Williston Observer 06/20/2024

Class of ’24 ready for more

CVU seniors sent off with ceremony at UVM

BY INDIRA BUSH Special to the Observer

The 530 members of Champlain Valley Union High School’s graduating Class of 2024 walked into University of Vermont’s

Patrick Gym last Friday dressed in bright red caps and gowns, ready to graduate. CVU Principal Adam Bunting described the afternoon as a “representation of your story” and a “final opportunity for us to be together.” He then invited Rahn Fleming for a final “rally rally.” The calls of school spirit across the gym were proof of the supportive community gathered that day.

‘Keep smiling’

Eighth graders celebrate culmination of WCS careers

BY INDIRA BUSH

Special to the Observer

Last Thursday evening, members of Williston Central School’s class of 2024 celebrated the end of their middle school careers and

their upcoming passage into high school. The evening began with a rendition of Pomp and Circumstance performed by music teacher Kim Thompson, the Pledge of Allegiance led by graduating eighth grader Connor Denis, and the entire eighth-grade band performing “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Superintendent Rene Sanchez

After a performance of the national anthem by graduating senior Veronica Miskavage, a fellow member of the Class of 2024, Kennedy Desautels, offered a formal welcome. Desautels shared that, “Never in my four years at CVU has there been a moment I cannot find someone willing to help me.” She sent gratitude to CVU staff, faculty, family, friends and fellow graduates, and

advised those around her not to worry about what’s next but instead to “just slow down and look around you.”

Following Desautels was classmate Nisha Hickok, who told a story from a few nights prior about realizing just how far she had come. Hickok acknowledged the stress that may lie ahead but encouraged appreciation of the “small moments of joy,” and es-

(who will leave the position at the end of the month) and Principal Jacqueline Parks followed the performance with a warm welcome to the audience. Sanchez honored the students’ growth into “thoughtful, curious and compassionate young people” and expressed excitement for their coming journey into CVU. He ended with a thank you to the WCS parents and staff who had made the journey possible.

Speaking after Sanchez, Parks remembered the students’ journey through WCS, starting as third

pecially the “celebration of the little ways we’ve been brought together.”

Third to the podium was George (Frankie) Fidler. He spoke about change, a topic he is familiar with due to his move from England at a young age. “I could not have been happier to have come to Vermont,” he said.

graders “curious and full of life,” then persisting through the Covid pandemic, which sent them home to remote learning at the beginning of their fourth-grade year. Proudly, she told those in attendance that she was “so pleased to see how they’ve persevered” and expressed her best regards for them going to high school.

Proof of their perseverance was evident in the long list of awards that students received that evening. The Jordan Jones Me -

Ezra Ziter receives congratulations from Lead Principal Greg Marino at the Williston Central School graduation exercises on Thursday.

OBSERVER PHOTO BY AL FREY

Mortar boards fly at the 60th Commencement Exercise of Champlain Valley Union High School on Friday at UVM’s Patrick Gym.

OBSERVER PHOTO

FREY

Ham radio operators to hold emergency communications exercise

This weekend, local ham radio operators will hold their annual field day, where they set up communication systems with batteries and generators to practice for potential emergency situations when traditional communication channels become disabled.

Setting up at the Vermont State offices at 111 West Street in Essex Junction, the goal is to contact other ham radio operators.

The group, known as the Radio Amateurs of Northern Vermont, has set up in Williston in years past, but needed to relocate this year. The site in Essex Junction will be open for public visits on Saturday, June 22, 2-5 p.m., and Sunday, June 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Guides will be on hand to answer questions and explain the details on obtaining an amateur radio license.

Visitors can observe operators making contacts all over the country using voice, computers and Morse code. For more information, call Mitch at 879-6589 or go to the club’s web site at http://www.ranv.org.

morial Award went to Reece Kilburn. The Margaret Munt Literacy Award went to Abigail Tyler. The World Language Award was presented to two different students: Avery Antonioli and Alex Carr. Carr would also receive the Science Award later that evening.

Kai Maxwell received the Al Myers Spirit of History Award, followed by Madeline Deyo winning the Mathematical Mindset award. The impressive list continued with the Carter Smith Compassion and Acceptance Award going to Connor Nichols, and Alexander Barton receiving the Be the Change Award. The Allen S. Myers Spirit of Williston Award was given to five accomplished students: Avery Antonioli, Patrick Brady, Addison Kuhlmeier, Anika Zimakas, and Naz Tuco.

The exceptional accomplishments and nature of the WCS class of 2024 were also made evident by student speeches from eighth graders Anika Zimakas and Avery Antonioli. Zimakas spoke of an unforgettable middle school journey and stated that if she was able to go back to the beginning of her eighth grade year, she “would take greater advantage of every opportunity

to cherish the time left in this school.” She thanked her teachers and friends for the memories that had emerged through her six years at WCS.

Zimakas spoke about feeling nervous about entering CVU, just as she had when entering WCS years prior, but spoke with confidence: “We need to use our knowledge from middle school to remind us that it will all be fine.”

Antonioli followed Zimakas with yet another touching speech. She started with an appreciation for those in her grad -

uating class saying, “These people behind me are the future.” Speaking of their middle school years, she noted the unpredictability along with the increasing difficulty of school work, while also noting the positives of the middle school experience.

Antonioli described her participation in four different school sports, the opportunity to learn foreign languages, and her long list of teachers whom she described as “amazing role models.” To conclude, Antonioli acknowledged the unknown ahead, but assured everyone that, “the best thing we can do for ourselves is keep our heads up, keep smiling, work hard every day, and we will accomplish great things.”

Following Antonioli and Zimakas, classmates Jordyn Goodspeed and Reece Kilburn gave the class’s yearbook dedication. The dedication went to two eighth grade teachers: Deborah Taylor and Andrea Griffin. They noted how, “Ms. Taylor has taught us so much about historical events in such a short time,” and how “Ms. Griffin has made us feel loved.”

It was made clear by both students and teachers that the WCS class of 2024 is an exceptional group of young people who are well prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

Mediterranean Mix, El Gato Food Truck, The Scoop handcrafted ice-cream, Taste of Desi, and Farmers Market Pizza and more.

FUN ACTIVITIES: Vermont Close Up Magic Show, Face Painting and others.

Alexander Barton was presented the Be The Change Award at the Williston Central School graduation.

CVU

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Fidler encouraged his classmates to adopt a common British phrase — “We’ll muddle through” — as a reminder that they can persevere and take on challenges.

Class council leaders Sierra Carrier-Potter, Elizabeth Parent and Grace Thompson then took the stage to present the class gift. The gift included 16 red Adirondack chairs for future students and soundbox speakers for games and practices, as well as a donation to the Val Gardner Fund, which works to diversify athletics in the community.

The chosen faculty speaker, Robin Fawcett, was introduced by two of her students: Storey Merril and Asher Winsten-Pinel. About Fawcett, who teaches acting and public speaking, the students said: “Robin grows on you whether you like it or not.”

Robin’s cheery attitude made clear why she was the students’ choice. She explained how she almost didn’t return to teaching during Covid pandemic due to a rare immune compromise. She only felt confident returning because of the amazing community safety effort CVU showed.

“All this was the result of being surrounded by tryers,” Fawcett said. She reminded the class that it is this trait that will serve them in their future by saying, “you have reminded me, it is often the biggest risk not to try.” To conclude, she played a tune on her harmonica (after noting that she was still a beginner). After a few attempts, she succeeded, and proved her point about being a “tryer.”

Finishing off the speeches, Meadow Waite, a member of the Class of 2024 and an EMT and firefighter in Hinesburg, gave the Acknowledgement of Public Service by sending a warm thank you to all the first-responders in the community.

Then, the moment the students and families had been waiting for: The awarding of diplomas began. With teacher and legendary basketball coach Ute Otley reading the names, each graduate proudly walked across the stage, with the loud sound of cheers and applause ushering them into the next chapter of their lives.

CLOCKWISE (l to r): Veronica Miskavage sings the national anthem at the 60th Commencement Exercise of Champlain Valley Union High School on Friday at UVM’s Patrick Gym. Class speaker Robin Fawcett, a 30-year teacher at CVU, delivers her comments. Principal Adam Bunting begins the proceedings. Friends and family take photos with their new graduates after the ceremony. Meadow Waite and Nisha Hickok speak to their fellow seniors.

OBSERVER PHOTOS BY AL FREY

NEFCU + VSECU = something ‘delightfully unexpected’

BY JASON STARR Observer staff

More than a year after New England Federal Credit Union merged with the Vermont State Employees Credit Union, the unified non-profit banking cooperative is ready to reveal a new name and logo.

Retired will be the alphabet soup of NEFCU and VSECU, replaced with something “delightfully unexpected,” said Yvonne Garand, the unified organization’s chief brand and marketing officer.

“We wanted to understand, what should a new name convey to existing members and prospective customers,” Garand said. “It was important to choose a name where people could see a reflection of themselves in that name, a place of belonging, inclusivity, home and origin. Our new name captures all of those things.”

When is the big reveal? Next week, people who bank with the organization can expect an email announcing the new brand. Then a new webpage will go live, a flyer mailed to homes, a press release sent to media outlets and social media updates posted.

“We believe our new name and logo will stand out in the competitive marketplace, and

we’re really excited to share it,” Garand said. There will be little sentimentality for the legacy names. Not only are they wordy, they also no longer accurately reflect the organizations. The New England Federal Credit Union grew out of the former IBM Federal Credit Union based in Essex. It is now headquartered in Williston and does not have operations across all the New England states. Meanwhile, the Vermont State Employees Credit Union serves more than just Vermont state employees.

The merger became legal in January 2023, combining two like-minded, member-owned banking co-ops into a local entity that can compete with regional and national banks entering the Vermont market. The organization has roughly 160,000 members combined.

“Bringing our resources together allows us to continue to offer a very strong, solid and sustainable not-for-profit financial cooperative to those individuals who are interested in an

alternative to traditional banking,” Garand said.

One consequence of the unification was the recent closure of the VSECU branch in Williston. With the Harvest Lane headquarters just a stone’s throw away, and offering more staff and consistent services, the Route 2A branch had become expendable.

“Our members were just naturally migrating to the Harvest Lane branch,” Garand said.

The Route 2A outlet now sits vacant at the corner of Alpine Drive, next to where a sizable new housing developed has broken ground. The credit union’s leadership is discussing the future of the 1 acre parcel and 36,000-squarefoot building.

“We are taking our time to evaluate what we should do with the building. Will it serve us in some other operational capacity, or will it not serve our needs? We will be very thoughtful about that,” Garand said. “Right now, no decision has been made.”

Williston-based solar company, iSun, files for bankruptcy

BY SHAUN ROBINSON VTDigger

One of Vermont’s largest publicly traded companies has filed for bankruptcy.

iSun, the Williston-based solar energy company headquartered on Avenue D, is seeking permission to sell off its assets after years of financial woes, according to federal bankruptcy court filings. iSun is the parent company of SunCommon, a solar panel installer that’s based in Waterbury.

Jeff Peck, iSun’s CEO, wrote in a court filing supporting the June 3 bankruptcy petition that iSun has not turned a profit for two years. He said the company, which operates throughout New England, has been “on the precipice of shutting down.”

iSun incurred a net loss of $19.4 million in 2023, Peck told the court, after a net loss of $53.8 million in 2022. This year, the company is forecasting a $10 million net loss, he said — adding

that it’s currently losing money at a rate of $250,000 a week.

The company’s stock, meanwhile, was delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market late last month.

iSun’s bankruptcy filing comes after months of executive turnover. Peck was replaced by Robert Zulkoski as CEO in March but was reappointed to the post a month later. Chief financial officer John Sullivan parted ways with the company in March.

The company is also facing litigation filed by a former executive and two former consultants late last month in Chittenden County Superior civil court alleging wrongful termination.

In response to an interview request, an iSun spokesperson emailed a statement from Peck calling the company’s bankruptcy filing “the best path forward.”

“This process will enable us to restructure our finances and operations to ensure our long-term sustainability and competitiveness,” Peck said in the statement,

adding that iSun is “committed to minimizing any disruption to our employees, customers and vendors.”

Meanwhile, “operations will continue as usual” at SunCommon during the proceedings, said James Moore, that company’s president, in the same emailed statement.

iSun purchased SunCommon for $40 million in 2021 in an effort to gain a foothold in the residential solar installation market. iSun also makes electric vehicle charging stations and solar panel canopies, and it offers commercial electrical contracting services.

In court documents, Peck said high interest rates have contributed to the company’s financial issues. He said they’ve increased the company’s costs in recent years — and made it less attractive for potential customers to finance new solar energy systems.

Analysts have pointed to high interest rates as one of several challenges facing the solar in-

dustry this year. A November 2023 report by the energy industry analysis firm Wood Mackenzie found the average annual percentage rate on a loan for solar projects increased from 2.5 percent in the second half of 2022 to more than 6 percent a year later.

Still, the leader of one industry group in Vermont said he doesn’t think troubles at iSun are indicative of a larger trend within the solar industry in the state.

“It seems to me that many companies are still out there, able to make a go of it and install solar,” said Peter Sterling, executive director of Renewable Energy Vermont. “People who want to go solar are still able to do it.”

At the time of its bankruptcy filing last week, iSun had 196 employees, court records show.

If the company’s plans are approved in court, the records show, its assets would be acquired by an affiliate of Texas-based energy investment firm Siltstone Capital.

Local acupuncturist wins Small Business Person of the Year

Kerry Boyle of Integrative Acupuncture was recently named the 2024 Vermont Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Vermont District Office. Boyle founded Integrative Acupuncture in Montpelier and expanded with a Williston office in 2019 and later a Colchester office. Boyle also owns the newly founded Chi Chi Wellness, a chocolate company that infuses Chinese herbal medicine into organic chocolate bars. Integrative Acupuncture provides care for about 300 people per week for a wide variety of conditions, including pain management, sports injuries, fertility and pregnancy, sleep disorders and general stress management and wellness. A doctorate in Acupuncture, Boyle leads a staff of 13 acupuncturists, massage therapists, naturopathic physicians and support staff.

Kerry Boyle

Legislature overrides six Scott vetoes

BY SHAUN ROBINSON AND  SARAH MEARHOFF VTDigger

Last June, Vermont’s Democratic Legislature overrode a record five vetoes in a single day.

On Monday, they one-upped themselves — but with an unexpected stumble. By 5:34 p.m., both

chambers had adjourned, having overridden six vetoes. Another — of H.121, a sweeping data privacy bill — was ultimately sustained by the Senate.

The House and Senate on Monday gaveled in for one day, colloquially referred to as a veto session, for the chance to override the seven vetoes Republican Gov. Phil Scott issued after legislators adjourned the regular 2024 legislative session in May. (In total, the Legislature also overrode six of Scott’s vetoes last year, but one came during the regular session.)

To override a gubernatorial veto requires a two-thirds vote of members present. In theory, Democrats have veto-proof majorities in both the House and Senate. But in practice, party affiliation, on its own, is not always indicative of how a member will vote on the question of whether to override the governor’s will.

That proved to be the case on Monday. The road to overriding one veto was particularly bumpy:

The Senate ultimately made three attempts to override H.72 — a bill allowing for the establishment of an overdose prevention site in Burlington — before the chamber finally succeeded at about 4:15 p.m.

With H.72 having been a major priority of Democrats this session, the Senate’s initial failure to override Scott’s veto led to shock and tears in the chamber Monday morning. Moments after the first vote, the bill’s proponents gathered in a tight circle outside the Senate chamber, strategizing to find a way to revive the bill before lawmakers adjourned for the summer.

When all was said and done, the bill was salvaged thanks to Sen. Richard Westman, R-Lamoille, who initially voted to sustain Scott’s veto Monday morning. By that afternoon, he made a special request to change his vote, and the veto was ultimately overridden by a 20-9 vote.

Also on Monday, lawmakers in both chambers overrode Scott’s veto of H.887, the state’s yield bill,

which sets an average property tax rate for the year in order to fund Vermont’s public education system. With their votes, lawmakers ignored Scott’s recent pleas to further buy down this year’s projected average property tax increase of 13.8 percent — a proposal that legislative leaders dismissed last week as “fiscally irresponsible.”

Legislators on Monday also overrode a slate of vetoes on environmental bills from this legislative session: Votes in favor of H.687, a bill reforming Vermont’s decades-old land use law, Act 250, prevailed. Scott’s veto of H.706, a bill that bans seeds treated with a group of pesticides called neonicotinoids, which harm pollinators, was overridden in both chambers. And H.289, a bill establishing a renewable energy standard, will take effect after the House and Senate voted to override Scott’s veto.

Lawmakers also voted to override Scott’s veto of H.645, a bill see LEGISLATURE page 7

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proponents say would ensure people have equitable access to restorative justice programs across the state. The legislation sets out baseline standards for county prosecutors to follow when deciding whether someone who commits a relatively minor crime should be referred to a restorative justice program in their community, instead of being charged in court.

The bill also moves oversight of these “pre-charge diversion” programs from the state Department of Corrections to the office of Attorney General Charity Clark. Scott’s veto hinged on a lack of funding in the bill for an additional position in Clark’s office to carry out that work.

But Clark pushed back on the governor’s reasoning earlier this month, saying that her office already had the resources to start fulfilling the bill’s requirements this year.

Speaking on the House floor Monday in support of overriding Scott’s veto, Rep. Martin LaLonde, a South Burlington Democrat who

chairs that chamber’s judiciary committee, echoed Clark’s comments and called the veto “a fundamental misunderstanding.”

The House voted to override Scott’s veto of the restorative justice bill 110 to 35, while the Senate later overrode it by a 21-8 vote.

Garnering the longest floor debate on Monday by far was lawmakers’ consideration of whether to override Scott’s veto of H.121, the data privacy bill. It also included provisions that would have compelled social media platforms to alter their algorithms for users under 18 years old, with the goal of addressing social media’s mental health impacts on children.

The House quickly and decisively voted to override the veto, by a 128-17 vote. But in the Senate, members debated the merits of the bill — and whether it could wait until next year — for nearly an hour before 15 senators ultimately voted to sustain the veto, and 14 voted in favor of the bill.

Lawmakers’ work was not limited to overrides Monday. They also granted approval to three other bills that hadn’t made it across the finish line before the end of the regular legislative ses-

May 22 at 1:03 p.m. — Male called to report his car was stolen while parked at Home Depot. Male found his car. It was not stolen.

May 22 at 4:11 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Male suspect was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

May 22 at 4:56 p.m. — Stolen bicycle recovered and returned to owner.

May 23 at 10:49 a.m. — Business on Dorset Lane reporting several threatening phone calls. Male suspect was issued a citation to appear in court for disorderly conduct by phone.

May 23 at 4:25 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Marshalls. Male suspect was issued a citation to appear in court for retail theft.

May 24 at 1:56 p.m. — Suspicious vehicle reported on Boxwood Street. Car was moved along.

May 24 at 8:08 p.m. — Suspicious vehicle reported on South Brownell Road. Vehicle drove away from officers. Male suspect was arrested af-

sion last month.

The Senate gave its final signoff to H.55, a bill that makes a number of changes to Vermont’s employment laws and includes a provision pushed by state Treasurer Mike Pieciak to pilot a state-managed trust fund for Vermont children born on Medicaid. The House previously approved the bill on the final day of the regular session. Notably, the legislation does not deposit any state funds into the program, as the treasurer had originally proposed.

Other measures in H.55 provide worker’s compensation coverage for certain state employees who are recovering from post traumatic stress disorder and call for a new study on cancer rates among Vermont firefighters, among other provisions.

The House also approved H.81, a bill that requires manufacturers of agricultural equipment to provide the resources and property rights necessary to farmers and independent mechanics to independently repair their equipment. And H.890, a bill that delays for a year the implementation of one of several newly created health insurance claim processing require -

ments, was also greenlit. The legislation was introduced for the first time Monday morning through a special House rules process.

Lawmakers said the bill came at the request of health insurance providers, which they said needed more time to meet some of the requirements laid out in legislation Scott signed into law just last month: Act 111.

Two of those three bills will now head to the governor’s desk. H.81, having been once again amended by the House on Monday afternoon, has stalled for the year.

Monday morning also began with floor activity unrelated to lawmaking. Before House members kicked off the business of the day, Rep. Mary Morrissey, R-Bennington, offered a public apology to her district mate, Rep. Jim Carroll, D-Bennington, for repeatedly pouring water into

his backpack over the course of this legislative session.

The longtime Bennington Republican said she had apologized to Carroll and asked her colleagues, and members of the public, for forgiveness.

“I am truly ashamed for my actions,” Morrissey said, her voice shaking. “It was conduct most unbecoming of my position as a representative, and as a human being.”

Carroll stood up next and suggested that he wasn’t quite ready to do as Morrissey asked.

“It was torment, there’s no doubt about it,” Carroll said. “There’s going to be some work to be done between the two of us. That first time we sit down together, it’s going to be kind of awkward. But we have to start somewhere.

ter a short pursuit and issued a citation to appear in court for eluding a police officer, grossly negligent operation, violation of conditions of release, excessive speed and stalking.

May 25 at 6:34 p.m. — Report of a suspicious male and female in Dick’s Sporting Goods. Male attempted to run when officers detained him due to having an active arrest warrant. A small fight between the male and officers took place. Male suspect was issued a citation to appear in court for resisting arrest. Female suspect also had an active arrest warrant and was seen in a stolen vehicle. Both parties were transported to the correctional facility. Stolen vehicle was returned to the owner.

May 25 at 8:07 p.m. — Report of a young child near the road throwing rocks at cars. Child was gone before officers’ arrival.

May 26 at 1:41 p.m. — Retail theft reported at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Male suspect was gone before officers’ arrival.

May 26 at 6:07 p.m. — Assisted Wil-

liston Rescue with juvenile having a seizure.

May 26 at 11:02 p.m. — Assisted Colchester Police and located a vehicle involved in a shooting earlier in the night. Two males were taken into custody.

May 27 at 3:35 a.m. — Noise disturbance reported on Blair Park Road. Parties were asked to quiet down.

May 27 at 4:08 p.m. — Report of a tractor trailer unit taking up the roadway on Marshall Avenue. Truck moved along shortly after officers’ arrival.

May 28 at 10:00 a.m. — Report of a female who wanted to self-harm on Wright Avenue. Female accepted help from Community Outreach.

May 28 at 4:47 p.m. — Retail theft report at Best Buy. Male suspect was gone before officers’ arrival.

May 29 at 12:23 a.m. — Following a traffic stop, a male was issued a citation to appear in court for suspicion of DUI.

May 29 at 3:29 p.m. — Assisted motorist with tire that fell off her car.

Officers also responded to 14 alarm activations and ten motor vehicle crashes, and conducted 41 traffic stops during this time frame.

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 and to register for programs that require registration. Need help? Call 878-4918 or email daml@ damlvt.org.

BOOK SALE

In preparation for the Friends of the Library July Fourth book sale, we are accepting books in good condition during the month of June. Donations are accepted Monday and Wednesday, 12-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12-2 p.m.; and

Saturday, 11-2 p.m. Limit three boxes per day. Visit www.damlvt. org for more details.

The Friends of the Library are looking for volunteers to help with the sale. Stop by or call the library to sign up to help with setting up, during the sale or with takedown.

Stock up on reading material — visit the book sale at Williston Central School on July 3, 4-6 p.m. and July 4, 9-1 p.m. Pay by cash or check only.

Please note, the library will be closed on July 4 in observation of Independence Day. Watch for Dottie the Bookmobile in the parade!

DOTTIE THE BOOKMOBILE

Visit your favorite library on wheels this summer! In addition to regular neighborhood visits, Dottie will be making communi-

ty stops at Isham Farmers’ Market on Tuesday evenings and at Allen Brook School (ABS) on Wednesday mornings. Every ABS stop will feature a craft table for handson fun. Visit www.damlvt.org for the full Bookmobile schedule.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

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

STORYTIME

Tuesdays, June 25 and July 2, 10:30-11 a.m. Drop in for stories and fun on the Town Green.

MUSIC AND PLAYTIME

Thursday, June 27, 10:3011:30 a.m. Sing with Linda Bassick then stay to play on the Town Green.

SATURDAY MUSIC

Saturday, June 29, 10:30-11

a.m. Sing and dance with Linda Bassick on the Town Green.

SATURDAY STORYTIME

Saturday, July 6, 10:30-11

a.m. Start your weekend off with Cindy’s storytime.

MULTI-AGE PROGRAMS

CRAFT CIRCLE

Monday, June 24, 5-6 p.m. All ages. Bring your current project and work on it in the company of other crafters.

SUMMER READING: ADVENTURE BEGINS AT YOUR LIBRARY

Williston and St. George residents can participate in the Summer Reading Challenge! Youth and adults are invited to join the challenge to earn rewards and enter raffles for prizes. Tracking takes place June 15-Aug. 11. Visit www. damlvt.org for registration details, important dates and more. Help us reach the community goal of 1000 hours of reading!

ADULT PROGRAMS

For online programs or to join a book club, email daml@damlvt.org.

SPICE CLUB (NEW)

While supplies last, stop in for a sample of the month’s highlighted spice — June: caraway, July: nigella needs — along with information about the spice’s profile, uses and a

few recipes to try. Email in a picture of your creation or a review of your recipe.

BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB: AUTHOR TALK

Tuesday, June 25, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Come meet Vermont author Trish Esden and talk about her antiques-based mystery. In “The Art of the Decoy,” a collection of rare duck decoys goes missing as an antique dealer tries to rebuild her family’s business reputation. Available in print from the library. The eBook and eAudiobook are available in Hoopla.

CURRENT EVENTS

Wednesday, June 26, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Drop in to meet with community members to discuss the news of the day.

ADULT MEDITATION (ONLINE)

Fridays in June and July, 1212:30 p.m. Get in touch with your peaceful body and breath.

PUZZLE SWAP

Starting July 5 until the end of the month, bring in your gently used puzzles (300+ pieces) to trade.

Safe Fun With Fireworks

On July 4, our country celebrates its 248th birthday. Many of us will honor Independence Day with cookouts, reunions and fireworks.

Fireworks history

Today, the fireworks shows we watch may be controlled by computer equipment. They sometimes have music that plays along with the explosions.

But fireworks have been a part of celebrations for centuries. In many ways, fireworks haven’t changed much.

Most experts agree that the Chinese probably invented fireworks more than 1,000 years ago. Colonists from England and Europe probably brought them when they settled in America.

“Illuminations,” the Colonists’ word for fireworks, were used at the celebration of the new country on July 4, 1776.

Be careful

Fireworks are exciting and fun, but they have to be used carefully. In 2022, about 10,000 people were injured by fireworks.

Safety spelled out

Mini

Fireworks designers use chemicals to create different colors, including lime green and turquoise.

• Fire is always dangerous. Be careful with lighters, punks and sparklers.

• Never use Illegal fireworks.

K S

• Never Re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in water.

• Eye protection should be worn when using fireworks.

At the first inauguration of President Grover Cleveland in 1885, fireworks were part of the celebration in Washington, D.C. This graphic shows which body parts are injured most often by fireworks accidents.

Make sure you know how to use fireworks safely and have adults nearby to help. Of course, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to let the professionals put on the show for you.

Fireworks are fun. But remember that they are a combination of fire and explosions. And everyone, kids and grownups, need to be careful.

Try ’n’ Find

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

Never pick up used or exploded fireworks from the ground. They can still cause harm.

Next Week: Our states: Louisiana

• Have a bucket of Water to put used fireworks in.

• Light only One firework at a time.

• Read the directions on fireworks and use them as intended.

• Kids should be supervised by adults when using fireworks.

• It is not Safe to point fireworks at other people or animals.

Make a plan with your family about the fireworks safety rules you will follow on July 4. Hang up this issue of The Mini Page to help you remember how to stay safe.

It Happens at the Fireworks Factory” by Megan Rocker

Be aware of your surroundings and don’t light sparklers or fireworks near people, houses or trees.

Fact:

Founded by Betty Debnam Issue 25, 2024

courtesy Fireworks by Grucci Inc.

Make sure you know how to use fireworks safely and have adults nearby to help. Of course, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to let the professionals put on the show for you.

Try ’n’ Find

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

ADULTS, BUCKET, CELEBRATION, CHINESE, DAY, DIRECTIONS, DUD, EXPLOSION, EYE, FIREWORKS, INDEPENDENCE, INJURY, PROTECTION, PUNK, SAFETY, SHOW, SPARKLER, WATER.

Cook’s Corner

Pineapple Pudding Cake

You’ll need:

• 1 box yellow cake mix

• 3 whole eggs

• 1 (15.25-ounce) can crushed pineapple (with juice)

What to do:

• 1 (1-ounce) box vanilla pudding mix (not instant)

• 2 cups 1% milk

• 1 (12-ounce) tub fat-free whipped topping

• 1 cup shredded coconut

Mini Jokes

Frank: What do you get when you cross a dinosaur with a firework?

Fiona: Dinomite!

1. Prepare cake mix and bake according to package directions in a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish coated with cooking spray.

2. Remove cake from oven and immediately pierce holes in top of cake with a fork. Pour canned pineapple and juice over top. Allow to cool.

3. Prepare pudding according to package directions. Spread pudding over top of pineapple. Top with whipped topping and coconut. Chill before serving. Serves 6.

Researchers say they believe lab mice might sometimes be doing their own experiments while humans try to experiment on them. Writing in the journal Current Biology, scientists say that when lab rodents suddenly change the expected behavior required to receive rewards, they may actually have just become bored or are curious to see what will happen if they do. While it may look like a mouse is making lots of errors during experiments, it is really getting smarter by making them.

For later:

Look in your newspaper for articles about fireworks displays in your area.

Teachers:

Follow and interact with The Mini Page on Facebook!

By Jim Miller

SAVVY SENIOR

How to find reliable health information online

Dear Savvy Senior, How can I tell if the health info on a website is trustworthy?

I usually do a Google search on a symptom, drug or health condition when I want to research something, but with so much information out there I’m not sure what I can trust.

Skeptical Sal

Spacious 1- and 2-Bedroom Apartments

Hair Salon • Massage Studio • Art Gallery

Expanded Outdoor Patio and Grilling Area • Exercise Room

Community Rooms • Mature Landscaping • Resident Garden Vibrant Social Atmosphere with Weekly Events and Activities

Dear Sal,

You’re wise to be skeptical! There’s an overwhelming amount of health advice on the internet today and it can be hard to tell what’s credible. To help you sort through the online clutter and locate reliable, trustworthy health information, here are a few tips to follow, along with some top-rated sites you can turn to with confidence.

SAVVY SEARCHING

First, know that Google or Bing is not always the best place to start a search. You’ll increase your odds of

finding reliable health information if you begin with websites run by government agencies (identified by web addresses ending in .gov), medical associations (often ending in .org) or academic institutions (.edu).

Commercial websites (usually ending in .com), may be trying to sell you their products and are not the most trustworthy options.

Also health and medical information changes all the time so check the date the information was published.

Be wary of online symptom checkers and artificial intelligence

Comprehensive Dentistry

(AI) tools. They are often inaccurate and tend to err on the side of caution. Information from social media, online forums or YouTube may sound authoritative but often the authors have no medical training or expertise.

TOP HEALTH SITES

The best all-purpose site that’s recommended by Consumer Reports for researching symptoms and conditions is MedlinePlus (www. medlineplus.gov). A service of the National Library of Medicine, the world’s largest medical library, and part of the National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus provides high-quality, trustworthy health and wellness information that’s easy to understand and free of advertising. Here are a few additional websites, recommended by the Medical Library Association and others, to help you find reliable information on specific diseases, conditions and treatments.

• Cancer: National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov), American Cancer Society (www. cancer.org) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (www.nccn.org).

• Heart disease: American Heart Association (www.americanheart.org), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (www.nhlbi. nih.gov).

• Diabetes: American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org).

• Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) and www.Alzheimers.gov.

• Public health and vaccines: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov).

• Alternative medicine: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (www. nccih.nih.gov) and the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (www.ods. od.nih.gov).

With any research you do online before seeing a doctor, be sure to save or print your findings out on paper, including the site you got your information from, so you can review it together.

Visit SavvySenior.org for more information.

TODAY’S HISTORY:

• In 1863, West Virginia was admitted as the 35th U.S. state.

• In 1893, Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murders of her father and stepmother.

• In 1900, the Boxer Rebellion began in China, as the Imperial Chinese army began a 55-day siege of the Legation Quarter in Beijing.

• In 1963, the Soviet Union and the United States established the Moscow-Washington hotline.

TODAY’S FACT:

• Western Argentina is home to Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere, with an altitude of 22,834 feet.

Full-Time, Part-Time & Per-Diem Work Available Immediately

Williston and Georgia South I-89 Welcome Centers - $17.15/hr

The Williston and Georgia South I-89 Welcome Centers are looking to hire full-time, part-time and/or per diem employees with great customer service skills and a love for Vermont tourism.

Duties include some custodial tasks and physical tasks including snow removal. Weekend and some holiday availability is required.

To learn more or to apply, email welcomecenters@vermont.org

YARD SALES

NORMANDY ESTATE — Normandy Estates, located on Marions Way, off Mountain View Rd and Rte 2A, is hosting a garage sale on 6/22/24 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. rain or shine. Items include fine china and antiques, steampunk lamps and household items.

FOR SALE

NISSAN ROGUE— 115k mileage; passed Inspection; some cosmetic body damage, passenger side - integrity sound. $7900. Finney Crossing, Williston. 802999-8885.

CLASSIFIEDS

LEGAL

TOWN OF WILLISTON DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD AGENDA

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 – 7:00 PM

Town Hall Meeting Room (Town Hall, 7900 Williston Rd, use rear entrance) or Zoom Meeting ID 846 5863 3532 on zoom.us/join or call 1-646-558-8656

DP 09-01.27 Rieley Properties, LLC & The Snyder FC Commercial Properties, LLC request a discretionary permit for a 2 lot subdivision of 3.08-ac to separate 27 Market St (0.83-ac, future building pad site) and 69 Market St (2.25-ac, L.L.Bean building) in the TCZD and TBFBC Overlay District.

SEEKING TREATMENT PROVIDERS

The U.S. Probation Office in the District of Vermont believes that individuals subject to federal pretrial and post-conviction community supervision deserve access to quality, evidence-based treatment in the community. To that end, the District of Vermont will be soliciting for drug and alcohol, mental health, and sex offender specific treatment services, as well as drug testing services, for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. Requests for Proposals in these service categories will be made available on www.vtp.uscourts.gov/solicitations on June 17, 2024. Interested parties should contact Shawna Lapierre at Shawna_Lapierre@vtp.uscourts.gov or 802-951-0625 to be added to the Bidder’s Mailing List.

DP 24-15 Engineers Construction, Inc. requests discretionary permit review of the proposed ±2,855 SF addition and associated site work for the existing ±7,080 SF building at 99 Engineers Dr in the IZDW.

DP 24-21 Mochi Investments requests discretionary permit review of proposed site modifications at 151 Ave C in the IZDW.

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: 802878-6704 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 SHELBURNE continued