The flags flew and the trumpets blew as Willistonians and guests celebrated Independence Day on Saturday. These two, above, teamed up to make the most of activities of the day. See pages 2-7 for a scrapbook of the celebration and visit the Observer website for even more photos!
BY JASON STARR Observer staff
The Williston Selectboard appears ready to move forward with a $10.2 million library renovation and expansion and seek voter approval in November to finance $9 million of the cost.
The project is reduced in scope from the $14 million proposal voters rejected in May — a vote that came as a reconsideration of a narrow Town Meeting Day approval of the project. The revote was forced by a petition from residents opposed to the projected property tax impact associated with the construction debt the town would have to take on.
After the May reconsideration, the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Trustees began working on a new proposal,
consulting with Black River Design Architects to pare down the original scope while seeking to maintain as much as possible of the amenities residents requested during three years of public engagement that informed the original design. That plan would have nearly doubled
“This still takes our library very much into the future.”
Greta D’Agostino
Williston Selectboard
the size of the library, adding a two-story addition and a new parking lot, renovating the existing building and improving the adjacent Village Green.
The trustees had hoped to place a new bond financing question on the primary election ballot in August. But last month, the selectboard determined that
more time was needed to solidify the plan, and it re-oriented the process toward November. The board now has an Aug. 3 deadline to approve a ballot question for the Nov. 3 election.
In June, the trustees endeavored to survey residents about their priorities for an expanded library as well as the cost they would be willing to support. They published the survey online and on paper in the library lobby. In total, 473 people submitted responses. Trustee Karla Karstens said that the responses showed priorities that were in line with what residents asked for when the original design was formulated.
“The survey results kind of validated what we’ve been thinking all along,” she said.
However, the question asking how much cost taxpayers are willing to support for the project offered new information. A “less than $8 million” option see LIBRARY page 24
LaBarge an Air Force veteran and Burlington police lieutenant
OBSERVER STAFF REPORT
Brian LaBarge has accepted the position of Williston police chief.
LaBarge is currently the deputy chief of administration at the Burlington Police Department. He will take the place of Chief Patrick Foley, who retires at the end of July.
The town conducted a national search over the past several months, assisted by
Vermont-based law enforcement executive search consultant J.W. Leadership Consulting. About 24 candidates applied for the job, and four were prescreened and invited for interviews with a community panel that included town and state leaders, members of the police department,
Williston school leaders, local business owners and a community-based housing nonprofit. LaBarge was selected from three finalists.
His first day at the helm is scheduled for Aug. 3
“Williston is immensely fortunate to have Chief LaBarge
join our leadership team to guide our law enforcement services,” Town Manager Erik Wells said in a news release. “The search process yielded several high-caliber and qualified candidates for the position. Through a rigorous process Chief LaBarge emerged see POLICE CHIEF page 24
Female
Male
Female
Male
½-Mile Charlotte Ring Annie Kernoff
1-Mile
5K WALK
Samantha Chittenden (tie) Thomas Chittenden, Jr. (tie) Kim Chittenden
Male
Male
Female
Aaron Schwartz was the overall winner of this year’s 5K race, arriving at the finish line with a time just over 17 and a half minutes. Leading the women was Melanie Zimmerman, who finished fourth overall. Individual race times can be found on the Rotary Club of WillistonRichmond website: https://portal.clubrunner.ca/williston-richmond/
The event drew 92 runners, 30% more than last year. Thirty-nine walkers also completed the course.
The 5K that forms a part of Williston’s annual Independence Day festivities was dedicated in 2021 to the memory of longtime Williston Town Clerk and Treasurer Deb Beckett. The event is hosted by the Williston-Richmond Rotary Club where Beckett was an active member and former president. Proceeds from the race support Rotary community service projects and grants.
Beckett, who died in 2020 of cancer related to burn-pit exposure during her service with the Army National Guard, was particularly enthusiastic about celebrating the Fourth of July. Each year, family and friends form a big contingent of walkers and runners at the event.
The race was preceded by two short Kids Runs organized by Lauren Miles. The Lake Monsters’ Champ was on hand to greet fans and spur on the athletes.
Although always a huge success, the warm temperatures Friday night made this year’s offerings at the Ice Cream Social especially appreciated. Below, volunteers scoop and take topping orders.
Shelburne Museum stays open after hours on select summer evenings with live music, food trucks, access to galleries, and fun for the whole family!
5:30–7:30 p.m. June 25, July 23, August 27. Admission is free!
With live music each evening from: String band The Tenderbellies on June 25 Singer/songwriter Myra Flynn on July 23 Ray Vega Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble on August 27
This message was submitted by Williston Recreation and Parks Director Todd Goodwin.
Thank you to everyone who helped or participated in one or more of the Independence Day events this year. Thank you to all the town employees who set up and took down for the different events, the Police Department for directing traffic and keeping everyone safe, the Fire Department for being on call for emergencies and at the fireworks, and to those who participated in so many ways to make this celebration a success.
Thank you to the organizations who held an event this year: WillistonRichmond Rotary Club 5K Race, Federated Church Ice Cream Social, Town Band’s Concert, Friends of the Library Book Sale, Historical Society Stovepipe Corners Schoolhouse Open House, Old Brick Church Open House, and the Fire Department Open House.
Also thank you to all the vendors on the Village Green.
Thank you to the sponsors, Crosspoint Church for providing the activities after the parade and before the fireworks, Davis Reality for sponsoring the band at the evening celebration, and Myers Containers for supplying trash, recycling and compost bins. If you want to be a sponsor in next year’s celebration, contact the Recreation Department.
Thank you to Holly Amin for donating and driving the Grand Marshal’s car. Thank you also to the parade lineup organizers, the Lamb Family. Thank you to the Lewis Family for the use of their driveway and field at the Johnson Farm for the parade lineup. And finally, thank you to anyone we might have missed who took part or helped, and to the community and our visitors for helping to make this celebration fun and safe.
Hope to see everyone at next year’s celebration!
Serving our community since 1985
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Member:
BY ALISON DESPATHY
This past legislative session, Vermonters for a Clean Environment (VCE) participated in the development of a responsible data center bill, H.727. Despite these efforts, Gov. Phil Scott’s veto of the bill was justified due to the Senate’s massive fumble.
Most are well aware that data centers are wreaking havoc throughout the country — guzzling power, contaminating water and land, destroying aquifers, causing droughts, increasing electric rates and disrupting neighbors and communities with infrasound and radiofrequency radiation pollution.
Some argue that Vermont will not attract data centers because of higher electric rates and heavy regulation and permitting. However, with increases in the use of artificial intelligence and data generating technology in every sector expanding the digital grid, the demand — whether we like it or not — is real and may invite data centers to Vermont.
Working to ensure comprehensive data center regulations, we met with legislators and regulators, researching existing policies and gaps. It is simply good sense to get ahead of an impending issue, and we shared
concerns about other states’ experiences with large load data centers.
H.727 cruised out of the House with strong support and protections in place for water, ratepayers, the electrical grid and pollution to be regulated via joint jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission and Act 250.
Data centers are a perfect example of the importance of Act 250 for guiding development of large, commercial projects. Act 250 is well equipped to regulate these beasts that humanity and society are ever more dependent on due to digital expansion.
Next stop was the Senate, but here the bill took a hard left turn into the land of extremism and bad policy.
The first deathblow came in the form of an “energy transformation payment,” basically an extortion fee. Or saying it gentler “pay to play” as called out by TJ Poor, director of planning at the Department of Public Service.
Poor understands Vermont’s electric grid and power contract world better than most in the state. This is his job.
On May 8, he testified in the Senate and explained that the department could not support H.727 with the newly added energy transformation payment. His written testimony stated: “The energy transformation
payment — approximately $6 million per year — is a provision that will cause the department to oppose the bill … I understand the extraction of cash from prospective Vermont businesses through the energy transformation payment is intended to achieve emissions reductions above and beyond the requirements of the renewable energy standard, but would fail to sufficiently and quickly achieve its intent of encouraging greenhouse gas reductions.
Act 250 is well equipped to regulate these beasts.
It sends the wrong message to prospective businesses thinking about locating in Vermont (beyond just data centers), signaling that a new industry should look elsewhere.”
Unfortunately, this was the result of a committee chair listening to special interest groups instead of considering the advice of experts who work for Vermonters.
Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee Chair Anne Watson could have fixed this mistake, could have salvaged the bill and should have sought a solution, but chose not to.
So let’s be honest here, the data center bill was killed by Watson by refusing to seek compromise.
Some may attempt to justify the extraction of cash (extortion payment) when it comes to Big Data — even though, as digital grid users, participating humans and industries are generating the demand. But the Senate added language that further compromised the bill and enabled water pollution.
Essentially this allowed data centers an unfair advantage to pollute if they received a permit to withdraw surface water. This is analogous to regulating the faucet and then ignoring the drain and the pollution discharged from the system. If you built a house and drilled a well but then ignored the wastewater and sewer, a disaster would be the outcome.
On May 19, the Land Use Review Board issued a memo and testified in the House Energy Committee raising a red flag about the Senate version of the bill. It was not resolved.
This is the reality of the data center bill saga. Hopefully Vermonters can see through the propaganda, because the governor’s veto of the data center bill has been manipulated for political gain. Many special interest organizations have ignored key
see DESPATHY page 11
On June 30, the Champlain Valley School Board met to discuss and then accept a proposal to raise money to replace a grass playing field at Champlain Valley Union High School with plastic grass (artificial turf). Some 70 community folks, including me, showed up to comment.
The bulk of comments came from Hinesburg residents concerned about PFAS and microplastic contamination of Hinesburg’s municipal drinking water wells and stormwater drainage from plastic grass. I wanted to highlight safety concerns — reasons World Cup games and other elite soccer games cannot be played on plastic. Players face higher risks of injury, turf burns, exposure to
from page 10
issues and are taking advantage of people’s lack of information and warranted fears of data center impacts.
What started as a thoughtful, effective bill shape-shifted into irresponsible policy that demanded a veto.
Extortion, water pollution and environmental contamination are not good
chemicals and variability of ball movement on plastic grass.
The stats on state championships on CVU’s grass are incredible: men’s lacrosse took state every year from 2013 to 2022, women’s soccer led the state 19 times since 1980, men’s soccer 13 times since 1990. That’s a Redhawks dynasty — for students who both practice and play on real grass.
It’s not too late for Williston residents to say no to the school board in comments by email to cvsdschoolboard@cvsdvt.org .
We’re at a tipping point on environmental issues today. I say no to plastic grass. Williston’s drinking water is not imperiled, but the safety of our kids and grandkids may be.
Tricia Knoll Williston
policy. With a fresh Legislature next session, Act 250 protections and existing and necessary new regulations can be brought together to create a specific policy for data centers, because at the rate the digital grid is growing due to human use and demand, this is not going away, as much as we might wish it would.
Alison Despathy is community and environmental health director for Vermonters for a Clean Environment.
• Champlain Valley Cross Cuts LLC bought an office building on South Brownell Road from Adams Real Properties LLC for $450,000.
• Anita Goodrich bought a condominium on Holland Lane from the Wendy S. Lapine Kenny Revocable Trust for $457,000.
• William Merck bought a townhome footprint on Alpine Drive from The Snyder Williston Properties LLC for $593,885.
• Julia Shaw bought a home on North Williston Road from Excelsior Real Estate LLC for $526,000.
• Thomas Rivers bought a condominium on Meadowrun Road from Matthew Teeple for $522,000.
• Miranda Dowling bought 4 acres of open land on Snowdrift Lane from Michael Olson for $280,000.
• Andre Drewniak bought a condominium on James Brown Drive from the Estate of Amy L. Billings for $300,000.
• The Christopher Smith
Revocable Trust bought a condominium on Maidstone Lane from Chirag Lala for $700,000.
• Jacob Corron bought a mobile home on French Hill Manor from Mario Nardelli for $99,500.
• Paul Rabidoux bought a condominium on Bittersweet Circle from the Estate of Lesley R. Ely for $525,000.
• 472 Shunpike Road LLC bought a condominium on Shunpike Road from Thomas Gadhue for $625,000.
• Jonathan Baker bought a home on 9 acres on Oak Hill Road from Alice Merritt for $850,000.
• Terence Rafferty bought a home on Barrett Lane from the Beth E. Cook Revocable Trust for $794,000.
• Ryan Blair bought a half-acre of open land on St. George Road from Scott Allaire for $195,000.
• The Heppner & Schwartz Heppner Family Trust bought a home on Maidstone Lane from John Scudieri for $625,000.
• Melissa Mayhew bought a home on Chelsea Place from Brent J. Raymond for $439,400.
• Stephen Stroz bought a home on Lois Lane from Kimberly Leavitt for $325,000.
• Kelley-Anne Cyzeski bought a home on Lawnwood Drive from Paul Brodowski for $820,000.
• Benjamin Weathers-Lowin bought a home on Chloe Circle from Richard Walker for $1 million.
• St. George RD Shop LLC bought 17 acres on St. George Road from Bradley Boss for $550,000.
• Mary Kalbfleisch bought a condominium on Eastview Circle from Jessica Moore for $390,000.
• Geraldine Gillin bought a mobile home on Stonehill Road from Robert Jones for $62,853.
• Thai Nguyen bought a home on Hillside Drive from Raymond Larose for $549,000.
• Habibo Awayle bought a condominium on Bittersweet Circle from Mary O’Brien for $183,948.
• 5:40 a.m. — Fire crews responded to a non-medical fire/smoke alarm at 369 CVU Road in Hinesburg.
• 10:28 a.m. — An accidental fire alarm was reported at 664 Zephyr Road.
• 9:15 p.m. — Fire personnel responded to a motor vehicle crash on Interstate 89 southbound in Richmond.
• 11:18 p.m. — Crews investigated a carbon monoxide incident at 47 Seth Circle.
• 9:05 p.m. — Crews investigated a carbon monoxide incident at 47 Seth Circle.
• 9:32 p.m. — Crews responded to a fire/ smoke alarm at 10 Eagle Crest.
• 10:52 p.m. — Fire personnel provided a lift assist at 142 Whitewater Circle.
• 8:47 a.m. — Fire crews responded to a fire/ smoke alarm at 10 Eagle Crest.
• 9:53 a.m. — Firefighters assisted at the scene of a motor vehicle crash at 3267 Oak Hill Road.
• 10:11 a.m. — A lift assist was provided at 10 Eagle Crest.
• 9:43 p.m. — Crews investigated a reported incident at 78 Marshall Ave., but no emergency was found upon arrival.
• 7:15 a.m. — Fire personnel provided a lift assist at 104 Falcon Manor.
• 10:50 a.m. — Crews responded to a citizen assist/service call on Michael Lane.
• 9:06 p.m. — Firefighters investigated a fire/smoke alarm on Chapman Lane.
1
• 7:40 a.m. — Fire crews responded to a motor vehicle crash on Interstate 89 northbound in Williston.
JULY 2
• 5:27 a.m. — Firefighters responded to a fire/smoke alarm at 10 Tyler Way.
• 9:29 a.m. — An accidental fire alarm was reported at 60 Knight Lane.
• 10:02 a.m. — Crews responded to a malfunctioning fire alarm at 165 Morgan Parkway.
• 11:39 a.m. — Fire personnel investigated a fire/smoke alarm at 1 Falcon Manor.
• 1:50 p.m. — Firefighters responded to a confined cooking/appliance fire on Zephyr Road. The fire was contained to the cooking appliance.
• 4:41 p.m. — An accidental fire alarm was reported at 10 Eagle Crest.
• 9:39 p.m. — A response to Interstate 89 northbound near mile marker 74 in Richmond was canceled before crews arrived.
These items represent the Williston Fire Department’s non-medical call responses. The department also responded to several medical emergencies during this time frame.
May 24 at 12:15 a.m. — Noise disturbance on Southfield Drive.
May 24 at 2:24 a.m. — Traffic stop conducted. Male operator was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI and excessive speed.
May 25 at 1:08 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Sandri. Suspect was gone before officers’ arrival.
May 25 at 9:38 p.m. — Report of erratic operation on Industrial Avenue. Vehicle was located. Male operator was not impaired. Stated he was having a heated argument with someone and didn’t realize his operation was erratic.
May 26 at 2:04 a.m. — Traffic stop conducted. Male operator was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.
May 26 at 11:57 a.m. — Assisted Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office with an eviction at Maple Tree Place.
May 26 at 2:50 p.m. — Report of an altercation at Taft Corners Shopping Center. Male was located and brought to the correctional facility on charges of simple assault, unlawful mischief, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
May 26 at 4:01 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Male suspect was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.
May 27 at 1:48 p.m. — Report of a male that drove his vehicle on the lawn outside of Verizon. Male was
experiencing a mental health crisis and was transported to the hospital.
May 27 at 3:18 p.m. — VIN verification conducted.
May 28 at 2:34 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot, Male suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.
May 28 at 6:39 p.m. — Report of a female and male in Dick’s Sporting Goods that had stolen in the past. Male and female were located and issued a notice of trespass.
May 28 at 7:05 p.m. — Retail theft reported at REI. Female suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.
May 29 at 1:01 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Male juvenile returned the property and was issued a notice of trespass.
May 29 at 3:28 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. Male juvenile was issued a referral to the Community Justice Center.
May 30 at 3:54 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Once Upon a Child. Female suspect was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.
May 30 at 9:02 p.m. — Intoxicated male in Sandri. Male was escorted out of the store.
May 30 at 9:43 p.m. — Traffic stop conducted. Male operator was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.
Officers also conducted 17 traffic enforcement operations resulting in 82 traffic stops. They also responded to six alarm activations and nine motor vehicle crashes during this time frame.
BY TSEHAI ALFRED VTDigger
A long-awaited Chittenden County recycling facility will see a chunk of its funding returned after it was stolen in a cyber fraud scheme early this year, federal authorities said Tuesday.
The reimbursement will allow the Chittenden Solid Waste District to stay on track in funding the upgraded plant, said Sarah Reeves, the
waste district’s executive director.
“We were in shock, and it was devastating,” she said of learning that the district had sent a large amount of money to a fraudulent account. “It was horrible, and there’s no manual for this.”
Over $3 million was stolen in January by scammers appearing as a construction company that the district had been working with for the project, according to court documents.
“Because of CSWD’s actions in the wake of the phishing scam, we were able to seize and return over $2 million dollars to CSWD, a benefit to all residents of Chittenden County.”
Jonathan A. Ophardt First Assistant U.S. Attorney
federal judge on Thursday ordered the funds released.
According to Reeves, the FBI responded to her alert about the missing money the same day.
“Because of CSWD’s actions in the wake of the phishing scam, we were able to seize and return over $2 million dollars to CSWD, a benefit to all residents of Chittenden County,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt wrote in a Tuesday news release.
said, the waste district would have had to secure a short-term bank loan to close the gap to keep the project on schedule.
The facility is scheduled to open in spring 2027 with a testing phase beginning in January, according to Reeves.
In the wake of the fraud, the waste district revisited its budget because of the need to conserve cash, Reeves said. The budget adjustment has led the district to defer projects to later years after the new facility gets up and running and put off smaller purchases like “replacing a truck here and there,” Reeves said.
After realizing the money was in fact not being used by a legitimate construction company, the waste district alerted the U.S. attorney for the District of Vermont. With FBI assistance, federal authorities seized $2.27 million that will be returned to the district. A
The returned money means Chittenden County’s new recycling facility, under construction on Redmond Road in Williston, is on track for completion. The recycling plant is set to automate sorting and increase capacity to adapt to residential and commercial growth in the area.
The new facility is being funded largely by a $22 million bond passed by Chittenden County voters in 2022.
If the stolen money for the project had not been returned, Reeves
The waste district is also reexamining its digital security, but Reeves stressed that to prevent such incidents more people should be comfortable with reporting scams as soon as they occur and taking away the shame that comes with it.
“This can happen to anybody at any level,” Reeves said
John Winthrop Storer, 88, passed away on May 7, 2026.
Born in 1937, in Washington, D.C., John was the son of Morris Brewster Storer and Gretchen Schneider Storer. He was a
devoted husband, father, and friend whose life was marked by service, achievement, and a lifelong love of learning.
John proudly served four years in the United States Navy aboard the USS Saufley. Following his military service, he finished a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Florida. He went on to enjoy a distinguished career with IBM in Essex Junction, Vermont as a programmer, contributing his talents during a transformative era in computing and information technology.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, John was an enthusiastic skier, a dedicated amateur radio operator, and woodshop craftsman. Some of his greatest achievements were building a motor boat, as well as an enclosed porch and a small
barn on the family property in Williston. Among his greatest pleasures was spending time at the family camp on Lake Huron in Ontario, a place that provided decades of treasured memories with family and friends.
John is survived by his sons Jason Wesley Storer and Matthew Brewster Storer, and extended family members and friends who will remember him for his intelligence, kindness, integrity, and quiet sense of humor.
John will be remembered as a thoughtful and dependable man, and as a wonderful father, who approached life with curiosity, perseverance, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the example he set, and the memories shared by those who knew and loved him.
Full-service plumbing for new construction, renovations, and service work. Includes water and drainage piping, water heaters, and complete system installations.
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Specialized pipe welding for hydronic, gas, and mechanical systems, including fabrication and field installation.
Did you know whales are found in every ocean in the world? These large mammals can even dive more than 9,000 feet. The Mini Page takes a deep dive into the world of whales this week.
There are about 90 species of whales in the world. Some are small, like the dwarf sperm whale, which is only 6 to 9 feet in length. However, some whales are huge. The blue whale is nearly 100 feet long and weighs 200,000 to 300,000 pounds, which is about what 30 grown elephants weigh. The blue whale is the largest animal in the entire world. In fact, the top 10 heaviest animal species in the world are all whales!
Types of whales
There are two main types of whales: baleen (buh-LEEN) and toothed
Baleen whales have baleen plates in their mouths that filter food from the water around them. Have you ever sat on a sandy beach and used a sieve to try to find shells or rocks? The baleen plates in whales’ mouths are similar to that in the way that they sift through material, leaving the bigger pieces behind.
A toothed whale has teeth, and it eats things such as squid, fish and sometimes other marine mammals.
With whales often being so large, they
Try ’n’ Find
Next Week: Roller Coasters
Mini Fact: Whales leap out of the water for many reasons, including to communicate over long distances.
need to eat a lot, and they need to eat often. Whales consume a variety of things.
According to NOAA Fisheries, some whales take large gulps of water that contain their food, or prey. Eating this way is called lunging (LUN-jing). Blue and fin whales eat their food this way.
Humpback whales can make bubble nets around a group of fish, called a school, and then the humpback whales rush through the bubble net to capture their food.
Right and bowhead whales are skimmers, which means they swim through the ocean with their mouths open and strain out their prey. They typically eat small fish or crustaceans (crus-TAY-shunz). A right whale needs to eat more than 2,000 pounds of copepods (KOH-puh-pods) per day to get energy. A copepod is a type of crustacean.
A baby whale is called a calf. Depending on the type of whale, a mother can carry a calf for 9 to 16 months.
A newborn blue whale calf is about 25 feet long and weighs 6,000 to 8,000 pounds.
Whales are marine mammals, so calves drink milk. It doesn’t dissolve in water because it is as thick as toothpaste. Baby whales learn to swim within 30 minutes of being born.
Words that remind us of whales are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
Whales face many threats, including pollution. According to Earth.org, more than 8 million tons of plastic make their way into the oceans each year. Whales, as well as other marine animals, sometimes mistake plastic for food, which can cause blockages in their stomachs and breathing passages.
The Endangered Species Act was put into place to help protect endangered or threatened animals and their ecosystems. Twelve species of whales are on the list, including the North Atlantic right whale. There are fewer than 400 of this type of whale left in the world due to whale hunting in the 1800s, getting caught in fishing gear and accidents involving ships and boats. Ocean noise levels from human activities can block whales’ communication, which can also lead to harm.
We can help save the whales by using less plastic, telling others what we learn about whales and joining adults at beaches to help clean up litter.
An Illustrated Celebration” by Kelsey Oseid
Willa: What do you call a baby whale?
Winslow: A little squirt!
Webster: Why did the whale cross the ocean?
Wei: To get to the other side!
Words that remind us of whales are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward or diagonally, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:
BALEEN, CALF, COPEPODS, CRUSTACEANS, EAT, FISH, HUMPBACK, LUNGING, MAMMAL, OCEAN, POLLUTION, PREY, RIGHT, SQUID, SWIM, THREAT, TOOTHED, WHALES.
Ice Cream in a Bag
You’ll need:
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
• 6 tablespoons salt
What to do:
1. Place milk, vanilla and sugar in a pint-size freezer bag and seal.
Willa: What do you call a baby whale?
Winslow: A little squirt!
Webster: Why did the whale cross the ocean?
Wei: To get to the other side!
2. Fill a gallon-size freezer bag halfway with ice and add 6 tablespoons of salt (rock salt works best).
3. Put the smaller bag into the larger bag and seal.
4. Shake back and forth until mixture gets thick — and you have homemade ice cream. Serves 1.
Volunteers in southwest England have recorded sightings of the rare whiteletter hairstreak butterfly after planting hundreds of elm trees to restore its habitat. The butterfly had not been seen locally since 2008, but at least 11 individuals and several caterpillars have now been recorded. The species has declined by about 80% since 1973, according to the U.K. Butterfly Monitoring Scheme. The conservation group Friends of the Quantocks planted more than 400 disease-resistant elms across dozens of sites, addressing losses caused earlier by Dutch elm disease.The effort highlights how targeted habitat restoration can help revive species once thought to be disappearing.
Look in your local newspaper for stories about whales.
By Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior, I had a living will/advance directive prepared about 10 years ago documenting my endof-life medical wishes, but I’ve read that these documents are often ignored. What can you tell me about this?
— Troubled Tina
Dear Tina,
Yes, unfortunately, that can happen. Living wills aren’t always followed in practice, most often because the document isn’t
available when it’s needed or never reaches the right people in time. They can also fall short because they aren’t medical orders, and the language may be too vague to guide doctors in an emergency. That doesn’t mean your wishes won’t be honored, but it does mean a little extra planning can help prevent confusion later.
Here’s how to make sure your wishes are followed.
ADVANCE
About 40 percent of older Americans have an advance directive. This typically includes a living will that spells out the care you want if you become incapacitated, and a health care power of attorney (or proxy) who is authorized to make decisions on your behalf.
To strengthen those instructions, talk with your doctor about completing a POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) — sometimes called MOLST or POST depending on your state. Unlike a living will, this is a doctor-signed medical order that must be followed by EMTs and hospital staff. It
translates your wishes into clear instructions for treatments such as CPR, breathing machines and feeding tubes.
These interventions can save lives but may also cause harm if you are very ill or frail. Discussing them ahead of time helps you weigh the trade-offs and makes it easier for your family to understand your choices, easing stress if decisions must be made quickly.
Even if you already have an advance directive, adding a POLST can make your wishes clearer. Without one, first responders are generally required to attempt resuscitation and transport you to a hospital, where doctors may pursue aggressive treatment if your living will isn’t available or specific enough.
Once your POLST is completed, make sure it is easy to find. Keep a copy on the refrigerator, carry one in your wallet, and save a photo on your phone. Share copies with your health care proxy, family members and physicians so everyone is aligned.
It’s also wise to ask your providers to add the form to your
electronic health record, since medical information isn’t always shared between hospitals and care facilities. These steps can make a real difference in helping ensure your wishes are followed.
If discussing these issues with family feels difficult, websites like The Conversation Project (theconversationproject. org) and Prepare for Your Care (prepareforyourcare.org) offer helpful guidance.
One final note: if you’re planning surgery, you may want to temporarily suspend your POLST in case your heart stops briefly during the procedure.
And if you haven’t yet created an advance directive, you can do so for free at caringinfo.org or mydirectives.com, or for a small fee — $5 to $7.50 — at fivewishes. org. Taking these steps now can help ensure your wishes are followed and ease the burden on your loved ones later.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
TODAY’S HISTORY:
• In 1850, President Zachary Taylor died in office of a stomachrelated illness at the age of 65.
• In 1868, the 14th Amendment was ratified, guaranteeing full citizenship and equal protection to African Americans.
• In 1943, Allied forces launched an airborne and amphibious invasion of Sicily.
• In 1981, the Nintendo video game “Donkey Kong” was released. TODAY’S FACT:
• In an attempt to inspire efforts and encourage enlistment, Gen. George Washington had the newly adopted Declaration of Independence read aloud to his troops in the Continental Army in New York City on this day in 1776.
LINE DANCING
Ages 15-plus. Learn each week and build your confidence and abilities while having fun. Sundays, starting July 12, 4-5 p.m. R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane. Instructor: Kelly Hayes. $10.
ADULT PROGRAMS
TABLE TENNIS
Come out and play, stay fit and meet new people. The program is open to all experience levels. Players should bring their paddles (a limited number of loaner paddles are available). Tuesdays, June 2-Oct. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $30.
TAI CHI INTRO
Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Free. Instructor: Adina Panitch. BONE BUILDERS
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m., Free. Instructors: Ann Naumann & Joyce Oughstun.
SENIOR STRENGTH & FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY
Wednesdays and Fridays, 10-10:45 a.m., Free. Instructor: Jazmine Averbuck. ZUMBA GOLD
Fridays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., $10 per visit. Instructor: Ciara Gregory
NOTE: All R.E.C. Zone programs are geared toward adults 50-plus but open to everyone age 18-plus who want a low-impact workout to start or continue their physical wellness journey. If you need specific adjustments, let your instructor know; they’ve got you covered!
CAMPS
It is not too late to register for Day and Enrichment camps. Register at www. willistonrec.org.
SOCCER MINIS
Age 3. You and your little one will work together to develop fundamental soccer skills such as dribbling, trapping, passing, kicking and running/agility in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere. This program does not include games. No special
equipment is needed. Each participant will receive a soccer T-shirt. This is a child/parent program. Program meets on Saturdays in the fall.
RECKIDS SOCCER
Ages 4-5. You and your little one will work together to develop fundamental soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, kicking, and running in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere. There are no games in this program. No
special equipment is needed. Each participant will receive a RecKids T-shirt. This is a child/ parent program. Program meets on Saturdays 8-8:45 a.m. ROOKIES SOCCER
Grades K-2. Separate programs will be offered to K-1-graders and 2nd graders if numbers allow. Rookies Soccer is designed for individuals who want to learn, play and experience the game of soccer in a fun and engaging atmosphere. There are separate programs for boys and girls. Programs begin in September and meet on Saturdays
for a 30-minute clinic and a 30-minute scrimmage. Volunteer coaches are needed.
Grades 3-5. Youth Soccer is geared toward those who want to learn, play, and experience the game of soccer in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. There are separate programs for boys and girls if numbers allow. Teams will have the opportunity to play other town Recreation Department teams. Volunteers coaches are needed. Registration deadline is Aug. 19.
Puzzle found on page 19
SUDOKU SOLUTION
Puzzle found on page 19
CHURCHVIEW DRIVE
GARAGE SALE — Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., (rain date Sunday, July 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Multi-family. Lots of household articles: clothing; kitchen items; books; cds; motorcycle helmets and leather jackets; snow tires. Lots more.
KIRBY LANE LAWN SALE
Saturday, July 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 83 Kirby Lane, Williston.
TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 – 7:00 PM
Town Hall Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room (7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or
Zoom Webinar ID 813 6162 7981 on www.zoom.us/join
HP 26-04 Tim Morgan and Barbara Sauer-Davis request a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the corrugated tin roof with standing seam metal and replace the siding and
Seeking a Part Time Town Administrator Assistant
The Town of Charlotte, a vibrant rural community of approximately 3,800 residents located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, is seeking a motivated and versatile professional to serve as Town Administrator Assistant.
Working under the direction of the Town Administrator, this part-time position performs a broad range of administrative, planning, and technical work in support of Town government operations. The successful candidate will act as a liaison between Town o cials, sta , and the public, and will play an active role in grant administration, records management, budget support, and special projects.
Bene ts eligible. 24 to 32 hours per week. $24$27/hr DOE.
The Town of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
soffits with cedar materials at 7604 Williston Road in the VZD.
DP 26-02.1 Blair Knowles and Matt Parisi request pre-application of a 3-unit development at 7997 Williston Road in the VZD. The existing structure will remain 1 dwelling unit and a commercial office. 2 new dwellings constructed in the rear of the lot. Continued from March 24, 2026 and June 9, 2026.
Project details and site plans are available on the website, town. williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and
“Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org.
TOWN OF WILLISTON
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 – 7:00 PM
Town Hall Beckett/McGuire Meeting Room (7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Webinar ID 813 6162 7981 on www.zoom.us/join
DP 26-02.1 Blair Knowles and Matt Parisi request pre-application of a 3-unit development at 7997 Williston Road in the VZD. The existing structure will remain 1 dwelling unit and a commercial office. 2 new dwellings constructed in the rear of the lot. Continued from June 9, 2026.
APP 26-02 The Big Three, LLC c/o Alex Kourebanas appeals the Deputy Zoning Administrator’s issuance of a Zoning Violation regarding the golf course driving range located at 1400 Mountain View Road in the RZD.
Project details and site plans are available on the website, town.williston.vt.us, under “Public Records and Documents”, then “Agendas & Minutes”, and “Development Review Board”. Contact Planning & Zoning Office for more information: 802-878-6704 or email planning@willistonvt.org
Lead development review, serve as Zoning Administrator, oversee DRB permitting and compliance. Bachelor’s degree + 2 years’ experience required. Salary range $67,000$78,000 DOE with excellent benefits package.
Lead infrastructure design, construction management, capital planning for wastewater, stormwater, streets, and paths. Civil engineering degree + 6 years’ experience required. Salary range $102,000 - $112,000 DOE with excellent benefits package.
Apply at www.colchestervt.gov.
Brush Clearing/Mulching
Chain-Sawing
Delivery/Haul-away
Driveway repair
Excavating Roadside Mowing
Phone: 802-578-8347 email: adamdantzscher@aol.com
offer an infrared sauna, massage, bodywork,
The 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
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.
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
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.
continued from page 1
as the pick for the position because of his experience; focus on modern, community focused policing practices; and his understanding of the needs for Williston and the department now and into the future.”
LaBarge has been with the Burlington Police Department for 21 years. As deputy chief of administration, he currently oversees the department’s Detective and Administrative Services Bureaus. He has also overseen the Uniformed Services Bureau.
LaBarge was promoted several times in Burlington, first serving as an officer, detective, sergeant then lieutenant across bureaus. He also led the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigation (CUSI) for twoyears during his tenure at Burlington. Prior to beginning his career in law enforcement, he served in the United States Air Force holding the rank of staff sergeant.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected to serve as the next Chief of Police for the Town of Williston,” LaBarge said in the news release. “It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to lead this department.
“I want to thank the town’s leadership for the confidence they have placed in me, and I am excited to become a part of this community. I also want to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Williston Police Department, whose professionalism and commitment to public service are the foundation of this organization.
“I look forward to working alongside them as we continue to provide exceptional service to the community. I am committed to building strong relationships, listening to your concerns and working collaboratively to ensure the town remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone.”
continued from page 1
received the most votes (152); a “more than $12 million” option received the second-most votes (110); and the remaining votes were scattered in half-million-dollar increments between $8.5 million and $12 million.
But the redesign did not take the cost question into consideration: The architects were asked to pare down the project in June. The survey was not closed until July 4.
“I don’t think the survey had any impact,” resident Lauren Koumjian said.
David Martel, who led the reconsideration petition, said the survey should have had a “no build” option, as well as dollar amounts under $8 million. He said he likes the pared down proposal but still objects to the cost.
“Government projects are ridiculously over-priced,” he said. “It’s a trend that needs to stop, because we really can’t afford to do it at $10 million. That is more than what the project should cost.”
When the library trustees met July 1 for a first glimpse of the
revised plan, Martel urged them to start with a budget constraint then design to that amount.
“You would save a lot of time if you had a planned budget — a dollar amount that you are shooting for,” he said. “I’d like to see the library have a suc -
“If you start out with a budget, then you build to that, it’s going to have a good chance of passing.”
David Martel
cessful renovation, but I don’t want to see anybody waste their time. If you start out with a budget, then you build to that, it’s going to have a good chance of passing.”
Black River Design
Architects Mark Montminy and Heather Mooney created the redesign. They reduced the addition from 11,500 square feet to about 7,000 square feet, eliminated the second story, halved
the size of the new parking lot, and left the Village Green largely untouched. They also plan to build with wood instead of steel.
The entrance to the building is now designed to remain on Library Lane instead of moving across from Williston Central School. The new design retains a new left-turn-lane out of Central School Drive.
“This is a compromise,” said Karstens. “We want to try to satisfy the people who supported the library initially and the people who didn’t and hopefully get more people to buy into this plan.”
Selectboard member Jeanne Jensen suggested that cost savings could come from examining the parking plan.
“Everybody is not going to get everything they want, but this still takes our library very much into the future,” said selectboard member Greta D’Agostino.
The board will continue its discussion and potential bond question approval at its July 21 meeting. Town Manager Erik Wells said he would have property tax impact estimates of the new proposal at a later date.
