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
Thousands in Williston marched in support of immigrant and farmworker rights on May 1.
PHOTO BY AUDITI GUHA/VTDIGGER
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
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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
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
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,
OBITUARIES
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
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— 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 uti lized the Howard Center, Turning Point, COTS, Cathedral Housing Trust and CVOEO.
A memorial celebration will be scheduled at a later date.
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.
Betsy Ann Berry
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
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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
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 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.
Sen. Thomas Chittenden, D-Chittenden Southeast, speaks on the floor of the Senate at the Statehouse on March 25.
PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
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
Senate revisits wake boat rules
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 spread.
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.
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
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.
STORYTIME
Tuesdays, May 13 and 20, 10:30-11 a.m.
AFTER SCHOOL MOVIE
Wednesday, May 14, 2-3:35 p.m. PG. Crude clashes with modern in this prehistoric drama.
MUSIC AND PLAYTIME
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.
BABY TIME
Wednesday, May 21, 10:30-11 a.m. Ages 0-18 months.
AFTER SCHOOL CRAFT
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.)
LEGO TIME
Thursday, May 22, 3-4 p.m.
MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS
READ TO A DOG (ROCKO)
Thursday, May 15, 3-4 p.m. Register for a 10-minute session with Rocko the Therapy Dog.
ADULT PROGRAMS
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
Bring in your gently used puzzles, 300-1,000 pieces, and bring home something new to you.
ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)
Fridays, May 9 and 16, 1212:30 p.m. Join our guided meditation.
MAH JONGG
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).
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)
Tuesday, May 20, 12:30-1:30 p.m. “How to Read a Book” by Monica Wood.
COOK THE BOOK
Wednesday, May 21, 12-1 p.m. “Irish Pub Cooking” by Parragon Books
SPANISH CONVERSATION (ONLINE)
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.
Lemurs at Home
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.
Next Week: U.S. cemeteries overseas
Lemur life
Mini Fact: Ring-tailed lemurs stay together for extra protection during the day.
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 endangered.
Most of the people in Madagascar are poor. They may kill lemurs for food. Sometimes they are scared of the strangelooking animals. Lemurs have wide-eyed stares, and some kinds move around at night, so many native people believed they were spirits. “Lemur” means “ghost” in Latin.
through the forest. The ringtailed lemur also is at home on the ground, which is not true for all lemurs.
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.
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Marriott Courtyard
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Mac’s Market
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Richmond
their tails? Lonnie:
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 support lots of babies. They may go years without having any at all. When there is 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. Words that remind us of
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Founded by Betty Debnam Issue
photos by Drew Fellman, © IMAX® film “Island of Lemurs: Madagascar”
Lemurs such as this sifaka eat fruit and other plant matter. Small lemurs also eat insects, and some eat frogs too.
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.
CLASSIFIEDS
YARD SALES
ANNUAL SUNRISE DRIVE GARAGE SALE!
(WILLISTON)— Saturday, May 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!
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.
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
at the Village Community Park at 250 Library Ln in the Village Zoning District (VZD).
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.
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
SALES
2015 MERCEDES GLK — $14,000 OBO. Call John at 802-878-5468 or email at pport1@yahoo.com
SUDOKU SOLUTION
Puzzle found on page 21
Puzzle found on page 21
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
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.
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.
Officers also conducted 34 traffic stops and responded to 10 motor vehicle crashes and nine alarm activations during this time frame.
