Williston Observer 05/08/2025

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MAY 8, 2025

WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

WWW.WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM

Housing developer breaks ground at Catamount

Golf course remains open with three holes

Press on:

Students launch CVU newspaper

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Hey, let’s start a school newspaper!

Those maybe aren’t words you’d expect to hear from high-schoolers in the mid-2020s, but that’s exactly what the three founders of The Hawks’ Nest have done this school year at CVU. Not since 2008 has the high school had a see NEWSPAPER page 5

BY JASON STARR Observer staff Holes No. 5 and 6 at the Catamount Country Club are morphing into the primary road through the planned “Summerfield” housing development off Mountain View Road.

Ethan Allen Homes LLC purchased the majority of the golf course, 31 acres, in April, and about two weeks ago started moving dirt for the first phase of construction. Plans approved by the Development Review Board in 2022 show a neighborhood of 138 homes with four new roads. The primary road that excavators began clearing in April — Kourebanas Drive — will create a new north-south connection between Route 2 and Mountain View Road.

The road is named for Alex Kourebanas, the golf course owner who sold the acreage to Ethan Allen Homes. Kourebanas retains ownership in some of the land, and plans to

Ground was broken in April on a housing development on portions of the Catamount Country Club golf course on Mountain View Road.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR

continue operating a scaled-down version of what was a nine-hole course, as well as a driving range and banquet/event center business out of the clubhouse.

“I’m saddened by the loss of the open space and customers of the nine-hole course that we’ve had for years, and I’m excited by new opportunities,” Kourebanas said. “It’s a transition period for Catamount, but we’re moving forward, and we have plans for the

future.”

With three remaining holes, Catamount now offers golfers one-sixth of a round of golf. As such, it has reduced its rates and can advertise a unique, lower-time-commitment experience.

“There are a lot of things we can do, but we have to get creative,” the club’s golf pro, Bill Boldwin, said. “We’re still figuring it out.”

It’s not easy getting green The weather may have been gray but Saturday’s theme was definitely green as Williston residents pitched in for Vermont’s annual Green Up Day. Left to right, Laura Pratt braved the traffic along Route 2A; two teams of scouts from Boy Scout Troop #692 were out on Route 2 and Mountain View Road; bags and other trash began to pile up all around town; and Madeleine and Tyler Dawson, dressed for the weather, tackled Old Creamery Road on Saturday morning.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

Farmhouse Williston is Now Open!

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Page 2 •

Williston Observer • May 8, 2025

Around Town

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM SATURDAY, MAY 10

Food & Hygiene product drive ♦ to benefit the Williston Community Food Shelf. 9-11 a.m. at the Williston Federated Church parking lot. Of particular need: cereal, canned fruit, soup, tuna, chicken, pasta sauce, laundry detergent, hygiene items and pet food.

Community invited to Anne Frank exhibit at WCS Williston Central School will host a community night on Thursday, May 15 for the public to experience a traveling exhibit from the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina called “Anne Frank: A History for Today.”

Start time is 6:30 p.m.

There will be a short film, music, art and a keynote presentation by K. Heidi Fishman of the Vermont Holocaust Memorial, along with discussion by WCS students and administrators.

Students will offer tours of the exhibit.

The event is appropriate for ages 12 and up. For more information, contact VermontAnneFrank@gmail.com.

Fire station to host May 20 blood drive The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Tuesday, May 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Williston Fire Station at 654 Talcott Rd. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood. org and enter: WFD.

Learn about the Lions Club Interested community members are invited to an informational pizza dinner held by the Williston Area Lions Club at the Good Times Café on Route 116 in Hinesburg. The event takes place Tuesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. Call or text Greg at (802) 777-7798 with any questions.

SUNDAY, MAY 11

The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club was one of several organizations with a presence at last Saturday’s Town Fair on the Village Green. The event was part of the town’s celebration of Green Up Day. OBSERVER PHOTO BY SUSAN COTE

Applications open for Rotary youth leadership weekend

CVU Class of ’75 planning 50th reunion

High school sophomores from the towns of Williston, Richmond and St. George are encouraged to apply to attend the annual Rotary Youth Leadership weekend taking place on June 20-22 on the Lyndon campus of Vermont State University.

Selected students will join peers from Vermont, New Hampshire and Quebec to build communication and problem-solving skills, discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in their school or community, learn from inspirational speakers, engage in a service project, have fun and form lasting friendships.

All costs are covered by the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club. Apply online by May 30 at https://tinyurl.com/ RotaryYouthLeaders.

The CVU Class of 1975 will be celebrating its 50th reunion on Sunday, Sept. 21 at Buck Ridge Barns in Hinesburg from 4-10 p.m. Class members are asked to email their information to Christine Corytsas LaPointe at cdclapointe1980@gmail.com.

CVU, Hinesburg Fire Dept. to stage mock crash for safe driving education The Hinesburg Fire Department and CVU have organize a mock car crash to demonstrate the dangers of driving and promote safe driving habits. The demonstration will involve multiple emergency vehicles and law enforcement agencies and will close Route 116 on Thursday, May 15 from 9-11 a.m. For more information, contact Champlain Valley School District spokesman Tyler Cohen at tcohen@ cvsdvt.org or (802) 985-1916.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS — APRIL 2025 • Aaron Schwartz bought a home on 3 acres on Governor Chittenden Road from Nathan Kokinda for $750,000.

• Ann Thibault bought a condominium on Westview Circle from L5 Inc., for $347,500.

• The Chittenden Solid Waste District bought 38 acres of open land on Redmond Road from Hinesburg Sand & Gravel Company for $3 million.

• Sumner Ford bought a home on 3 acres on North Williston Road from Patricia

Troxell for $630,000.

• Ethan Allen Homes LLC bought 31 acres of commercial property on Mountain View Road from The Big Three LLC for $3.58 million.

• Brandon Ostrander bought a home on 2 acres on Oak Hill Road from Forest Westbay for $620,000.

• Geraldine McNamara bought a condominium on Zephyr Road from the Morse Family Revocable Trust for $575,000.

• Nimrah Nasir bought a home on Balsam Circle from Colin Iverson for $700,000.

• Atwood Holdings LLC bought a third of an acre of land on Caroline Court from Adams Real Properties LLC for $145,000.

• Peter Gunther bought a condominium on Chloe Circle from Northridge-Williston LLC for $751,931.

• Rieley Family Partners LLC bought an office building on Essex Road from Eastrise Federal Credit Union Company for $1.15 million.

www.WillistonObserver.com

Bike season kickoff ♦ Gravel ride, lunch and party. 9 a.m. Catamount Outdoor Family Center. More information at catamountoutdoor.org.

MONDAY, MAY 12

CVU Socrates Café ♦ Community philosophy discussion on the nature of time. 6:30-8 p.m. at CVU High School. More information at bit.ly/socrates2025.

TUESDAY, MAY 13

Williston Development Review Board meeting ♦ 7 p.m. Town Hall.

Agenda at town.williston.vt.us.

Williston Area Lions Club pizza dinner ♦ 5:30 p.m. Good Times Café, Hinesburg. More information at (802) 777-7798.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

Allen Brook School art show and book fair ♦ Celebrate student creativity and explore books to take home for summer reading. 5 p.m. Allen Brook School.

THURSDAY, MAY 15

Anne Frank: A History for Today open house ♦ Student-led tours, speakers, film, art. 6:30 p.m. Williston Central School.

SATURDAY, MAY 17

Kids Fest ♦ Family friendly events and food at Village Community Park. 12-2 p.m.

MONDAY, MAY 19

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Board of Trustees meeting ♦ 7 p.m. at the library. Agenda at damlvt.org.

May 8, 2025

Thousands in Williston marched in support of immigrant and farmworker rights on May 1.

From ICE to Hannaford, protests erupt in Williston

BY AUDITI GUHA VTDigger Immigrant rights, trans rights, worker rights and support for Palestinians were forefront at a May Day rally in Williston last Thursday evening. Organizers estimated 2,500 people marched to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s facility on Harvest Lane and then to Hannaford Supermarket in a peaceful protest that condemned recent actions of President Donald Trump’s administration.

“I’m here because I believe in social justice and human rights,” said Joanna Cole, a former state representative who lives in Shelburne. She came to participate in the rally with her partner, Sarah Flynn, outside the ICE facility.

“I do not want any immigrants forced out, especially illegally,” she said, referring to recent student arrests and ICE raids in Vermont. “I think it’s horrible so many people are being kidnapped off the street and being thrown in jail.”

Community groups, labor unions, students and faith communities rallied across Vermont and around the nation on May

Day, commemorated as international workers’ day, in a demonstration of mass solidarity.

From the ICE data center in Williston to the Statehouse in Montpelier and beyond, Vermonters denounced “billionaire profiteers” and actions of the Trump administration to dismantle government agencies and the rights of workers, immigrants and other vulnerable groups nationwide.

As Cole spoke, drumbeats and chants on Williston Road heralded the arrival of a large march organized by Migrant Justice joined by multiple labor and advocacy organizations.

“An injury to one is an injury to all,” read the handmade banner held by three people up front flanked by another three people holding Palestinian flags and one waving the stars and stripes.

Student supporters, hospital union leaders, a representative from Vermonters for Justice in Palestine and another from the FreeHer campaign gave short speeches in front of the federal building, punctuated by drum beats, chants and cheering from the large group.

Jacob Berkowitz, president of UVMMC Support Staff United

at the University of Vermont Medical Center, said he joined the rally to “stand up and speak for those that cannot,” such as immigrant workers, those who are poor and those who face violence every day.

While Trump has been in power for just more than 100 days, his deportation plan has had significant impact in Vermont, from the recent arrest of eight migrant dairy workers at Berkshire and the detainment of a Palestinian student in Colchester to revoking the legal statuses of some resettled groups, freezing funding for refugee support and jeopardizing local jobs. And it continues to try to prevent a detained Tufts student’s return to Vermont.

“This lays bare a fundamental truth. Prisons and police have always been weapons of class warfare,” said Jonathan Elwell, an organizer from FreeHer Vermont, a prison abolition group, in a brief speech.

“No matter how hard the goons who run them try to frame prisons as apolitical tools of public safety or spout progressive promises of rehabilitation, we know the truth. They are always see PROTESTS page 4

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Williston Observer • Page 3

PHOTO BY AUDITI GUHA/VTDIGGER

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Williston Observer • May 8, 2025

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deployed against those who are dispossessed, differentiated or dissident.”

Protesters waved signs signaling their opposition to Trump, ICE, prisons, capitalism, the muzzling of free speech and democracy: ‘Power to the workers, not the billionaires,’ ‘ICE is terrorism,’ ‘Respect the Constitution.’

‘Good dogs eat fascists,’ read a cardboard sign attached to a brown dog’s harness.

“I’m making it a point to go to a lot of protests just because I do not like what the Trump administration is doing. I am especially upset about deportations without a trial,” said Monica Hawkes, who came from Jeffersonville to join the Williston protest.

Continuing on, the march ended around the boundaries of the Hannaford Supermarket on Marshall Avenue around 8 p.m., with Migrant Justice advocates and allies demanding the grocery chain join the Milk With Dignity campaign in a continued effort to fight for the rights of farmworkers.

Migrant Justice launched the campaign in 2019 to promote fair wages and dignity on farms and demands that Hannaford improve conditions on the farms that supply its dairy products.

The nonprofit representing immigrant farmworkers statewide filed a complaint in the Netherlands last month outlining human rights violations in

Organizers estimated 2,500 people marched to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s facility on Harvest Lane and then to Hannaford Supermarket in a peaceful protest that condemned recent actions of President Donald Trump’s administration.

PHOTOS BY AUDITI GUHA/ VTDIGGER

Hannaford’s supply chain. The U.S. grocery chain is a subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize, a Dutch-Belgian multinational company.

“I think a huge place that unites us is that we are all working people and we are powerful if we are in solidarity,” said Bex Love from Northfield.

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Love sported black-andwhite cow print and helped hold up a towering makeshift white cow, made to support Milk With Dignity, with her friend Izzy de Buy Wenniger, of Burlington, at the picket line near the grocery store. There, security guards blocked marchers from going on the property.

On the sidewalk outside, speakers once again lined up to share their thoughts.

“Under Donald Trump, our lives are under attack,” said a Franklin County farmworker who identified herself as Maribel. Her comments, spoken in Spanish, were translated by Will Lambek, a spokesperson for Migrant Justice. Despite working long, hard hours, farmworkers like herself are not given the dignity of a fair wage, health care or safe housing, Maribel added, and corporations like Hannaford continue to exploit them.

As she called for solidarity on the packed sidewalk in the fading light of the waning day, allies applauded, a child drummed on an upside down paint bucket, and a passing car honked in support.

May 8, 2025

The staff of The Hawks’ Nest, from left, CVU students Fiona Carpenter (staff writer), Cordelia Thomas (sports writer), Mikaela Montoya (business manager), Lily Gruber (managing editor), Grace Warrington (editor-in-chief) and Karmen Wilbur (managing editor).

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Newspaper

continued from page 1

news source readers could physically hold and thumb through. A journalism class produced an online news site in recent years, but even that went dark at the end of last school year.

Enter juniors Grace Warrington, Karmen Wilbur and Lily Gruber, three friends from Shelburne, Williston and Charlotte, respectively, who nurtured a vision of a new student-run print newspaper through last spring and summer. By fall, they had lined up an out-of-state printer and distribution plan, and in October published the premier issue of The Hawks’ Nest. They’ve since published four other issues.

“We knew from the start we wanted to do print,” Wilbur said. “It’s important that people are able to actually pick it up ... It’s more likely to be read. With online papers, you have to go out of your way to find them.”

The paper is available in the cafeteria and library, as well as put in teachers’ mailboxes for them to distribute to their homeroom students. Wilbur recalls seeing a classmate discover The Hawks’ Nest for the first time.

“I saw someone pick it up and start reading it and be like, ‘Oh, this is cool.’ I was like, ‘Oh my God, I had a hand in making that. And now I get to watch you enjoy it.’ ... We’ve put so much work into it, and it has been just so cool to see people reading it.”

“…it’s important that students are given a chance to give their own perspectives on what’s happening in their school and what’s happening in the world, too.”

Grace Warrington Editor-in-Chief The Hawks’ Nest

Operating as a journalism club with a mostly hands-off faculty advisor, The Hawks’ Nest staff has grown to about seven writers,

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with coverage of sports, academic and arts events, staff profiles, opinion pieces and school policy news.

For the current issue, Warrington wrote Part 1 of a definitive history of CVU school newspapers, with interviews of graduates from the 1970s who recall the days of the school’s original newspaper, The Clarion (1964-1972), and its successor The Cow Valley Press (19721979). The Hawks’ Nest will publish Part 2 of that history, written by Wilbur, in its final issue of the school year later this month.

“We think it is important for a high school to have a school newspaper because it is an excellent way to build community and hear

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Williston Observer • Page 5

everyone’s voices and diverse opinions, along with giving students a chance to practice their journalistic skills,” Warrington, as editor-in-chief, wrote in the paper’s inaugural edition in October.

Faculty advisor Justin Chapman added: “It’s a civic necessity. It’s integral to the functioning of any democratic institution, including and especially public schools ... There’s a reason Jefferson referred to the press as the fourth pillar of American Democracy.”

Publishing the paper has brought the founding trio closer together as friends. It’s also given them career skills and leadership experience.

“It’s a way students can collaborate together to make something,” Warrington said.

“I also think it’s important that students are given a chance to give their own perspectives on what’s happening in their school and what’s happening in the world, too.”

The challenge of continuity of a school newspaper, with staff constantly moving on through graduation, is illustrated in the rise and fall of former CVU papers: The Clarion, The Cow Valley Press, The Crusader, the Champlain Valley Chronicle. If The Hawks’ Nest is to continue for more than another year, Wilbur, Warrington and Gruber will have to find underclass editors to take the reins.

“I’d love to get some of the incoming freshman to help because obviously we need to pass it on,” Warrington said.

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Williston Observer • May 8, 2025

GUEST COLUMN

No backing down in the fight for our environment

BY LAUREN HIERL It has become clear that the Trump administration will be unrelenting in its assault on our right to breathe clean air, drink clean water and leave a livable planet for our children and grandchildren.

That is why the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) and allies gathered on Earth Day with statewide elected leaders to speak up and out for the future of our planet.

Earth Day is an annual day of activism that began in 1970 and was the result of a time in U.S. history when rivers caught fire, air pollution choked cities, and events like the devastating Santa Barbara oil spill made frequent headlines.

The first Earth Day was bipartisan and broadly popular. Since then, we have been working tirelessly to improve the health of our communities with better regulation of pollution and the transition to cleaner technologies such as renewable energy.

Now, more than 50 years after the inaugural Earth Day, we have a federal administration that

is looking to bring us back to the days where corporations could pollute unchecked to maximize their profits at the expense of healthy communities.

At a time when clean energy is the cheapest, fastest source of electricity to bring online, and while families and businesses are struggling with energy costs, the Trump administration is doing everything it can to ban cheaper clean energy and instead double down on old-fashioned, expensive and polluting technologies like coal.

The administration is rolling back regulations on toxic air and water pollution, including a recent announcement of cuts to grants to protect children from toxic chemicals.

It is closing all environmental justice offices around the country, leaving our most vulnerable communities to face increased exposure to dangerous contamination.

It is decimating staff at federal agencies that work to ensure clean air, clean water, the safety of our food, the operations of our national parks, healthy national forests

and wildlife populations, and on and on. The result? Even those protections that don’t get gutted

More than 50 years after the inaugural Earth Day, we have a federal administration that is looking to bring us back to the days where corporations could pollute unchecked to maximize their profits at the expense of healthy communities. will not have the staffing or expertise needed to ensure our laws are actually being enforced.

It is weaponizing the government

by making baseless attacks on civic institutions that the administration doesn’t agree with. And it’s threatening our democratic institutions, which underpin our ability to work together for a healthy environment for all.

Meanwhile, at the state level, during a time when we should be shoring up our environmental laws, the Scott administration is primarily proposing bills to weaken state laws like the Global Warming Solutions Act and Renewable Energy Standard.

While these attacks on our health, communities and institutions are daunting, we know that Vermonters care deeply about our environment, and there is a lot we can do to fight back.

We are fortunate to have courageous statewide leaders who are stepping up to today’s challenges.

Attorney General Charity Clark has sued the Trump administration multiple times and joined

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www.willistonobserver.com P.O. Box 1401, Williston, VT 05495 | 802-489-5499 ADVERTISING Rick Cote, Associate Publisher rick@willistonobserver.com 802-373-2136 EDITOR Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com PRODUCTION & DESIGN Jan Kenney jan@willistonobserver.com

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other “friend of the court” briefs to defend Vermonters’ environment and human rights through the courts.

Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas is working to defend our democracy from attacks like the SAVE Act, a dangerous piece of legislation that would create barriers to voting and is anticipated to cost many people money to simply maintain access to the ballot.

Treasurer Mike Pieciak is working to invest in solutions to help make our communities more resilient. With federal funding at risk, these investments — and state laws like the Climate Superfund to hold big oil accountable — are more important than ever.

Vermont House Speaker Jill Krowinksi and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Baruth helped spearhead enactment of strong environmental laws in recent years, and see HIERL page 7

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are working to defend and protect this important progress.

The actions these state leaders are taking is admirable and critical, but they will only be able to win these fights if they are supported by Vermonters making their voices heard. Fortunately, many people are already stepping up: They’re taking to the streets to protest, they’re calling their elected officials, they’re writing letters to their local papers and in online forums, they’re donating to groups fighting these attacks, and they’re weighing in with state lawmakers to defend state laws that provide a backstop to federal rollbacks.

The Vermont we love is worth fighting for, and we are excited to see so many statewide leaders and community members rallying together to stand up against the attacks on so many things we care deeply about, from a clean environment to a healthy democracy and fundamental human rights.

We won’t back down from our efforts to ensure Vermont protects and defends our shared future — on Earth Day and beyond.

Lauren Hierl is executive director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council, online at vnrc.org.

Williston Observer • Page 7

Racial disparities in traffic policing back on the rise OBSERVER STAFF REPORT Black and Hispanic drivers in Vermont continue to be stopped and searched at higher rates than white drivers. That’s according to new UVM research examining thousands of traffic stops across Vermont.

The research updates an ongoing analysis of racial disparities in traffic policing data across Vermont led by UVM economics professor Stephanie Seguino, Cornell professor Nancy Brooks and data analyst Pat Autilio.

Previous statewide analyses were released in 2017 and 2021.

They spurred conversation and, in some cases, racial bias training at some Vermont law enforcement agencies. This year’s update adds data from 2020-23.

It examines the impact of the Covid pandemic and continues to investigate whether Black, Hispanic and Asian drivers in Vermont face racial disparities in traffic policing.

“During Covid, there was a reduction in racial disparities in arrests and searches,” said Seguino, who is also a

fellow at the Gund Institute for Environment.

Black drivers were 20 percent more likely to be arrested than white drivers in 2022-23, down from 56 percent in 202021. Black drivers were 100 percent more likely to be searched in 2022-23 compared to 126 percent more likely in 2020-21.

Arrest and search rate disparities for Hispanic drivers also de-

The report finds that over-stopping of black and Hispanic drivers continues. creased a few percentage points between 2020-21 and 2022-23.

However, as total traffic stops began ticking back up in 202223, progress in decreasing racial disparities began to unravel.

The report finds that over-stopping of Black and Hispanic drivers continues. In 2022-23, Black drivers were stopped at a rate 30 percent higher than would be expected, given their share of the driving

population. Over-stopping of Hispanic drivers is even higher — they are stopped at double their share of the driving population. There has also been an uptick in over-stopping of Asian drivers since the end of the pandemic.

Although the disparity has decreased, police continue to search Black and Hispanic drivers at almost double the rate of white drivers. But, according to co-author Nancy Brooks, “The proportion of searched Black drivers found with contraband was a third lower than for white drivers in 2023, the largest state-level difference we have seen in our years of analyses — and an indication of racial bias in the decision to search.”

Etan Nasreddin-Longo, co-director of fair and impartial policing and community affairs at Vermont State Police, acknowledged the findings can cause some discomfort, but he stressed their importance.

“These reports provide an important service to the entire state,” he said. “In addition to being well-researched and readable, these reports provide a

center to extremely important discussions in Vermont concerning racial disparities in policing.”

The number of traffic stops plunged during the pandemic. In 2022-23, law enforcement agencies conducted 45 percent fewer stops compared to before the pandemic.

The study also found many Vermont police departments continue to stop cars at a rate far above the national average, although at rates lower than in previous years. In 2022-23, the national stop rate average was 52 per 1,000 residents. Vermont’s was almost 2.5 times higher, at 133 per 1,000 residents.

The authors draw attention to the wide variation in how agencies police, underscoring that individual agency policy influences traffic policing patterns and racial disparities.

Moving forward, Seguino, Brooks and Autilio said data alone has not been enough to eliminate racial disparities. The authors suggest Vermont lawmakers could take a more proactive approach to law enforcement training to reduce racial disparities in traffic policing.

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Williston Observer • May 8, 2025

OBITUARIES

Samuel George Harlow On May 2, 2025, Samuel George Harlow of Essex Jct, VT passed quietly at our home from cardiac arrest with me by his side.

Born Aug. 9, 1991, he spent the first 2 years of his life in Enosburg Falls before moving to Essex

Junction.

A proud graduate of Essex High School, class of 2009, Sam was known for his loyal friendships and his love of spending time with friends, both in person and through his passion for computer games. His warmth and humor left a lasting impact on those close to him.

Sam struggled with mental health issues since his late teens.

He faced many challenges trying to navigate a broken system. Sam felt the need to seek relief and began self-medicating with illegal substances. This choice would eventually lead to him acquiring HIV/AIDS. This was most likely the cause of his damaged heart, which led to the cardiac arrest that took his life.

As his mother, I was able to care for him for the last year and a half of his life. I saw him almost daily and assisted with rides to the grocery store, doctor appointments,

trips to McDonald’s or Starbucks, grabbing his laundry, and giving him back rubs to help relieve the constant pain he was experiencing. These moments, though often difficult, became deeply meaningful, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. We created so many memories that I will carry with me always.

I would like to thank Amanda Cain at the Howard Center. Her expertise helped me navigate the world of a person with severe mental illness. A big shout out to the staff of Street Outreach, First Call Crisis, Dr. Heath and staff at Safe Harbor, the Chittenden Clinic, the many, many doctors, nurses, social workers, and emergency personnel who cared for Sam throughout the years.

My husband, Dale, stood beside me through the hardest days, always offering a listening ear and steady support. My family has been my unwavering rock

— checking in, asking after Sam, and offering love every step of the way. Sam was truly blessed with devoted aunts and uncles who provided quiet but powerful support behind the scenes.

Sam is survived by myself, his mother, Susan Hayes Whitney, and stepfather Dale of Williston, VT; brother, Gordon J. Harlow of Eugene, OR; his uncles and aunts Pat and Kirsten Hayes of Enosburg Falls, Steve and Kitty Hayes of Williston, Kathy and David Lamb of Wilder and George and Andrea Hayes of Colchester. Sam was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, James and Helen Hayes of Enosburg Falls.

In lieu of flowers, please support your local facilities that assist people with mental health, substance abuse disorders, and homelessness. Locally, Sam and I utilized the Howard Center, Turning Point, COTS, Cathedral Housing Trust and CVOEO. A memorial celebration will be scheduled at a later date.

Look Forward To Coming Home

Betsy Ann Berry

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Salena, and Tung; sisters, Tammy and her husband Hanh and Amy and her husband Rudy; uncles, Donnie, Terry, and Allen; aunties, Dawn, Debbie, and Nancy; nephews, Trevor Jr. and Brennden; nieces, Sophia, Brianna, Kaylee, and Jennifer; cousins, Jennifer, Marissa, Heather, and Lisa; and many, many more cousins and friends.

Visiting hours were held on May 7 at the Ready Funeral Home in Burlington. A graveside service follow on, May 8 at 1 p.m. in Holy Family Cemetery, Lincoln Street in Essex Junction.

Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To share a message of condolence, please visit www.readyfuneral.com.

Travis Nguyen Conn Travis Nguyen Conn, 27, of Williston, passed away May 2, 2025, at home following a short illness.

He was born Oct. 26, 1997, in Burlington, VT, the son of Ronald Edward Conn and Tina Nguyen Conn. He was a graduate of Champlain Valley Union High School, class of 2015.

Travis enjoyed working at The Automaster in Shelburne. He loved people, fast cars and motorcycles, gaming, and weed; and of course, his two dogs, Kato and King.

He is survived by his mother, Tina and stepfather Van Tran; brothers, Trevor and his wife Emily, Hai and his girlfriend

Betsy Ann Berry passed peacefully on April 19, 2025 at her home in South Burlington, VT, in the loving presence of her two children.

She was born in Montclair NJ, the only daughter of John N Berry II and Marian Chase Berry. Her early childhood was spent in New Hampshire and on her family ranch in Burney, in Northern California, where her most cherished childhood memories were forged. For the rest of her life she enjoyed a fondness for California poppies and the vast open land and wild terrain that expanded to the striking profile of Mount Shasta - a vision that forever captivated her imagination.

Following her family’s return to New Hampshire, Betsy attended Wheelock College in Boston, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

She married and had two children, raising them in Burlington, see OBITUARIES page 9

May 8, 2025

Obituaries

continued from page 8

VT as a member of the University of Vermont community, with her then-husband, Professor Garrison Nelson.

She was a kindergarten teacher at Williston Central School for nearly 20 years, and over the years she enjoyed reconnecting with many of her former students who fondly recall their experience in Betsy’s kindergarten. She was a mentor to education students and student teachers at the University of Vermont.

Later in her career, she served as an advisor to the Lily Foundation, providing grants that funded groundbreaking research and innovative programs in early childhood education throughout the U.S. She was both a writer and appreciator of the written word, particularly enjoying the poetry of Mary Oliver and Wisława Szymborska, the spiritual writings of Eknath Easwaran and Eckhart Tolle, as well as the poetry of her childhood friend of 75 years, Pat Whitney of Sunapee, NH. She also played guitar and was a lifelong fan of the iconic folk musicians of the 1960s: Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Peter Paul and Mary, Odetta, and Pete Seeger.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Shyla and Andrew Stewart of Pasadena, CA; her son, Ethan Nelson of New York, NY; her five grandchildren: Emily and Sophia Foster, Addison and

Chase Nelson, and Tyler Nelson-White, and her three great-grandchildren: Jalani Anthony, Khari and Zaire Dawkins, her extended family, as well as her many cherished friends, colleagues, and students from her decades as an educator and active member of her community.

Her family was a source of deepest joy and delight, and she loved being present to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up, embarking on adventures of their own.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 20 years, UVM History Professor Jeremy P. Felt, with whom she enjoyed many world adventures, a shared love of the natural world and birding, meditation and spirituality, and their community of creative, kindred-spirit friends.

She is lovingly remembered for her fierce independent spirit, her love for children and for teaching, her commitment to social justice, her wry and playful sense of humor, her competitive Scrabble playing, and for her love of nature, especially Lake Champlain.

A celebration of Betsy’s life will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Society in Burlington, VT in the summer. Details will be provided at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Vermont Foodbank or to Vermont Public.

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Williston Observer • Page 9

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Williston Observer •

May 8, 2025

SPORTS

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CVU’s Justyna Amblo, Rylee Makay and Sara DiGuglielmo (top to bottom) are part of the girls tennis team that suffered a 4-3 loss to the Mount Mansfield Cougars April 28 in Shelburne.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

CLOCKWISE from top right: CVU’s Brian Simkins reaches to catch the disc during the Redhawks’ 15-4 Ultimate Frisbee win over the MIddlebury Tigers April 30 in Hinesburg. Julian Olin plays close defense on the Middlebury handler.

Jackson Yager makes a one-handed catch in front of his defender.

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•

Williston Observer •

Page 11

Yum! Dine In!

Eat Local!

Take Out!

Enjoy the best eateries and restaurants in the Williston area!

Casual-Fine Dining in the of Williston!

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Page 12

•

Williston Observer •

May 8, 2025

DINE IN!

EAT LOCAL!

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Meet your makers Sarita Devi — Growing up in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, Sarita learned to cook family recipes throughout her childhood. Nine years after moving to Vermont with her husband, Yogi Singh, she realized her dream of opening Aromas of India to share the food she loves with others. Her flavorful vegetarian menu (Indian food is so much more than curry!) features complex flavors and textures. Everything she serves, she makes from scratch, with attention to detail that shines in every dish.

Francisco Guzman — Francisco, Carlos and Ricardo Guzman and Eduardo Fuentes have been friends since their grade school days in Jalisco, Mexico.

With two other successful Tex-Mex restaurants up and running, the partners seized the opportunity to open their third, under Francisco’s leadership, when space came available in Williston. At Casa Grande, Francisco has created a colorful, lively atmosphere, where he eagerly welcomes guests to enjoy authentic dishes with the vibrant flavors of Mexico.

Scott Sorrell — joined Chef’s Corner in 2007 having returned to his native Vermont after living in Hawaii for ten years. Scott grew up in Jericho, attended MMU and graduated from New England Culinary Institute.

Culinary internships took him to Key West, FL and later to the Big Island of Hawaii. Here he fell in love with the beauty of the islands and worked in numerous chef capacities at several

different 5 star resorts earning recognition and culinary awards. He eventually joined the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui as restaurant chef of their popular signature dining establishment, the Humuhumunukunukuapua (named after the state of Hawaii) and more easily referred to as the Humu Humu.

Scott and his family reside in the village of Essex Junction.

Craig Anthony — Craig Anthony grew up in Tamworth, New Hampshire. His love for cooking was found as a child hunting and fishing, and grew during high school as a member of the Junior American Culinary Federation. In 2007, he relocated to Vermont, building a distinguished career with Mirabelles Bakery and Waterworks Food and Drink, before becoming Executive Chef at the Kitchen Table. Craig delights in creating a space for family and friends to gather and enjoy delicious home-cooked comfort.

Samantha La Croix — Pastry Chef, Samantha La Croix, was born and raised in Vermont where her passion for baking was sparked at an early age by her late grandmother. Classically trained in Pastry & Baking Arts at The New England Culinary Institute, Sam has delighted diners at Jupiter Island Club in Southern Florida, Hen of the Wood, The Inn at Shelburne Farms, and Mirabelles Bakery. Widely recognized as one of the best dessert bakers in Chittenden County, she loves feeding people food that brings them to a warm, familiar place.

Bobby Seaman— Bobby, Director of Operations at Folino’s Pizza, has worked at the restaurant for 7 years. Bobby was the leader behind opening their

May 8, 2025

TAKE OUT!

Meet your makers

:00pm

en te r

:30 am 9

C

Max Fath — Max Fath grew up in Williston, the son of Jon and Lucie Fath who owned and operated the original Toscano Café Bistro on Bridge Street in Richmond. With twenty years of experience in restaurant service and management, Max was eager to launch a new rendition of Toscano when the opportunity became available in Williston. Max built a team of some familiar faces from the original Toscano and some new faces he met along the way and is grateful for the opportunity to serve our community once again, blending nostalgia from the original Toscano with contempo-

Eric Kelley — Originally from Massachusetts, Eric went to college in Colorado where he began his career in the food service business. After moving to Vermont in 2009, Eric saw an opportunity to create a gathering place in Williston where locals could connect to enjoy excellent coffee, espresso drinks, and fresh baked goods. He opened Williston Coffee Shop to serve the breakfast and lunch crowd.

Over a decade later, Eric can be found in the early hours baking bread, croissants, scones and pastries to the delight of his regular customers. He takes pride in his products, the friendly atmosphere of the Shop, and the many employees who have learned from him through the years. Located on Cornerstone Drive, it’s no surprise that Williston Coffee Shop has become a cornerstone in the Williston community.

g in pp ho er S Corn

Perry & Neil Farr — Perry & Neil Farr met as students at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY then settled in Williston (Neil grew up in Colchester) to raise their family, where they each pursued careers in food service while exploring business ideas. When they discovered Poké on a trip to San Francisco they knew they needed to bring the concept to Vermont. The Scale was born. Perry & Neil take pride in sourcing only the freshest ingredients - mostly local – and offering hungry patrons fast, healthy and delicious food with a Hawaiian flare.

! y t Tas

rary elegance in his newly renovated space.

27 Tafts

Williston location in 2021. Bobby comes from a rich culinary background but has found working with pizza is the most rewarding because of the flexibility of flavors and toppings.

Bobby says, “Folino’s stands out because of our attention to high-quality ingredients and naturally rising dough.” His go-to order is the Margarita pizza. “It’s a classic pizza that lets our ingredients do the talking.” With multiple Folino’s locations, Bobby says, “The best thing about working in Vermont is getting to know the communities that we are a part of and bringing a smile to people’s faces.” Visit Bobby and the rest of the Folino’s family at our Williston location!

Yum!

10

EAT LOCAL!

Williston Observer • Page 13

at ur da y|

DINE IN!

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Brian Lewis— Brian’s journey to Williston wends from his native Connecticut through Seattle, L.A., Rhode Island, and Waitsfield. After a season as Executive Chef at Sugarbush resort’s main slopeside restaurant, Lewis struck out on his own in Waitsfield, opening Toast and Eggs in 2018. After leading that restaurant through the pandemic, he purchased South Burlington’s Parkway Diner on Williston Road. He also bought the original Yellow Mustard deli while launching Filibuster Restaurant and Bar, both in Montpelier. Following the floods of 2023 - he successfully reopened both restaurants. After opening his second Yellow Mustard Subs and Sandwiches shop in Burlington, Brian is thrilled to join the Williston community with his newest location in the Taft Corners Shopping Center!

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Page 14

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Williston Observer •

May 8, 2025

DINE IN!

EAT LOCAL!

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Contact Rick Cote at rick@willistonobserver.com or call 802-373-2136 to inquire about advertising in Good Taste before next month’s issue!

May 8, 2025

•

Williston Observer • Page 15

Vermont Senate advances property tax rate bill ‘Yield bill’ projects average increase of 1 percent

BY ETHAN WEINSTEIN VTDigger The Vermont Senate has advanced the Legislature’s annual property tax rate legislation, expected to increase the average education tax bill by 1.1 percent.

The relatively modest increase pales in comparison to last year’s average rise of 13.8 percent, but the legislation relies on about $118 million to buy down rates.

While the state frequently uses surplus funds to lower property taxes, the practice creates additional upward pressure on rates the following year. Some lawmakers have criticized the process.

They include Sen. Ruth Hardy, D-Addison, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, the chamber’s tax writing body.

“I think we should be saving

Sen. Thomas Chittenden, D-Chittenden Southeast, speaks on the floor of the Senate at the Statehouse on March 25.

PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER

money for the inevitability of next year when we may be in a

worse situation,” she told her colleagues in committee last week,

“and won’t have as much money around.”

But legislative leaders — and Gov. Phil Scott — have said that after back-to-back years of higher-than-typical property tax increases, policymakers need to do all they can to flatten further spikes.

Property taxes are a primary source of revenue used to pay for public education. School budgets passed this year are projected to increase education spending by about 5.5 percent. Total education fund appropriations are expected to surpass $2.4 billion next fiscal year.

Even a 5 percent increase in the average property tax bill in South Burlington would raise the amount owed by about $500, said Sen. Thomas Chittenden, D-Chittenden Southeast, who argued for using the available funds this year to buy down rates.

“That’s real money in people’s pockets,” he told senators in the finance committee.

The cash to offset property taxes next fiscal year would come from extra money in the education fund and a general fund transfer of $77 million.

The decision to buy down rates comes as lawmakers continue hashing out a wide-ranging education finance and governance reform bill they hope will help slow future growth in education spending. The legislation, which would set in motion a new funding formula and significant school district consolidation, is the largest piece of education policy in at least a decade. The Senate Finance Committee is taking up the bill this week, and lawmakers will need to negotiate the differences between the chambers in a conference committee later this month.

The property tax legislation advanced Tuesday, known as the yield bill, H.491, still requires final Senate approval, a vote that is expected this week. It would then go to the governor for his signature.

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Page 16 •

Williston Observer •

May 8, 2025

Senate revisits wake boat rules

Advocates worry about spread of invasive species

BY OLIVIA GIEGER VTDigger If the tulips lining the walkway to the Statehouse are any indication, summer is on its way, and with it, a season of boating on Vermont’s lakes and ponds.

That fast-approaching season is not lost on advocates for wake boat-free lakes. Alongside representatives from the Department of Environmental Conservation, they spent Tuesday morning in the Senate Natural Resources

Committee discussing the presence of the contested craft in Vermont’s lakes.

Wake boats, it’s worth clarifying, are not just any old boat that creates a wake — waterskiing boats, pontoons or whalers don’t fall into this category. Rather, they are boats specifically designed to displace large amounts of water, with V-shaped hulls, special wave-shaping plates and — most notably — big ballast systems that can take on gallons of water to weigh the boat down to create even bigger waves for wakeboarders or surfers.

Though the committee does not intend to take action this year,

advocates are concerned that even one more boating season under the current rules could spread invasive species across Vermont’s lakes.

Those rules, passed in April 2024, restrict wake boating to specific wake sports zones: areas with 50 contiguous acres of lake, 500 feet away from the shoreline on all sides and depths of at least 20 feet.

Those rules are meant to prevent the large waves from crashing down on shore and from churning up lake-bottom sediments — and thus protect lake wildlife from too much disruption.

But, advocates say the current rules don’t go far enough in

protecting Vermont’s precarious lake ecosystems from the encroachment of invasive species.

Specifically, the ballasts of these boats can be carriers for insidious invaders like zebra mussel larvae or watermilfoil, Pat Suozzi, president of the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds, said in her testimony. Though boaters empty most of their tanks when taking boats ashore, they still may hold up to 8.5 gallons of residual water, according to John Wildman, a member of Responsible Wakes for Vermont Lakes, who also testified.

“It doesn’t take much. In fact, it only takes one boat,” Suozzi said, of the risk for invasive species

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That’s why she and other advocates are urging legislators and the Department of Environmental Conservation to consider a “home lake rule” for this summer, meaning wake boaters must register in one lake for an entire season.

Other attempts to prevent the transport of invasives through ballast tanks fall short, advocates said, since the visual inspection of hard-to-reach, under-boat tanks can be near impossible and the disinfecting washing equipment — with water hot enough to kill larvae — is expensive and doesn’t exist at most lakes.

Still, others who testified expressed a desire to prohibit the presence of wake boats on Vermont’s inland lakes altogether.

Waves that can reach up to 5 feet above the water can be an equally daunting prospect to a kayaker on the surface or a loon nesting not far off shore, according to advocates.

“Why should our lakes be essentially off limits to those — the majority, by far — who want to fish, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, sail, swim, water ski, or use their normal motorboats or pontoon boats?” said Phil Dodd, a Montpelier resident, during testimony.

Dlugolecki, with the Department of Environmental Conservation, said her office plans to engage residents this year through the summer on revising some of these rules to possibly take effect for 2026.

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May 8, 2025 AFTER SCHOOL MOVIE

Wednesday, May 14, 2-3:35 p.m. PG. Crude clashes with modern in this prehistoric drama.

MUSIC AND PLAYTIME

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library hours: • Monday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

• Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Visit www.damlvt.org to apply for a library card and register for programs. Need help? Call 878-4918 or email daml@damlvt.org.

Please note the library will be closed on Monday, May 19, for a Staff Development Day.

YOUTH PROGRAMS Children in fourth grade and younger must be supervised by someone over 16 years of age.

TEEN NIGHT: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Friday, May 9, 4:30-5:55 p.m.

Ages 12-18. Join our Teen D&D campaign.

FRENCH STORYTIME

Saturday, May 10, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Enjoy stories read aloud in French.

ELEMENTARY D&D

Saturday, May 10, 1-2 p.m.

Suggested ages 7-10. Register each individual child who plans to participate in this mini session of Dungeons & Dragons.

Adults should stay and help their campaigner.

SPECIAL FIRE SAFETY STORYTIME

Monday, May 12, 10:30-11 a.m. Drop in for a fire safety storytime with Nicole from State Farm. Participants will leave with themed swag.

READING ADVENTURE

Thursdays, May 15 and 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

TEEN NIGHT: FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Friday, May 16, 5-5:55 p.m.

Ages 12-18. Join our teen advisory board. You bring the thoughts, we bring the food.

For online programs or to join a book club, email daml@damlvt. org.

MAY SPICE CLUB: EPAZOTE — A MEXICAN SPICE

Pick up this month’s sample with information about tasting notes, suggestions for use, and a few recipes to try. While supplies last.

PUZZLE SWAP, THROUGHOUT MAY

Williston Observer • Page 17

This program is made possible by the Winnie Belle Learned Fund Grant.

WOOF: WHAT’S THE DOG SAYING? A WORKSHOP BY GOLD STAR DOG TRAINING

Saturday, May 17, 12-1:30 p.m. This dog communication and safety lecture is a multi-media extravaganza of fun. For teens and adults. Registration required.

Sponsored by the Vermont Reads Grant.

BOOK CLUB BUFFET (ONLINE)

Wednesday, May 21, 10:30-11 a.m. Ages 0-18 months.

Bring in your gently used puzzles, 300-1,000 pieces, and bring home something new to you.

Tuesday, May 20, 12:30-1:30 p.m. “How to Read a Book” by Monica Wood.

AFTER SCHOOL CRAFT

ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)

COOK THE BOOK

BABY TIME

Wednesday, May 21, 2-3 p.m.

STEM ADVENTURE

Thursday, May 22, 3-4 p.m.

Suggested ages 6-plus. Explore weird food science with different activities. (One activity will include peanut butter and be done outside.)

Monday, May 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Ages 6-plus. While adults meet for the Parenting Book Club, kids explore Australia with facts, stories and activities.

LEGO TIME

STORYTIME

Thursday, May 15, 3-4 p.m.

Register for a 10-minute session with Rocko the Therapy Dog.

Tuesdays, May 13 and 20, 10:30-11 a.m.

ADULT PROGRAMS

•

Thursday, May 22, 3-4 p.m.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS READ TO A DOG (ROCKO)

Fridays, May 9 and 16, 1212:30 p.m. Join our guided meditation.

Wednesday, May 21, 12-1 p.m.

“Irish Pub Cooking” by Parragon Books

MAH JONGG

SPANISH CONVERSATION (ONLINE)

Friday, May 9 and 16, 1-3 p.m.

All abilities welcome.

FRENCH CONVERSATION

Saturday, May 10, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Brush up on your French language skills.

PARENTING BOOK CLUB

Monday, May 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Read what you can of “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt and attend the discussion.

Available in print and as an eBook/ eAudiobook, in Libby(Overdrive).

Wednesday, May 21, 5-6 p.m.

Brush up on your Spanish language skills.

SUCKER BROOK HOLLOW DOG WALK: A GATHER VT READS ACTIVITY

Thursday, May 22, 4-5:30 p.m.

Let’s celebrate pets as an integral part of our families by exploring one of Williston’s leashed, dog-friendly trails. Spots are limited so register now. Details online at www.damlvt.org.

Reset your Health & Wellness Discover LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE and FASCIAL COMPRESSION Holistic healing for Pain Relief, Stress Relief,Digestive Issues, Perimenopause, and more!

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TIGHT CLUB

(802) 227-2287

135 Allen Brook Lane, Ste. 102, Williston

Schedule today at www.thetight.club

Page 18 • dates: Williston release MayObserver 10-16, 2025 • May 8, 2025

19 (25)

Next Week:

U.S. cemeteries overseas Issue 19, 2025

Founded by Betty Debnam

Lemurs at Home

Mini Fact:

Ring-tailed lemurs stay together for extra protection during the day.

photos by Drew Fellman, © IMAX® film “Island of Lemurs: Madagascar”

About 60 million years ago, our distant cousins, the lemurs (LEE-mers), were castaways on Madagascar, an island off the coast of Africa. For millions of years, this island was a wonderful home for the lemurs — until humans arrived.

Today, lemurs are endangered, and many species are extinct. Experts say they are one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Wild lemurs are found nowhere on Earth except Madagascar.

This week, The Mini Page learns more about these cute animals.

Distant relatives

Lemurs were one of the first primates (PRY-mates), the family that includes humans, monkeys and apes. Primates have digits, or fingers and toes, that can grasp things. Most have fingernails instead of claws.

Primates have big brains for their body size.

The lemur brain is smaller than those of later, similar-sized primates such as monkeys.

Lemur paradise

Scientists believe lemurs originated in Africa about 65 million years ago. Some time later, a storm swept a group of small mammals, these early lemurs, out to sea.

They floated from Africa on a natural raft of plants until they reached an island about the size of Texas.

This island, Madagascar, was so isolated from other land that there were no other mammals or birds present. There were few predators, or enemies, of the lemurs. Snakes and crocodiles lived on the island, but no other predators arrived for about 40 million years.

Lemurs spread throughout the island.

They developed into hundreds of different species, ranging from some as big as a gorilla to others as tiny as a mouse.

The arrival of humans

When people first landed on Madagascar about 2,000 years ago, they began burning the lemurs’ forest home. Now, more than 90% of the forests there have been destroyed. All the large species of lemurs are extinct. More than 75% of the remaining lemurs are Most lemurs are endangered. arboreal (ar-BOREMost of the people ee-uhl), or animals that live in trees. in Madagascar are poor.

Species such as They may kill lemurs for the ring-tailed food. Sometimes they lemur travel easily through the are scared of the strangeforest. The ringlooking animals. Lemurs tailed lemur also have wide-eyed stares, and is at home on the some kinds move around ground, which is not true for all at night, so many native lemurs. people believed they were spirits. “Lemur” means “ghost” in Latin.

Lemur life

Female lemurs are dominant, or the most powerful animals in a group.

Usually in primate groups, males are dominant.

Different types of lemurs get together, or socialize, in different ways. Many groups stay together for years. Nocturnal lemurs, or those that are active at night, often seek food alone but nest together during the day. Many females, and sometimes a male, may share a nest.

In a group of black-and-white ruffed lemurs, all the females have their babies at the same time. They reproduce only when there is enough food to Lemurs such as this support lots of babies. sifaka eat fruit and other plant matter.

They may go years Small lemurs also eat without having any insects, and some eat at all. When there is frogs too. enough food, they may each have two to five babies in a litter.

Lemurs keep track of other lemurs by calls and smells. They have different calls for greeting and alarms. Lemurs may rush to help lemurs of a different species or even to help birds that aren’t lemur enemies.

Resources On the Web:

• lemur.duke.edu • bit.ly/MPKidz4Lemurs

At the library:

• “Lemurs of Madagascar” by KeriAnne Jelinek

The Mini Page® © 2025 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Observer rack locations

Try ’n’Williston Find Adams Farm Market

Rehab Gym Goodwater Brewing Shell Gas Station (Essex Rd) Hannaford Healthy Living Williston Aromas of India Words that remind us of lemurs are hidden in this puzzle.

Some Simon’s Mobil Williston Home2Suites Chef’s Corner or diagonally, words are hidden backward and some letters are Simply Divine Café Island Homemade Ice Cream Sonesta Memorial used twice. SeeDorothy if you Alling can find: Sunoco Station Korner Kwik Stop Library AFRICA, ARBOREAL, Town Marriott Courtyard S A U F E P R I M A T ofEWilliston E VOffices L Fairfield Inn ll Rick Cote at CaCALLS, DIGIT, DOMINANT, WokN L Z E BUPSCStore Folino’s Pizza O U FMenPAt E X W T T email (802) 373-2136 orerver.com ENDANGERED, EXTINCT, Vermont M&T Bank Gardener’s Supply bs nO C L D R V M D A P U T F Meat S &SSeafood N to is Rick@Will es copiFORESTS, e lik ld ou w Williston Coffee Shop Ramunto’s Green Mountain Bagel u yo FEMALE, if I A N E I P A A N I O O S L A for your location GHOST, ISLAND, LEMUR, A E A D F C A L N R H Y L L N MADAGASCAR, NEST, L R L A N M A C E G U R L E I I O S T E E T S E Q E T A M M NOCTURNAL, PREDATOR,

Essex/Essex Price Chopper Mini Jct. Jokes Essex Automotive Quality Bake Shop Five Corner Variety River Road Beverage Hannaford Lena: Where do lemursRichmond go tails? Farms Inn at Essexwhen they lose their Cumberland Mac’sLonnie: Market To the retail store!

Richmond Free Library Martone’s Deli Richmond Market

Eco Note Williston

More than half of Earth’s land ecosystems are experiencing unprecedented conditions due to human activity, a new study

early lemurs, out to sea.

They floated from Africa on a natural raft of plants until they reached an island about the size of Texas.

at night, so many native lemurs. people believed they were spirits. “Lemur” means “ghost” in Latin.

At the library:

• “Lemurs of Madagascar” by KeriAnne Jelinek May 8, 2025

The Mini Page® © 2025 Andrews McMeel Syndication

Try ’n’ Find

Williston Observer •

Page 19

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of lemurs are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find: AFRICA, ARBOREAL, CALLS, DIGIT, DOMINANT, ENDANGERED, EXTINCT, FEMALE, FORESTS, GHOST, ISLAND, LEMUR, MADAGASCAR, NEST, NOCTURNAL, PREDATOR, PRIMATE, SMELLS, SOCIALIZE.

•

S A O U C L I A A E L R I O Z B E R R A

U F D N A L S I V C

F P R E D A T O R S

E P R E N L V M D I P A F C A N M A E E T S U T T S H A G A

Lena: Where do lemurs go when they lose their tails?

Lonnie: To the retail store!

I M A T E E V L Z E B C X W T T A P U T F S S N A N I O O S L A L N R H Y L L N C E G U R L E I S E Q E T A M M I G I D R C S O R U M E L E O D D A M B E Y D N

Eco Note More than half of Earth’s land ecosystems are experiencing unprecedented conditions due to human activity, a new study reveals. Researchers found 58% of the planet’s land is exposed to a combination of humancaused climate change, species extinctions and disrupted plant life. The Amazon, New Zealand and Mediterranean regions were among the most affected, with even protected areas showing similar levels of disruption.

Scientists say their findings highlight the need to focus on slowing or managing change rather than trying to restore ecosystems to their original states. adapted with permission from Earthweek.com

Cook’s Corner

What to do: 1. Spread crescent rolls on a 12-inch pizza pan evenly, pressing out seams to form one big crust.

Bake according to package directions.

2. Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream and ranch dressing mix in a bowl. Spread on cooled pizza crust.

3. Spread vegetables and cheese on top. Cut into wedges or squares. Makes 8 servings.

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.

1. writer of a book (6) 2. Steph Curry’s game (10) 3. make (5) 4. nothing (4) 5. noisy black bird (4) 6. brave (8) 7. estimate (5)

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The Mini Page® © 2025 Andrews McMeel Syndication

• 1/2 cup broccoli, chopped • 1/2 cup matchstick carrots • 1/2 cup red pepper, diced • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Thank You The Mini Page thanks primatologist Dr. Patricia C. Wright, founder of a lemur refuge in Madagascar, for help with this issue.

©2025 Blue Ox Technologies Ltd. Download the app on Apple and Amazon devices.

You’ll need: • 1 (8-ounce) package crescent rolls • 1 (8-ounce) package low-fat cream cheese, softened • 1 (8-ounce) carton light sour cream • 1 packet ranch dressing mix • 1/2 cup green pepper, diced

* You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.

Veggie Cream Cheese Pizza

Answers: author, basketball, build, zero, crow, fearless, guess.

It’s National Pet Month!

And some of our furry friends need help getting food!

The Williston Community Food Shelf believes in feeding pets too. To celebrate National Pet Month we’re asking for your help. Canned food preferred, but all contributions are welcome.

Drop off at the following Williston locations:

Polli Properties 204 Cornerstone Drive Mon.-Fri.9am-4pm

Village Hardware 364 Essex Road

Mon.-Sat., 7am-6pm | Sun. 9-4pm

Williston Food Shelf 400 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130 Tue. 5-6:30pm | Thu. & Sat. 9-11am

WILLISTON COMMUNITY

FOOD SHELF

Page 20

• Williston Observer • May 8, 2025

SAVVY SENIOR

Strategies for paying off credit card debt culprits. Of older adults carrying a balance, nearly half owe $5,000 or more, and nearly a third owe upwards of $10,000.

While paying off credit card debt can feel overwhelming, it’s doable with a solid plan and a bit of belt-tightening and persistence.

Here are some strategies to help you tackle it.

By Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I, who are retired, have accumulated about $7,000 in credit card debt over the past few years and need some help paying it off. What can you tell us?

Living Underwater Dear Living, Credit card debt has become a big problem in this country for millions of older Americans. According to a recent AARP report, 52 percent of adults ages 50 to 64 have credit card debt, along with 42 percent of those ages 65 to 74.

Rising costs of basic expenses like food, housing, utilities and health care are the main

minimum payment, but it’s usually mostly interest. Try to pay more than the minimum every month to make a dent in the principal balance.

CHOOSE A REPAYMENT STRATEGY

Start by taking a close look at your income and expenses to see where you can free up money to put toward your credit card debt.

Also look for areas to reduce spending, such as dining out, entertainment or subscriptions.

And see if you’re eligible for any financial assistance programs (see BenefitsCheckUp.org) that can help boost your budget by paying for things like food, utilities, medicine and health care.

If you have more than one credit card, pick one and get serious about paying it off. Start with the card that carries the highest interest rate, or the one with the smallest balance.

If you focus on paying off the card with the highest interest rate first, you’ll pay less interest over time, saving yourself a lot of money. Once the highest-interest card is paid off, move to the next highest, and so on.

Or you may want to start with the card with the smallest balance. Paying off smaller debts quickly can give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to keep going.

CALL THE CARD COMPANY

CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT

While the average credit card interest rate is more than 20 percent, some credit card companies may be willing to lower your interest rate or work out a payment plan, especially if you’re struggling. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

If you have multiple high-interest cards, look into consolidating your debt with a low-interest personal loan from your bank or credit union. Or consider moving your debts to a balance transfer credit card with 0 percent interest for an introductory period, which is usually 15, 18 or 21 months. This

CREATE A BUDGET

PAY MORE THAN THE MINIMUM

Credit card companies only require the

Someone you love has Alzheimer’s

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will eliminate the amount of interest you’re paying, temporarily. But be careful! Once the introductory promotion ends, the card company will charge interest on any remaining balance.

CONSIDER A DEBT MANAGEMENT PLAN

If you need more help, use a nonprofit credit counseling agency (see NFCC.org) to create a debt management plan. At no cost, a counselor will go over your income and debts and determine what’s workable. The counselor will then negotiate with your lenders, to get a payment plan that will lower your interest and monthly payments and maybe forgive some debt.

If you accept their negotiated offer, you’ll start making one monthly payment to the counseling service, which will in turn pay the issuers. You’ll likely pay the agency a small fee and give up the cards included in the plan, but over time you’ll be able to pay off your debt.

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

May 8, 2025

•

Williston Observer • Page 21

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 22

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• n 1877, the first Westminster Kennel Club dog show was held in New York City.

• In 1902, the city of Saint-Pierre was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Pelee on the island of Martinique, killing an estimated 30,000 people.

• In 1945, Victory in Europe Day (or V-E Day) was celebrated as the Allies accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender, ending World War II in Europe.

• In 1973, a 10-week standoff in Wounded Knee, South Dakota, between federal authorities and American Indian Movement activists ended.

TODAY’S FACT:

• Pharmacist John Pemberton sold the first Coca-Cola soft drink on this day in 1886.

SOLUTION FOUND ON PAGE 22

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We believe that our state-of-the-art, impeccable skills; cheerful, approachable attitudes and ability to handle all your dental needs under one roof means a visit with us will always leave you with a beautiful smile.

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Page 22

• Williston Observer • May 8, 2025

CLASSIFIEDS

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA Tuesday, May 13, 2025 – 7:00 PM Town Hall Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656 DP 25-09 Town of Williston requests discretionary permit review for proposed installation of a 1200 SF pavilion w 5’ pathway adjacent to the Recreation Path

DP 24-05 Armand Fournier requests discretionary permit review of the proposed 4- lot subdivision of an existing 28± ac lot to create (1) 4.4± ac lot for the existing dwelling, (2) 1.1± ac lots for 2 proposed dwellings, and (1) 21± ac lot to be conserved as open space at 615 Butternut Rd in the Agricultural/Rural Zoning District (ARZD).

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

on scene and refused all services.

April 1 at 12:00 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Case is still under investigation.

April 1 at 5:17 p.m. — Report of a fight involving several people at Walmart. Case is still under investigation.

April 1 at 10:15 p.m. — Customers at Texas Roadhouse who were refusing to pay.

Customers paid and left before officer’s arrival.

April 2 at 10:09 a.m. — Male trying to cash fraudulent checks at M&T bank. Male was located a short time later and was issued a citation to appear in court for false pretenses.

April 2 at 3:48 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Female suspect was located and issued a referral to the community justice center.

SALES OBO. Call John at 802-878-5468 or email at pport1@yahoo.com

SUDOKU SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 21

CROSSWORD SOLUTION Puzzle found on page 21

Officers also conducted 34 traffic stops and responded to 10 motor vehicle crashes and nine alarm activations during this time frame.

SAVE THE DATE!

2015 MERCEDES GLK —$14,000

JOB FAIR MAY 15, 2025 4:00pm–7:00pm McCLURE GYMNASIUM 1138 Pine Street, Burlington, VT ** Bring this ad to the fair and get a prize! **

t Care Part on

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Verm

3 FAMILY GARAGE SALE— 500 Oak Knoll Road, Friday, May 9, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday May 10– 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Antique mantle clocks, vintage items, jewelry, framed prints, quilt kits and quilting supplies, several power tools and hand tools, toys, highchair, collectibles, kitchen items, and much more.

March 30 at 11:58 a.m. — Car broken into on Day Lane. Credit cards taken and used at Shaw’s, Hannaford and Mobil. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court.

March 30 at 12:54 p.m. — Verbal argument at Zephyr Place. All parties separated before officer’s arrival.

March 31 at 8:24 a.m. — Report of a female in Walmart trying to use a stolen credit card.

Female was located and issued a citation for credit card fraud.

March 31 at 12:20 p.m. — Stolen truck reported from U-Haul. The truck has not been located.

March 31 at 7:53 p.m. — Assisted Williston Rescue with a male who was unconscious at Shaw’s. Male was alert once officers arrived

•

•

17 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Multiple houses selling furniture, toys, clothing, bikes, tires, roof rack, exercise equipment and many more household items!

DP 24-12.1 Duane Merrill & Company and Brickliners Custom Masonry & Chimney Services c/o O’Leary-Burke Civil Associates requests discretionary permit review of a 9,900 SF building and associated 10-space parking lot on proposed lot #3 at 137 James Brown Dr. Continued from February 11, 2025, and April 8, 2025.

CE

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E

ANNUAL SUNRISE DRIVE GARAGE SALE! (WILLISTON)—Saturday, May

at the Village Community Park at 250 Library Ln in the Village Zoning District (VZD).

RO

NC

YARD SALES

April 2 at 4:55 p.m. — Female in Best Buy causing a disturbance. Female was located and issued a notice of trespass.

April 3 at 9:12 a.m. — Report of a male walking around Blair Park drinking out of a wine bottle. Officers checked the area but could not locate the male.

April 3 at 10:51 p.m. — Suspicious vehicle on Timothy Way. Vehicle was gone before officers arrived.

April 4 at 9:04 p.m. — Suspicious male riding around on a bike on Zephyr Road. Bike was stolen and returned to the owner.

April 5 at 6:57 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Female suspect left before officer’s arrival.

April 5 at 8:38 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. Male was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

F E XC E L

LE

May 8, 2025

•

Williston Observer • Page 23

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Page 24 •

Williston Observer •

May 8, 2025

Will we ever know the true Ethan Allen?

Stalled research and internet rumors leave an incomplete portrait of Vermont’s Revolutionary leader

BY KEVIN O’CONNOR VTDigger As Revolutionary War leader of the Green Mountain Boys militia, Ethan Allen had seemingly no sooner captured Fort Ticonderoga from British troops on May 10, 1775, when he put quill pen to parchment to chronicle his effort.

“I have,” Allen wrote, “taken the greatest care and pains to recollect the facts and arrange them; but as they touch a variety of characters and opposite interests, I am sensible that all will not be pleased with the relation of them.”

Two and a half centuries later, that’s the one and only thing most people can agree on.

“He has been accused of ignorance, weakness of mind, cowardice, infidelity, and atheism,” Henry Hall wrote in 1892’s “Ethan Allen: The Robin Hood of Vermont,” one of many books on the state’s lovehim-or-hate-him symbolic rebel. “If Vermont is careful of her own fame, well does it become the people to know whether Ethan Allen was a hero or a humbug.”

Search “Ethan Allen” online today and you’ll find more assertations of the latter, be it questions about whether he enslaved Black people or stole land from Indigenous populations.

“He’s become a lightning rod for everyone’s feelings about that entire historical era,” Angie Grove, executive director of the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum in Burlington, said in a recent interview. “He gets all the credit and all the blame.”

Historians say that divide is complicating efforts to mark this weekend’s 250th anniversary of his

crossing of Lake Champlain and capture of Fort Ticonderoga — and, conversely, offering them the opportunity to separate fact from fiction.

The 2,000-acre Fort Ticonderoga historic site in Ticonderoga, N.Y., is set to present a reenactment of Allen’s raid between May 9 and 11, as well as educational stops in the Vermont towns of Sudbury, Orwell and Shoreham, and a flyover by the Vermont Air National Guard.

“Independence was not a foregone conclusion,” organizers note on their website. “Recovering the contingency of the American Revolution helps to underscore its profound significance.”

For its part, the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum will offer free admission to Vermonters on May 10 in hopes of drawing visitors, be they curious or cynical.

“I know that there are people who avoid the museum because they just assume Ethan Allen was a racist, Native American-slaughtering person,” Grove said.

Then again, Grove has met others who swear Allen was a trail-blazing abolitionist at a time Vermont was drafting a 1777 constitution that would make it the first state to outlaw adult slavery. (Children wouldn’t be officially protected under the provision until 2022.)

“Where did you get that information?” Grove will ask people expressing commendation or complaints.

“Oh, it’s just well known,” she often hears in reply.

But Grove — who holds a master’s degree in history from the University of Vermont — says it’s not so simple.

Allen has been the subject of a slew of books, starting with his

Ethan Allen, as portrayed in a 1927 advertisement for Ticonderoga pencils.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VERMONT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

own in 1779. Then, in 2014, the now late professors John Duffy and H. Nicholas Muller published “Inventing Ethan Allen,” an exploration of the historiography behind him.

“How does the memory of Ethan Allen coincide with the reality of his life as well as much repeated supplemental legends and myths composed long after his death?” Duffy and Muller write in the prologue.

The book notes, for example, that past authors often have emphasized or excluded facts to fit a particular narrative.

“The story of Ethan Allen has been transformed since the 1830s to present a hero configured by comedic or tearful treatments in a consistently sentimental avoidance of events and actions that could otherwise have diminished his popular appeal,” Duffy and Muller write.

But that doesn’t mean historians

have censored content. Although scholars have found records of other family members using Black labor — the legal status of “free” or “slave” is rarely reported — they’ve yet to find any definitive proof whether Allen enslaved people.

“In the absence of positive evidence, the question, ‘Did Ethan Allen ever own slaves?’ never appears in his biographies,” Duffy and Muller write.

So why do people claim Allen did? Grove cites primary sources that show American Colonial society as a whole exploited marginalized populations — a fact that can lead some to extend the generalization to specific individuals.

“We can make educated guesses, but we actually know very little about Ethan Allen’s political, social and moral relationship to slavery or Indigenous people that can be backed up with real evidence,”

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Grove said. “You can find claims online, but nobody has any sources for them. That isn’t to say we can’t find answers to these questions, but that research hasn’t been done yet.”

Study, however, takes money.

“Try as I might, I’ve found it challenging to convince people that research in general, and on Ethan Allen in particular, is worthy of investing in,” Grove said. “Anytime I mention anything about Ethan Allen, everyone says, ‘Nope, we don’t want to hear about him, we want to hear untold stories.’”

Increasingly that’s leaving the internet to spin its own speculation.

“In today’s climate, it doesn’t matter how much evidence or lack of evidence you have, people are going to feel the way they feel,” Grove said. “I always hope people are inspired by the idealism of the American Revolution — fighting for equality for all people, even though it didn’t give equality to all people.

But I think it’s easier for some to blame certain figures of the past than to reckon with entrenched prejudices and inequalities in our society that have been passed down generation to generation.”

The historian stresses she’s not taking sides, just in search of a truth not yet fully found. She hopes people will discover the homestead and its work — if only to take in one of the state’s oldest farmed areas, with a documented history dating back 600 years.

“For better or for worse, Ethan Allen is the figurehead of Vermont,” Grove said. “It would be most responsible to invest in further research of him, particularly to see how well he represents the diverse state of today.”