marwick.
Darlene was the center of her family’s world. An exceptional cook, she delighted in hosting holiday celebrations where her home was always filled with loved ones and tables overflowed with food. Beyond her family, she cherished her lifelong friendships, particularly with her dear friends Janet Stuart and Danni Cadieux, who mourn her alongside her relatives.
Darlene was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Stanley Barnes; her sisters, Patricia Jaro and Gloria Goodrich; her brother-in-law, Bill Frazer; her sister-in-law, Eleanor Barnes; and her nephew, Scott Barnes.
Her memory will be kept alive by her surviving siblings: sister Theresa Frazer; brothers Larry and Bernard Barnes; brother Robert Barnes and his wife, Christine; and brother-inlaw Mark Jaro. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Ron Plante for his years of financial guidance; to Darlene’s special niece, Vickie Crocker, for her devotion; and to Dr. Pam Dawson and the UVMHC Hospice team for their compassionate care during Darlene’s final days.
Dar, we love and miss you deeply. We find comfort in knowing you are with the Lord Jesus Christ, waiting for us in heaven.
A graveside service will be held at Resurrection Park May 22 at 11 a.m.
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