Library trustees target August re-vote
Survey: How much are you willing to support?
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Board of Trustees’ post-mortem of last week’s voter rejection of their $14 million renovation and expansion plan quickly morphed Tuesday into plans to put a scaleddown project in front of voters as soon as possible.
They are targeting an August ballot question.
That would allow them to piggyback on the Aug. 11 primary election instead of holding a standalone town election with a single-question ballot as they did last week.
“If possible, I’d really like to do it on primary day,” said board chair Charity Clark, who, incidentally, will be seeking the Democratic nomination for Vermont attorney general that day.
Clark’s comment came during the trustees’ first meeting since the narrow defeat of a $13.9 million bond question that would have financed a two-story library addition, renovation and improvements to the adjacent Village Green. The defeat was a reconsideration of the Town Meeting
Day approval of the bond in March, forced by a petition of people opposed mostly to the cost of the project and the increase in property taxes that would come with the bonded debt.
“We get it. It was a big ask,” said trustee Karla Karstens. “This is a very tough time for people. I can’t begrudge them for voting no.”
The trustees are ready to whittle
down the plan, perhaps designing a single-story addition instead of two stories, and likely eliminating the improvement plan for the Village Green. But their first step will be to survey residents with two basic questions: How much money would you support the town spending on library renovations or expansion, and what elements of the existing project
(meeting rooms, makerspace, energy efficiency, expanded parking, etc.) should be prioritized?
“We worked on this for three years, and we included everything that people wanted,” trustee Stephen Perkins said. “Now we need to prioritize those wants so we can narrow the scope and have a smaller price.”
Williston architect John
Hemmelgarn drew up the plans for the original project. According to Library Director Kevin Unrath, Hemmelgarn is now retired but has volunteered to work on revised plans for public inspection ahead of an August vote.
“That is really helpful because we don’t really have funds for an architect right now,” Unrath said.
In order to get on the Aug. 11 ballot, the selectboard will need to approve a bond question by mid-July, Town Manager Erik Wells said. The next possible election after that would be the November general election, then Town Meeting Day next March.
“Every day that passes, it’s going to cost more money,” Clark said, noting the increasing cost of construction. “(August) feels like a hustle, but I think it’s do-able … I don’t think we need to massively restructure this. We’ve already done so much of the work. We’re just taking things out now.”
The trustees said they welcome the opportunity to better unify the community around the project.
“Even though this was a step back, I think in the long run it will be a positive for the support of the library,” said Clark. “We are all going to know, ‘this is what we are doing and this is why.’”
School staff, board bring in mediator on contract talks
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
The Champlain Valley School Board’s Human Resources Committee has been meeting in closed-door sessions throughout the school year with union representatives from the district’s educational support staff to come to an agreement on a new employment
contract. The current three-year contract expires in June.
While there has been no public record of the meetings, several support staffers aired their frustration with the negotiations during last week’s meeting of the full school board, revealing that a third-party mediator will be brought in to bring the two sides together.
At issue is compensation.
Support staff includes bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and para-educators across the district’s six schools. Starting wages range from $21-$40 per hour in the current contract, depending on job description, years of experience and level of education. Additionally, the school district covers 80 percent of health insurance premiums under the terms of a statewide contract
with all Vermont public school educators, and provides a cash payment in lieu of health insurance if an employee opts out of the district’s health coverage.
Staff lead negotiator Gloria Mantagaris, a para-educator at Shelburne Community School, said the board’s current wage proposal for a new contract “does not … adequately reflect the value of our
education support professionals or address the financial instability our staff continues to experience.”
Wearing red shirts representing the Champlain Valley teachers union, several staff members described to the board struggles keeping up with the cost of living.
“When school employees must work multiple jobs to sustain see TALKS page 16
Kids rallied in support of a proposed library expansion during voting last Tuesday in Williston Village. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO BY LAUREN MILES
Around Town CORRECTION
An article in the April 30 edition of the Observer headlined “CVU brings tech education in-house” stated that CVU High School is launching its own technical school for underclassmen next year due to a policy change at the Vermont Agency of Education. There is no changed policy from the agency. Rather, CVU’s decision was in response to a Burlington Technical Center decision to discontinue its pre-tech program, which was partly based on input from the agency.
Registration opens for Deb Beckett Memorial 5K Run & Walk
Kick off the July Fourth weekend with fun, fitness and community spirit at the 2026 Deb Beckett Memorial 5K Run and Walk.
The event, co-hosted by the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club and Williston Recreation and Parks Department, takes place the morning of Friday, July 3 at Village Community Park. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome — whether you’re racing for a personal best or enjoying a casual walk with friends and family.
Find more information and pre-register at https://bit. ly/4uRGwQB.
games and software manuals.
Also, starting June 1, people can sign up to volunteer at the book sale on a signup sheet at the library or by calling the library at 878-4918, or by emailing at daml@damlvt.org.
Volunteers are needed to set up tables, transport books, check out patrons and break down the sale. Volunteers get early access to shop the sale on July 3.
Richmond’s Radiate Art Space welcomes new executive director
Molly Hall is going from volunteer and board president to executive director at Radiate Art Space in Richmond.
Hall is a textile artist and owner of Brick House Vermont. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Education from St. Lawrence University and a Master’s of Administration from Saint Michael’s College.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
EMAIL EVENT LISTINGS TO EDITOR@WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Stuff an Ambulance food drive. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Williston Fire Department. Benefits Williston Community Food Shelf.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
Selectboard meeting. 7 p.m. Town Hall. Agenda at town. williston.vt.us.
Planning Commission meeting. 7 p.m. Town Hall Annex. Agenda at town.williston.vt.us.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Housing Committee meeting. 6 p.m. Town Hall Annex. Agenda at town.williston.vt.us.
Sign up by June 20 and be guaranteed to receive a souvenir race shirt in the size of your choice. Registration is also available day of race.
This year’s event once again also features both a half-mile and a 1-mile Kids Run for children ages 4–12. No fees or registration required.
Donations, volunteers sought for annual Book Sale
The Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library will hold their annual book sale fundraiser July 3-4 at Williston Central School. The sale will be from 4-6 p.m. on July 3 and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 4.
Book donations for the sale will be accepted at the library throughout the month of June — on weekdays 12-2 p.m. and on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations are limited to three boxes per person per day.
Needed are hardcover and paperback books, children/ young adult books, reference or travel books that are less than five years old, and foreign language books. Items that won’t be accepted include dictionaries, textbooks, magazines, media, sheet music, maps, puzzles,
Radiate Art Space is a nonprofit that opened in 2017 as an art studio for the community to gather, share creative pursuits, educate and expose others to different types of art methods, materials and techniques.
Student
performances punctuate
jazz fest
Students from CVU will join peers from across the state participating in this year’s Burlington Discover Jazz Festival from June 3-7.
About 1,000 Vermont students are expected to participate from dozens of school bands, performing free concerts on Church Street as part of the festival’s Around Town programming.
“Jazz is a conversation that passes from one generation to the next, and there is no better way to see that in action than on Church Street during the festival,” Flynn Executive Director Jay Wahl said. “By bringing nearly 1,000 students into the heart of this year’s program, we aren’t just celebrating the history of this music; we are investing in its future and ensuring that Vermont’s young musicians see themselves as a vital part of this global art form.”
The full festival schedule is available at FlynnVT.org.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
Historical presentation. “When the Trees Came Back: The Great Battle to Save Vermont’s Forests” by Robert Mello. 1 p.m. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library.
CVSD Youth Pride Rally. 10 a.m. Shelburne Community School.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
Eighth grade graduation. 6:30 p.m. Williston Central School. CVU graduation. 2 p.m. UVM Patrick Gymnasium.
Molly Hall
Willistonians observe Memorial Day at Town Hall
Roughly 80 people streamed into the Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room in Williston Town Hall on Monday for a Memorial Day observance organized by the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club. The annual event typically takes place at the War Memorial Park outside Town Hall but was moved inside due to rain.
The following welcoming remarks were given by Rotarian Chris Burns-Dibiasio:
On behalf of the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club, I want to thank you for joining us today as we remember and honor those men and women who answered the call to duty and gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Throughout American history, from the patriots who fired the first shots in the Revolutionary War 250 years ago, to those who are deployed around the world today, our country has been fortunate to have citizens willing to serve and fight for our freedom.
This Memorial Day we honor all who died protecting our freedoms. Some fell in combat, some died afterwards from their wounds, and others like my dad survived, living in the peace they fought to win.
I am honored to be here today to welcome
you on this important day of remembrance.
Lesley Murray organized the event, and John Jacob provided music. CVU student and trumpeter Luke Buehler played “Taps. Charlie Magill offered the following invocation:
During World War 2 it was common to see banners hanging in windows — white with a blue fringe. The banners held 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 blue stars, one for each family member serving in the military for the war. Sadly, too often some of the stars turned gold, as those serving were killed.
Today we come together today to honor all those who were represented by those gold stars, for all those who gave their lives in service to the country.
The numbers are staggering.
• American Revolutionary War, 23,800 died
• War of 1812, 15,000 died
• Mexican–American War, 13,283 died
• American Civil War, 655,000 died
• American Indian Wars, 919 died
• Spanish–American War, 2,061 died
• Philippine–American War, 4,196 died
• World War I, 116,516 died
• World War II, 405,399 died
• Korean War, 36,574 died
• Vietnam War, 58,220 died
• Gulf War, 294 died
• War in Afghanistan, 2,325 died
• Iraq War, 4,492 died
• Total: 1,308,468.
But on Memorial Day there is another point to be made.
War kills. War maims. War destroys communities, poisons the environment. Children of war grow up without parents.
Whenever we are deciding that war is worth it, for good reasons, and for bad reasons, the decision for war is a deciding that people will die. Rather than look away on Memorial Day, this is a day to look directly at this reality.
As we honor those who die in wars, we must not lose sight of the reality that war equals death.
Let us honor all those who have died for our country by becoming workers for peace.
June 3 – June 6
On Monday, Willistonians joined in honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country. The event was organized by Lesley Murray (standing right) of the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club.
OBSERVER PHOTO BY SUSAN COTE
GREEN Cut your engine
Idling motor vehicles is environmentally harmful and illegal in VT
BY PAT RATKOWSKI
Williston Energy Committee
For those of you who only have time to read a few important words, we’ll keep it short: Please don’t idle your vehicle while it is parked.
If you have a little more time and are incurably curious, join us for an informative look at some of
the costs and health impacts that idling can rack up for you, your passengers, your vehicle and the Vermont environment we share.
If you’re driving an electric vehicle or using your hybrid in electric-only mode, then idling is not an issue as your vehicle is not burning up gas. If, however, you’re still driving an internal combustion engine vehicle, here’s a quick rundown of why idling your car, truck or van is worth a second or third thought.
According to Vermont’s Department of Environmental
Conservation:
“In Vermont, motor vehicles are the largest source of greenhouse gases and a number of other air pollutants that threaten human health and our environment. Unnecessary idling harms human health, pollutes the air, wastes fuel and money, and causes excess engine wear. And it’s against the law. We estimate that if every car and truck in Vermont reduced unnecessary idling by just one minute per day, over the course of a year Vermonters would save see IDLING page 5
Motor vehicles are the largest source of greenhouse gases and a number of other air pollutants in Vermont, according to Vermont’s Department of Environmental Conservation. FILE PHOTO
over 1 million gallons of fuel and over $3.8 million in fuel costs, and we would reduce CO2 emissions by more than 10,000 metric tons. While individual actions may be small, the cumulative impacts of idling are large.”
Exhaust from idling vehicles spews a wide range of chemicals that are toxic to all living things including:
— Greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change;
— Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which combine to form ground level ozone that triggers asthma attacks, damages lung tissue and damages forests and crops;
— Fine particulate matter, which causes respiratory and cardiovascular damage, and leads to haze that limits visibility;
— Sulfur dioxide, which aggravates lung disease and other breathing problems;
Toxic and carcinogenic compounds such as benzene, aldehydes and butadiene;
Carbon monoxide, which interferes with the delivery of oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues.
Vermont is rich in natural resources, which support many local businesses such as maple sugar producers and farmers, provide residents and visitors with yearround recreational opportunities
and create the green mountains of our summers and vibrant colors for which our autumns are famous. But, as the pollutants associated with vehicle exhaust contribute to global climate change, Vermont’s native fish, wildlife and plants are vulnerable to unforeseen climate-related changes for which there is often no return.
Let’s look at what idling means to your vehicle.
Idling is the literal equivalent of 0 miles per gallon.
Fuel is only partially combusted when idling because an engine does not operate at its ideal temperature. This leads to the buildup of fuel residues on cylinder walls that can damage engine components and increase fuel consumption.
Letting an engine idle does more damage to the engine than starting and stopping. Running an engine at low speed (idling) causes more wear on internal parts compared to driving at regular speeds, which can increase maintenance costs and shorten the life of the engine.
In the past, drivers were told their cars needed to warm up for five or 10 minutes before driving in winter. And that they would put more wear on their engines by turning them off and on, rather than by just letting them run. But with advances in automotive technology, that old advice has been rendered extinct.
As MotorBiscuit explains: “A lot of idling misinformation
The myth of needing to let your engine ‘warm up’ persists. But modern oil pumps can build enough pressure to run safely in 30-60 seconds.
comes from the cars of yesteryear. Carburetors fed fuel to many early cars, mixing liquid gasoline with air. Though a major advancement in their day, carburetors waste a fair amount of fuel on startup. Idling an old car for a few minutes might have been an environmentally friendly move. Not so with modern, fuel-injected cars today. In addition, some even older cars took several minutes to build enough oil pressure to fully lubricate their engine. Because of these cars, the myth of needing to let your engine “warm up” persists. But modern oil pumps can build enough pressure to run safely in 30-60 seconds.”
Vermont is among 31 states and Washington D.C. that have legislation specifically addressing vehicle idling.
Vermont’s Vehicle Idling Law (V.S.A. Title 23 Chapter 013 Section 01110), Act 57, was signed into law in May 2013 and includes a provision that, effective May 1, 2014, limits all motor
vehicle idling to five minutes in any 60-minute period with some exceptions.
Vermont’s School Bus Idling Rule on School Property law states that “buses shall not idle while picking up and dropping off children on school property.”
So, for many reasons, letting our car’s combustion engine run while parked is not the best way to go. Any more than five minutes of engine idling per hour in Vermont is illegal. And any amount of idling emits pollutants that threaten many of our core Vermont industries and contribute to the climate crisis, all while endangering the health of your family and
neighbors as you run down your engine and get 0 miles per gallon. Again, here are the important words: Please don’t idle your vehicle while it is parked.
To participate in Williston’s energy future, reach out to your Williston Energy Committee at energy@willistonvt.org or attend a public meeting held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The agenda for upcoming meetings is posted on the Town of Williston website (www. town.williston.vt.us). For more information, visit: https://www. willistonvtenergycommittee.org.
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Member:
Student support
While the results of the library vote were incredibly disappointing, it was so inspiring to have so many kids participate in the efforts and to see how deeply they cared about the vote.
I am grateful for all the wonderful people in this town that I met while working together to support a cause we all believe so deeply in. This may not be the outcome we hoped for, but the conversation about the future of our library is far from over. The need that drove the expansion plan still exists.
Thank you to everyone who showed support of the project and who is looking forward to developing the next chapter in the weeks to come.
Lauren Miles
Where we go from here
We want to provide an update and next steps on the Village Vibrancy Project, first approved by just 47 votes on Town Meeting Day and then, on May 19, that approval was reconsidered and rescinded by 60 votes.
It should be acknowledged that both elections were incredibly close. Also, the voter turnout for the May 19 reconsideration vote, which was a special election, was unusually high.
We are fortunate our community cares so much to make their voice heard at the polls. As we head back to the drawing board, this is all important feedback. We assure you that we will continue
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
to ask for feedback from the community for the next iteration of this project.
Our first step will be to assess ways to reduce the overall cost of the project. From all that we heard from voters who didn’t favor the project, this was the most common complaint. As we revisit the design, we will be incorporating other feedback from the community into our next design as well.
Our goal is to use the current plan as a jumping off point to develop a library renovation and expansion project that meets the needs of our community at a lower price point. Several years of community feedback went into the most recent design — for example, the strong preference of
keeping the library in the Village — and we do not want to lose that important work, but rather build upon it.
As town leaders continue to map out next steps, we will keep you updated. For now, know that we expect to hold listening sessions, present a revised project, determine the funding structure and discuss bond funding further in the coming months.
Charity Clark, Chair, DAML Board of Trustees
Ted Kenney, Chair, Williston Selectboard Kevin Unrath, Director, DAML Erik Wells, Town Manager, Williston
Y not?
I want to thank everyone who participated in the recent library vote. It was impressive to see such a significant turnout, with an additional 657 people voting compared to the previous vote.
Seeing seniors with limited mobility, families with small children, and parents bringing their adult children to vote for the first time was truly inspiring. This high level of engagement demonstrates that this issue is meaningful to everyone and underscores that affordability remains a critical concern for Vermonters.
Now let’s look forward. Let’s add real value to Williston with something everyone can see LETTERS page 7
Williston Children show their support for the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, campaigning for a ‘no’ vote to reconsider the library expansion bond during last Tuesday’s election. OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO BY LAUREN MILES
continued from page 6
benefit from and build a stronger community.
Williston wants a community center, senior center and child center. Let’s do one better — let’s get a YMCA.
Unlike the library expansion project that would cost Williston taxpayers $14 million, not including the yearly operational cost being close to $1 million and the loss of 30% of our village green space, we can have one of the most reputable non-profit community organizations to provide just about everything Williston needs at little to no cost to Williston taxpayers.
Like Burlington’s YMCA has, we can leverage local business and public donations to fund a facility in Taft Corners.
Taft Corners is the community hub of Williston with restaurants, stores, a movie theater, a green and housing all connected by walking and bike paths that could lead to a new YMCA.
The YMCA has everything
LIMITED TIME
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
our community needs: child care, education, swimming, sports, fitness, and more.
Importantly, the town would not be responsible for the operation, staffing, maintenance or financial liabilities of the facility. This model provides an affordable, high-quality resource for our residents without increasing the tax burden.
I encourage you to look at the success of the Burlington YMCA as a model for what we can achieve. Let’s work together to build a stronger community by bringing a YMCA to Williston.
David Martel Williston
Questionable representation
Good reporting by Emma Green (“Four arrested at protest against ICE at Williston facility” May 2), but the article failed to mention that Peter Booth — in this, his second time arrested at the Williston ICE facility — is a member of the Jericho Selectboard.
While I admire Peter for his convictions, would Peter perhaps let the people of Jericho know what lead him to “cross the line” from a peaceful protest to unlawful trespass?
Many, I’m sure, support Peter’s efforts, but do laws not apply to everyone?
For those who may be in this country illegally but have been here for years and try to assimilate, I favor immigration reform. Others should enter legally, or the laws to protect us as citizens mean nothing.
Robert Devost Jericho
If not now, when?
In 2017, the Town of Middlebury pitched a plan to voters to expand its library for $9.6 million. The project wasn’t approved until 2023, at which point the final bill for the expansion had risen to nearly $17 million.
I had hoped Williston could avoid that same mistake, but here
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we are. On May 19, the library expansion bond was shot down by a mere 60 votes. And unlike the project’s opponents, those of us who felt (and still feel!) passionate about the project have no choice but to respect the vote.
The fact that the vote was close does still provide me with some solace. This wasn’t a resounding undeniable victory for the folks trying to “reject and revise” the expansion. This was the victory of a coin toss. The first vote went one way. The second went the other way. Both times the margins were slim.
It also means there’s a strong contingent of people in our community who recognize the need for the library to expand — a recognition that’s only likely to grow as time goes on. Even among those opposed to the previous expansion plan, there’s been an emerging admission that the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library isn’t adequate to the growing needs of Williston.
Those needs aren’t going away. Something will have to be done eventually. The only question is
how long we keep kicking the can down the road. Even if an eventual library expansion is reduced in size, the rising costs of material and labor will only make it more expensive the longer we wait.
The question now isn’t if we need to expand. It is: How much more do you want to pay for less? Stew Shearer Williston
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Please include your name, town or city where you live and a daytime phone number (which we won’t print) so we can verify you wrote the letter.
The deadline is Monday at noon for letters to be printed in Thursday’s paper.
Email: editor@willistonobserver.com or mail to Williston Observer, P.O Box 1401, Williston, Vt. 05495
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HANGING BASKETS
MAY 15
WILLISTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
canceled before crews arrived.
• 1:33 a.m. — Fire crews assisted a resident with a lift assist call on Eagle Crest.
• 3:46 p.m. — Firefighters investigated an odor complaint on Allen Brook Lane.
• 7:42 p.m. — Crews responded to an outside construction waste fire on Butternut Road.
MAY 16
• 1:04 a.m. — Firefighters responded to an accidental fire alarm activation on Porterwood Drive.
• 2:01 a.m. — Crews investigated a malfunctioning alarm on Sundown Drive.
• 9:52 a.m. — Fire personnel provided lift assist services on Brookside Drive.
• 11:47 a.m. — A response to West Street in Essex Junction was
• 1:23 p.m. — Firefighters responded to a motor vehicle collision on James Brown Drive.
• 8:48 p.m. — Crews investigated a fire/smoke alarm activation on Eagle Crest.
MAY 17
• 4:41 a.m. — A response to Porterwood Drive was canceled before arrival.
• 9:49 p.m. — Firefighters responded to an accidental alarm activation on North Williston Road.
MAY 18
• 11:57 a.m. — Crews investigated a report on Porterwood Drive but found no incident upon arrival.
• 1:10 p.m. — Fire personnel assisted with a citizen service call on Old Creamery Road.
MAY 19
• 3:38 p.m. — A response to CVU Road in Hinesburg was canceled before crews arrived.
• 9:07 p.m. — Fire crews assisted with a lift assist call on Commons Road.
MAY 20
• 4:50 a.m. — Firefighters responded to a fire/smoke alarm on Zephyr Road.
• 11:19 a.m. — Crews investigated a fire/smoke alarm activation on Tyler Way.
• 12:42 p.m. — Firefighters responded to a fire/smoke alarm on Talcott Road.
• 1:07 p.m. — Crews investigated a fire/smoke alarm activation on Krupp Drive.
• 3:06 p.m. — A response to Interstate 89 southbound in South Burlington was canceled before arrival.
• 5:40 p.m. — Firefighters responded to a fire/smoke alarm activation on Walnut Walkway.
• 4:27 p.m. — Firefighters responded to an accidental alarm on Sutton Farm Drive.
Open House Saturday May 30th 11am-1pm
Community Garden
Two accessible raised beds have been put in as a Scout Eagle Project by Zach Pratt. If you would like to garden and have mobility issues, please contact the Recreation Department by email at recreation@willistonvt.org.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
COLLEGE PLANNING
WORKSHOP
Ages 14-plus. “Preparing for College Admissions: What Matters and When.” In this workshop on Thursday, June 18 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., co-founders of Summit Academic Support, Maggie Finn and Jacklyn Angell, explain how strong college applications are built, what
colleges look for beyond grades and test scores, and how families can support students. This workshop is designed to be informative, reassuring and practical, with time for questions. Register at www. willistonrec.org.
ADULT PROGRAMS
PICKLEBALL 101
Focus on the fundamentals of pickleball, including shot selection, court strategy, drills and playtime. Bring a paddle or borrow a loaner. This clinic is intended for players who already know the rules. Instructor: Corey Gottfried. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 26-28, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $75.
PICKLEBALL 102
A program for players familiar with the game, Pickleball 102 will focus on refining skills. This clinic is intended for participants who have been playing for 6-12 months. Bring a paddle or borrow a loaner. Instructor: Corey Gottfried. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 16-18, 5:30-7:30 pm, $75.
RETIREMENT PLANNING SEMINAR
Whether you are beginning to plan for retirement or want to make sure you are on the right path, this session will help you understand the key steps to create a secure and enjoyable future. Instructor: Hammond Iles Wealth Advisors staff. Thursday, June 4, 5-6:30 p.m. $10.
FRENCH FOR TRAVELERS
Whether you are planning a trip to Montréal, Quebec City or Paris, this fun and interactive class will help you in your upcoming travels. You will learn to introduce yourself, make small talk, order food in a restaurant, ask directions and
shop for souvenirs. The class is taught by an experienced teacher who has lived in France. Some previous language study is required. Instructor: Louis Giancola. Tuesdays, June 9-30, 6:30-7:30 p.m. $42.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
TRACK & FIELD
Ages 6-14. Participants will learn the basics of running, jumping, throwing and relays. There will be meets with other area Rec Department teams. Practices are Monday and Wednesday evenings. Athletes ages 7-14 will have the opportunity to participate in a state championship on Saturday, July 18. Director: Catherine Moller. Mondays and Wednesdays, June 15-July 15, 6-7:30 p.m., $60.
FOUNDATIONS OF MAGIC CAMP
Ages 8-12. Discover the art of sleight-of-hand wonderment in this fun and engaging magic camp led by master magician Billy Martin. Campers will learn the foundations of classic
sleight-of-hand and beginner friendly magic. This camp focuses on building confidence, coordination and creativity while introducing participants to the performance side of magic. All materials and props are provided by the instructor. Take home magic materials are included in the camp fee. Instructor: Wendy and Billy Martin.
PHYSICS FUN & OUTER SPACE CAMP
Ages 7-11. Come join an exciting world of space exploration as you build and take home your very own orbiting solar system kit. You will assemble your own model, learn all about our planetary neighborhood, and watch the planets move around the sun with a wind-up motor inside. Take part in other exciting activities involving physics, air pressure and density. Check out a real meteorite fragment sample. Assemble and take home your own stunt plane and learn about the four major forces of flight. Instructor: Minds in Motion Staff.
Big Sky Country
“Montana” comes from the Spanish word for mountain. But only the western half of the state actually has the Rocky Mountains.
Mini Fact: Montana is the fourth-largest state by area and the eighth least populated.
Next Week: It’s World Cup time!
Meet a Montana artist
Charles M. Russell (1864-1926) is famous for his paintings and sculptures of cowboys and Indians in the Old West. He also wrote stories about that life.
The east is made up of wide-open plains, giving our 41st state the nickname “Big Sky Country.” Its northern border is shared with the Canadian provinces Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Montana became a state in 1889.
Montana history
Native American tribes including the Crow, the Cheyenne, the Blackfeet and the Salish once lived where Montana is. After the Lewis and Clark Expedition, fur traders moved in, sometimes bringing diseases that killed native peoples.
Most of Montana was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Fifty years later, gold was discovered at Gold Creek, and soon miners also found silver, copper, lead and coal. More and more settlers arrived, and native people were driven onto reservations.
Montana’s capital is in Helena, but the biggest city in the state is Billings, with about 200,000 in the metro area.
Natural Montana
Along with the Rocky Mountains, 10 national forests cover about a quarter of the state. The large Missouri River has its start in southwestern Montana. Yellowstone National Park, famous for its geysers, lies partially
Try ’n’ Find
in Montana, and Glacier National Park, with beautiful lakes, glaciers and meadows, is in the state.
Montanans enjoy mild summer temperatures but have to endure cold winter weather, with snowfall averaging 30 to 50 inches each year in the bigger cities.
Russell grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. From the time he was a child, he loved watching the fur trappers, explorers and soldiers who came to St. Louis from the frontier. He dreamed of becoming a cowboy. He was constantly drawing or making small sculptures of animals with wax and clay.
At 16, he went to work on a Montana sheep ranch. He fell in love with the area and stayed in Montana for 46 years.
Respecting Native
Americans
Russell was as interested in Native American cultures as he was in cowboys. He lived during the summer and winter of 1888 with a band of Blood Indians. He learned their language, stories and customs.
Living in Montana
People in the state work in tourism, lumber, mining and farming, raising animals and crops such as wheat and barley.
For fun, Montanans like to hike, downhill and cross-country ski, hunt, ride horses and snowmobile.
Montana has the most grizzly bears of any of the lower 48 states. During the 1800s, bison were hunted nearly to extinction, with only about 500 animals left in the United States. In more recent years, about 31,000 wild bison roam in Montana and other areas. It is the national mammal of the United States.
Words that remind us of Montana are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
He defended Native American rights even though this was often an unpopular stand. He also fought to preserve the environment of the Great Plains and Montana.
The C.M. Russell Museum is in Great Falls, Montana.
Wildlife:
Mini Jokes
Molly: What do you call bears with no ears? Mason: B!
Mary Anne: Its shadow!
Mikey: What’s as big as a bison but weighs nothing?
Founded by Betty Debnam Issue
photo by Rem Koc
The Continental Divide is an imaginary line running partly through Montana that separates the flow of our continent’s rivers. On one side, the rivers flow east into the Atlantic Ocean. On the other side, rivers flow west into the Pacific.
Fly fishing is especially popular in Montana.
Russell’s painting A Cree was painted in 1910.
photo by Daniel Mayer
Williston
state. The large Missouri River has its start in southwestern Montana. Yellowstone National Park, famous for its geysers, lies partially
Try ’n’ Find
In more recent years, about 31,000 wild bison roam in Montana and other areas. It is the national mammal of the United States.
Words that remind us of Montana are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
BIG SKY, BISON, BLACKFEET, CHEYENNE, COAL, COPPER, CROW, DIVIDE, FOREST, GEYSER, GOLD, GRIZZLY, HELENA, LEAD, MONTANA, RIVER, RUSSELL, SALISH, SILVER, SNOW, TOURISM.
Cook’s Corner
Pretzel Chicken
You’ll need:
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup pretzels
• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch strips
What to do:
1. Place melted butter in a medium bowl.
2. Place pretzels in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
3. Dip each piece of chicken in butter to coat on both sides.
4. Drop strips, one at a time, in bag of crushed pretzels. Shake well to coat.
Mini Jokes
Molly: What do you call bears with no ears?
Mason: B!
Mikey: What’s as big as a bison but weighs nothing?
Mary Anne: Its shadow!
Eco Note
5. Place strips on a greased baking sheet. Cook in a preheated 350-degree oven for 15 minutes or until done. Serves 4.
You’ll need an adult’s help with this recipe.
An unusually warm and dry winter in northwestern Wyoming has prompted large numbers of elk to leave the National Elk Refuge weeks earlier than normal. Observers reported that at least 1,600 elk had already migrated toward Grand Teton National Park by early January, with more herds departing through late winter. Little snow cover and abundant forage at higher elevations reduced the need for the animals to remain on the refuge, where 6,000 to 8,000 elk typically winter. There was no supplemental feeding this season because snowpack was so low. The early migration may be another sign of a warming climate reshaping seasonal wildlife patterns.
For later:
Look in your local newspaper for news about the Rocky Mountains.
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
Can men get osteoporosis, or is it mostly a problem for women? When I fell and broke my wrist last winter, the ER doctor told me I might have osteoporosis, but I never followed up. What can you tell me?
— Almost 70
Dear Almost,
A lot of people think osteoporosis is only a women’s issue, but men can get it too — especially as they get older. And like women, men often don’t realize they have
it until a bone breaks.
Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because it weakens bones over time, making them thin, brittle and more likely to break, usually without any warning signs. While women are about four times more likely to develop it, men aren’t immune.
About 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and another 12 million have low bone density, known as osteopenia, which can eventually progress to the disease.
One of the biggest problems is that men are less likely to be tested. Even after a fracture like yours, many never get a bone density scan. Doctors sometimes overlook it in men, and men themselves may not realize they’re at risk. The bones most often affected are the hip, spine and wrist — and hip fractures in particular can lead to serious complications and long recoveries.
WHO IS AT RISK
In women, menopause speeds up bone loss. In men, it usually happens more gradually, but age is still a major factor. Your risk rises if you are over 70, thin or underweight, smoke, drink heavily, have a parent with osteoporosis or have already broken a bone.
Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk. These include rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, low testosterone, overactive thyroid, COPD and kidney or liver disease. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or a past stroke can raise the risk because they affect balance and mobility. Long term use of corticosteroids, some prostate cancer treatments, acid reflux drugs, antidepressants and anti-seizure medications can weaken bones too.
TESTING
A smart next step is a bone
density test. All men 70 and older should talk to their doctor about being screened. Men over 50 who’ve had a fracture or have other risk factors should get tested too. The scan is simple, painless and takes only a few minutes. Medicare and most private insurance plans usually cover it.
PREVENTION
When it comes to protecting your bones, the basics really matter. Get enough calcium from foods like low fat milk, yogurt and cheese, leafy green vegetables, beans, almonds and canned salmon or sardines. Men under 70 need about 1,000 milligrams a day. Those 71 and older need 1,200 milligrams.
Vitamin D is just as important because it helps your body absorb calcium. Most adults over 50 need 800 to 1,000 international units daily, through sunlight, food or a supplement if needed.
Regular weight bearing
exercise such as walking, along with strength training two or three times a week, helps build and maintain bone. It also improves balance, which can prevent falls. You should also avoid smoking, and limit alcohol and caffeine.
TREATMENT
If testing shows significant bone loss, medications such as Fosamax, Actonel, Reclast, Prolia, Forteo or Tymlos may be prescribed. Your doctor can explain the benefits and possible side effects and help you decide what is appropriate.
Since you have already had a fracture, this is not something to ignore. A simple test and a plan now could help you stay strong and avoid a more serious break down the road.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law.
• In 1937, the government of Germany formed the automobile company that would later be known as Volkswagen.
• In 1961, English lawyer Peter Benenson’s article “The Forgotten Prisoners” was published in London, forming the basis for the human rights organization Amnesty International.
TODAY’S FACT:
• Leonardo Da Vinci’s biographer described “The Last Supper” as “ruined” by deterioration less than 60 years after the painting’s completion. Da Vinci’s masterpiece was put back on display in Milan, Italy, on this day in 1999, after a 21-year restoration.
CLASSIFIEDS
GARAGE SALE
GARAGE SALE — 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, June 6 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, June 7. Churchview Drive, Williston.
NEIGHBORHOOD GARAGE
SALE—Multi Family. Sat., June 6, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. rain or shine.Chatham
Woods-Williston: Michael Lane off No. Williston Rd.
FOR SALE
APPLIANCE SALE—Kenmore fridge, GE dishwasher, Kenmore gas dryer, GE Stove, Kohler & Campbell piano, large desk. Pick up by buyer required. Contact cymln2@yahoo.com.
LAWN EQUIPMENT SALE — Craftsman 42” garden tractors, wagon attachment, sweeper attachment, spreader attachment. Pick up by buyer required. Contact cymln2@yahoo.com.
To place a classified ad, email Adam@willistonobserver.com or call (802) 338-1655
Runs great/drives well. 207,417 miles. Very clean underneath.
TRANSMISSION IS MISSING 3RD AND 4TH. Needs rockers under plastics and passenger-side window and wing mirror. No middle seats.
Deadline for classifieds is Monday Having a
$1,100/ Bill of sale only. More photos/info/contact
https://www.facebook.com/ share/18D9qXQUwT/
Place a free classified. Call 802-373-2136. 50 word maximum. Monday deadline There is no guarantee of placement.
RABIES BAIT continued from page 2
Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its
saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.
So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.
week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal disease.
According to wildlife officials, rabid animals often show a change in their normal behavior, but you cannot tell whether an animal has rabies simply by looking at it. People should not touch or pick up wild animals or strays – even baby animals.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals. It is most often seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats, but unvaccinated pets and livestock can also get rabies. The virus is spread through the bite of an infected animal or contact with its RABIES BAIT
LOOKFORUS
ANDUBEREATS
Tennis time
CLOCKWISE (l to r): CVU’s Chapin Grubbs stretches to make a return during the Redhawks’ win over the Colcheser Lakers on May 19 in Colchester. Rylee Makay serves the ball. Justyna Amblo bends down low to make a return.
OBSERVER
Talks
continued from page 1
themselves and their families, it affects more than the individual,” said Hinesburg Community School paraeducator Sunshine Ouimette, “it impacts staff wellness, morale, retention and ultimately the stability our students experience in school communities.”
“One job should be enough,” she said.
Rachel Winer, a paraeducator at Allen Brook School in Williston, cited the Northeast region’s consumer price index to note that the cost of living has increased 4.4% over the past year.
“Costs have been going up significantly for pretty much everything, including … food, fuel and housing,” she said.
Staff members received annual cost-of-living increases in the current contract of 7% in 2023 and 5% in 2025. In 2024, they received an across-the-board hourly pay raise of $1.60. District administrators have pointed to salary increases as the primary driver of annual school budget increases.
Williston Central School paraeducator Julia Nesbit said that off days embedded in the school calendar create additional financial hardships. There are about 20 mandatory unpaid days throughout the school year, she said. Of the 22 two-week pay periods during the school year, less than half are full paychecks.
School board chair Meghan Metzler sits on the HR Committee and has been present for the negotiations. In a written statement, she said: “The CVSD board and the (union) continue to work together in good faith to reach an understanding, as evidenced by the tentative agreements reached on many items our teams negotiated throughout the school year. Going forward, the board and (union) will work toward a negotiated agreement with the support of a mediator.”
Mantagaris, the union’s lead negotiator, said: “While wages remain unresolved, we remain hopeful that mediation will lead to a fair and mutually beneficial outcome.”
Allen Brook School paraeducator Rachel Winer speaks during a May 19 meeting of the Champlain Valley School Board.
PHOTOS BY AL FREY