Williston Observer 3/16/2023

St. Hilaire pleads guilty to stalking

Former selectboard member sentenced to 6 months probation

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Former Williston Selectboard member Gordon St. Hilaire pleaded guilty to stalking Monday in Chittenden County Criminal Court, accepting responsibility for actions he took that led his ex-girlfriend to fear for her safety and suffer emotional distress.

St. Hilaire resigned from his selectboard seat in December after Williston Police cited him with stalking and unlawful mischief. He pleaded not guilty to both charges during a November arraignment, but changed his plea during a court appearance Monday in Burlington.

He was sentenced to six months of probation with the condition that

he not have any contact with the victim. A sentence of up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 was deferred, and the unlawful mischief charge dropped, pending the successful completion of probation.

“I want to sincerely apologize to (the victim),” St. Hilaire said during Monday’s hearing. “She can be reassured that this will never happen again … I’m trying to move forward with things that are helping me and I will continue to do that … I just want her to know that I’m very, very sorry. I wish her the best in the future.”

St. Hilaire’s attorney, Brooks McArthur, noted that St. Hilaire has no prior criminal history and has been seeing a mental health professional.

“I’ve never been in a situation like this, and I never will be again,” St. Hilaire said.

see ST. HILAIRE page 7

Recount confirms Isham’s selectboard win

The Williston Town Clerk’s office completed a recount Monday of the results of last Tuesday’s Town Meeting Day election, confirming the three-vote victory of Mike Isham over Ellie Beckett for a seat on the Williston Selectboard.

Beckett requested the recount after the 772-to-769 vote tally was reported by the Town Clerk last Tuesday evening. She remains a member of the Williston Planning Commission.

“I hope I can continue to serve Williston in other capacities,” she wrote in a letter to the Observer, published in full on Page 7.

Isham will serve the remaining year on the three-year seat vacated in December by Gordon St. Hilaire (see related story above). The seat will be up for election again next March.

Isham’s first meeting with the board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21 at Town Hall.

Jason Starr

Boys make CVU history with comeback win

Redhawks capture firstever state championship

BY LAUREN READ

Observer correspondent

Champlain Valley was hunting for its first-ever program title, taking on the three-time defending champs, trailing by eight points and running low on time.

The Redhawks needed a spark and they needed one fast.

Enter Ollie Cheer.

The junior came into the game

When he left the game with three minutes to go in regulation, Champlain Valley had a 37-34 lead.

It was a lead CVU would not relinquish as it beat Rice 42-38 to capture the Division I boys basketball title — the first state championship in program history — on Saturday at UVM’s Patrick Gym.

with just under four minutes to play in the third quarter with the Redhawks trailing Rice 31-22.

“I am so proud of these guys,” said CVU coach Mike Osborne. “I have had so many former players

see BASKETBALL page 16

CVU’s Logan Vaughn, left, and Alex Provost celebrate the Redhawks’ state championship win over Rice on Saturday at UVM’s Patrick Gymnasium.

PHOTO BY PAUL LAMONTAGNE/VTSPORTSIMAGES.COM

“This win means a lot for this program.”

Coach Mike Osborne

Around Town

Bricks available to honor veterans

The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club invites community

members to order an inscribed brick to honor a loved one, living or dead, who has served in the military. Bricks may be inscribed with the veteran’s name, service

70th surprise

branch and dates of service and will be installed in the patio of the Williston War Memorial Park located between Town Hall and the Town Hall Annex.

Order by March 20 if you would like the brick to be installed in time for the Memorial Day Observance on May 29. To learn more and to order, contact Phil Stevens at philipsstevens@ gmail.com.

Maple Open House weekends on tap

Area sugarhouses open their doors for some sweet fun on March 25-26 and April 1-2.

Local producers, including Mountainview Mapleworks at the Giroux Family Farm in Richmond and Sugartree Maple Farm in Williston, will offer all things maple, ranging from sugarhouse tours, samples and sugar-on-snow to maple cotton candy, glazed donuts, hotdogs and adult beverages. For specific program information by location, visit https://vermontmaple.org/mohw.

Student-engineers win state title

World championships up next for CVU robotics

BY JADEN PARKER AND JACK GOURLAY CVU students

On Saturday, Feb 12, Champlain Valley Union High School hosted the Vermont FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Championship, an international high school robotics competition where teams create robots to complete different challenges, connect with and mentor others in the STEM community and showcase all of their hard work at the competition.

Nineteen teams from all over Vermont participated in this year’s event, including two teams from CVU: the Varsity RoboHawks and

the JV RoboRedhawks.

The varsity RoboHawks won the prestigious Inspire Award due to its outstanding performance in the judged engineering portfolio presentation and its extensive outreach to help establish six FIRST Lego League robotics teams in the CVSD middle schools, The Inspire Award recognizes the team with the best designed robot, teamwork and community outreach. The award also comes with an invitation to the World Championship in Houston, Texas, in April.

The two CVU teams cruised through the qualifying rounds of the robot competition, then sailed through the semi-finals. The best of three finals were intense with the two CVU teams working together

against an alliance between Essex and U32. Each alliance won a match, forcing a tie breaker, which CVU won. The victory gave the CVU JV robotics team a slot alongside their varsity counterparts to the World Championship in April.

CVU Robotics is working on fundraising to get both teams and their robots to Houston for the competition in April. It will be a way to collaborate with teams from all over the world, practice teamwork and communication, and learn from some of the brightest international students in the fields of engineering and coding.

The teams are looking for local sponsors. Visit www.robohawks5741.com for more information.

CVU’s robotics team of (front row, left to right) Joe Jacobs, Jack Gourlay, Gavin Blackburn, Clay Nicholson, Will Ackerly and (back row, left to right) Sam Yager, Jared Kennedy, Crawford Phillips, Jaden Parker, James Haines, Violet Fennern, Braden Griffin and Jacob Graham won the Vermont FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Championship last month at CVU. Team members missing from the photo are Addison Hoopes and Rhett Gardner.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTO

Students in Donna Powers’ first-grade class at Allen Brook School made a shamrock-themed celebratory poster to present to Williston Police Chief Patrick Foley on his 70th birthday, which coincides with St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A trip down memory lane with members of the Williston Historical Society

Seeking Williston’s samplers

The Vermont Sampler Initiative looks back at girls’ education through embroidery

BY STACEY MCKENNA Special to the Observer

Starting back in the 1600s and continuing through the early 20th century, the education of young women and girls in New England involved needlework projects — called samplers — that helped them refine their sewing skills. Often this needlework depicted their family life, the community in which they lived and important events.

Most formal education during this time was aimed at boys and young men, and precious little information on what society’s young females were taught in more informal settings exists. Samplers offer insight into what young girls were taught as being important as they were growing up. However, samplers made by Vermont girls are very rare, and samplers from Williston’s early days are almost nonexistent.

The Vermont Sampler Initiative (www. samplerarchive.org) seeks to rectify this. Through a grant from the Vermont Humanities Council, the Vermont Sampler Initiative is offering four Sampler ID days, which

will be a bit like the PBS television show “Antiques Roadshow” — although not televised. Any Vermonter with a sampler can participate.

Curators of the event will talk with you about your sampler, and perhaps teach you something you may not have known about it. In return, you will receive a professional photograph of your sampler, and your sampler will be included in the United States Sampler Archive. Moreover, you will be contributing to the history of Vermont’s daughters from times long ago.

On April 21 from 12-4 p.m. and April 22 from 10 a.m-4 p.m. at the Shelburne Museum, you can have your sampler investigated by the curators of the project. Additional times are available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on May 12-13 at the Vermont History Museum in Barre. To make an appointment, email samplersvt@gmail.com.

Please let the Williston Historical Society know if you have a sampler. We’d love to feature it in an upcoming column. Email us at willistonhistoricalsociety@ gmail.com.

Vermont Sampler Initiative

WHAT: Help curate your embroidery sampler

WHEN: 12-4 p.m. April 21; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 22

WHERE: Shelburne Museum

For more information, email: samplersvt@gmail.com

Two samplers stitched by Vermont girls in the 1800s. Martha Slocum, 8, of Monkton made the left-hand one in 1801 and Amanda Jewel, 12, of St. Albans completed hers in 1816.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

New designs on Williston Village

Interior decorator opens retail outlet

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Williston is known as a business hub, but not necessarily in the historic village.

But when Elizabeth DeCecco was looking for a retail location for her seven-year-old interior design business, the quaint character of Williston Village was just the right fit. DeCecco opened Corduroy and Pine Interiors in January at 8016 Williston Road, in a space that had long housed Lezot’s camera repair shop. It’s a walk-in shop for home décor, wallpaper, custom upholstery, jewelry and gifts — with a coffee bar.

“I’ve always loved the historical part of Williston,” said DeCecco, a native of Essex and a graduate of Champlain College. “It’s a very cute little village. My business is interior design, so I love things that are homey, that make you feel comfortable … It was just such a great location. As soon as I saw it, I wanted to snap it up.”

DeCecco had been running Cordoruy and Pine from her home in Essex, and meeting with clients in their homes or commercial spaces to do the design work. Now she has a new spot to meet with existing clients and potentially meet new ones.

“You don’t have to be a design client to come in and shop,” she said.

Corduroy and Pine’s expansion into retail was spurred by the closure of The Wall Doctor, a wallpaper and window dressing store in South Burlington. DeCecco had sourced her wallpapers from the store and took over the wallpaper side of the business when the owner retired.

The Wall Doctor’s wallpaper collection now has a home in her shop.

“The driving force was to get the wallpaper and to keep it alive so that people in Vermont have a chance to look at it and buy it from a local business,” she said.

A drive-by count on Route 2 shows that Williston Village has about a half-dozen businesses, including a veterinarian, an orthodontist and a real estate broker. The

Northeast Fiber Arts Center yarn store, the Korner Kwik Stop and Corduroy and Pine are the only walk-in retail shops.

DeCecco is rooting for more retail activity in the village, but only in a way that preserves the area’s historic character.

“I love being in the village and

it would be great if other businesses opened up in the area too,” she said. “But I really like that cozy, hometown feel and I hope it never loses that appeal and charm.”

Hours for Corduroy and Pine are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and by appointment.

Elizabeth DeCecco, left, is the owner of Corduroy and Pine on Williston Road. The shop opened in January.

OBSERVER COURTESY PHOTOS

Shaw’s customers fuel Hunger Free donation

The Shaw’s and Star Market Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program recently donated $36,090 to Hunger Free Vermont.

The grant came from donations by customers at checkout last September and will be used to help communities across Vermont increase the number of children eating school-provided breakfast.

“We are so grateful to partner with Shaw’s to help increase the number of K-12

students throughout Vermont starting the day with a tasty and nutritious breakfast,” said Anore Horton, executive director of Hunger Free Vermont.

Vizuri Health Center introduces neuropathy treatment program

Vizuri Health Center of Williston has launched a new neuropathy treatment program.

Neuropathy presents as pain, tingling and numbness in the extremities and can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, chemotherapy and nerve damage. The Vizuri program uses equipment and techniques to stimulate nerve regeneration, reduce inflammation and improve circulation — without drugs, surgery or injections. Visit https://vizurihealth.com/ for more information.

Inaugural Vermont Spring Market arrives April 1-2

The first-ever Vermont Spring Market

will be held at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction on April 1-2, featuring crafters and artisans from around Vermont and New England.

Items for sale will include woodcrafts, clothing, jewelry, spices, pottery, foods, leather goods, maple products, artwork, teas, meads, wines, distilled spirits, games, pet goods and more.

The market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Champlain Valley Exposition’s Blue Ribbon Pavilion at 105 Pearl Street. Tickets are available at the door ($5 for adults; kids under 12 are free).

Call (802) 778-9178 for more information.

Diane Von Furstenberg Shoshanna Alice & Olivia Shona Joy Trina turk Halston Hutch Julie Vos Monique L huillier Toccin Mac Duggal Ted Baker Joseph ribkoff soia & kyo

A historic opportunity not to be squandered

BY GOV. PHIL SCOTT

In January, I presented my budget to the Legislature and my priorities haven’t changed. In fact, they haven’t changed much at all since I first ran for governor. I still believe it’s important to focus on the fundamentals, work together to find practical solutions, and follow through to finish what we started.

One thing that has changed over the last three years is the billions in federal recovery aid we’re receiving. This — coupled with historic state surpluses due to responsible budgeting — has given us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fund our obligations and invest in addressing challenges we’ve faced for decades. If we do this right, we’ll restore the vitality of left-behind communities, help people get ahead and let them keep more of what they earn.

But we know the federal money won’t last forever, and

when it does dry up, even the Legislature’s economist predicts a downturn. So instead of spending on programs we won’t be able to afford in the years ahead, we must invest in initiatives that put us in a stronger economic and fiscal position to generate more dollars in the future, rather than raise taxes.

After last year’s election, there was a lot of talk about a super majority of Democrats and Progressives in the Legislature, but this is nothing new. What’s been overlooked is the real majority: More than half the Legislature serves towns with less than 1,000 people — small, underserved communities that desperately need our help. And as Governor, I represent all of them. So regardless of party, they should be our priority.

Real transformation requires us to lift up the regions that have been left behind. That’s why the budget I proposed would expand economic growth to more areas

of the state and strengthen our very foundation. We’re focused on the basics — housing; water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure; high-speed internet; small businesses; the workforce; and health and safety — because these are the sparks that ignite revitalization. We’ve invested historic amounts in these areas, and the budget I proposed this year follows through on this strategic approach.

Right now, there’s still a lot of common ground. But there are also storm clouds on the horizon.

Before leaving for Town Meeting break, the Legislature passed the Budget Adjustment Act, which is supposed to take care of things that can’t wait until the next fiscal year. In this one bill, they spent about $50 million more than I proposed. This is concerning because they

haven’t told us what they’ll cut in the full budget to pay for it.

The Legislature is also considering bills — many cited as top priorities — that could add hundreds of millions of dollars in costs for everyday Vermonters. This includes adding a payroll tax for paid leave that may cost workers and employers about $100 million a year. They’re also considering increasing a whole host of taxes to pay for a childcare proposal advocates say requires $279 million a year. Then there’s the socalled “Affordable Heat Act,” which just passed the Senate and we estimate could cost $2 billion in total, with Vermonters seeing heating bills rise by at least 70 cents per gallon and/ or needing to pay thousands in upfront costs to transition to cleaner heat.

I’ve proposed alternatives to

each of these priorities without raising taxes and fees, including a voluntary family leave program; tripling the state’s annual investment in childcare to help thousands more families; and a more effective way to plan for a transition to cleaner heat. We can do all of this without asking those who can least afford it to pay more.

Elected officials need to remember that the decisions we make during these volatile and inflationary times have real life consequences on people who can’t carry more financial burden. And because the silent majority are at work, trying to make ends meet, they’re counting on us to protect them and their pocketbooks.

ADVERTISING

Rick

802-373-2136

EDITOR

Jason Starr editor@willistonobserver.com

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Jan Kenney jan@willistonobserver.com

PUBLISHER

Susan T. Cote susan@willistonobserver.com

Michael McCaffrey office@willistonobserver.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

Deadline is Friday 5 p.m. There is a fee for business, real estate, help wanted and legal ads. Free classifieds must be 25 words or fewer and are printed on a space available basis.

SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS

Deadline is Monday noon for Thursday issue. News/ story tips are welcomed. Letters to the Editor must be 300 words or fewer and should include your name, address and a daytime phone number so that we can verify the letter’s author.

MEMBER:

Phil Scott is governor of Vermont and resides in Berlin.

St. Hilaire

continued from page 7

With his guilty plea, St. Hilaire admitted to an account of events presented by police and Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George describing how he repeatedly deflated the victim’s car tire outside her work and home. He was caught by police in November outside her workplace carrying three cartons of eggs and quoted by police as saying he was there to “do some not good things.”

“(He) admitted that he and (the victim) had broken up, and that he had been letting the air out of her tires,” George said during Monday’s hearing. “He said he did it because he was devastated by their breakup and wanted her to call him for help, but these incidents and his conduct made (her) so fearful and emotionally distressed that she called out of work and ultimately reported this conduct to police out of fear for her own safety.”

Seeking to confirm the veracity of St. Hilaire’s guilty plea, Judge Thomas Carlson asked him: “Did you let air out of her tires.”

“Yes sir,” St. Hilaire said.

“I thought maybe she might reach out because she needed help with something,” he added. “I know it sounds like kind of an odd way to look at it, but that was my thinking.”

In a statement during the hearing, the victim described how distressed and fearful the repeated incidents made her feel. She referred to St. Hilaire as “a good person (who) made very bad decisions.”

“Not knowing if my vehicle would be OK to drive after working two jobs is a terrifying feeling,” she said. “Not knowing if I could get my kids where they needed to be is a terrifying feeling. Being a single woman, late at night, not knowing what to do with flat tire after flat tire is very scary.

“Driving down the road having to pull over because the tire pressure in my tire was down to 8 PSI (is) another scary feeling,” she continued. “Every night when I walk to my vehicle I am still on edge with fear and anxiety not knowing if my tires will be flat … I no longer feel safe. I live with worry daily hoping that this will never happen again.”

St. Hilaire remains a Justice of the Peace in Williston, elected last November. The remaining year on his selectboard term will be filled by Mike Isham, who won election to the seat during Town Meeting Day last Tuesday.

Thank you Williston

I’m still filled with gratitude as I reflect on the last two months.

To the 769 residents who voted for me, thank you so much for coming out and showing your support. While it was a chilly and long day out there, every thumbs up and kind word made it worth it.

Throughout the campaign, it was difficult to know if anything I said was resonating. On Tuesday, it became apparent that there were many Willistonians who liked what I brought to the table, and next time (because there will be a next time) I won’t let you down!

To the 772 residents who voted for Mike, thank you for voting. I’m glad you take your civic duty seriously, and I respect your choice. I hope I can continue to serve Willis-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ton in other capacities, get to know you and show you how much I love our town. Maybe next time, under different circumstances or against a different opponent, I’ll have some of you in my corner.

To Willistonians who didn’t vote, if you didn’t come out because you didn’t think your vote could make a difference, I hope this race illustrated that truly, Every. Single. Vote. Matters.

This result could have been different if literally one more household came out or one had stayed in. While local politics might not be particularly exciting all the time, local decision-making is important and can have a much bigger impact on our day-to-day lives than anything going on in Washington D.C., or even Montpelier.

Thank you again. Williston is a

special place. I am lucky it was the place I got to grow up, and it is very deliberately the place I want to grow old.

Ellie Beckett Williston

Echoing praise for Korner Kwik Stop

I fully endorse Jack Price’s comments in the March 2 issue of the Observer (“Appreciation for Korner Kwik Stop”).

Villages tend to have a center

or a heart. In the case of Williston, it is the Korner Kwik Stop, and in particular it is Bernie. He knows everybody, he remembers your name, he is consistently helpful and organized, and he is always kind and friendly.

Without him, Williston would not quite be the nice place it is.

I do hope that he continues to do what he is doing now and for many years to come.

Lutz Muller Williston

Next Week: Our states: New Jersey

Let’s Talk About

Try to imagine what it would be like if you couldn’t talk. How would you tell a teacher or your parents that you needed to use the bathroom? What if your stomach was upset, or you had a headache?

This is what many kids who have autism (AH-tiz-um) struggle with every day. Even kids with autism who can talk may have a difficult time saying what they’re thinking.

Today, 1 out of every 44 children in the United States is diagnosed as autistic. Boys are much more likely to have autism than girls. This week, The Mini Page recognizes Autism Awareness Month, coming up in April, and learns more about kids living with the disorder.

What is autism?

Autism is a disability in the brain that affects how certain skills develop. For instance, people with autism may have trouble communicating with other people. They may not understand the way others interact with each other, such as with body language or jokes.

Mini Fact: Autism is the fastestgrowing developmental disorder.

Autistic kids can have physical problems, too, such as seizures and allergies. They may have trouble digesting food or sleeping. Scientists and doctors are not sure what causes the disorder, but experts are sure that it is not caused by vaccinations.

The disorder affects everyone differently. Some people with autism can speak very well; others don’t speak at all. Some can focus on one or two favorite subjects but can’t concentrate on anything else.

Researchers are working to discover not only the cause, but also better ways to treat autism and help people live with it.

At school

Autistic kids can learn, but they may need to be taught in different ways.

For example, a teacher or therapist may break a lesson down into small steps and start with pictures instead of words.

Students with autism might get help from therapists with speech or gross motor skills such as balance, jumping and running. Others need help understanding their sensitivity to light or noise, or learning to use a pencil.

Newer technologies, such as tablets, help to make autistic kids’ lives more manageable.

Be a good friend

“Children with autism are just like every other kid,” an expert told us. “They want to have friends and have fun.”

For many autistic people, the biggest struggle is with social skills — getting along with other people. Autistic kids may not look you in the eye. They might need extra processing time to answer a question, or they might not understand friendly teasing or joking. This makes building friendships harder.

Kids need to remember that autistic children, even those who don’t speak, can hear everything we say, and they understand. Children with autism want to make friends and do all the same things other kids do, but many times they just don’t know how.

The “clang” of a locker door may be painful to hear. The buzzing and flickering of fluorescent lights may be unbearable.

Children who are sensitive to being touched may feel as if walking down a crowded hallway is like being beat up.

Remember to use patience with friends who have autism and respect how much strength it takes them to get through a regular day.

puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are

Founded by Betty Debnam Issue 11, 2023

photo courtesy PlusLexia.com

photo by Kate Ter Haar

photo by Nicole Mays

Kids with autism visit a fire station and meet a firefighter.

People with autism can be overly sensitive to certain stimuli (STIM-yoo-lie), such as noises or touch.

Try ’n’ Find

Newer technologies, such as tablets, help to make autistic kids’ lives more manageable.

Mini Jokes

Words that remind us of autism awareness are hidden in this puzzle. Some words are hidden backward, and some letters are used twice. See if you can find:

AUTISM, BOYS, BRAIN, COMMUNICATION, DISABILITY, FOCUS, FRIENDS, GROSS, MONTH, MOTOR, NOISE, RESEARCH, SKILLS, SOCIAL, SPEECH, STIMULI, TECHNOLOGY, TOUCH.

Cook’s Corner

Wrap ‘n’ Bake Hot Dogs

You’ll need:

• 1 tube refrigerated pizza dough

• Cooking spray

• 1 package low-fat precooked hot dogs

What to do:

• 4 cheese sticks, cut in half lengthwise

1. Spread out pizza dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.

2. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.

3. Make a lengthwise slit in each hot dog and place half a cheese stick inside.

4. Wrap each hot dog in pizza dough, pinching seams together. Place on baking sheet.

5. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly browned.

6. Serve with mustard, relish and ketchup if desired. Serves 8.

7 Little Words for Kids

Use the letters in the boxes to make a word with the same meaning as the clue. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in the solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

1. the shape of a globe (5)

2. nice quality (8)

3. what you take pictures with (6)

4. show with clowns (6)

5. loud sounds (5)

6. forgive (6)

7. mom of your mom or dad (11)

CUS USE RO GRAN

DNE NOI DMOT CIR

UND ERA SS KIN

HER SE CAM EXC

Answers: round, kindness, camera, circus, noise, excuse, grandmother.

Angie: In what sport does a pancake compete?

Arthur: Stack and field!

Eco Note

A new device designed for U.S. military personnel living in and around tents can provide hands-free and automatic protection against bites from mosquitoes for extended periods of time. It may be used in backyards and camping sites. The device is made up of small plastic tubes that are about 1 inch long. They drip the insecticide transfluthrin, which is said to be safe for use around humans and wildlife at the recommended doses, across the tent’s entrances.

For later: Look in your newspaper for articles about Autism Awareness Month.

Teachers: Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

DAN THOMPSON

•

Donating your body to science

Peace of mind for families

What we do:

Dear Savvy Senior, I am interested in possibly donating my body to science when I pass away. What can you tell me about this, and what would I need to do to set it up?

Dear Getting,

If you’re looking to help advance medical research, and in the process eliminate your funeral and burial costs, donating your body to science is a great option to consider. Here’s what you should know.

BODY DONATIONS

LaPlante, Esq.

Stephen A. Unsworth, Esq.

Wendy S Hillmuth, Esq.

Members of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys & National Association of Elder Law Attorneys.

Each year, it’s estimated that approximately 20,000 people donate their whole body, after death, to medical facilities throughout the country to be used in medical research projects, anatomy lessons and surgical practice.

After using your body, these facilities will then provide free cremation and will either bury or scatter your ashes in a local cemetery or return them to your family, usually within a year.

And, just in case you’re wondering, your family cannot not be paid for the use of your body. Federal and state laws prohibit it.

Here are a few other things you

need to know and check into to help you determine whether whole-body donation is right for you:

Donation denial: Most body donation programs will not accept bodies that are extremely obese, or those that have infectious diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, H.I.V. or MRSA. Bodies that suffered extensive trauma won’t be accepted either.

Organ donation: Most medical school programs require that you donate your whole body in its entirety. So, if you want to be an organ donor (with the exception of your eyes), you probably won’t qualify to be a whole-body donor too.

Religious considerations: Most major religions permit individuals to donate both their full body and organs, and many even encourage it. If you are unsure, you should consult with your pastor or spiritual adviser.

Special requests: Most programs will not allow you to donate your body for a specific purpose. You give them the body and they decide how to use it.

Memorial options: Most programs require almost immediate transport of the body after death, so there’s no funeral. If your family wants a memorial service, they can have one without the body. Or, some

By Jim Miller

programs offer memorial services at their facility at a later date without the remains.

Body transporting: Most programs will cover transporting your body to their facility within a certain distance. However, some may charge a fee.

HOW TO PROCEED

If you think you want to donate your body, it’s best to make arrangements in advance with a body donation program in your area. Most programs are offered through university-affiliated medical schools. To find one near you, the University of Florida maintains a list of U.S. programs and their contact information at www.Anatbd.acb.med. ufl.edu/usprograms. Or call the

whole-body donation referral service during business hours at 800727-0700.

In addition to the medical schools, there are also private organizations like Science Care (www. ScienceCare.com) and Anatomy Gifts Registry (www.AnatomyGifts.org) that accept whole body donations too. Some of these organizations will even allow organ donation because they deal in body parts as well as whole cadavers.

Once you locate a program in your area, call and ask them to mail you an information/registration packet that will explain exactly how their program works.

To sign up, you’ll need to fill out a couple of forms and return them. But you can always change your mind by contacting the program and removing your name from their registration list. Some programs may ask that you make your withdrawal in writing.

After you’ve made arrangements, you’ll need to tell your family members so they will know what to do and who to call after your death. It’s also a good idea to tell your doctors, so they know your final wishes too.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

CROSSWORD • SOLUTION ON PAGE 12

ANDREWS MCMEEL

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1945, U.S. military forces declared the island of Iwo Jima secure after 25 days of fighting.

• In 1968, U.S. Army soldiers massacred more than 300 civilians in the My Lai village in South Vietnam.

• In 1988, Lt. Col. Oliver North and Vice Adm. John Poindexter were indicted on charges of conspiracy during the Iran-Contra affair.

• In 1998, mass trials began in Rwanda for roughly 125,000 suspected perpetrators of the country’s 1994 genocide.

TODAY’S FACT:

• James Madison was the shortest U.S. president, at 5 feet 4 inches tall. He is estimated to have weighed 100 lbs.

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

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library hours:

• Monday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

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

• Saturday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit www.damlvt.org to apply for a library card, renew materials, access digital offerings and register for programs. Need help? Call 878-4918 or email daml@damlvt.org.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

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

TEENS D&D

Mondays, March 20 and 27, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12-plus. Join our Dungeons & Dragons campaign for teens.

STORYTIME

Tuesdays, March 21 and 28, 10:30-11 a.m. Join Danielle for stories and fun.

AFTER SCHOOL STEAM FUN ACTIVITY

Wednesday, March 22, 2-3 p.m. Try out experiments at the library.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC AND PLAYTIME

Thursdays, March 23 and 30, 10:3011:30 a.m. Enjoy music, then stay to play.

LEGO TIME

Thursday, March 23, 3-4 p.m. Make something exciting with our LEGO collection.

TEEN NIGHT: FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Thursday, March 23, 5-6 p.m. Ages 12plus. Join our teen advisory group — you bring the thoughts, we bring the food.

KIDS ZEN RETREAT

Friday, March 24, 3-4:30 p.m. Stop by during this time to learn some favorite mindfulness, breathing, yoga and other Zen practices from our teen volunteers.

PRESCHOOL MUSIC (NEW)

Saturday, March 25, 10:30-11 a.m. Enjoy music with Linda Bassick.

see LIBRARY page 14

Janice Marie Novak, 62, of Williston, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 9, 2023, in the presence of her loving family.

She was born on July 8, 1960 in Pittsfield, MA to Joseph and Helen (Lesniak) Monterosso, the second of four children. She grew up under the warm and watchful eye of not just her parents, but a large group of friends, neighbors, and relatives as well. Her father passed away when she was a teenager and her mother raised the kids on her own after that. Janice took on the role of a second parent to her siblings, which shaped her into the compassionate and warm-hearted woman that she was.

She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1978, after which she worked at Lightning Technologies as an Executive Assistant to the CEO.

In 1986, she met a young, skinny guy named Howard at a dance club in Pittsfield. They married three years later on May 20, 1989, and moved to Vermont to set about establishing a life together. Janice again took an executive assistant position, this time working for the owners of the largest hotel in town, the Sheraton, while Howard was establishing his dental practice in Richmond.

Daughters Jessica and Alex came along a few years later and the focus of life changed. Janice loved being a mom and had a strong protective instinct (think life jackets while skating on a friend’s frozen pond). She always made family her first priority and the girls are a testament to her quality parenting!

While the kids were in school, Janice worked at several local merchants including Willow House, Marilyn’s Boutique, and Harrington’s of Vermont. She always took pride in her work and in doing her part for the family budget. She would stash her earnings away and then use them for an array of “treats” for the family, ranging from a special dinner out to little upgrades on family trips. Our family always loved her for that!

Janice got to experience many travel destinations, both domestic and abroad. She had

OBITUARIES

Janice Marie Novak

a great talent for putting trips together and created many wonderful adventures for her family. She loved the beach and was sure to plan trips that involved getting her family’s toes in the sand and the sun on their faces. She and Howard also went on many “tool around” trips where they would check out a town or state they hadn’t visited before, making sure to enjoy delicious eateries along the way.

Janice also had some serious chops in the kitchen, especially when it came to Italian cuisine. She created many incredible meals over the years, to the delight of friends and family. Whether it was a small dinner with friends or a big 4th of July bash, everyone knew they would eat well at the Novak household.

Janice was sharp of mind and spirit, which she carried with her until the end. She loved to laugh; she was humorous and loved humor in others and her laugh could quickly become one of the most contagious sounds in a room. She had strong principles and she lived by them. She also had a certain class and panache that drew people in and it is one of the many reasons she will live on in the thoughts and memories of so many.

Janice is survived by her husband Howard; her daughters Alexandra and Jessica and husband Reid Kapinos; her mother, Helen; her sisters Vicki Wichmann and Karen Dow, and her husband Steve; her sister-inlaw Robin Monterosso; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She was predeceased by her father Joseph; her older brother Steve; and her motherin-law and her husband, Rita and Al Cohen.

Janice was a 23-year cancer survivor. That did not happen by accident. We would like to

thank the many skilled and caring nurses, doctors, and staff at the UVM Medical Center, whose efforts allowed Janice to stay with us so much longer than she otherwise might have. We would also like to thank the outstanding doctors, nurses, LNAs, and volunteers at the McClure-Miller Respite House. Their guidance, care, and understanding eased her path and allowed us the opportunity to be with and love her in her final days. We also want to send a heartfelt thank you to all the friends and family who have kept our stomachs full and blessed us with countless gestures of love and support over the past months. We love you and appreciate the warm blanket of comfort you have provided.

Family and friends are invited to join us in celebrating Janice’s life. Visiting hours will be March 23 from 4-6 p.m. at Ready Funeral Home, 68 Pinecrest Drive, Essex Junction. A service of remembrance will take place on Friday, March 24 at 11 a.m. at the All-Souls Interfaith Gathering, 291 Bostwick Farm Road, Shelburne. Janice’s memorial website is at: https://everloved.com/life-of/ janice-novak

We are hiring for the 2023 season!

JOIN OUR TEAM

Chef/Pub Manager • Grounds Crew

Golf Shop Assistant

Full- and part-time positions available. Must be 18 years of age. Apply online at kwiniaska.com/employment or send your resume to Charli at ckail@kwiniaska.com.

Human Resources Benefits & Payroll Administrator

There is no better time to join our team! Northfield Savings Bank, founded in 1867, is the largest banking institution headquartered in Vermont. We are committed to providing a welcoming work environment for all.

Our Human Resources team is GROWING,and we are looking for a professional to joinour exceptional HR team in our Berlin Operations Center.

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

The Benefits & Payroll Administrator will be responsible for processing bi-weekly payroll, handing employee benefits information updates, maintaining employee files and reports, and will act as the primary contact for internal questions and requests related to benefits and payroll.

EMAILED ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISING INSERTION ORDER

The successful candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be highly organized, and have a high attention to detail. This position will support the HR team in many capacities, while supporting the organization and maintaining confidentiality. A high school diploma, general education degree (GED) or equivalent is required.

Thomas Hirchak Company FROM: Dakota Ward Phone: 802-888-4662 Email: Advertising2@THCAuction.com

Prior Human Resources, Office Management, or Accounting experience is welcomed.

To: Rick & Susan Cote Paper: Williston Observer Max Length 12.5

Opportunity for Growth

Our team will encourage and help you develop within Human Resources, providing guidance on how to obtain appropriate HR certifications. The average years of service for an NSB employee is 9! If you’re looking to start or continue your HR career, join us!

TODAY’S DATE: 03/07/2023

NAME OF FILE: 03162023_WO

DATE(S) TO RUN: 03/16/2023

What NSB Can Offer You

Competitive compensation based on experience. Well-rounded benefits package. Profit-Sharing opportunity. 401(k) matching retirement program. Professional development. Positive work environment supported by a team culture. Work/Life Balance!

SIZE OF AD: 1/16 page (2” x 5”)

EMAILED TO: Rick@Willistonobserver.com

Please send an NSB Application & your resume in confidence to: Careers@nsbvt.com or mail to:

Northfield Savings Bank Human Resources PO Box 7180, Barre, VT 05641

Publishes in Williston Observer

SECTION: Auctions PO# 03162023

A stunning 18-hole golf course nestled in Shelburne, Vermont!

NOW HIRING

A busy newspaper office producing award winning weekly newspapers is hiring.

PART-TIME GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION

• creating advertisements for print and web

• newspaper page layout

• loading web & social media content

• design/layout software (Adobe Creative Suite, Quark)

• attention to detail is a MUST

• willingness to tackle tedious tasks when appropriate

• a team player with a positive attitude

Send a resume and cover letter to: Stowe Reporter, POB 489, Stowe VT 05672; katerina@stowereporter.com. No phone calls please.

Seasonal Job Opportunities

Parks Maintenance Worker

30 hours per week • April-October

Mon.-Fri.- starting at 7 a.m. Hourly Rate- $18.50 Day Camp Staff

Jr. Counselors, Counselors & Head Counselors

40 hours per week • June 19- Aug. 18 Hourly Range- $13.25-$15 (dependent on position)

For detailed info and to apply for these positions go to www.town.williston.vt.us/employment

Library

continued from page 12

LIFE-SIZED BOARD GAME

Monday, March 27, 3-4 p.m. Help create a life-sized board game and play as your own game piece.

AFTER SCHOOL D&D

Tuesday, March 28, 3-4 p.m. Suggested ages 8-plus. Join our after-school campaign. Registration required.

AFTER SCHOOL CRAFT

Wednesday, March 29, 2-3 p.m. Paint a pretty picture at the library.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS

POETRY MONTH KICKOFF: POETS IN THE COMMUNITY, A COMMUNITY OF POETS

Saturday, March 25, 12-1:30 p.m. Calling all poetry enthusiasts. Poetry Month is coming in April, and what better way to get in the mood than to come hear some of our fantastic local poets. You can even share a favorite poem of your own with the group.

READ TO A DOG

Thursday, March 30, 4-5 p.m. Call to register for a 10-minute time-slot to read to one of our therapy dogs.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

To join a book club or for Zoom link, email programs@ damlvt.org.

GUIDED MEDITATION (ONLINE)

Fridays in March, 12-12:30 p.m. Reconnect to your peaceful body and breath.

MAH JONGG

Friday, March 17, 1-3 p.m. Drop in for this popular tile game.

WRITE TIME WITH MARY

ANN FULLER YOUNG

Saturday, March 18, 12-1:30 p.m. Everyone has a unique voice and is born with a creative genius. Drop by to explore the craft of writing in a supportive environment with the guidance of a trained associate of Amherst Writers and Artists.

BOOK CLUB BUFFET (ONLINE)

Tuesday, March 21, 12:301:30 p.m. Memory Man by David

Baldacci follows former football player Amos Decker, whose head injury allows him to forget nothing. Available as an eBook in Libby (Overdrive) and in print from the library.

CURRENT EVENTS DISCUSSION

Wednesday, March 22, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Drop in to discuss newsworthy topics.

LIFE STORIES WE LOVE TO TELL (ONLINE SERIES)

Wednesday, March 22, 2-3:30 p.m. Maryellen Crangle will provide a prompt to guide the group in choosing a story to share.

BOOK FLICKS

Wednesday, March 22, 6-8 p.m. Join us to watch Director Amy Heckerling’s funny modern movie takeoff of “Emma” by Jane Austen. Visit www.damlvt.org for movie details.

BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB

Tuesday, March 28, 12:30-1:30 p.m. “American Fire: Love, Arson and Life in a Vanishing Land” by Monica Hesse is a true-crime account of a terrifying time in a once-thriving coastal community. Available in Libby (Overdrive) or in print from the library.

To place a classified ad, email rick@ williston observer.com or call 802-373-2136

Deadline for classifieds is Monday.

Basketball

continued from page 1

and parents reaching out about how happy they are for this group … This win means a lot for this program.”

While Cheer provided a second-half spark, Tucker Tharpe was a key presence on the defense and Kyle Eaton and Alex Provost provided extra offensive effort.

Tharpe held Rice star Drew Bessette to only five points, which helped CVU stay close until the Redhawks could begin their second-half push.

“Bessette is a really good player,” Osborne said. “To hold him to five points is impressive and Tucker (Tharpe) did that. He just

didn’t let him get any space.”

Rice had a 24-19 lead at halftime and extended the lead to 3122 in the third quarter.

But there was no panic on the CVU side. The Redhawks have had plenty of experience coming up with comebacks during the regular season.

“We had been here before,” Osborne said.

Eaton scored 19 points to lead the Redhawks on the offensive side of the ball. Provost added nine points as the team outscored Rice 12-7 and 11-7 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.

The team was clutch at the free-throw line, going 16 of 19, including 7 of 9 in the fourth quarter.

Outside Chittenden, Lamoille, Franklin, Washington, Grand Isle,and Addison Counties, add $500

The CVU boys basketball team won its first-ever state championship with a victory over Rice on Saturday at UVM’s Patrick Gymnasium.

PHOTO BY PAUL LAMONTAGNE/VTSPORTSIMAGES.COM