The Charlotte News | Feb. 27, 2014

The Charlotte News Volume lVi number 14

the VoiCe of the town

thursday, february 27, 2014

Selectboard Tackles Administrative Issues Before Town Meeting John Hammer

the Charlotte news

Student Art at the Statehouse CVU students Emma Slater (top) amd Addie Zinner pose next to art they painted for a juried exhibit of student art in the Senat Finance Committee’s office at the Statehouse in Montpelier. The project was a collaboration between Chittenden Senator Tim Ashe, Statehouse Curator David Schutz and CVU art teacher Tim Duvernoy. Students were given two weeks to complete a painting that captures the theme “Energy in Vermont.” On Jan. 31, Emma, Addie, and seven other CVU students traveled to a reception in their honor, where Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott told them “Vermont’s future is bright knowing that young people like you will be leaders in the years to come.”

Rising Costs: A Look at the Numbers and Stories Behind the Town’s Budget Brett Sigurdson the Charlotte news With only a few articles on the Town Meeting agenda this March 4, the focus will no doubt center on the Selectboard’s $3.2 million budget proposal, which represents an increase of 8.85 percent over the FY13-14 budget.

Here’s a look at some of the numbers

that make up the FY2014-15 budget.

Fixes The town has earmarked $283,000 for repairing several town bridges. That amount will be offset by the $150,000 Charlotters voted last year to put in the Highway Reserve Fund to repair town bridges, along with $58,000 in grant funds.

According to Town Administrator Dean Bloch, two town bridges in particular—one on Spear Street and one on Carpenter Road—are in need of repair.

Bridge 14 on Spear Street needs a new guardrail, which could cost in the neighborhood of $30,000 to $40,000, Bloch

The star of the show at the Feb. 24 Selectboard meeting was a new 70-inch flat screen monitor on the west wall of the room. It was connected through an Apple TV system to an iPad controlled from the Selectboard table. While there was some hesitancy in its use at first, it quickly became beneficial in the discussion of several of the agenda items.

For the most part this meeting was consumed with a plethora of administrative actions. To begin with, the Selectboard decided to invite the firms of Pace Hawley, Sullivan, Powers & Co. and Telling Associates to make presentations on their proposals to conduct the independent FY2014 town audit. The elected town auditors will be asked to participate in the final decision.

In another action regarding the audit, the Selectboard noted that, through an oversight, the FY2013 auditor’s management letter was not included in this year’s Town Report. The board decided that the management letter would be posted on the homepage of the town’s website (charlottevt.org) and the auditors’ page (http://bit. ly/1fzM5Jw). A notice to this effect will be posted on Front Porch Forum, and the

Town Meeting

continued on page 7

Selectboard

continued on page 5

A Town Meeting in Two Parts?

Committee proposes change to Town Meeting process to promote more inclusion Valerie Graham Contributor

Last year, several of us interested in making Town Meeting as inclusive and meaningful as possible formed an ad hoc group to look into possibilities. We named ourselves the Town Meeting Solutions Committee; our members represent a range of views.

Some of us want passionately to preserve the traditional Town Meeting, one of the last vestiges of direct democracy—,a form of government in which every citizen present participates in deciding and voting on the town’s policies and the budgets that determine our

taxes. (In representative democracy, by contrast, we elect representatives to do that work for us.)

Others, just as passionate, believe that in a democracy all citizens should have a vote in determining what their taxes will be and that the best way to ensure this is to decide the budget by Australian ballot.

From our discussions, and from the questionnaire that many people filled out at and after Town Meeting last year, we have developed a solution that we think will satisfy everyone’s views. What we propose is essentially

Solutions

continued on page 23

Snodeo-A-Go-Go With all of the fluffy white stuff, the second annual Snodeo was a go Feb. 15.

Visitors to Spear’s Corner Store in East Charlotte experienced games, sledding, food and, like the kids above, plenty of fun in the snow. Carrie Spear, the organizer of the event, estimates about 35 people attended the event. If the weather holds out again next year, look for the event to add a third installment.

Now is the best time to invest in solar.

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The Charlotte News

On The Power of Words The Charlotte News PublishEd by and for CharlottErs sinCE 1958 The CharloTTe News is a nonprofit community-based newspaper dedicated to informing townspeople of current events and issues. It serves as a forum for the free exchange of views of town residents and celebrates the people, places and happenings that make the Town of Charlotte unique.

Contributions in the form of articles, press releases and photographs pertaining to Charlotte-related people and events are accepted and encouraged from all townspeople and interested individuals. For submission guidelines and deadlines, please visit our website or contact the editor at news@charlottenewsvt.com The CharloTTe News is published in Charlotte by The Charlotte News, Inc., a Vermont domestic 501(c)4 nonprofit corporation. Distribution is made every other Thursday to all households and businesses in Charlotte and to selected outlets in Shelburne, Hinesburg, North Ferrisburgh, Ferrisburgh and Vergennes. It relies on the generous financial contributions of its readers, subscriptions and advertising revenue to sustain its operations. oN The weB aT:

TheCharloTTeNews.org

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When I was an undergrad, I enrolled in a classical literature course headed by a small spitfire of a professor, a French native who grew up in Madagascar and later learned enough English and Spanish to teach them at the university level. She had the profound love for language that comes from being a trilingual traveling nomad (as she called herself).

“Words have power,” she used to tell my class, pausing on each word as if urging us to stand in awe of the language’s capacity for beauty and to question its potential for abuse.

Her lesson has long stuck with me, not just because words are the main currency I’ve dealt in as an editor, journalist and college instructor for the last six years but because I’ve seen so many people—politicians, commentators, public figures—who aren’t aware of this crucial lesson.

“Words without thoughts never to heaven go,” wrote Shakespeare, as if taking to task those who will say anything without regard to the effect of their words.

The most recent instance of language being used without regard for its consequences I’ve experienced happened a few weeks ago, and, because this situation has provoked some discussion about the objectivity of the News, I want to take the opportunity to reflect on the philosophies that govern publication in our pages.

A few weeks ago, the News received a letter to the editor that many of you have probably read in the Citizen, a letter which I declined to publish in these pages. As the

missive is in the public sphere, I’ll use names.

In a letter that appeared in the Citizen’s Jan. 22 edition, Charlotter Claudia Mucklow takes the Selectboard to task for not offering Town Clerk/Treasurer Mary Mead a salary increase commensurate with other town-funded positions as it prepared its budget for the upcoming year. A fair point, to be sure. But I was taken aback by Mucklow’s characterization of Selectboard chair Charles Russell as a “bully” who “seems hell-bent to make Mead’s life miserable” to such an extent that his actions are “a lawsuit waiting to happen.”

There’s no denying that the relationships among various factions in town government are a significant issue right now. Mucklow’s letter both illustrates this and, in my mind, stands as an example of this. But suggesting that an elected official is consciously tormenting another elected official to such an extent that he should expect a lawsuit? That’s more than an opinion about culpability in the matter. That’s a serious accusation, especially given words like “bully” and “harassment” are now loaded with alarming connotations. (Want evidence? Look up the names Megan Meier, Amanda Todd and Tyler Clementi.)

In the newspaper world, public figures are legally protected from defamatory statements made about them with reckless disregard for truth or falsity. Further, in the world of libel, it’s the publisher of the potentially offending remarks who is liable in any defamation suit, not its author. Given the lack of evidence in her letter or on the record anywhere else, I felt Mucklow was crossing a line into dangerous territory.

I declined to publish the letter unless the offending statements were removed in order to avoid any possibility that the News could get in trouble. Mucklow declined to do so, and I didn’t publish the letter.

While I made this decision based on what I believe was in the best

interests of the paper, I still think about it. Would others have made the same decision? Our rival paper made the decision to publish it, so what’s the big deal?

Here’s the thing about this job: As the editor, I have a duty to promote free discussion among Charlotters while also refereeing the proceedings. Having a letter published in this paper—hell, any paper—is a privilege, not a right, after all, and I take the responsibility of providing an open and fair community forum seriously.

For me, the decision not to publish Claudia’s letter comes back to my belief in the power of words in print.

The opinion pages of this newspaper are dedicated to free and serious discussion and debate. But make no mistake, the truth is as important here as it is in any of the stories we publish on other pages.

Despite my good intentions, I’ve gotten myself in trouble with some folks over the course of my tenure here for decisions I’ve made regarding the opinion page. And with the publication of the last issue, Edd Merritt and I received some complaints over Merritt’s allusion to Mucklow’s letter in his most recent OutTake commentary. How could we see fit to withhold publishing her letter while feeling free to comment on it, some wondered?

Ultimately, it was my call. I felt Merritt commented fairly and without malice on a discussion relevant to Charlotte, and I allowed it to be printed. That’s the way I look at any letter I receive for publication.

You may disagree with me, and that’s fine. On the opinion page, it’s okay to disagree. In fact, it’s healthy.

I encourage everyone to use our pages as a public forum. But know that discussions will be refereed, that ultimately someone has to make sure if people aren’t going to play nice, they’ll at least play fair. Words have power, after all.

Brett Sigurdson Editor in Chief

In support of Christie for Selectboard

Tegatz won’t shy away from heavy lifting

A vote for Christie is a vote for community

I am writing in support of the candidacy of Bonnie Christie for Charlotte Selectboard.

I have known Bonnie for over 15 years and have worked with her on various community projects, including activities at Charlotte Central School and the Charlotte Library. Bonnie devotes a significant amount of volunteer time to our community, including holding current and past leadership positions with many organizations, including the library.

The breadth and consistency of Bonnie’s involvement demonstrates both the requisite leadership skills as well as the commitment to bettering our community.

I believe we would be fortunate to have Bonnie on the Selectboard, and I hope you will join me in voting for Bonnie on Town Meeting Day. Denise Fitzgerald Danyow Mutton Hill Drive

Fritz Tegatz joined the Conservation Commission in 2011, soon after moving to town. Immediately he voiced concerns about the habitat map, asking tough, insightful questions. He then went to work to help find the answers.

As a result we now have a better map for communicating our important habitat information.

The Conservation Commission is in the midst of updating the Town Plan (coming in 2015). While the mere mention of ‘town plan’ sends most running for cover, Fritz has fully engaged in the process as we work with the Planning Commission to develop meaningful policies and strategies for the town’s natural resources.

Fritz brings a highly relevant skill set (civil engineering, land management, livestock grazing) and strong character—exhibiting patience, a spirit of collaboration and decisiveness. He would be a great addition to the Charlotte Selectboard.

Bob Hyams Conservation Commission

I am writing in support of Bonnie Christie, who is running for a two-year Selectboard seat.

Bonnie has been involved in community service activities in Charlotte for over 20 years. Most recently, she has served on the Library Board of Trustees and the Community Safety Committee.

In the past, Bonnie has served on the Energy Committee, Charlotte Children’s Center Board, CCS Strategic Planning Committee and Congregational Church Board. I have no doubt that Bonnie will work endlessly for our community.

In a time when the town politics seem divisive and unfriendly, I believe Bonnie’s efforts will unite Charlotte. A vote for Christie is a vote for community.

Maura Wygmans Greenbush Road

The Charlotte News

Letters I’m voting for Bonnie Christie

Tegatz has skills Charlotte needs

If you’d like to vote for a Selectboard candidate with a long-held passion for our town, then Bonnie’s the one! She’s thoughtful, willing to go the extra mile to understand the complexity of many of the issues that Charlotte faces and well versed in public policy.

Just engage Bonnie in a conversation about what she is learning from residents in her recent door-to-door campaign efforts and you’ll be impressed with her depth of knowledge and her openness to a broad range of ideas. That is a winning combination.

I first met Fritz Tegatz seven years ago on his quest to choose the right community to live, farm and raise his family. Organized, focused and personable, he had determined that Charlotte had the right combination of geography and values for his future home.

He purchased 300 acres on Guinea Road and planned his home and farm with careful research and used local carpenters, excavators and other service providers. Even before the house was finished, he was well established with many of us as a great addition to our great community.

He has already served on the Conservation Commission, become involved with the local farm community and land conservation work and Boys Scouts with his sons. His wife, Betsy, is a lister and has become a valued part of our team at the town office.

As a seventh-generation Vermonter, I might have a tendency to think seven years in Charlotte doesn’t begin to qualify an individual to be an elected community leader. But Fritz’s insight, thoughtfulness, people skills and vision of our future are attributes that will serve Charlotte well. I may be a Vermonter by accident, but Fritz is a Vermonter by choice.

I hope you will join me in thoughtfully choosing him for Selectman just like he thoughtfully chose our community as the best place to live.

Missy Kraus Mountain’s Edge

Think and vote Mack Many of us can remember from a few years ago a very entertaining television advertisement by the Midas Company, which promoted their chain of thousands of auto repair shops. The punch line was from a “little-old-lady” customer who was asked why she came to Midas. Her answer; “They know what they’re doing! I don’t want some youngster learning how, on my car!”

We should take the same practical approach in our upcoming election for auditor.

Having worked as a Charlotte town auditor during the last year it is impossible to count how many times I was impressed by the skill and experience of fellow auditor Robert L. Mack, Jr. The 18 years he spent serving our Selectboard sharpened his skills in analyzing Charlotte’s financial documents.

Robert’s ability to listen, discuss issues and ask the right questions is really helpful to taxpayers and their hardearned money.

Our upcoming Town Meeting Day vote gives us choices between different candidates—all community-spirited neighbors willing to give their time and talents as volunteers. If we re-elect Robert to his auditors seat, not only do we get a person who knows and loves our community and those who live here but also someone with deep experience watching out for our town’s money.

What a waste it would be to lose Robert.

As the lady said in the ad, “He knows what he’s doing”!

Peter Trono Town Auditor

Clark Hinsdale III State Park Road

Town officials need mediation The apparent conflict between the Charlotte Selectboard and the Town Office seems to make it a real challenge for both parties to communicate well and do the business of the town successfully. Wouldn’t it be great if they could sit down with a mediator and resolve their differences?

I hope this can happen soon.

Meg Berlin Greenbush Road

Christie will bring positive change

Since meeting Fritz in 2007, I have been impressed by his wide range of business experience from engineering skyscrapers to running his family’s California horse farm resort. Such varied business experience is nonexistent in the present Selectboard and is greatly needed.

I have also been impressed by his willingness to listen to varied points of view, another quality that has been missing in the present Selectboard.

Vote for Fritz Tegatz.

I am writing to endorse Bonnie Christie as a candidate for a two-year term on the Selectboard. Bonnie has been a familiar name around town for so many years—as a CCS classroom volunteer, a contributor to the Charlotte News and a member of the Community Safety Committee—and has shown an unflagging commitment to speaking up about positive change when and where needed.

Bonnie has demonstrated effective leadership and consensus-building skills during all her volunteer activities. She is a listener and a learner— qualities that are not always apparent in elected town officials. Charlotte would be lucky to have her on the Selectboard.

David Miskell Greenbush Road

Laura Cahners-Ford Island Farm Road

Tegatz has skills Selectboard lacks

Stranded?

Matt Bijur submitted this picture of his sons Oliver and Henry “stranded” on the ice at Converse Bay recently. While the picture looks deceptive, Bijur reports the black ice under the snowdrifts was quite thick. Have a photo you’d like to share with your neighbors? Send it to news@charlottenewsvt.com.

Tegatz ready to steer ship

Elect Matt Krasnow

Fritz moved to Charlotte just several years ago. He settled in Charlotte to begin a 100-percent pasture-fed cattle operation and to be actively involved in local government. He is ready to be generous with his volunteer time.

Right away, Fritz volunteered with various groups. He meets with the local fellas at Carrie’s store to beef up on farming tips and local affairs and began attending many town meetings to understand the broader perspective. He has an organized mind, understands the importance of respectful conversations and enjoys hearing all sides.

His interests span civil engineering, agriculture, affordable housing, education and conservation. He was quickly appointed to the Charlotte Conservation Commission where he learned volumes about town natural resource plans and priorities and how, compared to California, Charlotte works to protect its areas of high conservation value using solid research and transparent step-wise processes.

Since Fritz has decided to run for a Selectboard seat this March, I invited him for a visit to learn about his views of Charlotte and his vision for our future.

As an engineer with a respect for science, he explained that he has come to learn that the Charlotte Conservation Fund, town habitat maps, the P.C. site assessment protocols and local stream water quality reports are essential tools in helping to achieve and update our town planning and policy goals. He sees that private 501(c)(3) groups like the Charlotte Land Trust and Lewis Creek Association provide vital community services to Charlotte. While he loves Charlotte’s community color and buzz, he now feels ready to help steer the ship.

Please remember Fritz when you are in the voting booth on March 4.

Marty Illick Lewis Creek Road

Matt Krasnow is a candidate for the two-year seat on the Charlotte Board of Selectman.

Matt is a particularly intelligent young man dedicated to the preservation of the way of life we have all come to know and enjoy as residents of the town of Charlotte. As a life-long native, he is well aware of the challenges facing the town. Regardless of one’s position on the current issues, you will find Matt to be incisive, impartial and an astute listener. Matt possesses both the demeanor and character necessary to become an outstanding member of the Charlotte Board of Selectman.

Robert Giknis Spear Street

Tegatz has skills for Selectboard We are writing to encourage you to vote for Fritz Tegatz. For those of you who don’t know him, Fritz is a local beef farmer who has the business background and the time to commit to the Selectboard.

With prior experience as a contractor and a small business owner, Fritz knows how to manage budgets and administer contracts, and he is very aware of how things work on a municipal level. Fritz believes a Selectboard member should be a steward of the town and a steward of the taxpayer’s money. Fritz is a good listener, a problem solver and a thoughtful man who wants to be involved in local government. Fritz is ready to work hard and make a difference.

Please give your support to Fritz on Election Day. Tom and Betsi Oliver Mount Philo Road

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The Charlotte News

TownBites

by Edd Merritt

A new book brings the whales back to Charlotte Jeff Howe, a former curator of the University of Vermont’s Perkins Geology Museum, has written a book titled How Do You Get a Whale in Vermont? The Unlikely Story of Vermont’s Official State Fossil. Believe it or not, the whale in question was found in Charlotte in 1849 while construction was taking place on the railway between Burlington and Rutland. The workmen discovered bones buried about ten feet underground.

Local farmer John G. Thorp took the bones to UVM where experts said they were those of a “beluga” or “white whale.” Because Charlotte is over 150 miles from any ocean, early naturalists were at a loss to explain how they got to rural Vermont. The beluga skeleton is thought to be over 11,000 years old, dating back to a time when Charlotte lived under the Champlain Sea. Howe initiated the move to have “Charlotte,” as the whale was known, become the official state fossil, and in 1993 then-governor Howard Dean signed a bill to that effect.

A review of Howe’s book and an interview with him appears in the Feb. 12 Seven Days.

Cooke and Crockenberg await the fate of their plan for Moran What will happen to the Moran

power plant on Burlington’s waterfront is now in the hands of the city’s voters. A plan designed and proposed by a couple of recent Charlotters and UVM grads, Tad Cooke and Erick Crockenberg, has been endorsed by Mayor Miro Weinberger and the Burlington City Council. All it needs now is money—a total of $26 million—and approval by the city’s voters on March 4.

Over the last 61 years there have been numerous proposals to refurbish or replace the plant, which has been decommissioned since 1986. Weinberger says the public is ready for resolution, and he says the vote at Town Meeting will make or break Tad and Erick’s project—as well as the plant itself if voters disapprove.

The two project designers are being helped in their venture by the financial prowess of Charlie Tipper, a well-practiced fundraiser. He, too, had submitted a plan for the Moran Plant, but when Cooke and Crockenberg’s was selected, he decided to join forces with them for what appears to be the mutual benefit of both parties.

A complete article describing history, past and present, of Moran waterfront plans appears in the Feb. 12 Seven Days.

Rare antique trunk from the McNeils comes to light Mike Niero of Pirate’s Lair antique trunk sellers in Stafford, Va., acquired a rare artifact from the estate of a prominent Charlotter: a mint-condition trunk with hand-tooled leather constructed over 120 years ago.

The trunk’s original owner was Henry McNeil, whose lineage goes

Regional Bite back to colonial times. He was the son of Charles McNeil and the grandson of John McNeil, who was a colonial settler of Vermont. Henry McNeil was born in 1821 and died 76 years later. The trunk has the owner’s name with “Charlotte VT” stenciled beneath it. It has been owned by several generations of McNeils who resided on the family’s farm at McNeil Cove in Charlotte.

Niero says that in its early days the trunk was very high-end. The exterior is covered in hand-tooled leather and has heavy-duty hardware handles and clasps and upgraded pine and oak woods. There were Victorian lithographs inside. Niero learned much about it from Dave Perrin’s Charlotte News article on the history of the McNeil Mansion, written to commemorate the town’s 250th anniversary.

Jeff Evans becomes CVU Principal After having served in an interim capacity for the last year, Jeff Evans, former CVU English teacher, coach and house director, was unanimously approved to fill the position of principal by the high school’s board of directors. Jeff’s predecessor, Sean McMannon, left a year ago to become superintendent of schools in Winooski, and Chittenden South Superintendent Elaine Pinckney established a search committee to find his replacement. The committee recommended Evans for the job.

CVFRS Fills Full-Time Firefighter Position The officers and directors of Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue are pleased to report that they have offered the position of weekday daytime firefighter to Robert Mullin, a Monkton resident and soon-to-be retired captain from the Burlington Fire Department.

Mullin has served with distinction as a member of the Vermont Air Guard fire and rescue crew, and he has served in the Burlington Fire Department for the past 25 years—the last six years as the officer in charge of training for the department and its EMTs. Rob is also an instructor at the Vermont Fire Academy.

“We interviewed five very well qualified candidates for the position, and we feel that Rob brings a level of experience, training and skills to our town that will be a major plus to Charlotte Fire and Rescue and to this community,” said Fire Chief Chris Davis.

“We will be working to finalize the details so that Rob can start with us in April and look forward to introducing Rob to the town in the coming weeks.”

The Charlotte News

Legislative Report

by Representative Mike Yantachka

Photo by NaNcy Wood

Search & Rescue in Vermont

The town’s new 70-inch wall-mounted television was on full display at Monday’s Selectboard meeting. The television will be used to display information relevant to board and committee discussions.

town lands was approved for publication, and the Selectboard approved an Animal Control Intake Agreement with the Chittenden County Humane Society

Selectboard

continued from page 1

letter will be available in printed form at the Town Meeting or in hard copy from the town clerk.

In the continuing saga of modifying

This will modify the engineering for the alignment and widening of the western approaches to the Carpenter Road Bridge and the decking, curbs and railings on the Spear Street Bridge. This change will not affect the town budget.

Attendant to this discussion, there was a long and convoluted colloquy about two new state bridge grants that have been revealed in the last month. These grants might significantly reduce costs to the town’s bridge budget next year.

Accordingly, Chairman Charles Russell and board member Winslow Ladue will attempt to rationalize the changes and present them to the town for discussion at Town Meeting.

The annual request for bids on mowing, land maintenance and brush hogging of

In another administrative action, a six-member committee was formed to review applications for the position of administrative assistant. This is in anticipation of a possible vacancy should Gloria Warden be elected as Ferrisburg town clerk next month.

The Selectboard, meeting as the Liquor Control Board, approved a 2/c liquor license for the Ripple in Still 2/c liquor license and tobacco license for Spear’s Corner Store.

In a late report, Eleanor Russell reported on her attendance at a recent Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue said that the CVFRS financials were in good shape, and the Selectboard could expect a report after the next quarterly board meeting on April 28.

She also reported the new ambulance has been delivered and should be online very soon after the drivers have completed specialized driver training for the vehicle.

A little over two years ago a 19-yearold Ripton man named Levi Duclos went for a hike and failed to return that evening. He was reported missing by his family, but a search-and-rescue effort was not mounted until the following day.

When Duclos was found, he had already succumbed to hypothermia.

This incident focused the State Legislature’s attention on the lack of standard protocols for search and rescue across state and local law enforcement and emergency response organizations.

During the 2012 session the Legislature commissioned a study of search- andrescue protocols with the goal of making sure that future incidents would result in a better response. During the summer of 2012, the study commission formulated its recommendations, and in 2013 legislation was passed to establish a statewide search and rescue coordinator’s position in the Department of Public Safety under the auspices of the State Police.

Vermont is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts during all seasons. Outdoor sports tourism is a boon to our economy, whether it is hiking, camping, mountain biking or boating in the summer, or skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling or icefishing in the winter. Unfortunately it is not unusual for us to hear a news report that a skier or a hiker has been reported missing in the backcountry of Vermont.

While there is a huge cost involved with mounting a search-and-rescue effort, the highest priority has to be to bring the missing person home safely. An efficient search-and-rescue operation is necessary to ensure the successful completion of the mission. Standard rescue protocols that dictate effective communication, areas of responsibility and timely response are the key to success.

Now, with the help of many stakeholders and interested parties and two

years of thought, determination and very hard work, Vermont has a state-of-the-art search and rescue strategic plan in place.

Neil Van Dyke is the new full-time search and rescue coordinator for the Department of Public Safety. His duties include: state police and providing the appropriate training; management training; base to ensure contact information is correct and accurate; rescue operations; being collected on a national basis; entities and creating an extensive outreach program; departments and EMS agencies and determining what constitutes their role; and the state and distributing a “Lost Skier� worksheet.

While we can expect that future searchand-rescue operations will be initiated quickly and that the proper teams will be activated so that missing persons can be located and brought to safety as soon as possible, it is still the responsibility of every outdoor enthusiast to take necessary precautions to stay safe.

To meet Neil Van Dyke and see a video about valuable safety tips for backcountry skiers visit the Vermont State Police search-and-rescue website: http://vsp.vermont.gov/about_us/divisions/field_force/ special_teams/search.

Enjoy the outdoors and be safe! I look forward to seeing you at Town Meeting.

I continue to welcome your thoughts and questions and can be reached by phone website at MikeYantachka.com.

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Charlotte residents – get 10% off during March!

The Charlotte News If you do venture onto the ice, we urge you when you expect to return, or a flotation device with you and ice.

If the ice starts to crack, drop to your stomach and roll back the same direction you came from.

Contributor

Fire & Rescue responds to boiler problem at the Nichols Farm

Unsafe ice conditions everywhere With the recent swings in temperatures, it is tempting to investigate the local ice conditions on ponds or the lake. Please resist this temptation, as the snow cover and warming temperatures have made all ice conditions unpredictable and likely unsafe.

Time to clean your chimney

Volunteer John Snow at a CVFRS ice training exercise.

If one of you does fall through the ice: 1. Call 911 immediately. We do not recommend that you attempt to rescue someone who has fallen through the ice. This typically results in both persons ending up in the water. Trained and equipped emergency responders in this area are typically no more than ten minutes away.(We also are trained and equipped to rescue pets, so please call if a pet falls through the ice.)

2. Encourage the person in the water to remain calm and not thrash around, as keeping still conserves body heat and reduces the amount of cold water in contact with the skin.

www.vso.org

Robert De Cormier, conductor Jonita La!imore, soprano Kevin Deas, bass Justin Murray, boy soprano

Celebrating

Robert De Cormier and the 20th Anniversary of the VSO Chorus FEATURING

BERNSTEIN Chichester Psalms BRAHMS Ein deutsches Requiem

Saturday, January 25, 2014 8:00 pm at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington SPONSORED"BY#"

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We encourage anyone heating with wood to clean the flue now, before a chimney fire occurs. Chimney fires can damage the flue and lead to a structure fire if the molten creosote flows out of the flue and into the spaces around the stovepipe or chimney.

If you suspect there is a problem with your chimney or flue, see smoke where it does not normally appear, hear strange crackling or a jet engine type roar in your flue or see flames coming out of the top of your stove pipe or chimney, you are likely having a chimney fire.

Dial 911 immediately.

Please clear dry hydrants

Jaime Laredo, Music Director

PRESENTS

Ice rescue training for neighboring fire departments This past weekend, Assistant Chief Dick St. George and Captain Devin St. George, both certified ice rescue instructors, assisted other instructors in teaching ice rescue techniques to Addison County and neighboring New York State fire departments between Charlotte and Ticonderoga. With the change in ice conditions they had no problem finding unsafe ice conditions to conduct the training sessions.

Chris Davis

Fourteen members of Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue (CVFRS) responded to a call about boiler problems at the Nichols Farm on Spear Street on Saturday, Feb. 15.

Mike Cook, a CVFRS member and Nichols Farm employee, called in the problem. A repair technician was on scene to work on the boiler, and the fire department was asked to stand by as excess fuel was burned out of the boiler combustion chamber. The procedure went as planned, and the boiler was returned to service.

Anytime we receive a call for a boiler, stove, chimney, electrical or other mechanical problem in any location, especially at one of the area’s businesses or farms, we are especially concerned because of the potential for the problem spreading to the building or contents. We are always very glad when the problem is contained and the hoses can stay on the trucks.

We encourage home, business or apartment owners or occupants to dial 911 for the fire department if they feel a condition is possibly not safe, they smell smoke or are experiencing unusual electrical conditions. It is often possible to troubleshoot and solve a smaller problem before it turns into a bigger one.

3. Have the person who has fallen through spread his arms out in front of him on top of the ice. This will result in his arms/sleeves freezing to the ice, preventing him from slipping under the water.

4. Get to the nearest roadway and direct the rescuers to the victim.

Musically Speaking, 7:00 pm

Enrich your concertgoing experience with a free, lively and interactive discussion.

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We urge residents to please keep the snow plowed away from the dry hydrants located around the town in private subdivisions. These hydrants are the only source of fire suppression water we have access to in Charlotte in the winter months. If we are delayed in hooking up to these hydrants because of snow banks or drifts, precious minutes are lost in obtaining water to fight a fire in the community.

We need your help to keep these vital hydrants clear and ready in the event they are needed day or night.

The Charlotte News Police Department at an annual cost of $25,000 for eight hours enforcement per week. When the current contract ends in June, the Selectboard expects to see an increase in the amount the town is charged.

Town Meeting continued from page 1 said. Repairs also call for a new membrane, or paving layer, and cleaning and painting.Bridge 30 on Carpenter Road needs much more substantial work, particularly widening on its westerly approach.

These projects will build on bridge work already completed last year. It’s all based on a work plan for the town’s bridges developed by Selectboard member Winslow Ladue, which calls for taking advantage of state and federal grants to offset the cost of the needed work, and more grants may be available to help offset the cost to the town for bridge repair during the upcoming year.

Bloch noted that the trend toward fixing bridges in Charlotte is the result of a lack of major work on town bridges in the past 20 years.

The Selectboard is also requesting $50,000 from its improvement and repair fund for several projects on town-owned property, including drainage improvements on the Town Green, water system treatment for the Town Hall and library and exterior painting of Town Hall.

This amount also commits roughly $25,000 for a new library roof based on cost estimates provided to the library. According to Library Board President Bonnie Christie, the current shingled roof has experienced several leaks, and building inspectors have advised the board that it may be best to replace the roof rather than maintain it. Christie notes that the Library Board has received a number of estimates for the replacement project, and the board is currently weighing the costs for shingle or metal roofing.

New positioNs Among the budget requests in the Selectboard’s proposed budget are two new positions at the Charlotte Library and the Charlotte Senior Center, which total around $13,500 in new expenditures.

The library’s budget request includes $1,950 to fund a local-history librarian. According to Library Director Margaret Woodruff, the library is seeing an increase in requests from patrons and visitors for information on local history. Right now, Jenny Cole, an assistant librarian and local history expert, fields calls for information, but this cuts into her time doing interlibrary loan duties.

As Woodruff envisions it, the new local-history librarian would work about three hours per week fielding these calls for information, coordinating with other town entities that have local-history collections, such as the Charlotte Historical Museum and Town Hall, and curating the library’s local history holdings.

“There’s so much history in town,” said Woodruff.

“This position will allow us to be a part of that.”

The Senior Center has requested $10,500 from the town for a part-time program coordinator, $5,000 of which will come from increased Senior Center revenue. According to Carl Herzog, co-president of the Center’s board of directors, the new position would assist

few years to conserve land, the Selectboard is looking to fill it back up with a $90,000 appropriation. decreased by nearly $108,000. The town’s revenue will billing that until this year first went to the town before the town is $510,000.

Activities Director Mary Recchia with organizing and managing the Center’s many volunteers.

Said Herzog, “She or he would solicit and train volunteers, maintain a volunteer skill data base, organize volunteer schedules, maintain mailing lists, assist in presenting special events and ensure that volunteers’ needs for meaningful work, training and recognition are met.”

salaries In the proposed budget, most town employees’ salaries include cost-of-living increases. However, due to the restructuring of two town positions, taxpayers are looking at a total of $19,000 in added spending for the positions over last year.

The retirement of Zoning Administrator Tom Mansfield led to the restructuring of several positions. In December the Selectboard combined the zoning position with the duties of the town planner, which resulted in the new position of town planner/zoning administrator/deputy health officer, now filled by Jeannine McCrumb at a salary of $48,558. Former town planner Dean Bloch moved into the new position of town administrator, a position aligned with his former duties as the Selectboard’s administrative assistant, at a salary of $59,885.

Elsewhere, Library Director Woodruff could see a 15 percent increase in her salary over last year due to the increased workload accompanying the implementation of the library’s strategic plan over the past two years.

Increasing her hours from 35 to 40 changes her salary from roughly $39,000 to $45,000.

Finally, Town Constable Josh Flore is seeing a pay decrease of $1,600, which would bring his salary from $2,600 to $1,000. According to Bloch, the town is changing how it pays for the position, essentially moving it from a salaried position to an hourly position.

dropped off. According to Bloch, a line item that supported work of the Affordable Housing Committee has been cut, as the committee no longer meets. Furthermore, the Selectboard isn’t seeking to add to the Affordable Housing Fund, used to fund $5,000 to $10,000 planning and construction grants for creating affordable housing in town. There is around $100,000 in the fund right now, said Bloch, but as only a few people have sought the grants in the last few years, the Selectboard decided against adding more money to the program.

school speNdiNg CCS’s $7.5 million budget proposal is up from last year, despite $240,000 in cuts the board made to get there. Included in the school’s budget proposal is $32,500 to move from the current hybrid kindergarten model to a full-day model.

Other items in the proposed CCS budget include hiring two part-time paraeducators to assist with 5th-grade classes ($63,322), a 0.6 full-time equivalent reading/ language arts specialist ($51,082, nearly half of which would be offset by Medicaid funds), technology-related expenditures (roughly $32,000) and an assistant crosscountry coach ($4,037), among others. cuts for its $22.4 million budget proposal, which is an increase of 1.65 percent over last year. A major part of this increase is due to a significant rise in special education and salary and benefit costs. The board is also requesting funding for two half-time positions for its Power Reading program and its mathematics programs.

To offset costs, the school board eliminated one house director, cut one-third of an English position, and will see savings from the retirement of some senior faculty.

If the town and school budgets pass as proposed, Charlotters will see a six-percent rise in taxes and a projected tax rate of 1.7236. For a property valued at $300,000, this amounts to $5,172. For a property valued at $500,000, this amounts to $8,620.

Note: for a rundown of the candidates running for town offices, turn to pages 10–11.

VOTE FOR

other items of Note There are several other expenditures Charlotters may find interesting. To wit:

BONNIE CHRISTIE

more for traffic enforcement, which the town now receives from the Shelburne

CHARLOTTE SELECTBOARD 2-year term

TUESDAY, MARCH 4 22 years of service to the Charlotte community

Supporters include: Maura Odea Justin Wygmans Vince Crockenberg Susan Crockenberg Denise Danyow Patrice Machavern John & Ann Owen Dorrice Hammer Eliza Pillard Missy Kraus

Laura Cahners-Ford Bethany Myrick Lynn Fox Nan Mason Lorna Bates Joan Weed Dick Weed Charles Russell Linda Hamilton Larry Hamilton Ellie Russell

The Charlotte News

News from CVU Susan Holson Contributor

A Look at the Common Core State Standards at CVU As many of you know, Vermont, along with 45 other states, adopted a common set of educational standards called the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

This set of standards articulates what we expect our students to know and be able to do in grades preK-12. It replaces Vermont’s current Framework of Standards (which were used along with standards from other top-performing countries and states to inform the new standards).

One important reason the CCSS has been adopted by so many states is that it standardizes learning across the country so that students moving from one state to another are not at risk for developing learning gaps due to differences in educational practices. Another is that it allows comparison of educational performance across states using a common standard.

The changes in standards are also intended to increase both academic rigor and higher-order thinking skills and emphasize skills to make all students “college or career ready.” The National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) led the development of these standards.

The Common Core was adopted by Vermont in 2010. Since that time, educa-

Enriching Minds at CCS Odyssey of the Mind, PTO enrichment programs begin at school Tom Scatchard Contributor Everyone knows that many fine learning activities are happening at CCS, but there are several with which you probably are not familiar. If you don’t know how Odyssey of the Mind stretches the creativity, collaborative skills, mechanical knowledge and performance abilities of students, you will be amazed by what three moms are doing with a group of

tors have been undergoing professional development related to its implementation and evaluation and are developing Core-aligned units of study that cut across ELA, math, science and history/social sciences subject areas.

In spring 2015, CVU and schools across the state and country will begin formal testing of student common core competencies in math and literacy for students in grades 3, 8 and 11, using a new testing protocol referred to as the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium), which replaces NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program) testing in these subject areas. (The development of new science standards is currently in the works.) SBAC tests will be administered and taken on a computer and will allow for both formative assessments (used to monitor student performance and allow for timely instructional feedback) and summative assessments (used to evaluate student learning against a benchmark).

SBAC will also make use of new computer adaptive technology. In computer adaptive testing, grade-level students will start with a common set of questions, but subsequent questions will depend on the results of the initial set, and so on. In this way, the test will evolve (adapt) to each learner, yielding rich assessment data that can be used to drive and differentiate student instruction, thereby better meeting the unique needs of each student. As a result of the new testing platform, SBAC test results are also expected to be available more quickly than NECAPs. In order to meet some of the goals described above, CCSS is driving several significant shifts in high school educational practices. Here are a few:

seven fourth grade students. And for fourth and fifth graders who want some extra math challenges, several parents have been meeting with two groups to stretch their mathematical thinking.

Julie Holmes, Sarah Scranton and Sage Bagnato launched a trial run of the Odyssey of the Mind program this fall with their children and four others. They wanted to determine if it would be a worthy enrichment activity to encourage other students and parents to undertake for the next school year.

Odyssey of the Mind is an international competition where groups of up to seven students work together on one of several multilevel problems. The Charlotte team chose a problem titled “Driver’s Test” where the students design, build and drive a vehicle that must accomplish several tasks. The team has been meet-

1. Increase student experience with informational text in English languagearts classes as well as history, social studies and science classes. Seventy percent of reading at the high school level should be information, or nonfiction, in preparation for college-level reading.

2. Teach with complex text, instructing students at all grade levels, including high school, to use “close-reading” strategies to better comprehend challenging text.

3. Increase student understanding of effective discourse. Specific standards articulate the need for evidence-based argument, defense and student-to-student interaction in all subject areas.

4. Use of multiple text types. Where one text was once used in a lesson, now teachers should use three to five different texts—one an article, one online, one a different point of view—to teach students to read with flexibility and use multiple sources to develop an argument.

5. Teach students to develop evidencebased persuasive writing.

6. In mathematics there has been some shifting of content from grade to grade.

In addition, new math standards also include eight “Standards of Practice,” which influence pedagogy. The practices cultivate a math environment in which students are taught to tackle challenging math like a mathematician, with perseverance, analysis, trial, evidence, generalizing, etc.

One last important point: the Common Core is a set of standards for what students should know at each grade level.

It is not a curriculum. With the support of CSSU, CVU teachers will still decide how they want to teach and what curriculum they use. The standards provide schools and teachers with the framework

ing since November and will participate in the Vermont competition on March 22. Be sure to watch for the results to be reported here.

The Continental Math League is a nationwide program that every month provides several sets of multistep math problems for students to solve. Under the supervision of adult coaches, students work individually and with the team to solve the complex problems. In Charlotte, Sarah Scranton and Marty Auster are working with a group of fourth graders to tackle challenges that involve both logic and mathematical calculations.

David Parmalee is coaching the fifth grade math group, using a program of his own design. Both of the programs have been open to any interested fourth or fifth graders and hopefully will be offered again next year.

for assessing outcomes.

Good News On Jan. 10 CVU held one of the biggest Scholars Bowl events of the season. Over 150 students from 36 teams and 14 schools met at CVU for the Addison Super Regional, and CVU’s four teams again did very well.

In the varsity bracket, CVU’s “A” team finished with a perfect 5-0 record, tying with South Burlington for the best overall record and giving it a 26-7 overall record this season.

In the JV bracket, CVU’s “B” team continued its winning ways with a 5-0 record to tie two other teams for the best record. CVU’s “C” and “D” teams each finished with 2-3 record.

The 14-6 overall finish gave CVU an 82-30 record in all varsity and JV matches this season.

Nineteen students participated for CVU, including Charlotte students Fiona Higgins, Bennett Cazayoux, Brendan Murphy and William Hodgson- Walker.

Do you have questions about your CVU high school? The CVU School Board welcomes your suggestions for topics in this forum.

Charlotte Representatives to the CVU School Board Lorna Jimerson 425-2497 Marilyn Richardson 425-2391 Susan Holson is a member of the CVU school board.

In addition to the ongoing Odyssey of the Mind and Continental Math League programs, the PTO enrichment group will be offering a number of afterschool or lunch and recess activities starting in March. Signups will take place in the next several weeks for students to participate in writing, cooking, aquarium, informal Continental Math challenges, the Future Problem Solving program and possibly other mind-expanding events.

If you have questions now, would like to suggest an enrichment activity or might be interested in leading a group, please contact me at scatchardtom@gmail.com. Stay tuned for more enrichment news in coming issues.

The Charlotte News

All budget materials are at:

Contact us at:

See if you are eligible for property

ccsvt.us

ccsschoolboard@cssu.org

tax sensitivity at: state.vt.us/tax

CHARLOTTE CENTRAL SCHOOL BUDGET 2014/2015 BASELINE BUDGET $7,533,801 -

REDUCTIONS $240,672

+ +

ADDITIONS = $218,415 =

TOTAL BUDGET $7,511,544

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MARCH 3, 2014

1

The Charlotte News

Meet the Candidates Selectboard – Two-Year Term

Selectboard Three-Year Term

I am a native Vermonter and have lived in Charlotte since 1992.

My education and career focused on energy and environmental policy.

My two wonderful children, Hannah and Ian, both graduated from CCS and CVU. I live in the West Village on Greenbush Road, am semi-retired and work part time for the VNA. I have served on a variety of town committees, am currently the chair of the Charlotte Library Board of Trustees and a member of the Community Safety Committee.

I have had the responsibility for developing Library budgets in the context of the overall town budget and administering those public funds in a transparent and accountable way. By participating in almost every Town Meeting and many Selectboard meetings over the past 22 years, I have learned that when town government becomes dominated by small groups of powerful players, we lose the essence of democracy and the whole community suffers from the effects. It is the bringing together of many ideas and opinions that makes a community strong.

As a Selectboard member I would work hard to create an atmosphere where all citizens feel safe participating. I have experience working with complex issues, am comfortable working with controversy and have always been an independent thinker.

The issues I would most like to work on as a Selectperson include safe roads for all, updating the Town Plan to make Charlotte sustainable and affordable, reducing the tax burden on property owners and reducing our dependence on other towns for basic services.

I would be honored to have your vote on March 4.

My name is Matt Krasnow and I would like you to consider voting for me on Town Meeting Day. As a lifelong resident running for Selectboard, I want to contribute my values, skills and team-oriented perspectives (many of which I learned being raised in Charlotte) to give back to the community my wife, Julia, and I see as our home.

My presence as a young professional can broaden the board’s representation, while my fiscally conservative values can only help exercise the prudent and wise investment of town revenues.

While in my lifetime the disappearance of dozens of family dairy farms here was very unfortunate, the growing and vibrantly diverse agricultural ventures thriving in town today are a land-use success story I look forward to fully supporting if elected. I will add a new perspective and a fresh set of eyes, with the time, consideration and drive to commit to the work.

If you feel I would serve this town well, I hope you will decide on March 4 to vote for Krasnow.

Selectboard

I am offering to continue to serve as selectman and will be on the ballot for a three-year term. My family moved to Charlotte in 1981 and have volunteered for town activities, including committees for town planning, after-school ski program, and leadership roles in the Charlotte Cub Scouts.

I completed a master’s degree in geology from UVM, worked as a private consultant for the State of Vermont Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation in capacities ranging from a staff hydrogeologist to financial program manager.

As a Selectboard member my interests have included evaluating the town’s wastewater system, improving the energy efficiency of town buildings and maintaining the town’s bridges and infrastructure. I have encouraged long-range lower-cost options and use of available state/federal grant funds for future projects, including rehabilitating the Carpenter Road and the Seguin bridges as well as improving the drainage on the Town Green.

Two of Three-Year Term

I have lived in Charlotte for 42 years and have been active in community volunteer positions for many of those years, including CCS Building Committee, CCS School Board, Charlotte Congregational Church, Senior Center and my July 2013 Selectboard appointment.

I am encouraged by the board’s recent accomplishments and look forward to participating in the challenges ahead. My goal is to continue to build trust, confidence and better communications among the many areas of our town government.

By working to achieve a well-functioning board, we will be taking a positive step in promoting the services and future plans of our town I appreciate your vote and support in continuing my work on the Selectboard. Thank you.

My name is Fritz Tegatz, and I am running for a threeyear term on the Selectboard. I have a degree in civil engineering, ten years’ experience applying that degree and another 20 years’ experience running my own business.

My philosophy is “Leave it at the door.” This explains what I think is the most important attribute of a selectperson, along with fiscal responsibility.

Being able to put your opinions and feelings aside, listening to all, giving thoughtful, objective consideration to every issue that comes before you, and spending wisely are essential. My engineering and management background gives me practical experience in applying these concepts. I hope you will consider this when voting at Town Meeting. I look forward to serving the town should you choose to elect me.

OTHER CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR TOWN OFFICE Ed Stone (Selectboard, Two Years) Robert Mack, Jr. (Auditor, Three Years) Jerry L. Schwarz (Town Moderator, One Year) Jerry L. Schwarz (School District Moderator, One Year) Jr Lewis (Road Commisioner, One Year) Matthew J. Hough (Trustee of Public Funds, One Year) Ted Braun (Town Grand Juror, One Year) Susan Nostrand (CCS School Director, Three Years) Mary A. Mead (Delinquent Tax Collector, One Year) Mike Kurt (Cemetery Commissioner, Three Years) Jim Dickerson (Cemetery Commissioner, Two years of Three-Year Term) Jonathan Silverman (Library Trustee, Five Years)

The Charlotte News

Auditor

Lister

Trustee of Public Funds

Three-Year Term

Three-Year Term

Three-Year Term

When I was on the Selectboard, it was reassuring to know that Charlotte had a group of people, our elected town auditors, willing to give their time reviewing the professional audit done for the town. Each auditor came with a distinct set of skills and experiences and, because of this, would raise different questions about the town’s financial matters.

Elected auditors can play an important role in ensuring that the financial accounting of the town is accurate and complete, that reports are clear and easy to understand, and that accounting processes make it easy to detect error (or fraud). Auditors should carry out their duties in an impartial, business-like manner—and be fair-minded and thorough.

I look forward to serving as auditor, and I seek your vote on Town Meeting Day.

My name is Betsi Oliver and I am running for the Charlotte Board of Listers. I have lived in Charlotte for the past 28 years and during that time have worn numerous hats, including mom, Charlotte Library circulation librarian, Girl Scout troop leader and Food Shelf volunteer.

I was appointed to the Board of Listers in March of 2013, and having worked in the Lister Office for almost a year I have in-depth knowledge of the many varied duties of the lister. Accuracy, the ability to listen and the ability to work with the public are my strengths and are important skills to have when working as a lister. Please support me on March 4 for a three-year term as a lister.

My name is Jill Lowrey and I am running for the position of trustee of public funds.

I have lived in Charlotte for 22 years with my husband, Rich, and currently work as a registered pharmacist. Our son Richard III is a sophomore at CVU and Maverick is a 7th grader at CCS. I have been active in our community since moving here. I was on the CCS PTO for nine years and a member of the local Boy Scout Troop 615 for five years. I have held a Treasury board position on the CSSU Buccaneers Youth Football League for eight years and am a board member on the CVU Football Boosters. In 2011, I won the Aw-Shucks Award!

I have a passion to keep our town moving in a positive direction, and I feel my background in both the schools and the community and my heritage as a hard-working, fifth-generation Vermonter will help me do a great job in this position for our town.

Thank you for your vote and support!

CCS School Director

CVU School Director

Town Agent My name is Kristin Wright. I am seeking reelection to the Charlotte School Board. I am currently serving as the chair of the board, as well as one of CCS’s three representatives on the supervisory union board and on the supervisory union’s policy committee.

Our regular board meetings are held at CVU at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month. The supervisory union board meetings begin at 5 p.m. on the same day. Please consider coming to a meeting to add your insight and ideas to our deliberations. You may also watch all our meetings by logging onto retn.org.

The board is always interested in hearing from community members. You may reach us at ccschoolboard@cssu.org. Thank you for your continuing support of Charlotte Central School.

SHARE YOUR MILESTONES Births Awards Recognitions Marriages Engagements Anniversaries Retirements Deaths

email: edd@charlotte newsvt.com

Once again, I am a candidate for one of the two Charlotters on the CVU High School Board of Directors.

I have been on either the CCS board or CVU board since 1990, except for a three-year hiatus. And even after all these years, I believe that I still have something to contribute, even as education continues to evolve and change.

I am a firm believer that schooling is a public enterprise and that community participation in the governing of local schools is critical. We are fortunate to have a culture and governing structure that allow local citizens, like myself, to have a voice in shaping our collective children’s education.

I feel honored to be able to represent Charlotte on our community high school board. It is just one small way that I can give back to our wonderful community.

Thanks again for allowing me that opportunity.

“Running” may, in fact, be too strong a term for what I am doing for voters on Town Meeting Day. Walking may be closer to the truth.

According to the Vermont League of Cities and Towns’ VLCT Handbook for Vermont Town Officers, the “agent plays a limited role in town government.” State statute says that while an agent to “prosecute and defend suits shall be elected,” no statute provides the agent with independent authority to act. As a result, Charlotte, like most towns, has hired a town attorney to represent the town, conduct litigation and settle suits on its behalf, leaving the agent basically inactive.

Nonetheless, I ask again for your vote, and if called upon to contribute my opinion on an element of town governance, I will do so thoughtfully.

A New Angle of Vision Participants in a recent photography workshop sponsored by the Charlotte Land Trust learned the basics of the craft from a teacher who nearly gave up his profession.

Emma Slater The CharloTTe News

While the icy grip of winter can discourage many from exploring the outdoors, Jonathan Hart’s photography workshop last month embraced the cold weather. Traversing pristine Charlotte farmland on a snowy Saturday, a group of local photography students were rewarded for their hardiness with shots of Vermont fields and riverbanks lit by the golden lateafternoon light.

This workshop was part of a seasonal series designed

by Hart in partnership with the Charlotte Land Trust (CLT). The goal of both Hart and the CLT is to help residents appreciate conserved land from the perspective provided by a camera lens.

The workshop consisted of a classroom session at Town Hall and an outdoor practice session on Charlotte’s conserved land. For many group members, this trek was also a first journey into the realm of digital photography.

A common concept Hart addressed was the fear of venturing into the uncharted waters of manual mode. Even after poring over the owner’s guide, the array of menus and series of buttons can be challenging to decipher. Hart was able to break these con-

cepts down—using computer simulations in the classroom and hands-on practice outdoors—to cement understanding. Students left feeling empowered to explore the options available to modern photographers.

Hart explains that digital technology allows him to do things he had only dreamed of with film. However, the introduction of digital technology is not a clean transition for any photographer. Abandoning the “unbelievably rich, awesome color” of traditional film is a daunting prospect for many photographers, he noted. In this way, Hart has great empathy for new photographers who struggle to understand digital cameras.

In fact, Hart initially decided to leave photography when digital cameras were introduced.

email : news @ charlottenewsvt . com

(Above and left) Participants in a recent photography workshop through the Charlotte Land Trust prepare to capture the beauty of the town's landscape.The next workshop will be offered May 17.

He sold all of his equipment, down to the battery packs. Hart attributes this choice to a fear of the unknown and ultimately feeling burnt out by his work in studio product photography.

After taking an 11-year break from the profession, Hart returned to photography with a fresh perspective. When an acquaintance offered him the opportunity to teach a class about the art

The Charlotte News of photos, it “lit the fire again.”

He describes photography as “something I just can’t shake, something I love.” Dragging his portfolio out of the basement and literally scraping mold off the prints, this “cameraless” photographer reemerged into a new phase of his career.

Although Hart continues to work with commercial clients, he mainly works in landscape photography, incorporating his dedication to art with a love for the outdoors. Whether he is producing his own prints or teaching others, he shares his passion for the beauty of natural lighting and the extensive Vermont color palette.

During the workshop, I was fascinated to see how the search for an interesting photo enhances an experience, providing a platform for interactive observation. A winding path became the structure for a shot.

Lengthening the shutter speed transformed a river into a rush of glossy rivulets. Zoom revealed fresh animal tracks along the bank. I was inspired by the untouched beauty of the property.

The next workshop will take place Saturday, May 17. The cost is $40 for members of the Charlotte Land Trust and $50 for nonmembers. For more information contact Jonathan Hart at jonathan@amazingvermont.com.

on

Lens the

Land

A feature from the Charlotte Land Trust This issue’s “Lens on the Land” photo was taken by Tai Dinnan and shows Lewis Creek under snow, ice and ski tracks.

The last “Lens” prompted a series of responses as to its whereabouts. In point of fact, photographer Bill Symmes was standing in Charlotte, but his camera was pointed south into Monkton. John Howe clarified the scene but disqualified him-

self from naming its location because he made the gate in the picture. Road Commissioner Jr Lewis asked if its location was a trick question, saying, “I’m pretty sure this is not in Charlotte. However, it is just outside of town on Roscoe Road in Monkton.”

Sponsored by the Charlotte Land Trust (CLT), Lens on the Land is a monthly Charlotte News feature that showcases

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the beauty of Charlotte throughout the year. CLT encourages anyone to submit photos of town to info@charlottelandtrust. org where all submissions will be judged and one selected. Please include a description of where the land is located.

The next picture will appear in the March 27 issue. Email your photos to the Land Trust at least a week before then.

Enjoy 3 seasons on Long Point watching lake activity and beautiful sunsets. Built in 2006 for easy living, this maintenance free 3-bedrm, 2-bath summer home has pine paneled walls,

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OutDoors

by Elizabeth Bassett

Road Trips Near and Far When the snow is icy and the ice is lumpy, don’t get grumpy. Take a road trip.

Less than two hours from Charlotte, Norwich, Vt., and Hanover, N.H., make for a great day trip. Start with a visit to the Murdough Greenhouses at Dartmouth College (dartmouth.edu/~grnhouse/visitor.shtml) in Hanover for a dose of warmth, light and color. Check out the eye-catching giant Titan arum amidst a tangle of vines. This tuber alternately produces one towering six-foot leaf, with footlong leaflets, and a flower. When the leaf has provided enough photosynthesized energy, the bloom emerges.

As tall as ten feet, it attracts flies by smelling like a corpse. Fortunately, this winter the leaf reigns.

Did you know there are four ways carnivorous plants conquer their prey?

Two active types include steel jaws, like sundews, and suction, where differential pressure sucks the victim into a digestive chamber. Two passive traps are flypaper and pitfall, like pitcher plants in Vermont bogs. Dozens of carnivorous plants crowd a corner of one of five rooms open to visitors.

The subtropical greenhouse is filled with familiar plants that grow in our homes and gardens and produce our food, or that we see on warm vacations: gardenia, camellia, pomegranate, cyclamen, jasmine, citrus, olive, cinnamon and Middle Eastern fig. The Xeric or dry room bristles with succulents and prickly cacti: aloe, jade, sedum, Christmas cactus and euphorbia. The Brout Orchid Collection hosts

nearly 1,000 plants, some always in it is a tangle of South Asian vines, bloom. aquatic insects and worms, and snails Also at Dartmouth is the Hood that transforms waste into non-potable Museum (hoodmuseum.dartmouth. water. edu), open daily except Monday. The The memorials are moving, the collection includes American, ancient, mountain views spectacular, and European, African, Oceanic and Native there’s Green Mountain Coffee, too.

American art, in addition to contemporary and changing exhibitions.

A much longer journey: Just across the Connecticut River in new ZeAlAnd Norwich, the Montshire Museum of “When you arrive in New Zealand Science (montshire.org) is a hands-on they don’t check you for bombs, they museum of natural and physical sci- examine the soles of your boots!” said ences, ecology and technology. The Nigel Mucklow on his return from an museum’s 110acre site is an integral part of the visitor experience. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hungry?

Detour to employeeowned King Arthur Flour (kingarthurflour.com), also in Norwich. An FAO Schwarz for foodies, this kitchen store, bakery, cooking school and cafe Plants from the tropical room at the Murdough Greenhouses in should be on Hanover, N.H. the list of anyone who enjoys cooking, baking or eating delicious food. In addition outdoors vacation in the land of the to breads, pastries and cakes, the café Kiwis. “New Zealand’s Department and bakery feature soups, salads and of Conservation, the DOC, is like sandwiches. Open daily from 7:30 our defense department! The DOC is a.m. to 6 p.m. ruthless about invasive species. The On the return trip tarry at the Ver- natural world is king in New Zealand.” mont Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Tourism is a big deal, and visitors I-89 northbound in Sharon. Vermont’s reap the benefits. Tourism drives New more recent war losses in Iraq and Zealand’s economy, contributing nearAfghanistan are also remembered. ly nine percent of its GDP, employing There is a photo of a Charlotte native, nine percent of Kiwis and generating the late Alan Bean.

16 percent of its foreign exchange Inside the rest area, in a warm earnings. greenhouse, a Living Machine proEven small towns have iSite tourist cesses wastewater and returns it to offices. Staffed with helpful, cheery the toilets in a vivid blue hue (lest (like nearly everyone in the country) you be tempted to drink it). When folk, and stuffed with maps, brochures, sewage drainage failed in the 1990s post cards and souvenirs, these facilithis biological system was installed. ties make visiting easy. Thirsty? Water

Kitchens Additions Restoration

fountains gush potable water. Public toilets abound: free, clean and supplied with toilet paper and hand towels. No graffiti either. The Kiwis speak English, even if they do drive on the left.

“The DOC builds hiking trails— clearing, grading, [digging] culverts, ditching and leveling,” Nigel says. “It also uses helicopters to ferry in supplies for the season, like firewood and toilet paper.”

The DOC does heavy maintenance, and volunteers—dubbed track fairies—pick up debris after rainstorms, cut downed trees, clear water bars and clean out culverts.

John Pane spent December exploring New Zealand. “We hiked, or trekked as the Kiwis call it, on beautifully manicured trails,” John says.

“We strapped on crampons for a walk up Fox Glacier. High or low elevation, the tracks were wide, surfaced with gravel, ditched to prevent washouts and nicely pitched for walking. We trekked in the mountains, by the ocean, around lakes and to waterfalls.”

The DOC has eradicated rodents— mainly rats and possums—from some islands and peninsulas so that native, flightless birds—like the national bird, the kiwi—can survive. “The day we trekked on the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds,” John says, “kiwis strutted about, pecking at our boots.”

Nigel traveled 2,500 kilometers in two weeks with Active Adventures of Queenstown (activeadventures.com/ new-zealand) kayaking, biking and hiking. “We visited Milford Sound during a horrendous rain storm,” Nigel says, “but that meant the waterfalls were exploding off the mountains. We kayaked to a waterfall three times the height of Niagara Falls. New Zealand’s natural beauty is accessible and stunning.”

The same can be said of Vermont and New Hampshire!

The Charlotte News

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Receives SCHIP Grant SCHIP (Shelburne Charlotte Hinesburg Interfaith Projects) recently announced its latest round of awards, and Charlotte’s Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church received a portion of the total $19,000 in community grants.

Since 2004 SCHIP has distributed over $469,00 to nonprofit organizations serving residents in the towns of Shelburne, Charlotte and Hinesburg. The funds are generated by the sale of gently used clothing, art, jewelry, home goods and accessories at the shop located in the distinctive yellow house on Route 7 in the heart of Shelburne.

Other area nonprofits receiving grants include Community Health Centers of Burlington, CVU Home School Support Fund, Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, Hinesburg Community Resource Center, Shelburne Nursery School, Shelburne United Methodist Church, St. Jude the Apostle Church in Hinesburg and the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Visit SCHIP’s website at schipstreasure.org or its Facebook page (Schip’s Treasure Resale Shop) to learn more about the organization and about opportunities to donate and volunteer as SCHIP continues its mission to serve local communities.

CCS Kindergarten Registration Opens April 3 Children 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2014, are eligible to attend kindergarten at Charlotte Central School. Kindergarten registration for the 2014/2015 school year will take place April 3 and 4. Once you have called to make an appointment indicating your child will be coming to CCS, you will receive a registration packet. For more information, call Naomi Strada at 425-6600.

Fever in Children: What It Is and What It Means Barry Finette Contributor

Nothing seems to create more anxiety in parents and child caregivers than when a child develops a fever. It is certainly the number one clinical symptom in children that results in a trip to the doctor or the emergency room.

The reasons for this response are many. Fever in children can lead to increased irritability, inconsolability, joint and muscle aches, respiratory distress, malaise/lethargy and poor feeding. In addition, fever brings on the fear in parents that a child may have a “deadly disease.” These are all understandable concerns and are clinical issues that pediatric and family medicine physicians deal with on a daily basis with their patients and families.

It might surprise you to know that there is no single “normal” temperature value for humans.

While the average temperature in children and adults is approximately 98.6°F or 37°C, in reality normal human temperature varies with age, general health, activity level and time of day. Your temperature is normally higher in the afternoon and evening and lowest in the middle of the night, with values between 97.5°F (36.4°C) and 99.5°F (37.5°C). So, in theory a “fever” is any temperature above these values.

What are the major causes of “fever” in children?

To answer this question appropriately it’s important to know, first, that the development of a fever is a normal response of the body’s immune system to infections and inflammation. And second, that the mean temperature for humans, 98°F, is also the optimal temperature for the growth of a majority of the infectious organisms that affect humans. So, basically anything that wakes up or activates your immune system can result in a fever. This can be beneficial since an increase in temperature creates an environment that slows the growth of infectious organisms, which in theory will help your immune system fight infections.

One thing is certain: all children will develop a fever. The big questions are what does a fever mean and when should you be concerned enough to seek medical attention?

My personal approach to this is to first recommend that all parents and caregivers call their primary care

provider whenever they have any concerns about their child’s health. With respect to fever, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has basic guidelines about when to call a child’s physician. For children less than three months of age it is a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, and for children of any age with a temperature 104°F (40°C) or higher.

Besides how high a fever your child may have, what is very important is how your child is behaving, especially if he or she has been treated with Tylenol or Ibuprofen and the temperature has returned to or is near normal. If, following treatment for a fever, the child continues to eat and drink well and is active, then that is reassuring. What is of greater concern is when a child is feeding poorly (especially not drinking fluids or breast feeding) with or without vomiting or diarrhea, looks ill and has either increased lethargy or irritability, or is breathing fast or working hard to breathe. Other symptoms caregivers should look out for are a new unexplained rash, a severe sore throat, and a severe headache with or without a stiff neck.

What should you do if your child develops a fever?

My mother was a very big proponent of the “starvea-cold-and-feed-a-fever” approach, which resulted in me eating a significant amount of chicken soup during my youth. The latter is actually very helpful; all children with fever have a risk of becoming dehydrated, so it is important to encourage them to drink fluids. Treating a fever with Ibuprofen or Tylenol as directed should decrease your child’s temperature and may improve some symptoms. It will obviously not treat the actual cause of the fever itself.

The keys are to see how your child is doing when his or her temperature is decreased, to look for the more serious symptoms described above and to contact your primary care provider if you have any concerns at all.

Barry Finette M.D., Ph.D., is a professor of pediatrics, microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He is also an attending physician, Division of Inpatient and Critical Care, at Vermont Children’s Hospital, Fletcher Allen Health Care. He lives in Charlotte.

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The Charlotte News

SPORTS

Who says girls hockey isn’t physical? Izette Kelly faces off against BFA in a game CVU would go on to tie.

Redhawks Chasing Several State Championships

enth, only a second and one-half behind Emma.

Men’s basketball has seen an up-and-down season, In the opening races of the Northern Vermont Athletic as demonstrated in the last two games, a 74-62 victory Conference (NVAC) district slalom in Stowe, six Red- over North Country and a 55-34 loss to Mount Manhawk women and five men placed in the top 40 finishers. sfield. Charlotte’s Lucas Aube has been the leading Emma Owens led the women finishing fifth with scorer through most of the season. However, in the last Charlotte's McGlaflin sisters Sydney and Cassidy com- two games Chris Reiss hit 24 points and collected eight ing in 19th and 36th and Natalie Franklin 22nd. rebounds against North Country, while Richard Baccei Ted Hadley and Trent Smith finished in the top ten and Ryan Schneiderman scored 11 points each against among men. Charlotte's Leandro Vazquez was 26th.

Mount Mansfield.

Redhawk Nordic ski teams are the ones to watch, according to Free Press coverage of day one of the two- Redhawks named top performers day state championships. Both men and women began In men’s and women’s hockey CVU teams placed two their runs at the Vermont Division I titles with impres- players in the Burlington Free Press’s “Top Performer” sive victories in last Saturday’s freestyle races. Racing at category on Feb. 14. Daniel Mathon was named for his the Rikert Touring Center in Ripton, Autumn Eastman first career goal, a game winner against BFA St. Albans. and Charlotte’s Cally Braun were first and third in the Rebel/Hawk goalie Courtney Peyko was named for her 5K individual event, while CVU’s relay team captured 50-stop performance in the team’s 2-2 tie with BFA. the D-I title.

CVU soccer player Zack Evans was named the 2013The men’s team also found itself in first place by win- 2014 Vermont Gatorade boys soccer player of the year. ning the relay and placing three skiers—Cooper Wilsey He led a defense that allowed only seven goals all season in third, Thomas Clayton in seventh and Charlie Mait- and was named to the Free Press All-State team. Zach is land in eighth—at the 5K distance. The team went after the seventh CVU grad to win this Gatorade distinction. state titles on Tuesday’s classical races at Mountain Top He plans to attend UVM and play soccer in the fall. in Chittenden.

Over 100 wrestlers competed in the Northern Vermont Athletic Conference (NVAC) championships in Vergennes on Feb. 15. Seeded fourth, CVU surprised the field by coming away with the team trophy, beating Mount Mansfield Union in the finals by a score of 48-32. This tournament is a part of an American tradition called “folkstyle” wrestling, which dates back to the days of Abraham Lincoln. The tournament highlight came in the 220-pound class against St. Johnsbury Academy when Charlotte’s Kienan Kittredge needed a victory to move his team on to the finals.

Kienan was up to the task. The state varsity championships are scheduled for Feb. 28 and March 1 at Mount Anthony High School.

CVU gymnasts made a good shot at Essex for the state title, but the Hornets, led by the Svarczkopf sisters, were simply too much to handle. Redhawk Sarah Kinsley placed eighth in the bars to lead CVU to a second place among nine top teams.

The Rebel/Hawk women’s hockey team heads into the state tournament with a 9-92-won/lost/tied record. They played impressively in a tie with a strong BFA St. Albans squad. Sarah Fisher and Rachel Pitcher scored the South Burlington/CVU goals, and Courtney Peyko was called upon to make 50 saves.

The combined team lost its season finale to Essex 4-1, with Peyko again having to make Tom Samuelsen brings the puck around the BFA goal. CVU won over 35 stops. They play Spaulding in Barre’s the game in overtime 2-1.

BOR in the state quarterfinal game.

Photo by MalcoM Reiss

CVU winter sports teams are completing their regular seasons and heading into state tournaments. Women’s basketball, men’s hockey, wrestlig, and Nordic and Alpine skiing all have shots at placing near the top of their divisions.

The CVU women hoopsters have been particularly impressive this year, going undefeated in 21 games. A 56-14 win in a play-down against North Country moved them into the quarterfinals. Charlotte’s Laurel Jaunich was the top Redhawk scorer with 14 points—one more than CVU’s perpetual hotshot Emily Kinneston. Kinneston moved back to the top of the pack in a quarterfinal win over Essex, 48-32, a game in which she scored 11 points with nine rebounds and two steals. Jaunich followed her closely with nine points and six assists.

Sadie Otley, another Charlotte product, covered the boards with seven rebounds, further aiding the Redhawk cause with four steals and six assists. CVU faces Colchester in the semi-finals.

The CVU men’s hockey team made it through a period in which they played without four upperclassmen. The team’s depth showed, however, as it won or tied games against strong opponents BFA St. Albans and Essex.

Daniel Mathon’s first career goal secured a 2-1 overtime victory over the Bobcats. He was assisted on the winner

by Charlotte’s Elliot Mitchell. Goals came equally hard in the season finale against Essex as both teams’ goaltenders kept the puck out of the net for a 0-0 tie. Ranked number one in their division, the men gain a playdown bye and will face Spaulding in the quarterfinals.

The Alpine skiers moved toward district and state tournaments by narrowly defeating South Burlington and five other schools on Cochrans’ slopes. Emma Putre was the top Redhawk finisher, placing fourth among women in the giant slalom. Sydney McGlaflin took sev-

by Edd Merritt

Franklin Takes Fourth at Sugarbush Cassie Franklin, 13, skied her way to a fourth place finish at a U14 Northern Vermont Qualifier at Sugarbush last weekend.

Spring Story Time Kickoff: Lunchbox Story Time for Preschoolers, Wednesday, March 5, 12:15 p.m.

Full STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) ahead as we explore everything from tornadoes to toads during this discovery time just for 3- to 5-year-olds. Pack your lunch and join us for a library adventure every Wednesday. Registration required.

Please call or email the library to sign up: 425-3864 or charlottelibraryvt@gmail. com.

Please note: The Charlotte Library will be closed Tuesday, March 4, for Town Meeting.

Upcoming at the Library Everyone’s looking toward spring, and the programs and books available within the next month point that way as well. New garden books and outdoor adventure tales grace the shelves in March, along with the latest titles from favorite authors Julia Glass (Three Junes), Elly Griffiths (The Crossing Places) and Chris Pavone (The Expats).

While waiting for the winter to wane, we invite you to plan a garden, start some seeds or grow some sourdough starter. We hope the preschool crowd will enjoy our new lunchbox slot for story time and older kids will delight in the discoveries to be had in our pilot “Zooniverse” program (check out the website zooniverse.org to learn more).

We hope to see you soon at the library.

Spring Gardening with Charlie Nardozzi, host of VPR’s “Vermont Garden Journal.” Thursday, March 6, 6:30 p.m. Get a handle on your spring gardens with Vermont’s favorite garden expert, Charlie Nardozzi. He’ll share his tips and tricks for getting started with flowers and vegetables as we move into spring. Co-sponsored with the Pierson Library in Shelburne, this event takes place at the Pierson Library, 5376 Shelburne Rd. Vermont Health Connect Consultations, Saturday, March 8, 9 a.m. to noon. March 31 is the deadline for enrolling in health coverage through Vermont Health Connect. Donna Sutton Fay, a Vermont Health Connect navigator, will meet at the library by appointment with people who want help enrolling. To schedule an appointment, call Donna at 879-8604 or 866-4824723 or email her at donnasuttonfay@ gmail.com.

Sourdough Science, Tuesday, March 11, 5:30 p.m. From Jack Lon-

don’s Yukon tales, which feature experienced gold miners (or sourdoughs), to the jar of starter bubbling on a kitchen counter, sourdough has a long, colorful history and delicious possibilities. Join us to explore the culinary details of this ancient form of bread baking as well as its literary connections. We’ll offer some sourdough delights and provide starter instructions for all.

Mystery Book Group, Monday, March 17, 11 a.m. This month we’re delving into Dorothy Sayers with Whose Body? This classic whodunit features Lord Peter Wimsey, “the original gentleman sleuth.” Join us for coffee and treats as we discuss this and other tales set between the World Wars by period and modern authors. Copies of Whose Body? are available to borrow from the library prior to book group.

Kinder Afterschool! Wednesday, March 19, 3:15 p.m. Who knows what Cheryl will cook up for the latest kindergarten escapade? Whatever the topic, it’s bound to be full of fun.

Hop on the bus at school and hop off at the library for a springtime adventure, indoors or out.

Charlotte Seed Library Seed Starting Workshop. Saturday, March 22, 11 a.m. Joan Weed, master gardener and expert in residence at the library, helps us get a jump on spring planting by showing us how to start seeds indoors. All materials provided, including seeds from our own Charlotte Seed Library.

verse, Wednesday, March 26, 3:15 p.m. Explore the wilds of Tanzania in our first-ever Zooniverse program.

We’ll venture on a virtual safari, learn how to become citizen scientists and help wildlife bioligists to classify all the different animals caught in millions of camera trap images. Suitable for grades three and up. CCS students may take the bus from school with a parent note.

Registration is required, so please call or email the library to sign up: 425.3864 or charlottelibraryvt@gmail.com.

Did you know? The library offers Internet access on its public computers as well as through the Wi-Fi network in the building? We also have printer, copier and scanning options available for a minimal fee.

Library information Director Margaret Woodruff

Hours Mon, Wed: 10 a.m.-–7 p.m.

Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10 a.m.-–5 p.m.

Sat: 9 a.m.-–2 p.m.

Phone 425-3864 Email charlottelibraryvt@gmail. com

Website charlottepubliclibrary.org

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The Charlotte News

Charlotte Senior Center

The Café Menu

by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator

Please look for our new Spring Program as an insert in this issue of the News.

–––– The March art exhibit will be works

by Charlotte resident Jenny Steele Cole.

For the past 20 years she has focused on the landscape and historic buildings of the Champlain Valley through her drawings and paintings. This will be an exhibit of her most recent work and new projects in various stages of development.

–––– Poetry readings continue with Jim Lovejoy on Monday, March 3, from 1–3 p.m. Building on the fun and excitement that has developed with our Poem in Your Pocket readings over the years, this after-lunch poetry reading will provide a regular time for listening, reading, writing and discussing this wonderful form of literary expression. Whether a favorite poem you have written, a book of poetry you enjoy, a literary journal or a poem from Poets.org, pack a poem in your pocket and join Jim as he guides a wonderful afternoon of poetry reading. Registration required. No fee.

–––– Pen and Ink Drawing and Lettering class with Linda Reynolds begins Wednesdays from 10–11:30 a.m. on March 5, 12, 19 and 26.

Do you enjoy using pens, doing line drawings, and doodling? Have you ever wanted to learn the art of calligraphy, fancy hand lettering? It just requires pens, paper and a willingness to practice. If you like to draw and would like to spend time exploring drawing and shading using fine pen lines, calligraphy styles and other pen techniques, here is a chance to try your hand. These old arts are relaxing, creative and fun to do in a group setting. It is possible to get results and make easily reproduced and personalized cards. A great indoor mud-season exercise! Registration required. Fee: $48.

–––– Colored Pencil: Beyond the Basics with Elizabeth Llewellyn starts Thursdays from 10–11:30 a.m. Dates: March 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Colored-pencil painting is affordable and requires a minimum of supplies when compared with other painting mediums. Colored pencil is a clean, non-toxic medium that does not require complicated setup and cleanup time.

In this more advanced class, students will be introduced to working with an embossing tool, using colorless blending markers and working on toned paper. All levels of skill are welcome.

Registration required. Limit 10. Fee: $48.

–––– Please join us Wednesday afternoons beginning at 1 p.m. for a collection of lectures, performances and special events that showcase the diverse interests of our community. No registration or fee.

March 5: Showing of film Madeleine May Kunin: Political Pioneer with Catherine Hughes. Written, produced and directed by Hughes, this hour-long documentary charts the private and political life of Vermont’s first female governor. A journalist for WCAX in the 1980s during Kunin’s three terms as governor, Catherine recently interviewed Kunin extensively, along with family, politicians and former members of Kunin’s staff for the program.

“It was really impressive to me, the breadth of what she’s accomplished and what she’s still doing,” says Hughes.

Even now, she adds, Kunin “is still on a mission to serve the public.”

March 12: That Mystical Island Called Ireland with Dr. Jim Gorman.

With a nod to St. Patrick’s Day, join Dr. Gorman for a slide show presentation and talk about the places, people and special spiritual sites of the land of the green. He will also provide some travel hints that will make a future trip easier.

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MONDAY, MARCH 3: Navy bean soup with ham, bistro carrot salad, apple-berry cobbler with whipped cream March 19: Navigating Your Way In and Out of the Hospital with Karen Fromhold, M. D. Currently employed by Porter Hospital and practicing at Little City Family practice Karen will be joined by Jeanne Comouche from Bayada Hospice to talk about staying out of the hospital as well as about ways to empower yourself if you are admitted. The focus of this discussion will be on knowing you have choices, having clear “goals of care” established, understanding the different teams of physicians who care for you and knowing when to say, “Enough, I want to go home.”

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5: Catch of the day, lemony orzo, birthday cake & ice cream MONDAY, MARCH 10: Fasolakia (Greek soup), salad and homemade dessert WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12: Corned beef & cabbage, Irish soda bread, homemade dessert

Senior LunCheonS are held every Wednesday at noon. Reservations are necessary in advance and can be made by calling the Senior Center at 425-6345. A $4 donation is requested. Reservations are not required for the Monday Munch.

CharLoTTe reSidenTS feaTured in ‘TweLfTh nighT’

Charlotte residents (from left) Bob Carmody (as “Sir Toby Belch”) and David Harcourt (as “Feste”) practice their lines and blocking for Shelburne Player’s spring comedy “Twelfth Night”” by William Shakespeare, presented at Shelburne Town Center April 4th through 12th. Charlotte resident Mary Scripps, not shown, also appears as the character “Maria.” In the play, a shipwrecked woman, Viola, disguises herself as a young man under the name “Cesario”, and enters the service of Duke Orsino, who has convinced himself that he is in love with Olivia, whose father and brother have recently died, and who refuses to see any suitor until seven years have passed, the Duke included. Orsino then uses “Cesario” as an intermediary to profess his passionate love for Olivia, who falls in love with “Cesario”, not realizing “he” is Viola in disguise. In the meantime, Viola has fallen in love with the Duke. Directed by Donald Rowe, this version of “Twelfth Night” will be presented in a contemporary setting. Tickets will be available for purchase at Shelburne Supermarket and for on line reservations in March. More information at shelburneplayers.com

Two Unhurt After Rolling on Route 7

Enter Charlotte News Fiction Contest Entries due March 31 Attention all wordsmiths, seasoned and new. It’s time again for the Charlotte News fiction contest. Twice a year, we ask you to submit a story of 1,000 words or less in response to a prompt we provide. The prompt for this contest: “I gotta get out of this place.”

Any style or subject matter is welcome. The only requirement is that the prompt itself must appear verbatim in the story. The contest is free and open to all Charlotters who want to test their writing mettle.

Boiling a story down to 1,000 words is no easy task, but whoever does it best will achieve local fame and glory as a published writer. And what better way to make productive use of the final dog days of winter than to write the story of needing to escape from the weather, the local sheriff, the local mad dog or from an uneasy state of mind brought on by an impetuous act that led to preventable harm.

Entries—double spaced, please—are due by Monday, March 31, and should be emailed to vince.crockenberg@gmail.com with the words “Fiction Contest” in the heading.

Entries will be read by Denise Shekerjian, Jim Manchester and Vince Crockenberg, joined by Jed Pauls, the winner of last fall’s contest,. The winning story will be published in the April 24 issue of the News.

Have fun and good luck. We look forward to reading your work.

A father and his two-yearold daughter were unhurt after their truck rolled on an icy patch of Route 7 near Nature’s Way last Saturday.

According to police, Eric Blair, 36, of Salisbury, called 911 to report his vehicle had rolled several times before coming to a rest on its side and off the northbound side of the roadway. Upon arrival, authorities found Blair and his two-year-old daughter still in the truck, but neither were injured.

With the assistance of the Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Volunteers from Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue work to Rescue personnel, Blair and extract a father and daughter from an overturned truck near his daughter were extractNature's Way last weekend. No one was hurt in the accident, ed from the vehicle and which was caused by icy road conditions. checked again for any possible injuries on the scene; miles per hour when this crash occurred. both were found to be uninVermont State Police continue to encourage jured.

Blair also confirmed that his vehicle did everyone to wear safety belts and to be sure roll, possibly two times, after he lost control that child safety seats are installed properly, when he applied his brakes. He said he knew, as this is a perfect example of how seat belts due to several media warnings, about the black save lives and allow occupants to walk away, ice and was only going approximately 38 uninjured, from a serious crash.

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The Charlotte News

Rec News

by Kristin Hartley The Charlotte recreational basketball season has been come to an end after a successful and fun season. A big thanks to all of our amazing parent volunteer coaches: Jeff Blasius, Karen Lewis, Joe Lasek, Jason Pigeon, Robert Smith, Anne Brosius and Ethan Morris. It makes a difference—we couldn’t do it without you!

Current aCtivities The town ice rink has been a busy place this winter. If you haven’t been out yet there is still time—grab a friend and hit the rink!

If you are interested in spring skiing there are still two days of discount tickets available at Smugglers Notch: March 2 and 9. You can’t beat it—$25 for adults and $20 for children. Registration must take place the Wednesday before; please write checks out to Town of Hinesburg.

Adult boot camp is still going strong, and it is not too late to join. It looks like we will have March sessions at 6 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Come join your neighbors.

spring programs Our upcoming spring programs are now posted on our town website. Here is a quick rundown of outdoor spring programming: It is time to get your registrations in for lacrosse. Please register your third-eighth grader before March 5 and first-second grader before April 11; after those dates there is a $25 late fee. We are still looking for a 3-4 girls coach and a 1-2 boys coach.

Please let me know if you are interested.

Afterschool tennis will take place

Mondays and Fridays begin(Right) Members of Charlotte ning May 5. We are lucky to Recreation’s third- and fourthhave Kylie deGroot running our grade basketball team pose program again this year at the for a picture.

Town Beach. Kylie is a very knowledgeable instructor and (Below) Participants in Charlotte Recreation’s adult boot camp has a great staff to work with. program pause for a picture Only three spots are left for after an early morning workout. the afterschool golf program that The sessions will continue on begins April 30 at Cedar Knoll Tuesdays and Thursdays Golf Course. Barry Churchill in March. delivers a five-week program for children, which ends in fun tournament play. Classes run Wednesdays and Fridays until May 30.

We have a few indoor spring programs as well. Come join Heather Morris for our third session of Celtic dance, which begins March 14. The program is for children in kindergarten through eighth grade and is a great place for your child to learn to love dance.

Afterschool percussion classes will continue at CCS with Andrew Gagnon on Friday afternoons. Andrew works with children from first to eighth grades 14-year-olds. This camp is a great way to and provides private and semi-private lescontinue working on your tennis. This year sons.

Amy will hold a camp for 6- to 7-year-olds A Red Cross babysitting certificaand 8- to 11-year-olds July 7-11 at the tion class will be held March 8 from 9 Shelburne Davis Park courts. a.m.–3:30 p.m. This certification will help We are very excited about our new you feel prepared, give you confidence offering, a Green Thumbs Gardening and look great on your resume for those Camp, to be run by Tai Dinnan and Stacy summer jobs.

Carter. This camp is for first-fifth graders.

These two young women are amazing at summer programs what they do. This All of our summer camp information camp is a keeper! available to date is now posted on the town This sumwebsite. mer we are hostOur summer begins with a week of oneing three soccer hour, free tennis instruction at the annual camps: the British Tim Serrell tennis clinic for Charlotte resiChallenger Camp, dents. This clinic is led by Amy deGroot, the TetraBrazil a PTR professional instructor with a huge Challenger Camp tennis resume. I hope you are able to take and the Voltage advantage of this opportunity.

Soccer Camp. All The following week, Amy will offer three camps will a tennis camp in Charlotte for 10- to

be held at CCS. Track and field is one of our most popular summer sports. We join with our sister towns, Hinesburg and Williston, on Mondays and Wednesdays 6:15–7:45 p.m. from June 16 through July 24. Join us for great coaches and a great experience.

Last but not least, we are adding a new beginner adult biking series led by Karen Lewis. Get that old bike out of storage, come join your neighbors and enjoy one of the best places in Vermont to bike.

There will be a Thursday session on May 9 beginning at 6 p.m. and a Saturday session on May 11 beginning at 9 a.m.

Registration forms for all programs and more information can be found on our town website (charlottevt.org) or here at the Charlotte Town Hall.

As always, full and partial scholarships are available for all Recreation programs.

If you have any questions about any of our programs, contact me at recreation @townofcharlotte.com or 425-6129, ext.

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Lunches at Senior Center About More than Food Joan Weed Contributor

As you enter the main door of the Charlotte Senior Center, a wonderful aroma surrounds you. That is if it happens to be a Monday or Wednesday morning. These are the days the Center serves lunch. Monday Munch is a dropin between 11:30 a.m. and roughly 12:30 p.m., and Wednesday’s lunch is by reservation for seating at noon.

The sounds of laughter and spirited conversation accompany the aromas of lunch cooking. The food is freshly made by teams of four or five people (men and women). The four Monday teams generally shop, cook and serve once a month—not too taxing and immensely enjoyable. The Wednesday lunch is prepared by another team. The teams choose their menus based on favorites of the cooks, exciting new recipes or repeats favored by the diners.

Monday’s menus usually consist of a soup, salad and dessert—all homemade by volunteers. Artisanal bread from local bakers is offered as well. Wednesday’s menu is varied and chosen by the cooks on that team. Great care is given to provide nutritious offerings and colorful presentations.

Not only is the occasion a time for diners to greet and catch up with friends, but merriment in the kitchen area suggests the cooks are having a great time.

Everyone doesn’t need to be a cook.

Ways to help can be by shopping, slicing bread, chopping vegetables, wiping down tables, counting out cutlery and serving salad or desserts. A budget is set for each meal, and the suggested price of $4 for lunch covers the costs.

Since labor is freely given it’s possible to buy high-quality ingredients. Tables are decorated with small bouquets of fresh flowers arranged by other volunteers.

One blessing is the gift of dishwashing from the guys at the Center. On Mondays and Wednesdays after lunch is served, they can be seen washing dishes, putting them back in cupboards and collecting and disposing of trash outdoors in the bins. All the scraps from dinners are saved for local chickens to feast on.

Volunteers pause for a picture while cleaning dishes at the Senior Center after a meal. Those interested in helping out are invited to contact the Center for more information “Volunteers” is a key word that pops up often here, and, without an army of them, all this would not be possible.

There is still room for more helpers with a possible expansion of the lunch program.

If you’re interested in joining us in

the kitchen you may contact Susan Ohanian at susano@gmavt.net. Dates to help are flexible. You do not need to be a senior or a Charlotte resident. We’ve even had home-schooled children helping out. Think about it. I love my time spent doing this.

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The Charlotte News

Around Town Congratulations to David Garbose and Jane Garbose, owners of the Mt. Philo Inn, which was recently designated a Fodor’s Choice Hotel. The Garboses opened the Inn to overnight guests in August of 2013. Built in 1896, the inn had, for the last 50 years, functioned primarily as a site of apartment rentals until the Garboses began major renovations. to Leon Leary, a student at the University of Maine at Farmington who earned placement on the dean’s list for the fall semester 2013. to Maya Grevatt and Isabelle Lourie-Wisbaum, students at Clark University in Worcester, Mass., who earned second honors on the university’s dean’s list for the fall semester 2013. to Stephen Kiernan whose audio version of his book, The Curiosity, has been named a finalist for literary fiction for the 19th annual Audie Awards, the only awards program devoted entirely to spoken-word entertainment. Winners will be announced on May 29. to Sarah Burns, a junior majoring in government at St. Lawrence University, Canton, N.Y., who earned placement on the dean’s list for the fall semester 2013.

A Charlotte resident, Sarah graduated from Green Mountain Valley School. to Kerry Ramsden, a senior at St. Michael’s College majoring in art and environmental studies, who earned placement on the dean’s list for the fall semester 2013.

Solutions

continued from page 1

two Town Meetings.

First, there would be a traditional, open-discussion Special Town Meeting, held on a Saturday toward the end of January (the day preferred by a majority of the respondents in our survey). The purpose of this meeting would be to discuss, comment on and amend the Selectboard’s proposed budget, just as we always do in March, but stopping short of the final vote to approve the amended budget.

Second, on the first Tuesday in March, Town Meeting Day, the Selectboard’s amended budget, duly warned, would be voted on by Australian ballot.

Thus, for purposes of determining our municipal tax burden, we would retain the direct democracy of Town Meeting while also allowing all citizens to vote on the final budget.

All non-money matters would remain on the agenda of the March Town Meeting or, if it is feasible, could be included, warned and voted during the January Special Town Meeting.

How does this differ from the current system of inviting people to attend Selectboard budget meetings to voice their opinions? First, at these meetings citizens have no power to overrule the decisions of their elected representa-

to the following Charlotte students at Vermont Technical College in Randolph who earned two of the college’s highest honors for the fall semester 2013: Emily Kallock earned placement on the dean’s list, and Kacy Preston and Jessica Spadaccini earned placement on the president’s list. The dean’s list notes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while the president’s list notes those who earned all A’s (a 4.0 GPA). to David Miskell, whose organic farm off Greenbush Road was featured in a Feb. 16 article in the Burlington Free Press. The article looks at what organic means these days. Certified as a Vermont Organic Farmer, Miskell is skeptical of progress due to the politics involved on a national level. He says, “The way things are going, there’s going to be a lot more ‘organic’ food being sold, and less and less of it being organic.” to Lori Lustberg of South Burlington (formerly a Charlotter) who was appointed editor in chief of the ADFP News, the monthly newsletter of the Association of Divorce Financial Planners. Lustberg practices law from her office in Shelburne, focusing on mediation and the financial, emotional and legal issues surrounding divorce. to Andrew Blake, a senior at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., majoring in business and environmental studies, who was recognized for his achievements as both an athlete and scholar by being inducted into the college’s Thoroughbred Honor Society on Feb. 3. The society inducts student-athletes who have earned a grade point average of 3.67 during the previous semester. Andrew played men’s soccer for Skidmore.

tives. Second, since the budget is discussed at a series of meetings, citizens must go to many meetings to try to influence any single item. Third— an important change—by holding the Special Town Meeting on a Saturday, the meeting should be available to almost everyone who wishes to attend.

The deadline for the warning of a Town Meeting vote is 40 days. The Special Town Meeting would therefore have to take place more than 40 days before Town Meeting Day in March. Once the town has had its say in January, the budget would be warned for an Australian ballot vote on Town Meeting Day. We have discussed our ideas with Vermont’s director of elections and with the senior staff attorney of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.

Neither sees any legal impediment to what we have outlined here.

The changes we propose would have to be approved at a Special Town Meeting in time to be implemented, if approved, for Town Meeting 2015.

Our ad hoc committee hopes to present this plan for discussion at Town Meeting this year.

Members of the ad hoc Town Meeting Solutions Committee are Vince Crockenberg, Lynne Jaunich, Joanna Cummings, Patrice Machavern, Valerie Graham, Abby Rehkugler, John Hammer, Art Ridge and Mike Yantachka.

to Maxwell McGee, a student at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., who earned placement on the dean’s list for the fall semester 2013. to glass sculptor Ethan Bond-Watts, whose exhibit at the Shelburne Museum’s Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education was featured in an article in the Feb. 19 issue of Seven Days. The current display is the latest in a number of his works spread throughout Chittenden County, from his family’s home in Charlotte to the Dudley Davis Student Center at UVM, from which Ethan graduated with honors and a baccalaureate in environmental science in 2009. Fletcher Allen Health Care asked him to create a sculpture for the hospital’s intensive care unit, for which Ethan designed “Emma,” a series of pieces that fill what otherwise could be a dreary space. The article notes that he was very pleased with the positive feedback he has received from passersby and has enjoyed a sense of satisfaction for helping to uplift the mood of those waiting in the ICU.

Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Ernest Rochefort of Manchester, Conn., and Winooski who passed away Feb. 17 at the age of 77. His surviving family includes his brother-in-law, Ric Flood, and Ric’s wife, Teena, of Charlotte. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ernie’s memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60611-3201 or online to http://pulmonaryfibrosisdonorpages.com/ Tribute/ErnieRochefort.

Hinesburg 4H Visits Lamb Farm Hinesburg 4-H Club members braved a cold February morning to visit newborn Tunis lambs at the Henson farm. Cyrus Tyler, Eva Rocheleau, Hannah Cleveland, Corinna Hobbs and Caroline Hobbs pictured. Note: this caption was written by club reporter and Charlotte resident Hannah Cleveland.

Classifieds The Charlotte News Classifieds: Reach your friends and neighbors for only $7 per issue (payment must be sent before issue date). Please limit your ad to 35 words or fewer. Send to The Charlotte News Classifieds, P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 or email your ad to ads@charlottenewsvt.com.

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