Williston Observer 05/30/2024

Williston prepares a new Town Plan

BY INDIRA BUSH Observer staff

Williston residents have seen a lot of change in recent years. The town’s population is expected to grow to 11,000 by the end of this decade, along with continued growth in the housing and business sectors.

A new Town Plan is due just in time.

Williston’s existing Town Plan, covering 2016-2024, is expiring at the end of the year, and a new one is needed by Aug. 25, 2025.

The new Town Plan will cover the years 2025-2033 and has been in the works for some time, with multiple rounds of public input. An online survey distributed last year by the Planning and Zoning Department had 333 responses, and about 130 residents have participated in various roundtable discussion events. Citizens of all ages have also created “Postcards from the Future” — small cards where they share their hopes for Williston’s future.

A town plan is “like a gigantic to-do list,” Town Planner Matt Boulanger explained, with 12 sections outlined in state law. Sections include topics like land use, education, hazard mitigation and housing. This time around, the town’s planning commission is including other considerations, like how to make the town more livable, resilient and equitable.

see TOWN PLAN page 4

Respect

Members of Williston’s Scout Troop 692 observe Memorial Day with the placement of flags and honorary salutes in Williston’s cemeteries. For more of Williston’s Memorial Day observances, see Page 24.

Your Friendly bagel baker

Burlington Bagel to take over former Friendly’s spot

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

Burlington Bagel Bakery has been on a run of expansion since its second generation of local family ownership joined the business in 2018.

Kyle and Tammy Fersing of St. Albans bought the business in 2001, running the sole Shelburne Road location in South Burlington that was originally opened in 1979. By 2018, two of their children, Hayden and Avery, had graduated from BFA High School

open a fourth Chittenden County location later this year at the former Friendly’s Restaurant spot in Williston.

in St. Albans and were ready to partner as owners.

“That’s when we decided to start growing a little bit,” Hayden Fersing said during an interview last week. “We had a bigger team, we all enjoyed it, so it became more feasible for us.”

As a foursome, the family opened a second location in 2018 on the Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, a spot formerly occupied by Bruegger’s Bagels. Their third store opened four years later, when the original Bagel Market came up for sale on Susie Wilson Road in Essex.

Now Burlington Bagel Bakery has claimed the high visibility

see BAGELS page 2

Interim CVU principal named

OBSERVER STAFF REPORT

After the announcement earlier this month that CVU Principal Adam Bunting will take over as interim superintendent of the Champlain Valley School District, the district has announced that longtime CVU educator Katherine Riley will take over as interim principal of the high school starting July 1. According a district news release, the appointment will be for the 2024-2025 school year.

Riley has worked at CVU since 1998, first as a social studies teacher then as the director of curriculum and the Snelling House director. She has helped the school transition to a proficiency-based evaluation system and develop current graduation requirements. She holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and a Master’s of Education from Plattsburgh State University.

She taught in New York prior to coming to Vermont and has international teaching experience in both Bhutan and Peru. At CVU, Riley has led numerous international student trips and advised both Amnesty International and the Student Council.

“With 12 years of experience at the administrative level and 14 years as a teacher at CVU, I feel that I am qualified to step into this leadership

see PRINCIPAL page 4

Katherine Riley

Burlington Bagel Bakery plans to

OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR

Bagels

continued from page 1 property at the corner of Routes 2 and 2A in Williston, the former Friendly’s restaurant that has been vacant since Friendly’s closed in 2022.

“We weren’t really looking to open another store, but that Williston spot is a tough one to say no to … It’s a big standalone building with a big parking lot at a busy intersection, and Williston seems to be kind of exploding,” Hayden Fersing said. “There’s a lot going

on there.”

Burlington Bagel Bakery will join Green Mountain Bagels as Taft Corners options for ba-

“It was kind of like, keep it local or let someone else do it.”

Hayden Fersing

gel-seekers. Both have expansive menus with breakfast and lunch

options that go beyond bagel-andcream-cheese fare. From soups to sandwiches to wraps, both businesses can satisfy a wide variety of tastes.

“There are a lot of people moving there, a lot of new housing, so hopefully there is enough for us both to succeed,” said Fersing. “It kind of seems like the more bagel shops there are, the more popular bagels become, so hopefully it increases both our businesses.”

After Friendly’s left, members of the Handy family purchased the one-acre parcel and began seeking tenants. According to Fersing, multiple bagel chains were interested in the spot.

“If it wasn’t us it was going to be someone else,” he said. “It was kind of like, keep it local or let someone else do it.”

The Fersings plan to keep the current building footprint as is. Any redevelopment would require adherence to relatively new zoning regulations mandating the building be located closer to the street. Expect the exterior to transform from Friendly’s red to the Burlington Bagel Bakery’s theme of black and silver. The building also will be re-roofed and transformed inside, Fersing said.

“It’s been sitting for two years. It needs a lot of work,” he said, adding: “I think it’s cool to save the building and make it something locally owned.”

Around Town

Nala Brooks, age 5, and her dad, Thomas, show the 18-inch brook trout that earned Nala a 1st place trophy in her age group at the 2023 Father’s Day fishing derby.

Annual Father’s Day fishing derby set for June 16

The Chittenden County Fish & Game Club will host a Father’s Day Fishing Derby on Sunday, June 16 in Jonesville.

Prizes will be awarded to children ages 14 and under.

Participants must arrive by 8 a.m. Lunch will be available. Admission is free. To attend, follow the signs from the Jonesville Route 2 bridge to the club at 1397 Wes White Hill Rd., Jonesville.

Williston farm market season starts

Truckin’ Tuesdays at Adams Farm Market on Old Stage Road will run Tuesdays 5-8 p.m. from June 4 to Aug. 20 featuring Baba’s Tacos, Crazy Cotton Candy Lady, Famous Frankie’s, The Melted Cheeserie and Maharaja Spice Indian Cuisine, plus live music.

Isham Family Farm will host a Farmers’ Market every Tuesday, 4:30-7:30 p.m. from June 11 to Sept. 15 featuring live music, local small businesses, farms and food trucks. This year the market will also include Dottie the Bookmobile and a weekly magic show in the barn.

COURTESY PHOTO BY SUSAN WINTER

Catamount plans new headquarters with $126K state grant

BY JOHN ATKINSON Catamount Outdoor Family Center

The Catamount Outdoor Family Center has earned a $126,500 Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) grant to produce building blueprints for a new facility. The Catamount Outdoor Family Center (COFC) is the trail and programs manager for the Town of Williston’s Catamount Community Forest (CCF).

The grant application was submitted with letters of support from the Town of Williston, Vermont Adaptive and Little Bellas mountain biking program. The Vermont Land Trust, which holds the CCF conservation easement with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, also gave written permission for the grant. VOREC grants are administered by a steering committee of public and private organizations under the umbrella of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recration.

The COFC was started by Lucy and Jim McCullough in 1978, originally as a cross country ski center. Soon after, biking and hiking were added. The network features some of the first off-road adaptive routes and is one of the most approachable trail experiences in Vermont, serving all ages and abilities.

As Lucy and Jim got older and looked to their future and the future of the COFC, they and their family conceived the idea and permitted the conservation of the CCF. This includes the requirement to actively maintain the property for recreation, education and celebration by the COFC. Without their vision and generosity, the CCF would not exist and this public land would likely be private home sites.

The COFC is a separate non-profit from the McCulloughs now, but still leases its main indoor space in their historic Giles Chittenden Homestead. Built in 1793, this house was originally built by Vermont’s first governor, Thomas Chittenden, for his son Giles. It is one of the oldest buildings in Vermont.

The McCullough family has lived in it and on the land since 1873. From this home, five generations have served Williston and the surrounding communities in the Ver-

mont Statehouse as representatives.

This family home has a lot of great memories and history in it. However, the COFC space is not Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible and can’t be made accessible. It is smaller than needed to adequately host camps, celebrations, educational programs and events.

Most importantly, the COFC will lose the space relatively soon as the McCulloughs build a new home and move out.

The COFC feels a sense of duty and responsibility to be the most welcoming place possible for all ages and abilities. The new building, planned for the north side of Governor Chittenden Road, will help this happen.

The idea of a new COFC building has been talked about for more than 20 years. Current COFC staff and board members have moved these plans a significant step forward with the VOREC planning grant.

The building is part of a foundation of long-term sustainability for the COFC. It also helps honor the McCullough family’s vision and contributions to the community.

“Congratulations to the COFC staff and board on receiving the VOREC grant to catalyze this important facility planning project for the organization,” Willis-

ton Town Manager Erik Wells said. “The Catamount Community Forest is a regional asset, and the COFC as the town’s licensed facility operator is a vital partner in sharing this important resource with the public. The town as the property owner looks forward to engaging with the COFC board throughout this design development process.”

“The VOREC grant allows progress to finally be made on creating a dedicated building for the non-profit Outdoor Center,” said COFC board vice president Alan Cote. “A building for summer campers to get out of the rain and lightning, for skiers to warm-up in the winter time, and as a gathering spot for walkers, birders and all who enjoy the outdoors is something first envisioned by the McCulloughs and is now finally beginning to move ahead.”

Shelby Semmes, New England Regional Vice President of the Trust for Public Land, added “Catamount Community Forest and Catamount Outdoor Family Center are pillars of the community, not only for residents of Williston, but for the tens of thousands of Vermonters for whom it is a launching point to a safe and

inspiring connection with the outdoors. Trust for Public Land commends this investment in its ongoing stewardship.”

COFC’s indoor space is integral to the healthy function of the organization and its educational and recreational programs. The plans for the new facility include a fully ADA accessible combined Trail Hub, rental, event/programming, office, maintenance shop and equipment storage spaces.

The COFC plans three public meetings and an online input process this summer to help inform the community and gather ideas for the facility. All plans need to be approved by both the Town of Williston and the Vermont Land Trust before the blueprints can be produced.

The VOREC grant is structured to get through the blueprint phase only. Further support is needed for permitting and building construction. Estimated costs for these phases is currently $2-4 million dollars.

John Atkinson is the executive director of the Catamount Outdoor Family Center. He can be reached at director@catamountoutdoor.org.

The current trail hub center at the Catamount Community Forest is the likely site of a new indoor headquarters for the nonprofit.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY JASON STARR

Town Plan

continued from page 1

These additional layers will be woven throughout the new plan.

Boulanger said the Town Plan process is a lot about asking: “How can all of the things that are on that to-do list be coordinated and prioritized?”

By creating a draft, planners are deciding which items are attainable, which ones may be too expensive, and which ones can work alongside one another.

Through discussion and surveys, it’s become apparent that Williston residents are concerned with the lack of affordable housing. When asked about the biggest problem with Williston’s economy, the largest percentage of respondents identified housing.

At roundtable groups, a majority of people said that affordable housing should be Williston’s top priority. At the same time, most Williston residents say that they

value small business, and want to see it increase over time.

According to Boulanger, housing and business growth should be worked on simultaneously, because employers are often unable to provide pay high enough for their workers to cover the cost of housing. Planners want to give Taft Corners “much more that feeling of a small downtown,” Boulanger said. That means ground-level businesses with multiple floors of affordable housing above, which would ideally address both issues.

Along with new development, Williston residents also value conservation. “Williston has had a really long tradition of preserving open space,” Boulanger said, and this idea will continue in the new Town Plan. Planning for conservation means thoughtful decisions about where development can occur. Boulanger describes the map of town as “like a bullseye with Taft Corners in the mid-

dle.’’ The further from Taft Corners (where the majority of new development will take place), the more conservation-focused the land will be.

Predictably, money is also a factor in the Town Plan. Some ideas garner wide support, until residents see the cost and associated tax increases. Boulanger said that, for this reason, planners try to make it clear when items in the plan come with a high cost.

One of these items is a proposed community center facility, which many residents are hoping to make a part of the plan. But the money needed to build and operate one will be a large obstacle in bringing this idea to fruition.

As Williston planners move into the drafting process for the Town Plan, the community can stay involved. A more complete draft is expected to come before the selectboard in the fall. Town Plan drafts will be published at www.Williston2050.com.

Principal

continued from page 1

role,” she said. “I know the systems and the people ... I am confident that I will step into the role of interim principal and allow for a smooth transition for our CVU community.”

Bunting, a CVU graduate, has been principal for the past 10 years. His promotion to superintendent was preceded in March by the resignation of current Superintendent Rene Sanchez, who remains on the job until the end of June.

“I am humbled and excited to step into the role of interim principal and to build on the good work that is happening at CVU,” Riley said. “I look forward to working closely with the students, faculty, staff and community to grow the culture of belonging and high academic standards which have been the hallmark of the high school since long before I began my teaching career at CVU.”

CVSD Director of Learning and Innovation Sarah Crum served on the interim principal interview committee.

“Katherine highlighted her desire to maintain the collaborative approach that has been a cornerstone for the CVU leadership team and that continuity is a priority for her,” said Crum. “Katherine’s steady leadership will ensure that CVU continues to build on the incredible strengths of the administrators, faculty and staff while it fosters innovative solutions to challenges in education.”

BY REPS. ANGELA ARSENAULT AND ERIN BRADY

This is the second of a twopart wrapup of the 2024 legislative session. The first part was published in last week’s Observer.

We sincerely appreciate those who joined us at the library last Wednesday evening for another community conversation. Hosting these open dialogues over the last two years has been a bright spot for both of us. We have gotten to know members of our community and are grateful that so many in Williston care deeply about our collective future and devote themselves to a range of town positions, boards and volunteer organizations.

Last week we wrote about sig-

Notes from the Legislature

nificant legislation that passed this session to protect Vermonters, including several public safety bills, an important financial investment in our court system so that justice is served in a more timely manner, and robust data privacy legislation to protect Vermonters online, especially kids.

Also receiving a great deal of attention this session were the interrelated and complex challenges of housing, healthcare access and funding for our education system.

HOUSING AND THE ECONOMY

The housing crisis is a national problem that is garnering long overdue attention and analysis. Housing affordability is understandably a top priority for Vermonters.

With high costs of labor and

materials and a shrinking workforce, the cost of building has increased dramatically, to the point where a builder cannot build an “affordable” $300,000 house. Truly affordable housing often requires governmental financial investment to reduce the price so that our nurses, mental health

Many voters want to “send Montpelier a message.” We are listening.

workers, teachers, tradespeople, and others of average income can afford the rental or purchase price.

From March 2020 through June 2023, Vermont has invested

over $1 billion — mostly federal stimulus funding — into the housing sector and supports for unhoused Vermonters. We’re making progress, but the work is challenging and costly.

We supported the House position that made more significant housing investments by raising income taxes on the wealthiest Vermonters (those with incomes over $500,000) and increased real estate transaction taxes on houses with a purchase price over $750,000. The governor opposed those revenues and the Senate proposed a much smaller investment.

In the final compromise (contained within two bills — the budget and H.687), there is almost $80 million for the development of permanently affordable housing, new construction for the “missing middle,” rehabilitation of blighted properties, and updates for manufactured housing. There is also a continued funding commitment to emergency shelter and services for unhoused Vermonters. We are especially excited about the new incentives to build housing for people with disabilities and are

with Vermont’s natural beauty.

inspired by the devoted parent-advocates in Williston who have worked for years to make this possible.

Furthermore, the work we accomplished this year to revise our statewide land use law, Act 250 — to allow more and faster homebuilding in specific areas — is another critical part of addressing the complex housing crisis. Since 1970, Act 250 has preserved Vermont’s rural character, supporting compact development in downtowns and village centers while protecting forests and open lands. With limited housing supply and increasing threats from climate change, H.687 sets out strategies to make it easier to build in the right places and better protect natural resources.

The bill incorporates broad areas of agreement between environmentalists, developers, regional planners and others on changes to Act 250, including a switch to a new location-based permitting process and improved board governance. Towns will work with their regional planning commis-

see LEGISLATURE page 6

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sions on a future land use map to identify areas for growth and conservation. In the Senate, many housing provisions were added to the bill, including several temporary housing exemptions to enable denser housing in the near term.

We appreciate the ongoing feedback and input we received from Williston’s Planning and Zoning Office that helped us understand the impact of policies on Williston and protect the opportunities we have here for smart growth and economic development.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE FOR THE FUTURE

In the wake of the devastating floods last summer that caused over $1 billion in damage and disrupted so many lives, Vermonters have been grappling with the longterm effects of flooding and more frequent extreme weather events. The complex climate change work we all face is not just about reducing emissions and repairing harm; it’s also about making our communities more climate-resilient

and better prepared for a rapidly changing future.

We passed critical bills to address the climate crisis, including S.213, which would establish a new state permitting system for building in river corridors, and H.289, a bill that would update the state’s renewable energy standard by requiring utilities to make a quicker transition to renewable energy (this has already been vetoed by Gov. Scott).

We also passed S.259, the Climate Superfund Act, which would require the largest carbon polluters (those responsible for more than one billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions) to help cover the cost of adaptation, recovery and resilience necessitated by the harm they’ve caused. Vermont’s treasurer and Agency of Natural Resources would work together to identify the overall costs, then essentially bill the fossil fuel companies for a portion of that total.

This fund follows the existing “polluter pays” model, which has withstood legal challenges for many years.

HEALTHCARE IS ESSENTIAL AND INCREASINGLY COSTLY

With double-digit increases in health care rates every year, outof-control health care costs are squeezing every budget — from family budgets to school budgets and our state budget. The Legislature continued to tackle healthcare costs, but we still have a long way to go. Like housing, healthcare affordability is a complex challenge that intersects with federal policy.

For several years, the governor has recommended state mental health budgets that don’t keep pace with inflation. When those costs fall back on school districts, you pay even higher property taxes locally. So, the Legislature’s budget provides a 3 percent increase in rates to the state’s designated mental health agencies.

We also gave the Green Mountain Care Board resources to tackle and regulate prescription drug prices (S.98), and we strengthened oversight of pharmacy benefit managers (H.233). We provided critical resources to local Emergency Medical Service providers (H.622), and we ensured reimbursement parity to telemedicine, which should help seniors check in with a health care provider without needing to drive (H.861).

Vermont is experiencing a severe shortage of healthcare providers, and those dedicated professionals spend around 25 percent of their working time dealing with insurance companies that too often second-guess their medical expertise. To that end, we passed H.766 to eliminate the time-consuming practice known as “prior authorization” for all of our primary care providers: the physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners that we meet at local offices, clinics and community health centers.

Primary care provides the most preventative and least costly form of care in our healthcare system.

Too many low-income aging Vermonters face a benefits cliff when they reach the age of 65. In transitioning from Medicaid to Medicare, these folks see a sudden jump in costs due to premiums and copays for services and prescription drugs. Now that the governor has approved the state budget, nearly 10,000 eligible Vermonters can expect to keep $2,096 in their pockets per person, or $4,192 for married couples, per year, beginning on Jan, 1, 2026.

Increasing eligibility for the

Medicare Savings Program (MSP) allows this benefit to reach older Vermonters with incomes up to $29,367 or $39,858 for married couples. With an investment of $4.7 million state dollars, this proposal will also draw significant federal support, resulting in nearly $50 million of benefits for Vermonters and the providers who care for them.

The MSP provides a crucial lifeline for older adults and people living with disabilities, allowing them to afford health care and keep more of their hard-earned Social Security income to spend on basic needs like housing, food and medicine.

Vermont’s Office of the Healthcare Advocate is an important and free resource for anyone with questions or experiencing challenges navigating Medicaid or Medicare.

TRANSFORMING AND FUNDING EDUCATION

We are at an inflection point in education for a variety of complex reasons, and if you follow education news nationally, you know

the impact of social media that we are just beginning to understand.

sion will make recommendations

continued from

our challenges are not unique.

Several Vermont communities struggled to pass school budgets this year (some are still trying), and it was difficult to see our in credible Champlain Valley School District teachers and staff feel that so acutely this year. This cycle is hard on morale and culture in schools and is exacerbated in the age of social media and other on line forums.

Many voters want to “send Montpelier a message.” We are listening.

This challenging budget year created a sense of urgency around establishing a modern vision for public education in Vermont. We know that at least $50 million in increased education spending in Vermont this year is direct mental health services provided to stu dents in schools. Schools are the provider of last resort, tasked with handling multi-generational pov erty, pandemic learning loss and

been

Court win

CVU’s Anna Dauerman serves the ball during the Redhawks’ match with the South Burlington Wolves on May 22 at Shelburne’s Davis Park. Tabitha Bastress makes a twohanded backhand return. In doubles, Leonie Schwetlick serves the ball as she teams up with doubles partner Ariel Toohey. The ‘Hawks won the match 5-2.

Mary Ann Tabor

Mary Ann Tabor (88) passed away peacefully May 20 at Maple Ridge Memory Care in Essex, VT.

She was born to Baron and Hazel (Wortheim) Tabor of Richmond, Vermont on May 3, 1936. Mary Ann graduated from Richmond High School in 1953 as the class Valedictorian; she was a delegate to Green Mountain Girls State and loved playing on the softball team.

She graduated from UVM, where she was a member of the Sigma Gamma Sorority. She shared her love of history with countless students at AD Lawton Middle school in Essex, LC Hunt Middle school and Burlington High School during her long teaching career, as well as being a lifeguard at the Essex pool. Over the years, she owned homes in South Burlington, Colchester, and Williston, but her summers were always spent at her beloved camp in Hinesburg that she shared with her mother Hazel. At camp, she enjoyed hosting many picnics, kids’ sleepovers, teaching nieces and nephews how to play cribbage, fish, and swim.

Mary Ann was raised on her parent’s farm in Richmond, and she always delighted in anything Vermont, from its history and lore to its rural, natural beauty. She read voraciously — fiction, history and especially anything WWII. She spent time walking her many dogs, watching Red Sox games and listening to 40s music.

Mary Ann golfed in summers, which she learned from her Uncle Henry, and in the winter, she loved to ski and shared that adventure with her students and family. She generously donated blood and platelets through the Red Cross, receiving many gallon pins. She delighted in time spent with family, sharing dinners/picnics and playing pinochle.

Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents and 3 sisters and their husbands –Joyce & Wally Stokes, Freda Grassley, and June & Bernard Giroux; along with a favorite cousin JoAnn Warner and nephews Dan Giroux, Michael and Robert Grassley and Steve Stokes. She is survived by 2 half-brothers, Brian and James Tabor, and 11 nieces and nephews — Sue Giroux McGuire, Mark, Peter, Tom, and Jim Giroux, Mary Jo Giroux Brace, David Grassley, Janice Stokes Estenes, Kathy Stokes

OBITUARIES

Jelinek, Rosemary Stokes Berens, and Christina Stokes Gale.

The family is grateful for the wonderful care given her by her very special physician Dr. Alicia Cunningham and the entire staff at Maple Ridge Memory Care.

A graveside gathering was held on Tuesday, May 28 at the Hinesburg Village Cemetery.

Cecile Valentine LaPorte

Cecile Valentine LaPorte passed away at the McClure-Miller Respite House on May 24, 2024. Cecile was born on May 18, 1930, to the late Gedeon and Leonille Noël of Richmond, VT. She was raised in a boisterous, bilingual household with 11 siblings by hockey loving, farmer parents. Educated in a one room schoolhouse, she graduated early as valedictorian from Richmond High School. She attended Trinity College where she was vice president of the student council and graduated in 1951.

Cecile married Thomas Fennell in 1957 and had four children. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. A funny, happy optimist, she was also a great listener, an avid reader, a gardener, and a rabid Boston Celtics fan. Her resilience, patient determination and strength will be sorely missed. Cecile remarried in 1999 to beloved husband Philip LaPorte. They had many happy years together, traveling around New England before Phil passed away in 2021.

She is survived by her four children Tim (Sheryl) Fennell, Eileen (Dana) Thurston, Mary (Greg) Rosmus, Chris (Ana) Fennell, stepchildren Philip Jr. LaPorte (PJ) (Judi St. Hilaire) and Cathy Campney, grandchildren Tim (Sydney) Rocheleau, Lauren (Jack) Berlo, Erica and Brian Rosmus, Marco, Nia, and Luna Fennell, Rochelle LaPorte, Kiersten (Ricky) Coffin, Brendon and Clay Campney, great-grandchildren Theo Rocheleau, Abby Berlo, and Ethan and Ayden Coffin. She is also survived by siblings Claire Beauchemin, Albert (Gladys) Noël, and Clement (Mary) Noël. She was predeceased by brothers Claude, Sylvio, and Leopold (Paul) Noël, and sisters Blanche Boucher, Bibianne (Bea) Cox, Mar-

guerite (Peg) Cartier, Jane Geiger, and Bertha (Bert) LaCroix.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated May 31, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church 7417 Williston Road in Williston. Interment will follow at the East Cemetery 8807 Williston Road in Williston.

The family respectfully requests that donation be made to the McClure Miller respite House 3113 Roosevelt Highway Colchester VT 05446

Arrangements are in care of the ready Funeral and Cremation Services. To send online condolences please visit www.readyfuneral.com.

Hop On!

Do you have a bicycle? More and more adults and kids are getting on their bikes and taking to the road, lane or path. Today, about 100 million Americans cycle. Some cycle more than others, but the number is growing.

This week, The Mini Page learns more about cycling and bicycles.

Why cycle?

Many people think cycling offers a way to:

• get where you are going;

• stay healthy and keep in shape;

• save money on transportation;

• help planet Earth by not polluting the air;

• cut down on traffic congestion.

When kids or adults are cycling, they can notice things they miss from a car, such as sounds of the neighborhood and seeing friends.

Who cycles?

Workers in Oregon and the District of Columbia bike to work more than people in any other state, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Police officers are using bikes to get around cities more easily and have more contact with people.

Pedicabs, or bikes with a small passenger compartment attached, are popular in many cities around the United States. People hire the rider to deliver them to another location, just as a taxicab would.

Mini Fact: Experts say only about 18% of kids ride to school, down from 28% in 2008.

Some schools have started bicycle trains — groups of kids who bike together to school with adult supervision. Having a group to ride with can make parents feel better about letting their kids pedal to school.

Cities getting involved

In many cities, bicyclists have convinced the government to make changes that make biking safer and more convenient. For example, some streets may have bike lanes painted on the surface. Drivers of cars know that bikes may be in that lane.

Transportation such as buses and trains are providing bike racks so that bikers can ride part of the way to work or school and pedal the rest of the way.

Bike power

You might have started seeing electric bikes, or e-bikes, on the streets in your town. But electric bikes have been around for decades. Ogden Bolton Jr. received a patent in 1895 for a batterypowered bike.

Today, there are many different types of e-bikes that help riders get around.

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

Next Week: What is Juneteenth?

A little bike history

While bicycles have evolved over many years, they’ve also stayed somewhat the same. Early velocipedes, or humanpowered land vehicles, could have up to five wheels.

The first bicycle with pedals was introduced in the early 1860s in France. Early bikes were made entirely of wood and metal, which made them rough and uncomfortable to ride. Later, solid rubber tires and a large front wheel made riding a bike more fun. But bikes still didn’t have brakes, which made them dangerous to ride.

In the late 1800s, bicycles were improved with chain-driven wheels and pneumatic, or air-inflated, tires. Before automobiles were common, bicycle clubs sprang up in Europe and the United States.

Women started wearing “Betty bloomers” so they could sit astride a bicycle.

Mini Jokes

Founded by Betty Debnam Issue 22, 2024

photo by Richard Masoner

photo by Alex Smith

photo by Slackyhacky

These police officers in Bellingham, Washington, use bikes to patrol the city.

An e-bike from 1932.

compartment attached, are popular in many cities around the United States. People hire the rider to deliver them to another location, just as a taxicab would.

Try ’n’ Find

Jr. received a patent in 1895 for a batterypowered bike. Today, there are many different types of e-bikes that help riders get around.

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

BATTERY, BICYCLE, BLOOMERS, CLUBS, CONGESTION, ELECTRIC, HEALTHY, LANE, PEDAL, PEDICAB, PNEUMATIC, POLICE, RACK, RIDE, RUBBER, SCHOOL, TRAFFIC, VELOCIPEDE.

Mini Spy Classics

Spy and her friends are talking with a bicycle policeman. See if you can find the hidden pictures. Then color the picture.

Mini Jokes

Betty: What’s the hardest thing about learning to ride a bike? Bryan: The pavement!

Eco Note

Chinese scientists say they have devised tiny electronic vests that can be attached to fish to monitor their movement based on the disturbances created as they swim through water. Writing in the journal Microsystems & Nanoengineering, researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences say the wearable electronic devices can, in ways never before possible, measure when a fish turns, speeds up or dips.

For later:

Look in your newspaper for items about bicycle clubs, rides or races.

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

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By Jim Miller

SAVVY SENIOR

How to start a walking program

Dear Savvy Senior, My doctor recently suggested I start a walking program to help get my weight and blood pressure under control, but I’ve never exercised much and am 66. Can you recommend some tips?

Hate to Exercise

Comprehensive Dentistry

Dear Hate,

You should follow your doctor’s orders.

Years of research have shown that walking may be the single best exercise you can do to improve your health as you age. It burns calories, which will help you lose weight, builds endurance, enhances muscle tone and it doesn’t pound your joints. It also helps improve or prevent many age-related health problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, dementia and even depression.

finish your walk with a few simple warm up and cool down stretches. Stretching will make you feel better and help prevent injury.

Most fitness professionals recommend walking about 30 minutes, five or more days a week. Or, for optimal health benefits, aim for 10,000 steps per day, which is the equivalent of about 5 miles.

com, www.Google.com/fit or www. Accupedo.com.

contract with all major dental insurances.

But walking is not only good for what ails you. It’s also one of the easiest and most convenient exercises you can do and is completely free. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes that fit well and a little desire. Here are some things you should know to help get you started and stay motivated.

GETTING STARTED

Start out slow if you need to. For many people this means head out the door, walk for 10 minutes, and walk back. Do it every day for a week. If that seems easy, add five minutes to your walks the next week and keep adding five minutes until you are walking as long as you desire. It’s also a smart idea to start and

Your walking pace is also important. While strolling around the park or neighborhood at an easy pace is good for you, a brisker pace that has you breathing heavily, but still able to carry on a conversation, provides better health, fitness and weight loss benefits.

STAYING MOTIVATED

While starting a walking program takes initiative, sticking with it takes commitment. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated.

Find a walking buddy: Having a friend to walk with can provide motivation and support along with companionship.

Wear a fitness tracker or pedometer: These devices measure how far you’ve walked in steps and miles, providing motivation by spurring you to meet a particular goal. Or, if you use a smartphone, there are free pedometer apps you can download, like www.MyPacer.

May 7 at 11:57 a.m. — Report of a female who attempted to steal from Walmart. Female was issued a notice of trespass.

May 7 at 2:32 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Best Buy. An arrest warrant was issued for the female suspect.

May 8 at 3:19 p.m. — Report that part of Governor Chittenden Road was starting to wash out. Williston Public Works was notified.

May 8 at 3:58 p.m. — Report of suspicious male and female in Best Buy. Both parties immediately left the store when police arrived.

May 9 at 2:24 p.m. — Stolen vehicle recovered at Home Depot. Vehicle was returned to owner.

May 9 at 4:43 p.m. — Report of male needing attention at Over-

look Park. Male was evaluated by Williston Rescue and left the scene.

May 10 at 9:06 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Arrest warrant issued for male suspect.

May 10 at 10:10 p.m. — Report of juveniles ringing doorbells on Lawnwood Drive. Officer was unable to locate juveniles.

May 11 at 8:40 a.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. Female suspect was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

May 11 at 3:21 p.m. — Suspicious male reported in Healthy Living. Male was issued a notice of trespass.

May 12 at 6:16 p.m. — Report of tents set up behind the buildings on Retail Way. Parties were issued a notice of trespass and told to

Join a walking club: To find one in your community, call your nearby medical center, mall, health club, senior center, running shoe stores or Area Agency on Aging to see if they sponsor or know of any clubs or groups. Or try www.MeetUp.com or the American Volkssport Association (www.AVA.org) to search for non-competitive walking clubs in your area — or start one.

Keep a journal: Use it to keep track of your walking minutes, steps or mileage and total it up at the end of each week to see how you’re progressing. There are also free apps like www.MapMyWalk.com and www.Walkmeter.com that use GPS to map your walk and measure your distance and time, which is fun and motivating.

Have a backup plan: If bad weather, allergies or other factors limit your outdoor walking, have a backup plan, like walking at your local mall, buying a home treadmill or joining a health club.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor

move along.

May 12 at 6:31 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Home Depot. Case is still under investigation.

May 13 at 6:32 a.m. — Male reported stealing alcohol from Jolley. Male was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

May 13 at 8:14 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Male suspect was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft. May 14 at 5:40 p.m. — Male reported stealing alcohol from Jolley. Male was located and issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

May 14 at 8:18 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Walmart. Suspect had fled before officers arrived.

Officers also conducted 17 traffic stops and responded to eight alarm activations and 13 motor vehicle accidents during this time frame.

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1431, 19-year-old Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen, Normandy, for heresy.

• In 1911, Ray Harroun, driving a Marmon Wasp equipped with the first rearview mirror, won the first Indianapolis 500.

• In 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C.

• In 1958, unidentified soldiers from World War II and the Korean War were interred in Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

• In 2002, cleanup at the former World Trade Center site in New York City ended after eight months.

TODAY’S FACT:

• Abraham Lincoln’s only surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln, then 79 years old, was present at the Lincoln Memorial dedication ceremony in 1922.

SUDOKU

FAMILY PROGRAMS

CAKE DECORATING — FLOWER CAKE

Ages 12-plus. In this cake decorating workshop, participants will learn how to make a bright and lovely flower cake — perfect for the start of summer. We will go over the basics of stacking, crumb coating and decorating cakes, and some simple techniques that have versatile applications. Each partici-

pant or co-registered pair will leave with a 6-inch cake they’ve assembled and decorated. June 6, 6-8 p.m. $70. Instructor: Jamie Deutsch LINE DANCING

Ages 6-plus. This program consists of line dance instruction for the first hour and open dance time for the second hour. All experience levels, including beginner, are welcome. Instructors: Country’s Best VT. Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. $10 per person at The R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.

Driver

ADULT PROGRAMS

SENIOR STRENGTH AND FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY

Ages 50-plus. This fitness program for seniors concentrates on developing upper and lower body strength as well as improving balance and strengthening your core. In this dementia-friendly class, participants are encouraged to work within their abilities. Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:45-10:45 a.m., $5 per visit, at the R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane.

JAZZERCISE CARDIO SCULPT PROGRAMS

Ages 50-plus. These programs are low impact, with different levels of intensity. Classes are offered year-round. Passes of one, five and 10 visits are available to purchase.

Cardio Sculpt Low, Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. and Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Cardio Sculpt High, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m. and Sundays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

TAI CHI INTRO

Ages 50-plus. This class will present sequences of movements derived from the “Sun” style, which is slow, smooth and upright in posture. This style is especially accessible to those over 50 or with impaired mobility. Wednesdays 12:15-1:15 p.m. R.E.C. Zone, 94 Harvest Lane. Free. Instructor: Adina Panitch

BEGINNER FENCING

Ages 50-plus. Fencing is an Olympic sport that develops strength, agility, fitness and mental focus. It is also a fun recreational sport enjoyed by a growing

number of Vermont adults. If you are looking to try something new, or your inner swashbuckler has a bucket list, come try it out. Mondays, June 13-July 25, 10:30 a.m.12 p.m. Instructor: Karen Cutler

YOUTH PROGRAMS

TRACK & FIELD

Ages 6-14. Participants will learn the basics of running, jumping, throwing and relays. There will be meets with other area rec departments and a state championship meet for athletes ages 7-14.

SUMMER CAMPS

Registration is open for summer camps at www.willistonrec. org. New camps recently added include Art Camp, Disc Golf Camp and Ultimate Frisbee Camp.

CLASSIFIEDS

Wanted Contact hartmeadllc@gmail.com or 802-482-6666

Energy and All Star Fuels in Hinesburg/Bristol area is looking for an individual with a clean CDL-B / Hazmat endorsement. Able to pass federally mandated drug screening. DOT physical required. Competitive wage, paid holidays and sick time.

YARD SALES

WILLISTON WOODS COMMUNITY YARD

SALES —Friday and Saturday, June 7 - 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Grilled hot dogs lunch on Friday.

Williston Woods Road is off North Williston Rd.

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Road, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532

on zoom.us/join or call 1-646558-8656

DP 24-10 North Williston Cattle Co. Inc. (c/o Lorenzo & Mary Whitcomb) and Fay Lane LLC (c/o Paul Mazza) request a discretionary permit for a boundary line adjustment to convey 0.51-acres to Fay Lane LLC and subdivide the remaining 10.49-acres of NWCC land into two lots around the existing dwellings (Lot 1, 2.01-acres, 347 Fay Lane; and Lot 2, 8.49-acres, 221 and 247 Fay Lane) in the ARZD.

DP 20-18.3 Ethan Allen Homes c/o Chris Senesac requests a discretionary permit to designate 2024 Growth Management allocation (24.5 DUe) on the

Summer Field subdivision phasing plan (all 122 DUe/141 DU are allocated) on a 30± acre parcel located at 1400 Mountain View Road in the RZD.

DP 24-20 Champlain Valley School District (c/o Chris Giard) requests a discretionary permit for stormwater improvements at Allen Brook School, 497 Talcott 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

So

year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.

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.

saliva. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal in humans and animals. However, treatment with the rabies vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective when given soon after a person is bitten by a rabid animal.

So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.

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.

Shelburne display lead dors from creemees. from

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St. George and the dragon

The Town of St. George held its annual Dragon Day last Saturday with a parade led by residents Rob Crites and Jennifer Berry on stilts. Selectboard vice chair Joel Colf as Chomp and selectboard chair Sarah Tischler are also pictured.

The Williston-Richmond Rotary Club team of (l to r) Andy Mikell, Elizabeth Davidson and Howard Novak took first prize during the Rotary competition round at the Burlington Rotary Spelling Bee held on May 23 at Champlain College. The annual event raises thousands of dollars to support literacy programs and address hunger in the community.