Excitement builds for improved cell coverage in village
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
A sense of relief and urgency filled the room Tuesday as representatives of Verizon presented a new plan to bring cell phone coverage to Williston Village.
Leaving behind its controversial proposal to place antennas in the steeple of the Old Brick Church, a beloved historic townowned landmark, Verizon now is
Williston Schools Lead Principal Greg Marino expresses “strong, strong support” on Tuesday at Town Hall for a plan from Verizon to improve cell service in Williston Village with antennas on the police department’s roof.
OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR
eyeing the roof of Williston Police Department headquarters across the street.
A local businessman, the lead principal of Williston Schools and a police lieutenant all urged the selectboard to proceed with the plan during the board’s meeting Tuesday at Town Hall.
“I conduct business from my house, and it’s highly unprofessional to drop a call when you are talking about a contract, for example,” said village resident Andy Duback. “I’m very much in support of a solution for the village to have cell coverage. This (proposal) seems good to me, and I hope it goes forward.”
Verizon’s plans call for construction of an addition — a “cupola” — on the police department’s roof to house three antennas, plus some outdoor infrastructure in an area currently fenced in behind the building.
Verizon representative Andrew Davis said the location will be just as effective in improving cell phone coverage as the Old Brick Church steeple, but unlikely to generate the same public opposition.
“This would be a better fit for most folks in terms of aesthetics,” Davis said. “There is considerable sentiment toward the historic nature of the (Old Brick Church).”
Police officers, for their part, are in unanimous support, according to Lt. Eric Shepard.
“We’re excited to have service,”
5
Town Hall parking lot construction starts Monday
Construction will begin Monday on upgrades to the parking lot at Town Hall.
The estimated $350,000 project was reduced in scope after voters twice rejected borrowing requests from town administrators during elections in March and November of 2024.
With a $200,000 grant from the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s Downtown Transportation Fund and money left over from the Bidenera American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, town administrators fit the
project into the municipal budget for the new fiscal year, which began Tuesday.
Better lighting and drainage are the primary elements of the upgrades, aimed at improving safety for town staff and visitors to Town Hall and the police department. Two electric vehicle chargers will also be installed, one for public use and one for town staff; the town intends to add an electric police car and an electric car for the Public Works Department in the coming year, according to Town Manager Erik Wells.
The original scope of work included an expansion of 30 parking spaces — and a $900,000 price tag. The revised plan doesn’t add parking spaces, but will reconfigure the current parking layout, Wells said. During construction, the parking lot will be reserved mostly for town staff and police officers. There will continue to be limited public parking between the Town Hall Annex and the National Guard Armory next door.
The project is expected to be completed by mid-August.
Jason Starr
Fans of all ages enjoyed ‘Little Lies,’ a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, at the Maple Tree Place Thursday Night Concert Series on June 26.
OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY
B PARTY
Around Town
Lafayette monument added to Town Green
The Williston Historical Society unveiled a monument on the Town Green last week to Marquis de Lafayette, a French soldier of the late 1700s who joined the American Revolutionary Army under George Washington.
The plaque marks a point on the trail Lafayette took on his final tour of America in 1825 and is part of a 200th-year anniversary that includes installations in 26 U.S. states.
July Fourth festivities start Thursday
Williston’s annual Independence Day Celebration kicks off Thursday in Williston Village. The Friends of the Library Book Sale begins at 4 p.m., followed by an Ice Cream Social and Town Band Concert at 6:30 p.m.
A fireworks show is planned for nightfall on July Fourth at Village Community Park. Prior to that, the town’s annual parade down Williston Road will kick off at 10 a.m., and activities for all ages will go on throughout the day on the Town Green.
On July 5, the Deb Beckett Memorial 5K Run/ Walk at Village Community Park will conclude the three-day event.
For more details, visit the town website at https://www.town.williston.vt.us.
Eagle Scout project honors fallen friend
details, visit willistonobserver.com.
Williston Scout Cooper Freeman installed two benches at Williston Little League field in Village Community Park in June to complete his Eagle Scout project.
The Eagle Scout rank is the highest achievement in Boy Scouting.
Freeman’s project was dedicated to the memory of his close friend Nate “The Sizzler” Couture, a Williston native and baseball player who passed away in February of 2023.
THURSDAY, JULY 10
Maple Tree Place concert ♦ “Elvis Echoes of a Legend.” 6-8 p.m. Maple Tree Place green.
SATURDAY, JULY 12
“James and the Giant Peach” ♦ Lyric Theatre brings children’s theater to the library. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. showings. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. Tickets online at lyrictheatrevt.org/james-and-the-giant-peach.
An actor playing Marquis de Lafayette, left, joins Julien Pierre Icher, founder and president of The Lafayette Trail, Inc., center, and Aron Merrill, Williston Historical Society president, Sunday at the unveiling of a Lafayette trail marker on the Williston Town Green.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Eagle Scout Cooper Freeman installs one of two benches at the Williston Little League field as part of his Eagle Scout project in June.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Preschool opens in historic building
BY TRENT SNYDER Special to the Observer
On the corner of Williston Road and Route 2A, Crockett Academy, a day care and preschool, has recently opened up in the historic building once known as the “Calvin Morris Tavern,” or “Blair House.”
Crockett Academy is like many other day cares, providing a space for kids between 6 weeks and 6 years of age, however it also has a focus on an academic curriculum, says Phoenix Crockett, CEO of Crockett Academy.
“One thing that Vermont child care does really well is nature-based and play-based programming,” he said. Crockett Academy seeks to combine this approach with “an early base in literacy and numeracy to set kids up for success.”
The academy, which opened in the spring, currently has 22 children enrolled. Over time, Crockett hopes to expand to create room for more kids, and possibly open other locations.
While the building’s exterior is showing signs of neglect, the inside has been renovated. A new paint job for the exterior is in the works, but a more complete exterior makeover is a long-term goal.
“We are happy to see the building put to use in a way that serves the families and community of Williston,” said landowner Alex Judge of Williston-based Judge Development Corp.
Crockett grew up in northern Maine and moved to Vermont to study psychology at UVM. He moved to Williston after graduating, got a master’s in education, and began teaching at UVM.
Over time he discovered a passion for teaching younger ages, and slowly worked his way down to the early childhood education world, where he met his wife Megan. The couple decided to start Crockett Academy because they noticed the overwhelming need for child care in the community.
Let’s Grow Kids, a Vermont-based organization that lobbies for family friendly legislation, notes on its website: “Three out of five of Vermont’s youngest children don’t have access to quality child care. Approximately 10,600 child care slots are still needed to meet the current demand.”
Low wages have historically been a deterrent for people entering the field of child care, thus limiting the number of child care spots available. Recent legislation, like the 2023 Child Care Bill (Act 76), has moved
Feel Better… Grow Stronger!
the needle on making child care more affordable through increasing financial aid opportunities and raising wages for child care workers through increased state funding. That, in turn, has increased the number of available child care spots in the state, as well as the quality of education being provided.
Illustrating the need, Crockett Academy is already full in just its first few months of operation.
Child Care Resource, an organization that operates in Williston and serves the entire state, can help parents find open child care spots. For more information, go to https://www.childcareresource.org/.
The historic building at the corner of Williston Road and Route 2A is now occupied by the day care and preschool, Crockett Academy. OBSERVER
As executive order ends, hundreds exit motels
This story, by Report for America corps member Carly Berlin and VTDigger reporter Greta Solsaa, was produced through a partnership between VTDigger and Vermont Public.
Chris Duprey was looking for a tent. One large enough to shelter his fiancée, his toddler and his 6-yearold kid.
It was time to check out of the Motel 6 in Colchester, where the family had lived for the better part of a year. They lost their manufactured home to the flood that swept through Plainfield last July, Duprey said. And now, the motel voucher that had allowed them to stay here was expiring.
“I’m hoping for a prayer right now,” said Duprey, 47, as he lingered in the motel parking lot Tuesday. Packing up the room proved too painful. “We need a prayer.”
This latest round of evictions from the motel program has specifically targeted families with children and people with acute medical needs, like those who are homebound or receiving cancer treatment. It is the result of the expiration of an executive order that extended motel stays for those groups, deemed by Gov. Phil Scott’s administration as the most vulnerable to harm if they lost shelter.
Over 800 people — including nearly 300 children — were slated to exit the program on Tuesday, according to data provided by the Department for Children and Families. (An additional 138 people were scheduled to exit the program between June 23 and July 1 because their vouchers had timed out, according to the department.)
A back injury Duprey suffered after a fall while on a construction job had left him unable to work — and addicted to painkillers. He and his partner, Jessica Delary, 31, each had a criminal history stemming from a period when both struggled with substance use disorder, which proved a barrier to getting an apartment, he said.
But for over a year, both Duprey and Delarey had been in recovery. They were focused on staying clean for the sake of their kids. Last month, their toddler had celebrated his first birthday at the motel where he’d spent most of his life, with a little party under the trees at the edge of the asphalt. They had recently landed a rental voucher, and were waiting to hear if a landlord they’d spoken to would accept it, but nothing was final.
By 11 a.m., the couple had decided to pay $80 out of pocket to stay at the motel one more night. They’d been calling around to service providers trying to find a tent, and
hadn’t landed one yet. Purchasing one themselves would eat into the $900 a month they survive on from state welfare funds. And then there was the cost of paying for a campsite with water and electricity during the peak summer season.
“We can’t even afford a campground,” Duprey said.
The executive order, signed by Gov. Scott in late March, granted a three-month extension for families with children and people with acute medical needs who were sheltered in motels “to allow time for DCF to ensure” they have access to services and supports needed to transition to a long-term housing, shelter, or health care placement.
Without the order, those groups would have faced eviction when the motel program’s more flexible
winter rules ended for the season in April. Democratic leaders in the Legislature had sought an extension for everyone sheltered through the program at that time, but Scott, a Republican, twice vetoed their effort — opting instead to protect a much narrower cohort his administration deemed most vulnerable.
Yet homelessness advocates had not anticipated a mass exodus upon the executive order’s expiration. Because the order stated that existing time limits on motel stays “shall be waived” between April and June, they expected people would have more days left to use after the order lifted, forestalling the next wave of evictions until later this year.
But DCF sent out notices in early June specifying that nights sheltered under the order would in fact count
toward each individual’s 80-day clock.
In recent days, service providers, Burlington city leaders and several lawmakers have issued letters to Scott imploring him to rescind those early-June notices, effectively giving motel residents more time in shelter. They have also called upon the governor to declare a state of emergency and direct officials to create shelters for people exiting the motels, among other demands.
So far, Scott has not taken action. A spokesperson for his office told VTDigger/Vermont Public in midJune that he did not intend to extend the executive order.
Miranda Gray, deputy commissioner of DCF’s economic services division, said in an email that the department is encouraging people slated to lose their motel rooms to connect with local housing agencies. State employees and contracted case managers “have been working with the households housed under the (executive order) to identify plans for July 1,” Gray said.
DCF has not provided data on how many households it has helped ensure alternative accommodations for past June 30.
Last fall, when Vermont saw a wave of families evicted from
see UNHOUSED page 5
Chris Duprey and Jessica Delary consider their options once they lose their room at the Motel 6 in Colchester on Tuesday. The couple and their two kids planned to move out on Wednesday. PHOTO BY GLENN RUSSELL/VTDIGGER
continued from page 1
he said.
Verizon has already submitted a consultant’s report on the radio frequency levels the antennae would emit, saying they are within Federal Communications Commission health standards for those working in the building, and at Town Hall next door. The only possible location where one could be exposed to greater than the FCC’s “maximum permissible exposure,” the report states, would be on the police department roof.
Verizon representative
Andrew Davis said the location will be just as effective in improving cell phone coverage as the Old Brick Church steeple, but unlikely to generate the same public opposition.
“In the event access to … the roof or proposed cupola where exposure may exceed limits is necessary, personnel should be informed of the exposure risks and Verizon should be contacted to coordinate any additional mitigation measures that may be needed (such as power reduction, or shutdown),” the report from New Hampshire-based C Squared Systems states.
Principal Greg Marino shared two recent emergencies when the lack of cell service at Williston Central School was a hindrance. In one case, when administrators had to evacuate the school due to the unauthorized discharge of a fire extinguisher, Marino could not maintain contact with the school district superintendent. In another case, a 911 call related to a student injury was dropped.
“It’s been very concerning for our safety committee not to have cell coverage,” Marino said. “It’s a serious issue not to be able to maintain a call.”
The selectboard plans to vote during its July 15 meeting whether to authorize Town Manager Erik Wells to negotiate a lease agreement with Verizon for the rooftop space.
Unhoused
continued from page 4
motels, the state opened a new family shelter at the Waterbury Armory. State officials shut it down on June 13. Asked if officials are considering reopening the shelter, Gray said that “all potential opportunities, including those involving existing facilities, are considered as part of this ongoing effort to expand safe and appropriate shelter capacity.”
In at least one instance, a municipality is preparing to offer a sanctioned location for people to park their vehicles and sleep overnight.
On July 4, the City of Burlington will begin allowing up to 12 vehicles to park overnight at Perkins Pier, at the foot of Maple Street along the city’s waterfront. The city plans to install an ADA-accessible porta-potty onsite, but the site does not have access to electricity or running
water.
Sarah Russell, Burlington’s special assistant to end homelessness, called the sanctioned parking area a “pilot” project and a “harm reduction strategy.”
In Burlington and elsewhere, service providers are handing out tents to people in need.
At the Econo Lodge in Rutland Tuesday morning, Brenda Siegel, executive director of End Homelessness Vermont, offered supplies for people exiting the motel voucher program like tents, sleeping bags, blankets and tarps that the organization had purchased.
End Homelessness Vermont and other emergency providers have been “repetitively drained” after each motel exit, Siegel said. The need around the state far outweighs the resources the organization has available to give to the unhoused, she said.
GUEST COLUMN
Minority report: Republican notes from the legislative session
BY SEN. SCOTT BECK AND REP. PATTIE MCCOY
In November, voters delivered a clear mandate, electing common sense Vermont Republicans to the Legislature in dramatic fashion. Vermont Republicans gained more state legislative seats than the rest of the states combined.
Vermont voters broke the legislative supermajority and ensured that America’s most popular governor would be an equal at Montpelier’s negotiating table.
Because of gains made by Vermont Republicans in the 2024 election, Vermonters could be assured that the worst ideas were blocked from becoming reality, especially the Clean Heat Standard. But being an obstacle isn’t enough to demonstrate true leadership. Vermont Republicans needed to show Vermonters that we could do more than just say no — we could deliver results.
Despite still being in the minority, we were able to accomplish what Vermont Republicans have
sought for years and would have seemed unimaginable until last year’s election.
For decades, we have fought to give military retirees the tax relief they deserve. Gov. Scott has pushed this idea for nine years.
We were able to pass S.51, which moves Vermont very close to a full repeal of income tax on military retirement. And we were able to provide tax relief for seniors on fixed incomes and working families.
Importantly, no tax rates were increased this year. The conversation in Montpelier has shifted from deciding which taxes to increase on already overburdened Vermonters, to deciding where we can actually provide tax relief and reduce costs. That would not have been possible without voter-empowered Republicans working closely with Gov. Scott.
Instead of last year’s double-digit education property tax rate increase imposed over Gov. Scott’s veto, Vermonters this fall will see only a 1.1 percent
Instead of last year’s double-digit education property tax rate increase imposed over Gov. Scott’s veto, Vermonters this fall will see only a 1.1 percent increase.
increase.
On housing, we passed the CHIP bill, which will unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in housing investments for communities across the state, big and small. For those who have been
following the housing conversation for a while, we’ve been pushing for this idea for years. Housing that middle-class working Vermonters can afford solves so many problems related to affordability.
On public safety, we passed initiatives that will help law enforcement and hold offenders accountable. It wasn’t nearly as much as we would have liked, but we made progress, and that wouldn’t have been possible without our unity and increased relevance.
We passed bills that will help lower health care premiums, which will make living and doing business in Vermont a bit easier. There is a lot more work to do, but we made progress and gained momentum.
We passed Right to Farm, which many have tried to solve
for years. Our increased presence actually led to cooperation between the Agriculture and Natural Resources committees. Most had given up on this ever happening. Republicans have supported repealing the mistakes of Act 60 for nearly 30 years. We seized the moment and have put Vermont on a path to overhaul our education funding system, provide taxpayers relief and increase opportunities for Vermont kids.
There’s a ton more we can point to. And we plan to continue showing Vermonters that the monumental change they supported in November is working.
Sen. Scott Beck of St. Johnsbury and Rep. Pattie McCoy of Poultney are Republican minority leaders in the Vermont Legislature.
The joyful path
Biking is a very fun thing to do. It doesn’t matter where you are.
I, myself, love biking and have always wanted to bike to school. But sadly, from Katie Lane, there is no bike path through the busy intersection of Mountain View Road.
Although a bike path would be great, I can imagine why there isn’t one: A 2-mile bike path would be quite expensive.
Although there are some downsides to the bike path idea, like the cost, there are some very strong upsides that tower
over the downsides. Biking to a friend’s house or a supermarket, or to work, to a restaurant, and even walking your dog, would be a huge improvement to the community.
And even though it would be very expensive to build this remarkable bike path, I’m sure it would bring much joy to the Town of Williston.
Olin Antonucci Grade Four Williston Central School
Disturbing the peace
We are belatedly responding to James Marc Lea’s submission
about the F-35 decibel level (“Decibel distinction” April 3).
We are appreciative of his effort to provide a factual description of the decibel levels.
Even if the 20 jets are not flying directly over all of Williston, they are a menace to the Lamplight Acres neighborhood and others close to the South Burlington line. If you haven’t experienced the sound in our area, you can’t imagine how loud and invasive it is.
Unannounced takeoffs occur across several days, ranging from two to six takeoffs twice a day, sometimes three times or four times a day. As many as 10 jets
LETTER POLICY: We ask that letters run no longer than 300 words. We edit for length, clarity, style, spelling and grammar. 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
have taken off sequentially.
The posted decibel ratings for our community are not credible. With a sound rating app, we measured 69 decibels as a low daily average on flight days. From our backyard, at takeoff, sound peaks at 96 decibels; with multiple takeoffs, the sustained average is 86 decibels.
This variability and noise level are disruptive to our peace. We can’t leave our windows open, talk on the phone, sit outside or go for a walk without dread that the planes will start up. The sound level is intolerable, and it is discouraging to have little support from community leaders.
Those of us who have had to live with this have heard all of the “patriotic” and “economic” rationales about why we should just deal — always from people who live outside the high impact zone. We are asking that, at the very least, the Town of Williston pass a resolution to request that our Congressional delegation find a quieter mission for the Burlington base. We are far behind Winooski, South Burlington and Burlington in addressing this matter and protecting vulnerable citizens.
Kim Butterfield and Michael Olson Williston
Ruth Anne Furman
Ruth Anne “Ruthie” Furman, 84, of Jericho, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
“Born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, I was the second child of Ruth and Sandy Fraser. Our family had a wonderful life on our farm in LaPrairie. I was a graduate of Greenway High School, class of 1958 and continued schooling at Itasca Junior College and Winona State College. I had a long career as an art teacher in Missoula, Montana; Kaiserslautern, Germany and at Champlain Valley Union High School.
It was wonderful to be a part of new endeavors and watch them evolve — Buff Ledge Camp, 1959; Champlain Valley Union High School, 1964; Camp ForMe,1995. Summers gave me good times at Buff Ledge Camp and Camp ForMe.”
“Anatol Furman and I were married October 14, 1978. His life enriched mine with his children, Natalie and Geoff. Our time together was an exciting adventure. He is always with me.”
“I have loved politics, writing, and Airedales. My vocation was my avocation and teaching art gave me so many wonderful people in my life.”
“I am predeceased by my parents, Ronald “Sandy” and Ruth Fraser, my siblings, Sheila, and Ronnie - all beloved. My beloved sister, Alice Siegriest (Ron) survives me as well as my children Natalie Nelson (Easton), Geoffrey Furman (Alethea Coulter); my 3 grandchildren Hardy Kent (Oceana Manbeck), Nadia Kent, Sarina Furman, and great grandson Hudson.”
Ruthie left a legacy of loving relationships and strong friendships that transcended generations, nurtured us all and brought her joy. She always seemed to know when to get in touch, either by a phone call, letter, package, or gift of food left on your doorstep. Her love for life and living inspired us all and her quick wit and amazing sense of humor kept everyone
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smiling even in the worst of times. Thank you, Ruthie.
Vermont friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of life at the Williston Federated Church on July 13, 2025 at 2 p.m. Minnesota friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of life on Aug. 9, 2025, Burial at the Itasca Calvary Cemetery at 10 a.m. and service at the Community Presbyterian at 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Williston Federated Church, Williston, VT or the Community Presbyterian Church, Grand Rapids, MN. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.
Thomas J. Greci
Thomas J. Greci, 72, of Williston, husband of the late Vicki A Greci, died peacefully on June 21, 2025, at McClure Miller Respite House following a long battle with cancer.
He was born May 5, 1953, in Hartford, CT, the son of the late Nicholas P. Greci Jr and Pearl (Mosher) Greci. He was a graduate of Avon High School, class of 1972. Thomas worked for the State of Connecticut as a correctional facilities plumber for over 20 years.
As a member of the Boy Scouts, Thomas achieved his Eagle Scout and he loved spending summers by the water at Otis Reservoir in Massachusetts. He lived in Connecticut for 65 years and moved to Vermont to be closer to family. He joyfully dedicated his time to volunteering at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Williston and was a proud member of Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by two daughters and two sons-in law, Alicia J. and Mark Dragon of Westford, and Angela and Tristan Brickell of Williston; three grandchildren, Richard and Rhett Dragon, and Paige Brickell; a brother, Nicholas P. Greci III and sister-in-law Laurie Greci of Sanbornton, NH.
He was predeceased by a sister Barbara Rosemary Greci.
A Mass Christian Burial was celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Williston honoring Thomas’s life of faith and service June 27. Interment will be St Ann’s Cemetery in Avon, CT.
Edward Francis Miles
Edward (Ed or Eddie) Francis Miles, 93, has finally passed away in Colchester, June 19, 2025, due to just being old.
He was a long-time resident of Williston but had resided at Green Mountain Nursing and Rehab Center for the past seven years.
Edward was born on Dec. 3, 1931 in Williston to Emerson and Adeline (Paya) Miles.
Edward was known by all in town as the bicycle repair guy. Many would recognize Edward walking back and forth to his bike shop several times a day. He was a very content man both when he was home and/or at his bike shop.
When children had a flat tire or a broken bicycle chain or needed a new bike pedal, they knew to go see Ed. He would also help out many of the town’s folks in fixing their lawn mowers. Lawn mowers and riding lawn mower tractors were another especially favorite of Ed’s. He was also known to take apart wristwatches and put them back together.
His true love however was his big tractor. His tractor had a lawnmower deck and snowblower attachment. He loved to clear the snow in the driveway during the winter months. In his earlier years he had worked at Earl’s Bicycles, located then in Burlington. He also worked part time for the Town of Williston in which he plowed the village sidewalks of snow. Lastly, Ed worked as a janitor for the Williston Armory.
Ed was a dedicated man, slow in nature, but very dependable.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, Emerson and Adeline, a brother, Emerson J. Miles, his half brother, Earl Wilkenson and sister in law, Marsha Wilkenson.
He leaves behind his sister-in-law, Shirley I. Miles of Williston, whom he resided with. He also leaves his nieces and nephews, Colleen J. O’Brien of White River Jct. Vt., Susan A. (Shaun) Trombley of Highgate, Vt, Lawrence E. (Lisa) Miles, of Colchester, Vt, James C. (Lynn) Miles, of Wallkill, NY, Keith Nelson-Miles (John) of Presque Isle, Me.
Arrangements are with the Ready Funeral and Cremation Servies. To send online condolences, please visit www.readyfuneral.com.
A private ceremony will take place at the Williston East Cemetery where he will join his brother, Emerson, in the family plot.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Children in fourth grade and younger must be supervised by someone over 16 years of age.
STORYTIME
Tuesdays, July 8 and 15, 10:30-11 a.m. Outdoors when weather permits.
MUSIC AND PLAYTIME
Thursdays, July 10 and 17, 10:3011:30 a.m. Outdoors when weather permits.
LEGO TIME
Thursday, July 10, 3-4 p.m. Drop in and build something exciting with our LEGO collection.
FRENCH STORYTIME
Saturday, July 12, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Drop in for stories read aloud in French.
BABY TIME
Wednesday, July 16, 10:30-11 a.m.
Ages 0-18 months. Drop in for gentle bonding and socializing activities.
TEEN NIGHT: FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Thursday, July 17, 5-5:55 p.m.
Ages 12-18. Join our teen advisory group to learn about volunteer opportunities and help plan for future library events. You bring the thoughts, we bring the food.
MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS
CRAFT CIRCLE
Monday, July 7, 5-6 p.m. Bring a project to work on in this social crafting time.
LYRIC THEATRE: JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m. and
Look Forward
To Coming Home
3 p.m. Reserve your seat for one of Lyric Theatre’s performances of “James and the Giant Peach.” Tickets are available online at: https://lyrictheatrevt.org/jamesand-the-giant-peach/. On the Town Green if weather permits; Old Brick Church in the event of rain.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE: COLOR OUR WORLD
June 14-Aug. 10. Williston and St. George residents only. All ages. Visit www.damlvt.org for details on registering for the summer reading challenge. Track your reading throughout the summer and earn raffle tickets and prizes.
ADULT PROGRAMS
For online programs or to join a book club, email daml@damlvt.org.
CURRENT EVENTS (HYBRID)
Wednesday, July 9, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Drop in to talk with community members about timely topics.
Move-In Ready Homes Available | THE ANNEX | Williston, VT
• Something for Everyone | 3-story townhomes, 2-story paired villas & 1-level carriage homes
• Modern Design | Efficient, innovative homes; main level owner’s suites
• In the Heart of Williston | Access to town bike paths; Close to shopping
• Focus on Fun | Park, pool, and bike paths
FIND THE HOME THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS TODAY!
Townhomes, Paired Villas & Carriage Homes Starting from the upper $500s
LIFE STORIES (ONLINE)
Wednesday, July 9, 2-3:30 p.m. Have fun as we share moments from our lives.
Adult RPG: Thursday, July 10, 6-8:30 p.m. Join our two-hour fantasy role playing game for adults. Register online at www.damlvt.org for more details.
ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)
Fridays, July 11, 12-12:30 p.m. Join our guided meditation to relax and recenter.
MAH JONGG
Fridays, July 11, 1-3 p.m. All abilities welcome.
BOOK CLUB BUFFET (ONLINE)
Tuesday, July 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m. “The Night Tiger” by Yangsze Choo.
FREE RAIN BARREL MAKING WORKSHOP
Tuesday, July 15, 6 p.m. at the Williston Rec Room. Open to Williston and St. George residents. All supplies are provided to make a rain barrel. Save water and help limit run-off. Register at www.damlvt. org. Power tools will be used. This is a partnership with the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District and Rethink Runoff.
The Elements of Art
Art is all around us — in our parks, post offices, houses of worship, schools and other public buildings. The buildings themselves may be works of art. Many towns have art museums or galleries. We often don’t really notice the art in our environment because we don’t take time to stop and look.
This week, The Mini Page learns more about the elements, or building blocks, of art. The building blocks
Artists use seven elements of art to create their works. These elements are:
• line • form • value
• space • shape
• color • texture
These elements allow the artist to deliver messages, make the viewer feel and think, tell stories or create beauty.
Drawing the line
The line is the main building block of art. It can be an outline, a shading line, straight, curved, zigzagging or spiral.
Different types of lines create different feelings. For example, how does a zigzagging line make you feel?
Zigzags can create strong emotions; they give a sense of energy and activity. Your eyes have to work harder, so there is more tension than if your eye just moved straight across the surface of the artwork.
What kind of feelings do curvy lines create? How about straight lines?
Folino’s
Shapes
Mini Fact:
The lines and colors of this felt banner (untitled) by Richard Anuszkiewicz make it seem as if the design is moving in and out.
Lines come together to form shapes. For example, three lines come together to form a triangle. Four lines may form a square. One continuous line that’s bent forms a circle. Shapes can be flat, or they can have depth.
Creating forms
When we add depth, shapes become forms with three dimensions: length, width and depth. For example, a square becomes a cube, a circle becomes a sphere and a triangle becomes a cone or pyramid.
Space
Shapes and forms exist in space. Space creates forms. Positive space is the part of the picture that your eye focuses on. It is the scenery, the person or the object that is the subject of the art.
Negative space is the empty space around the subject. It is the area around, above, below or within objects. It is the background.
Color
Next Week: I scream, you scream ...
Colors create moods and a sense of movement. If artists put contrasting colors, such as red and green, next to each other, the colors seem to vibrate.
Single colors can seem to move too. Warm colors, such as red, orange and yellow, look like they come forward in space. Cool colors, such as green and blue, seem to move back in space.
Texture
Texture is how a thing feels or how it looks like it would feel. Artists use elements such as light and dark to give materials such as cloth or glass a feeling of texture.
Value
In John Singleton Copley’s “Mrs. George Watson,” the dress looks satiny. How do you think the artist accomplished this?
Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color or hue.
Artists may lighten a color by mixing it with white, or darken it by mixing it with black. It’s especially easy to see value in black-and-white art and photographs.
Mac’s
Martone’s
Amanda: What did the artist draw before he went to bed? Alan: The curtains!
Founded by Betty Debnam
What kind of feelings do curvy lines create? How about straight lines?
Try ’n’ Find
Words that remind us of the elements of art are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Amanda: What did the artist draw before he went to bed? Alan: The curtains!
Eco Note
There has been an alarming rise in the number of people being stung by scorpions in Brazil, with reported cases soaring by 250% between 2014 and 2023. There were more than 1.1 million reported stings during the period, mainly attributed to rapid urbanization and climate change. Researchers say unplanned city growth, poor sanitation and warmer, wetter conditions have created ideal habitats for the scorpions, especially in sewers and debris-filled areas. Brazil’s highly poisonous yellow scorpion is said to be driving the increase.
For later:
Look in your newspaper for items about art shows and galleries in your area.
Teachers:
Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!
What is a spousal IRA?
Dear Savvy Senior,
What can you tell me about spousal IRAs? My spouse and I are in our 50s and are looking for ways to boost our retirement savings. My wife is a homemaker and caregiver and works part time too, but her income is very small.
Need a Boost
Dear Need,
Saving for retirement can be very difficult for married spouses who stay home to care for family or otherwise have scant income. But there is a little-known tax break offered by the Internal Revenue Service — known as a spousal IRA — that can help them and their partner save for retirement.
Spousal IRAs allow a working spouse to contribute to a nonworking or low-earning spouse’s retirement savings. They can be set up as a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, which allow couples to save for retirement on a tax-deferred or tax-free basis.
HOW THEY WORK
A spousal IRA isn’t a unique
By Jim Miller
type of IRA or a joint account, but instead it is a separate IRA opened and owned in the name of the nonworking or low-income earning spouse. This will not only help boost your family’s overall retirement savings, but it provides non-working/low-earning spouses access to their own funds in an unforeseen event like the death of their spouse, divorce or illness.
To qualify for a spousal IRA, spouses must file taxes jointly as a married couple, and the working spouse must have enough earned
income (taxable income such as wages, salary, bonuses, commissions and self-employment income) to cover contributions for both parties.
The process of opening a spousal IRA is also no different from opening a regular IRA. Brokerage firms and many banks and other financial institutions offer IRAs.
In 2025, each spouse under age 50 can contribute up to $7,000 annually to an IRA, or $8,000 annually for those over age 50, but the total contribution can’t exceed the taxable earned income reported on the couple’s tax return. Otherwise, the IRS limits contributions based on earned income.
ROTH OR TRADITIONAL?
Deciding whether to open a Roth or traditional IRA depends on your tax situation and financial goals.
Traditional IRA contributions typically are tax deductible the year in which they are made and are beneficial during high-income earning years. Contributions grow tax-free until they are withdrawn during retirement. see SAVVY page 15
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1775, George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army.
• In 1844, the last two confirmed great auk specimens were killed on the island of Eldey, off the coast of Iceland.
In 1863, an assault by Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Confederate forces failed, and the Battle of Gettysburg ended in a Union victory.
• In 1890, Idaho was admitted as the 43rd U.S. state.
• In 1998, Bill Clinton completed the first presidential visit to China since the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.
TODAY’S FACT:
• The world speed record for a steam locomotive is held by London and North Eastern Railway’s Mallard, which reached 125.88 mph on this day in 1938.
And Operators Lien
U-Haul of Williston 5010 Williston Rd Williston, Vt . 05495
On July 9th, 2025 at 9:00 am on www.storageauctions.com
The contents of the following units consisting of furniture, household goods and miscellaneous personal property will be SOLD to satisfy the lien of U-HAUL as self-storage operators. This Sale Is Held Under The Uniform Commercial Code Section 16a, Paragraph 7-210 Enforcement Of Vermont Self-Storage Lien.
Tido Whitney 1338
Shamar Waugh 2193
Bryant lagasse 2368
Daniel LaScala Okeefe 0144
Christine Edwards 1232
Jacob Allen 1108
Grace Weisman 1162
Kristen Curtis 2029
Steven Mermelstein 2020
Joshua Riopel 2087
Marguerite Christiansen 1207
Molly Duff 2245
Mark Conway 1350
Trevor Mobbs 0153
(1658) SUMMER FIREARMS ONLINE AUCTION
AUCTION CLOSES:
TUESDAY, JULY 15 @ 10AM
BIDDING IS NOW OPEN! Our firearms auction is shaping up to be a great auction! With 350 firearms, there is something for everyone, from the advanced collector to the weekend plinker.
Thomas Hirchak Company
FROM: Cathy Morneault
May 11 at 9:24 a.m. — Counterfeit money used at Walmart. Male suspect was issued a citation to appear in court for false pretenses.
Phone: 802-888-4662
refusing to leave. Female was moved along and issued a notice of trespass.
May 13 at 5:53 p.m. — Report of kids on dirt bikes going up and down North Brownell Road. Contact was made and they were advised to stop.
May 14 at 6:20 a.m. — Report of a female who set up a tent on private property on Williston Road. Female was moved along.
May 14 at 1:14 p.m. — Best Buy looking for assistance issuing a notice of trespass.
DON’T MISS...
(1659) SPORTING RELATED ONLINE AUCTION
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 @10AM
PREVIEW BOTH AUCTIONS: Monday, July 14 from 11AM-1PM 131 Dorset Lane, Williston, VT
THCAuction.com 802-888-4662
Email: Advertising2@THCAuction.com
May 11 at 2:49 p.m. — Report of a stolen cell phone at Starbucks. Phone was located and returned to the owner.
May 12 at 10:35 a.m. — Retail theft report at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Males were located and issued a notice of trespass.
May 12 at 11:50 a.m. — Report of a helicopter that landed on Mountain View Road. No injuries reported.
To: Rick & Susan Cote Paper: Williston Observer Max Length 12.5
May 12 at 3:07 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. Male and female suspects were located and issued citations to appear in court for retail theft, possession of stolen property and unlawful trespass.
May 12 at 11:06 a.m. — Patient at Clear Choice MD causing a disturbance and
TODAY’S DATE: 6/26/2024
May 13 at 1:52 p.m. — Assisted with paperwork service on behalf of courts.
NAME OF FILE: 07032025_WO
DATE(S) TO RUN: 7/03/2025
SIZE OF AD: 1/16 page (2” x 5”)
FULL-TIME POSITION –WORKING ROAD FOREMAN HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
EMAILED TO: Rick@Willistonobserver.com
Publishes in Williston Observer
SECTION: Auctions PO# 1658
The Town of Fletcher, VT, is accepting applications for a full-time Working Road Foreman with knowledge of highway equipment, general maintenance, and repairs. The qualified candidate must have a current CDL, a clean driving record, and understand that the position includes random drug and alcohol testing. This person will be responsible for daily operations of a three-person crew. Duties also include summer and winter maintenance of roads and bridges. Overtime required during adverse weather conditions. Pay will be no less than $32/hour but will be based upon experience and qualifications. An excellent benefit package is provided.
A full job description and application are available on our website at: fletchervt.net/2025/07/01/employment-opportunity-working-road-foremanposition-highway-department/ or picked up at the Fletcher Town Offices during regular business hours (Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday evening, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.).
Applications will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025.
Please contact the Town Office at (802) 849-6616 or town@fletchervt.net.
The Town of Fletcher is an EOE
May 14 at 1:22 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Old Navy. Female suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft and unlawful trespass.
May 14 at 5:22 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.
May 15 at 7:18 a.m. — Report of vandalism on Cypress Street. Case is under investigation.
May 15 at 10:12 a.m. — Suspicious males in Plato’s Closet. Both males were moved along and issued a notice of trespass. May 15 at 4:23 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.
May 16 at 5:20 a.m. — Stolen vehicle reported on Country Lane. Vehicle has not been located.
May 16 at 10:19 p.m. — Guests causing a disturbance at Sonesta. Parties were issued a notice of trespass.
May 17 at 8:27 p.m. — Counterfeit money used at Get Air. Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for false pretenses and passing illicit money. May 17 at 11:18 p.m. — Disturbance at Zephyr Place. Female suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for simple assault.
Officers also conducted 31 traffic stops and responded to eight alarm activations and five motor vehicle crashes.
continued from page 12
Roth IRA contributions aren’t tax deductible the year in which they are made, but qualified contributions plus any earnings grow tax-free and are withdrawn tax-free in retirement as long as the couple follows IRS rules. Among them: you must be 59½ and have held your Roth IRA for at least five years before you withdraw investment earnings tax-free and penalty-free.
There are also penalties for withdrawals on traditional IRAs before age 59½ unless the owner qualifies for an exception, and he or she must begin taking the annual withdrawals known as required minimum distributions (RMDs) from these plans the year he or she turns 73 (or 75 beginning in 2033). Roth IRAs don’t require RMDs until after the death of the owner. However, beneficiaries of a Roth IRA generally will need to take RMDs to avoid penalties, although there is an exception for spouses.
For more information on the IRS rules of both traditional and Roth IRAs, see IRS.gov/retirement-plans/ traditional-and-roth-iras.
Send your questions or comments to questions@ savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
To place a classified ad, email rick@willistonobserver.com or call 373-2136
Deadline for classifieds is Monday.
Green Mountain Volleyball sponsored a volleyball tournament on June 29 at Williston Central School.
