The Charlotte News | Nov. 7, 2013

The Charlotte News Volume lVI Number 07

The VoIce of The TowN

Thursday, NoVember 7, 2013

RESULTS OF TURF BOND VOTE Shall $1.5 million in bonds be issued for the purpose of financing the cost of athletic fields at CVU high school?

YES: 1,856

NO: 1,969

Figures are combination of all votes cast in Charlotte, Shelburne, Williston and Hinesburg. Turnout for the Nov. 5 vote among Charlotters was 23 percent, with 714 voters casting ballots out of 3,122 total registered voters.

Selectboard, CVFRS Discuss MOA and Budget John Hammer The charloTTe News

Nancy Pricer rolls out a pie crust in the kitchen of the Charlotte Congregational Church while Martha Perkins (left) and Linda Reynolds discuss making pie dough.

The Sweet Taste of Success Brett Sigurdson

The charloTTe News On a recent Friday morning, the kitchen of the Charlotte Congregational Church briefly became a well-oiled machine. There is Nancy Pricer rolling out balls of dough into pie crusts. There is Frances Foster filling pie pans with chunks of apples and rolling out pie tops. There is Linda Reynolds crimping the top of each pie to the bottom crust to seal it all up—her favorite part of the process, she said.

And then there is Martha Perkins, directing the action. She prepares the dough in a mixer, shows Pricer the best way to knead it on the table, assigns tasks to Foster and Reynolds. But this isn’t a forced march. The kitchen is full of laughter, joking and the sweet smell of future confections.

And thanks to the efforts of volunteers like

these, the church’s fifth annual pie sale was the most successful ever, as the church sold more pies and brought in more money than any prior year.

Perkins attributes the success of the fundraiser to volunteers like Pricer, Foster and Reynolds, who baked 64 pies per week and sold them at the front of the church along Church Hill Street throughout September and October. In total, they sold over 500 pies.

Their efforts raised money to support the church’s outreach programs and organizations like the Lund Center and Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity.

“Buying a pie helps us to help others,” said Perkins.

On this day, Perkins, Pricer, Foster and Reynolds are literally using pies to help others, as they are preparing 16 apple pies for the Joint

Repairs continued on page 4

For Bridge, Strength in Waiting Work on the recently opened Quinlan Covered Bridge went three months over schedule due to unforeseen issues. However, the historic structure will be stronger for years to come.

Brett Sigurdson The charloTTe News

Walking through the Quinlan Covered Bridge last Thursday only a few hours before it officially reopened for use, one could almost smell the newness of the structure. The hemlock siding, just recently installed along both sides of the 164-yearold bridge, gave the interior a scent of fresh-cut wood. It was easy to see where new, yellow lumber was patched between the structure’s old, tarnished

beams and posts. New bolts shone next to their aged, oxidized counterparts.

However, most of the restoration work completed on the recently reopened bridge off Spear Street Extension in East Charlotte was not so immediately evident, said Emmalee Cherington, a construction engineer on the project, just hours before the bridge was opened to traffic for the first time since March.

Bridge continued on page 10

As at so many Selectboard meetings this time of year, the two on Oct. 28 and Nov. 3 included presentations of preliminary budget requests from town committees and officials.

Nevertheless, the contentious discussions between the Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (CVFRS) and the Selectboard dominated both meetings. The matter of mutual trust on the side of both the CVFRS and some elements of the town as generally personified by the Town Clerk/Treasurer Mary Mead and the town auditors is still missing.

On Oct. 28, the CVFRS discussions began with the preliminary budget, or more exactly, the lack of one. Dave McNally, corporate president of CVFRS submitted a provisional financial report for the period ending September 2013. The report reflected revenues that exceeded the first quarter 2014 budget by nearly 28 percent and showed expenditures at only 17.59 percent of the budget. The principal reason for the savings is that the new firefighter/EMT position has not yet been filled.

The document as presented did not meet the requested pre-

Selectboard continued on page 3

Fall Sports Go Out in a Blaze of Color Edd Merritt

The charloTTe News Soccer, cross country, football and field hockey have ended their regular seasons with two state championships, one runner up, a berth in the quarterfinals and one in the semi-finals. All in all, it wasn’t a bad fall for Redhawk athletes.

Cross-country runners were among the first to finish their seasons. Coach Scott Bliss said that this year’s squad demonstrated the success of distance running as a team sport.

Running on Thetford Academy trails, the Redhawk women placed five among the top 13 individual finishers, gaining an 18-point victory over second place St. Johnsbury Academy. It was the tenth time in the last 11 years that CVU has captured the state championship.

As she has been doing all year, Autumn Eastman led the pack. Her time of 18 minutes, 47.4 seconds, was just shy of her record for the Thetford course set in early October at the Woods Trail Run. Sophia Gorman was the second Redhawk across the finish line in sixth place, followed by Emma Putre in tenth. Carly Need in 12th and Haylor Harder in 13th rounded out the leaders. Placing first qualified the Redhawks for the New England Championships, Nov. 9 in Manchester, N.H. CVU men, led by Zach and Taylor Marshall, came in sec-

CVU continued on page 15

Now is the best time to invest in solar.

To schedule a free site evaluation, call us at (802) 872-9600 or visit www.allsuntrackers.com

The Charlotte News

OutTakes Commentary

by Edd Merritt

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

Editorial Staff

News@CharloTTeNewsvT.Com

802-425-4949 Editor-in-ChiEf…………………..BreTT sigurdsoN Contributing Editor…………………edd merriTT ProduCtion & dEsign Editor….liNda williamsoN intErn…………………………………emma slaTer CoPy Editors………..BeTh merriTT, leslie BoTjer, viNCe CroCkeNBerg, roBBie sTaNley

Business Staff ads@CharloTTeNewsvT.Com

802-233-1922 businEss ManagEr…………………shaNley hiNge advErtising ManagEr …………liNdawilliamsoN CirCulation grouP……….gordoN BrowN, diaNe NiChols, ellie wesT

Co-PrEsidEnt………………………...Tom o’BrieN Co-PrEsidEnt………………….viNCe CroCkeNBerg sECrEtary………………………….....johN hammer MEMbErs………….…………………...kaThy luCe, louisa sChiBli, roBiN TurNau, raChel CummiNgs, miChael hauleNBeek, meg smiTh, NaNCy wood

elizaBeTh BasseTT julia BeerworTh Bradley CarleToN Barrie duNsmore jill gormaN larry hamilToN johN hammer roBerTy hyams

jim morse orChard Cove PhoTograPhy kerrie Pughe mary reCChia margareT woodruff

The CharloTTe News is delivered aT No CosT To all CharloTTe resideNCes. PersoNal or ouT-of-TowN suBsCriPTioNs are availaBle for $15 Per year (Bulk mailiNg) or $35 Per year (firsT Class). Please seNd CheCk or moNey order To The address Below.

PostMastEr: seNd address ChaNges To

The CharloTTe News P.o. Box 251, ferry road BusiNess Park CharloTTe, vermoNT 05445

TelePhoNe: 425-4949 CirCulation: 2,700 CoPies Per issue.

CoPyright © 2013 thE CharlottE nEws, inC. PrintEd by uPPEr vallEy PrEss

One Order of Turf and Grind, Please And the moon is so full, the stars are so bright And my hand is steady, my touch is light Look in my eyes, hold on real tight And I’ll waltz you my darling across Texas tonight I’ll waltz you my darling across Texas tonight -Emmylou Harris, “Waltz Across Texas Tonight”

T

urf and grind. Sounds like a McDonalds specialty dinner, doesn’t it? Well, around this neck of the woods, the terms have become controversies rather than fast foods, and that is interesting because, while restaurants are pushing the healthiness of their menus, local activists are simultaneously pushing artificial playing fields for their kids and fewer opportunities for “dirty dancing” in their schools.

What do AstroTurf and bump and grind have in common? The answer is easy. One creates mud holes under athletes’ feet. The other creates a dirty bend just above the bootstraps. People argue the appropriateness of either.

Reading the thousand-and-one ads pushing for artificial turf on CVU’s playing fields and a recent article in the Stowe Reporter describing why the Stowe high school principal canceled the remainder of the season’s dances (with the exception of the prom) because of too much grinding reminded me of my own youthful experiences around dancing and mud.

Believe it or not, both terms often fell together in one sentence through clenched teeth from my high school football coach’s mouth, said with a vigor that stored them in my memory for over 50 years.

Huntz was his name. He was renowned throughout Minnesota for his intensity around football. As a result of that, as well as some good ball players— most of them before my time—he was one of the most successful coaches in the state. As players, we listened to him unquestioningly. Even my friend Tom, who asked the reason for nearly everything in life, would only whisper his concern to the person next to him on the bench or wait until we got to the back of the bus before asking why Huntz didn’t call his play in the third quarter. Needless to say, Tom chose law as a profession where he could voice his questions out loud over the course of an entire career.

Back to Huntz and the grind, however. Before

Letter Are you registered to vote?

I have been a “political junkie” for all of my adult life, due mostly to the activity in Washington. I suspect that next year, an election year, may well be the most interesting and/or the most important within my long lifetime.

That said, I strongly urge everyone who is not registered to vote, to do so. It follows that if you have friends or neighbors who are not registered, you should urge them to do so also.

It may turn out to be one of the most important things you do between now and next November, and I can guarantee that you will be glad you did.

Art Ridge Greenbush Road

sending a player onto the field, he prepared you for action by not only telling you your assignment but also cutting off your breath by twisting the strings near the top of your shoulder pads. One twist for every word out of his mouth. It was a ritual we had to endure before hitting the field. The closer the game, the harder the twist and the more we couldn’t wait to be released from his grip.

What he often said, however, was apropos of the current state of matters in Vermont high schools.

“Dammit, Eddie, I want you to get out there and grind that Albert Lea halfback into the mud so that his jersey looks like it got buried in a cow stall in Iowa! You understand me?”

“Grind” and “mud.” Are we about to lose these words that were such crucial elements in Coach Huntz’s vocabulary?

When it comes to the “grind” part, the Stowe article quotes the high school principal as saying that dancing as a “grind” is inappropriate, and principals across the country find themselves dealing with the issue.

Well, I suppose in my early teenage years my parents also felt that our dancing had gone beyond the realm of appropriateness—which, to them meant even a single step away from the waltz. They sent me to dancing class as a youngster, hoping that I would stay with their tunes and their benign steps. Hah! Fat chance of that. I was of the Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Big Bopper era, which we, in turn, tied into Friday nights at the VFW hall following each home football game.

Those of us on the team arrived appropriately late, as sports heroes often do. We found our girlfriends in the crowd, and although we didn’t exactly “grind” on the dance floor, we came close. If my father had seen us, he would have called the mayor and asked him to shut the place down.

We had showered before arriving because often our game had been played in the mud of Soldiers’ Field, a poorly lit natural turf layout without grass cover in key spots around midfield and the goal lines.

As I recall, the wetter and muddier the field, the less you hurt when you hit it. Our quarterback (spinback) didn’t have to worry about solid footing because he seldom passed the ball. The only person who really hated the turf was my friend Butch’s mother who, after every game, felt compelled to wash or re-dye his jersey if it wouldn’t come clean. She couldn’t let her son play in a dirty uniform in front of other parents.

It sounds as though nowadays the mud of athletic fields and the grind of high school dances may be short-lived. Makes me a bit nostalgic, particularly for the latter. I owe my grinding to my southern roommate in college. At our first freshman dance he said, “Edd, jeez get your hips movin’. You can’t just stand there and count steps, man.”

It worked. Almost instantly I was welcomed for a date with a quiet North Dakota girl we called the “Fargo Flash.” Like my blocking assignments in football, I remember those dance steps to this day—toe to heal and shake that bootie.

I haven’t tried it on AstroTurf, but I’m willing to give it a shot.

gEt involvEd in town govErnMEnt! The Selectboard is looking for interested citizens to fill the following vacancies: Trails CommiTTee:1 vacancy, term ends April, 2015 CoNservaTioN CommissioN: 1 vacancy, term ends April 2014 CharloTTe Park & wildlife refuge oversighT CommiTTee: 1 vacancy Interested applicants should e-mail, call or stop by the office for more information.

Dean Bloch, Selectboard Assistant Charlotte Town Office P.O. Box 119 Charlotte, VT 05445 E-mail: dean@townofcharlotte.com Phone: 425-3533.

The Charlotte News

Community Safety Committee Seeks Public Input Charlotters invited to take online survey, attend special meeting Nov. 12 Does Charlotte have a crime problem? Is speeding an issue in town? If so, what can be done?

Charlotte’s Community Safety Committee is looking for input from community members about these issues and more by inviting Charlotters to take an online survey and attend a meeting dedicated to receiving public input.

The ad hoc committee was created by the Selectboard to identify the need for police service, to research the costs and advantages of providing it, and to investigate other options for reducing criminal activity and speeding in town.

From now until Nov. 21, Charlotters are encouraged to take a two-minute survey titled “Policing in Charlotte,” which asks participants their opinions regarding crime and speeding in Charlotte as well as the quality of police service in town and how much money the town should appropriate for police service.

Currently, Charlotte budgets $25,000 a year for traffic enforcement, which pays for nearly nine hours of traffic enforcement service per week. The Vermont State Police provide general police service to Charlotte at no cost to the town.

The survey is hosted at surveymonkey.com/s/ charlotte2013csc.

The Community Safety Committee is dedicating its Nov. 12 meeting to receiving public input.

Charlotters are encouraged to participate and voice their concerns and ideas. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

Learn Communication Tools at Church Event Are you frustrated by repeated family arguments? Are your simplest requests met with resistance? Do you find yourself wishing everyone could “just get along”?

On Thursday, Nov. 7, at 5:30 p.m., the Charlotte Congregational Church presents a new “Things that Matter” evening, this time focusing on learning personality type and temperament tools to reduce conflict and bring greater harmony to everchanging family dynamics.

Shelburne residents Randy and Ginny Rowland will lead the discussion and explore how cognitive processing plays into the scripts of our lives and those of our pre-adolescent and teenage children.

Together they bring many years of experience in management leadership, career counseling and communication training to the table and have much to share. (They are also presently parenting their third teenager.)

Plan on learning at least one thing to help ease the challenge of parenting and communicating with your children, not to mention co-workers, spouses or other family members. There is something for everyone in this conversation.

A soup supper is served at 5:30 p.m., followed by the discussion. A suggested donation of $12 is requested. Please RSVP to Jenny Wright at ucccharlotte.net so we can set a place at the table for you. For further information call 425-3176.

Volunteers selling pies at the Charlotte Congregational ChurCh got into the halloween spirit last wednesday. they are (from left) lane morrison, VinCe farr and pat farr. photo by orChard CoVe photography.

Next issue deadlines Contributions: thursday, noV. 14, by 5 p.m. letters: monday, noV. 18, by 10 a.m. next publiCation date: thursday, noV. 21

Selectboard continued from page 1 liminary FY 2015 budget submission called for in the meeting’s agenda item. McNally noted that since the draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) had not yet been completed it is difficult to anticipate the new financial elements. This task is further complicated by the mandated unified budget that combines the Fire & Rescue elements with the special funds.

CVFRS will present its preliminary budget to the Selectboard on Dec. 9.

McNally also introduced an internal tracking tool that was prepared in accordance with recommendations from the five-year audit conducted earlier this year. He said that this document would reflect the “types of products we hope to be able to provide over the year.” It provides a starting point for conversations to build a budget with some history behind it.

The fact that a preliminary budget had not yet been presented at the Oct. 23 meeting continued to be a matter of contention at the Selectboard meeting on Nov. 4 as well.

John Snow, vice president of the corporate board, stated that, “It’s fair to say that, unlike last year, where we saw a significant increase in order to get paid fire-fighting staff [in this current budget], we are not at this time mindful of any significant factor like that that would influence our budget request for next year.”

The ongoing discussion concerning the draft MOA between CVFRS and the town continues to eat up meeting time. Discussion over the details has centered primarily on the level of oversight that should be given the town. As noted above, there is suspicion on many citizens’ parts that past performance at CVFRS on financial matters has been sloppy. Currently, the MOA has provisions for a quarterly presentation of CVFRS finances to the Selectboard. Mead asked why it was not possible to get monthly reports, including detailed bank statements. There was some pushback from the Selectboard who felt that perhaps that was too much detail.

The members of the Selectboard were in favor of a quarterly presentation with standard financial reports monthly. They maintain that these reports are sufficient for them to gauge the financial health of CVFRS and to anticipate problems.

As of the end of the Nov. 4 meeting a number of issues remain outstanding, most significantly the need for

completion of Exhibits 1 and 2 of the document and sentences regarding how any operating fund surpluses and deficits would be handled.

Moe Harvey asked whether the Selectboard might form a committee to investigate putting the rescue services out to bid.A survey was conducted in the spring of this year that revealed the costs of providing rescue services per person in Charlotte were considerably higher than in the surrounding eight towns. Chairman Russell agreed that it might be worth looking into.

Discussions on the MOA between the town and CVFRS continued over both meetings with two drafts being studied closely. While the Selectboard sees that financial dealings are becoming smoother, the opinion of the con-

administrator/deputy health officer/ sewage control officer to Jeannine McCrumb of South Burlington. She will take her position on Dec. 2. This is an expanded position that will receive a salary of $47,840 plus benefits for a 40-hour week with benefits.

towN audit It had been hoped that the draft town audit report for the year ending June 30, 2013, would be approved at one of these two meetings, but it has not yet been finalized by the independent auditors.

other buSiNeSS

Other issues covered during the two meetings include: ing town employees be signed by at least three Selectmen before the payment file could be released to the bank. The intent would be for ProPoSed budget PreSeNtatioN SChedule this to occur before noon on a Tuesday. This will result in town employees getting their checks or November 25 transferred funds on the following Road Commissioner, Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Energy Committee, Thursday. It was emphasized that Recreation, Intramurals, Conserthis delay is caused by banking vation Commission, Lewis Creek procedures.

Association,Charlotte Land Trust, CVFRS Agreement for 2877 Spear Street Associates. This covers plots on December 9 Spear Street south of the Spear’s Town Clerk, Library, Senior Center, Corner Store complex.

Charlotte Little League, Selectboard approval of a $6,000 incentive for the contractor working on Bridge 31 for keeping the bridge trarian factions in town were summed passable during pier repair work. up by Peter Trono, a town auditor, who said, “The history has been that on Bridge 31, which carries Dorset they (CVFRS) are not responsible Street across the LaPlatte River. This spenders.” means that the weight limit is now 24,000 pounds unless a special perSafety Committee Charter mit has been issued. Agricultural and The Selectboard approved the char- emergency vehicles are exempt. ter for the Community Safety Committee. Ed Cafferty, the only member of funds for the repair of Bridges 14, of the committee present, reported 30 and 31. The result was that there that its task is quite daunting but that is $323,000 set aside from grants quite a bit of work had been done, and town funding for planning and including a “substantial analysis of construction. Included was a list of 911 calls” from Charlotte over the priorities. past five years. The committee plans to hold a survey beginning Nov. 7 to governmental invoice of $5,072 to the ascertain answers to numerous ques- Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations that have been raised by the tions for the current year. public. Look for them in the Charlotte approval of a grant resolution and News, on Front Porch Forum and on agreement from the Vermont Comthe town’s web site. munity Development Program for the The committee will endeavor to Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity make a report with preliminary rec- project on Albert’s Way. ommendations to the Selectboard on scheduled for Dec. 23 to Dec. 16.

Dec. 16.

The next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting is set for Nov. New PlaNNiNg/ZoNiNg 25. There is a possibility that a special admiNiStrator In a late meeting decision on Nov. meeting will be held on Nov. 18.

4, the Selectboard decided to offer the position of town planner/zoning

Clip and mail this coupon to The Charlotte News with your donation today and support your local paper!

The Charlotte News Annual Fundraiser YES! I would like to support The Charlotte News for the coming year in keeping us informed, entertained and in touch with our town. Enclosed is my check for $__________ $15

$25

$50

$100

other

Name ______________________________ E-mail_________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________ I prefer to remain anonymous. Do not thank me publicly in The Charlotte News.

Please make your check payable to: The Charlotte News and mail to P.O. Box 251, Charlotte VT

The Charlotte News

Yantachka to Speak at Gun Violence Forum

Linda Reynolds and Frances Foster (right) prepare a pie as Martha Perkins looks on.

Pies continued from page 1 Urban Ministry Project, or JUMP, fundraising dinner the following evening.

The Congregational Church is one of 26 churches that support the program.

Foster explains that she has enjoyed the chance to learn how to make pies, as she never had the opportunity to cook like this when she was growing up.

“For me, this has been wonderful, not only to make pies and help benefit our community but also getting the chance to work with so many great people,” she says. There’s a sense of camaraderie among the volunteers, she adds. And that feeling of good will is returned by customers.

“Apple pie takes your troubles away,” says Perkins, “Buyers go away happy.”

She recounts how a flustered father pulled in to purchase a pie with his three

crying children. Upon leaving, however, they all drove away with smiles on their faces. That’s the power of the pie.

“It’s just marvelous,” said Pricer.

Perkins says the pie sales will continue each fall indefinitely, though she is hoping to step back from her leadership role in the near future. The “brains behind the operation,” as one volunteer described her, Perkins has devoted a lot of time to organizing the pie-making operation, baking pies and even researching how to make them better. After noticing the crust was coming out soggy, she spent time exploring what caused it (the key: don’t put the cinnamon and sugar mixture on the crust too early).

Still, Perkins knows she has a great group of dedicated volunteers who can step up, and she hopes more members from the community will get involved.

After all, there’s more to these pies than just sweetness.

“It’s a community thing,” says Perkins as she prepares more dough. “It’s fun.”

Charlotte Representative Mike Yantachka will join four other speakers at an educational forum on reducing gun violence hosted by Gun Sense Vermont on Monday, Nov. 11, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Burlington City Hall.

“Vermont is not immune to gun violence, and our laws are out of date and incredibly lax. This is a public safety issue that needs to be discussed,” said Ann Braden, Gun Sense Vermont founder and lead organizer.

Yantachka, who has been a longtime advocate for gun safety legislation and has co-sponsored bills in the Vermont State Legislature directed at reducing gun violence, will join Eliot Nelson, M.D., Sally Kerschner, Karen Tronsgard-Scott and Sean Ackerman, M.D., to discuss how to better protect the safety of Vermonters.

Dr. Nelson is a pediatrician in the Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen and a professor at the UVM College of Medicine. In 2002, Dr. Nelson received a Special Achievement Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics for his work on firearm injury prevention through legislative efforts.

Kerschner has worked for over 35 years as a nurse in community health and maternal and child health and is on the Board of the Vermont Public Health Association.

She will address gun violence as a public health issue.

Tronsgard-Scott is the Executive Director of the Vermont Network Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. She is a nationally recognized speaker on issues related to domestic and sexual violence and on nonprofit leadership.

Dr. Ackerman is in the third year of his child psychiatry residency at UVM. He will speak about the intersection of mental illness and gun violence.

Gun Sense Vermont is a quickly growing grassroots organization that is working to keep guns out of the wrong hands.

It includes gun owners and non-gun owners, doctors and teachers, hunters and veterans, civic leaders and religious leaders, and it bridges organizations, such as Child Safe Vermont and the Vermont Public Health Association.

The forum is free and open to the public. For more information, go to gunsensevt.org/upcoming-events.

CCS to Host Artisan & Craft Fair Nov. 16 Nearly 70 Vermont artists and crafters will come together at CCS for the school’s annual Artisan & Craft Fair on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vendors will offer handcrafted, unique items, such as fine jewelry, handmade quilts, hand-turned wood bowls, vases, platters, spinning tops, ornaments, dolls, chocolates, note cards, knit items, art work, photography and more.

This free event benefits CCS enrichment programs.

For more information on the Artisan & Craft Fair, including a full list of vendors, visit ccsfairvt.com or facebook.com/pages/CCS-Artisan-Craft-Fair.

Tell 'Em You Saw it in the News Our advertisers help underwrite our nonprofit mission to bring Charlotte independent, community journalism at no cost to Charlotters.

We appreciate their support.

Boucher Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

Private wealth managers for select clients.

As experienced advisors who develop personalized portfolios designed to emphasize preservation of principal and help provide rising income streams for our clients. We try to shift the probabilities of success in favor of our clients.

Investing together for your future.

Come meet with us for a complimentary consultation, and find out why our clients refer their friends and families.

Boucher Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors (B.I.G) 180 Battery Street, Suite 300, Burlington, Vermont 05401 Reg Boucher 802-864-2668 Reginald.Boucher@wfadvisors.com Ron Boucher 802-864-2664 Ronald.A.Boucher@wfadvisors.com NOT FDIC- Insured/ NO Bank Guarantee / May Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors, L.L.C. Member SIPC, is a registered broker dealer and separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

The Charlotte News

Morse’s Doodles & Jots Now a Book You’ve seen Morse’s Doodles & Jots in the Charlotte News— now you can get them in book form.

Charlotter Jim Morse has recently published Morse’s Doodles & Jots through Red Barn Books of Vermont. A doodler and a journal keeper for many years, Morse has created hundreds of images and pithy comments, sprung from his wellspring of hopeful skepticism and decades-long careful observation of the world’s trials, triumphs and tribulations. This compilation of his colorful drawings and aphorisms showcases his philosophical observations on law and justice, politics, art, religion, health care and more.

A former Vermont Supreme Court justice, Morse has resided in Charlotte since 1971. He has been married for 48 years and has two daughters and five grandchildren.

Morse’s Doodles & Jots is available at booksellers throughout the area and can be ordered through windridgebooksofvt. com/red-barn-books.

Jim Morse

Help us Thrive @ 55

$55,000 OUR GOAL

$20,721 RAISED SO FAR

South County Chorus to Kick Off Hinesburg Artist Series Nov. 18 Enjoy an evening of wonderful music on Monday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at CVU’s auditorium when the Hinesburg Artist Series’ 2013– 2014 performance season kicks off. Talented local musicians will perform in the Hinesburg Community Band, South County Chorus and In Accord under the direction of Rufus Patrick The South County Chorus, which features six members from Charlotte, will present selections by Victor Johnson, Larry Shackley, Allan Naplan, Jim Papoulis, Pepper Choplin and

Vicki Tucker Courtney, as well as a wonderful a cappella selection by David Brunner, Viva La Musica.

The Hinesburg Community Band will perform works by Robert Smith, Carl Strommen, David Schaffer and Charles Carter, and a wonderful novelty composition by John Wasson titled Curtain Call.

The concert is free, though donations are gratefully accepted.

Bitybean Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Go Worldwide Charlotte-based Bitybean, LLC, is launching a Kickstarter campaign on Friday, Nov. 8, to help bring its UltraCompact baby carrier to parents around the world. The goal of the campaign is to raise $25,000 in capital to launch its carrier into full-scale production.

Founder Doug Hartwell created the eight-ounce carrier to solve a problem he identified when his daughter was learning to walk. Bitybean’s conveniently packable carrier can hold a child weighing up to 40 pounds and folds into the size of a phone, giving parents the flexibility to be ready for anything.

Bitybean has won two awards since its creation: a Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA) “Innovation Award” in 2012 and a “Best in Show” at the New York Baby Show this past May. FitPregnancy magazine also named it the best value carrier in its 2013 Buyer’s Guide.

The company is planning to donate a portion of its profits to national nonprofit Children and Nature Network, which aims to connect children to nature, and the Carrying On Project, which strives to supply child carriers to military families.

For more information about Bitybean’s Kickstarter campaign, visit bitybean.com.

Help us raise $55,000 for our 55th anniversary by making a donation to the News today. You’ll be entered in a drawing for an iPad or quilt.

Find out more at thecharlottenews.org/support-the-news.

The warmth of the Mediterranean . . . . . . in the heart of Shelburne where you will find a diverse menu of freshly made meals for the whole family, at affordable prices!

Shelburne Shopping Center PM

**Cucina is committed to supporting our local farmers and businesses.

Kitchens Additions Restoration

The Charlotte News

Vermont Yankee Could Have Been Charlotte Yankee The Thurbers had purchased the prop- tion, CVPS approached them to talk about erty in 1937 from the Holmes family the possibility of a sale.

(Holmes Road) for a Depression-based How people in the community heard foreclosure price of merely $11,000. of the option on the Thurber farm is They worked the farm for the next 30 a bit uncertain. However, hear about years, raising beef cattle, pigs and sheep it they did, and debaters on both sides as well as three children. Both Thurbers gathered together rapidly. The strongest were active in the community, with Dick opposition came through the Lake Chamserving on the Charlotte School Board plain Committee (LCC), its secretarythat spearheaded the transition from many treasurer at the time being Lyman Wood, one-room schoolhousNancy’s father. In es scattered throughthe fall of 1968 LCC out town to the cur- “Imagine...gazing over publicly opposed the rent Charlotte Central a Charlotte shoreline establishment of a School. Mary was a nuclear power plant lister who was later dominated by one or anywhere on Lake elected to the state legChamplain. more nuclear silos.” islature.

Other opponents The Thurbers began from town included to feel the tax crunch internationally recbrought about through reappraisal of land, ognized landscape architect Dan Kiley; particularly shorefront, which increased Peter Paine, a New York attorney and their property’s value by nearly one-third summer resident of Charlotte; and Peter above its purchase price. What had been Bergh, a planner who, while chairing a farm became “valuable lakeshore prop- the committee to look into the proposal, erty.” Their appeal of the new assessment was overheard to say that he personally was denied, and the Thurbers along with believed it would be a “potential disastheir son-in-law, Dynan Candon, began ter.” exploring ways of selling parcels of the The debate went on for nearly ten acreage. As the principal investor in Ver- years, until May 1978 when CVPS recmont Yankee Nuclear Power Corpora- ognized that Charlotte had grown an

Edd Merritt The CharloTTe News Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant is back in the news as its owner, Entergy Corporation, plans to shut it down next year. In a recent article published on VT Digger, historian Mark Bushnell tells the story of how Charlotte almost became the location for a nuclear plant.

Nuclear energy has a history in Vermont going back to at least the 1960s when Charlotte was a bright spot on the map for the Central Vermont Public Service Corporation (CVPS), which was then looking for a site on the shores of Lake Champlain on which to set up a generating station. Current Charlotte News board member and initial editor of the paper Nancy Wood wrote an historical analysis of the proposed project for her graduate thesis. Nancy was particularly close to the debate over location, being the daughter-in-law of Dick and Mary Thurber, who had signed an option to sell 210 acres of their farm in Charlotte to CVPS, as well as being the daughter of Lyman Wood, who was one of the leading opponents of the project.

expanding and increasingly well-organized opposition group to nuclear power, and the company withdrew its proposal and headed to the other side of the state to establish a generating facility.

The controversy had not left town completely, however. In a poll taken in the early 70s there remained one-third of Charlotte residents who still favored construction of the plant as a way of gaining cheaper power and lower taxes. Writing in Natural History magazine, Richard Klein said that the nuclear proponents, nonetheless, underestimated the “knowledge and organizing ability” of their opposition.

Think what a plant such as Vermont Yankee would have meant to Charlotte.

Imagine, if you will, hiking up the Demeter trails to the ridgeline near Route 7 and gazing over a Charlotte shoreline dominated by one or more nuclear silos.

In addition to presenting a different vista to the West Village, in all likelihood it would also have impacted the town’s culture in ways that would have made Charlotte dramatically different from what it is now. Given the current state of affairs over nuclear energy, the debate over future prospects would be ongoing.

SMArt Flicks: The Goonies Attention all swashbucklers and treasure hunters!

Shelburne Museum is pleased to present the 1980s film classic The Goonies. Don your favorite pirate costume, sample some high seas treats and participate in a treasure hunt in the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education.

Walking the plank will be optional.

1-4 p.m., Saturday, November 16 sponsored by:

Free with Museum admission.

Museum Members and children under age 5 are free.

www.shelburnemuseum.org

New reason to smile:

One appointment = One new crown If you need a crown, there’s no need for two or three appointments and a week or two of waiting. Shelburne Dental now has CEREC® digital technology, which measures your mouth’s need with the highest level of precision and efficiency for impeccable and immediate results!

One appointment. One crown.

One beautiful smile.

Shelburne Dental Group Dan Melo, DMD

Susan A. Grimes, DDS

Shelburne Shopping Park www.shelburnedental.com

(802) 985-3500

lls 5.00 off your next 3 bi $2 t ge d an 10 ril Ap !

Sign up by 00 to the Vermont Foodbank 0. $1 te na do ill w e plus w

The Charlotte News

Do Trees Talk to Each Other?

Larry Hamilton Contributor

Many of you readers are pleased and somewhat amazed by the abundance of fruits and nuts that have been produced this year by trees and shrubs ranging from apple trees to blueberries to hazelnuts. This has been true also for many species of forest trees. Last spring I wrote a column on the topic of the weather and the wonderful flowering on trees of all descriptions. Flowering crabs at the post office and library were gorgeous, and the crop of crabapples was so heavy that we had to prune them drastically.

Now, the late-summer/early fall crop of nuts on many of our hickories, walnuts, butternuts, basswood and ironwood is truly remarkable. Moreover, almost all trees are abundantly producing.

This synchronous mast (nut and acorns) fall will guarantee that the many species of rodents and other animals such as turkey, grouse, bear, raccoon and fox do not consume all of the seed on which tree reproduction depends. It is called “swamping,” and it occurs periodically two to five years apart for most species and is a strategy for overwhelming seed predation (including by humans). Trees have to accumulate enough energy to produce flowers and seed, and this is largely governed by favorable growing conditions—especially weather. The wet spring we had this year was a key factor.

But not all synchronous fruiting of a species can be entirely attributed to weather. To successfully regenerate the species, it is not enough for a single tree to just plod along, producing its much-desired

fruit in modest amounts, and then when sufficient sugars and starch have been “banked” in the roots, spend its account lavishly. Trees, in fact, do this at varying rates, depending on their habitats. But in synchrony, in order to swamp out predation it would seem, all individuals of a species over large regions will bear bumper crops. It is as if the trees talked with each other and said, “Okay, gang, let’s all give out in order to survive as a species and in unison.” There are no soloists!

Do trees “converse” with each other? We know that there is communication through pheromones, so that if an insect or pathogen attacks one tree, some kind of signal is transmitted so that neighbors initiate more than normal defense mechanisms (usually an increase in defense chemicals) against the enemy. Many of these hormone-like compounds are wafted downwind as danger signals. Root grafting, which is common inter-specifically (e.g. with oaks), or root suckering (as in beech, black locust, aspens, pin cherry), may be another means of communication.

Your friendly tree warden, in addition to being a forest ecologist, is also a wanna-be Druid. I hug trees. I even talk to them. And it is not my imagination that occasionally a tree will talk back—or at least convey mood and character somehow. With eyes closed I can distinguish between the murmur of wind in a rustling red oak versus a fluttering of an aspen. Their voices are distinct.

I encourage you to spend quiet time with trees, especially older ones. Perhaps lean against a trunk or limb and close your eyes. Feel their subtle movements and, most importantly, listen. Maybe they’ll reveal to you some of their experience and wisdom about life and cooperation and survival.

Larry Hamilton is a junior druid and Charlotte’s volunteer tree warden

Morse's Doodles & Jots

Infinity is finite in the sense that there is no more than there is.

Children’s Center Hosts Pie for Breakfast Join the Charlotte Children’s Center for breakfast—a pie breakfast—on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Charlotte Congregational Church from 9-11 a.m.

Attendees are asked to bring a pie to share and a nonperishable food donation for the Charlotte Food Shelf’s Thanksgiving baskets. Entertainment will be provided by Sparkle Stories and Hokum Bros.

This free event is open to the community. For more information, contact the Children’s Center at 425-3328.

The Charlotte News

At Renaissance School, Charlotters Get Outside Julia Beerworth Contributor

T

here have been momentous and positive changes this fall for the 14 Charlotte students attending the Heartworks and Renaissance schools in Shelburne.

New owners Lisa and Paul Zengilowski of Hinesburg have a longstanding personal history with the schools.

Lisa worked as school director of Heartworks for ten years and supervised all three Heartworks schools prior to assuming her new role as co-owner and school director of the Renaissance School.

The Renaissance School is located on Shelburne Farms, a 1,400-acre farm nestled along the shores of Lake Champlain. Lisa and Paul are dedicated to cultivating an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to education on Shelburne Farms. The teaching staff is actively weaving collaboration with the farm educators into the existing school curriculum, and the students are engaged in a number of educational and stewardship activities.

As the new owners explain, “We believe in the farm’s educational mission and commitment to sustainability, and we are strongly committed to integrating it across our curriculum. In doing so, Renaissance School students will learn about their place in the natural world and their ability to have a positive impact on their environment.

Through this evolving stewardship program with the farm, students will have an opportunity to have a direct hand in maintaining and enhancing the

farm’s landscape.”

The stewardship program at Shelburne Farms will help facilitate the connection from learning to farming.

Farm educator Christine Nord adds that hands-on learning on the farm “not only has the potential to create real and relevant learning opportunities for youth, but also to spark a deep connection which we hope will lead to active citizens knowledgeable about their community.”

She wholeheartedly welcomes the recent collaboration. “We hope that students at the Renaissance School will have the opportunity to learn and grow here, feel an intimate connection to their food and fiber, and to develop a love of their farm,” said Nord.

There are four places of stewardship that have been exclusively reserved for the students’ year-round tending. The first of these is the chicken coop, where they will assist in collecting eggs, clean the coop and become expert “chickenologists.” The second is the forest area near the farmyard, where the students will gather baseline data throughout the year and observe the growth of various tree species. They will partake in a plat survey to regulate the growth and wellbeing of the forest.

Third, they will learn to identify and remove buckthorn and honeysuckle— invasive species that impede the growth of sugar maples. As stewards of the pond, they will monitor water quality utilizing the biotic index. They will also be sampling various macroinvertebrates living in the pond and caring for the surrounding trail area.

Finally, students will assist the farm education team with planning, planting, weeding and harvesting produce in the

Fifth graders (from left) Catie Macauley of Charlotte, Jasmine Crowe of Shelburne and Taegen Yardley of Charlotte gather wood at Shelburne Farms Beach.

upper garden. Throughout the growing season, they will explore the natural ecosystem of the farm while learning about nutrition, agriculture and environmental science.

This collaboration with Shelburne Farms and the four primary areas of stewardship are just the tip of the iceberg of the Renaissance School experience. The children are guided through an academically rigorous course of study that blends traditional classes with strong language, music, drama and art programs.

In sum, the Renaissance School provides an outstanding academic foundation for its students and respects and honors the spirit of every child.

Outside the school’s century-old, barn-style door (affectionately dubbed “Hogwarts” by many of its inhabitants) are sloping hills, green pastures and

grazing livestock. In a fast-paced world where one can easily become disconnected from nature, the Renaissance School strikes a brilliant balance of traditional learning and fun on the farm.

As a Renaissance School teacher, I could not imagine a more idyllic setting for a school or a stronger educational experience for the students. As both a teacher and parent of two children at the school, I have the great fortune of doing what I love: observing my students and my own children engaged in a educational journey that is both challenging and uplifting.

For more information, please contact Lisa Zengilowski at 985-8209 or lisa. zengilowski@heartworksvt.com.

WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE SERVICES. Charlotte Family Health Center Richard H. Bernstein, MD – Family Practice Andrea Regan, MD – Family Practice Gordon Gieg, MD – Family Practice

527 Ferry Road, Charlotte / 802-425-2781 A PART OF THE CHARLOT TE COMMUNIT Y SINCE 19 7 5

The Charlotte News

For Waldorf School, the ‘Time is Now’

Make a Difference at CCS with CY Mentoring

Lake Champlain school launches $2.3 million capital campaign

T

he Lake Champlain Waldorf cess. “We are bursting at the seams,” will be one of the most beautiful high School has announced the pub- explains Board President Josh Simonds. schools in the state,” exclaimed high lic launch of a transforma- “We have outgrown our high school, school alumni parent Sharon Richards. tive capital campaign to raise $2.3 our grade school needs more room for The kick-off was an opportunity to million. The effort, called “The gym and other subject programs, and mark this historic initiative, which will Time Is Now,” is the largest cam- we need our early childhood, grade transform both the high school and the paign in the school’s 30-year history. school and high school to all be located grade school of this unique, indepenThe campaign will raise money to near each other, in Shelburne.” dent school. Honorary Campaign Cohelp fund two significant projects: the The high school, entering its thir- Chair Lynette Raap (Will and Lynette purchase and renovation of the for- teenth year, is currently located on Raap started Gardener’s Supply) talked mer Morgan Horse Museum on Bost- Ferry Road in Charlotte. about her long history as one of the wick Road to become the new high Thanks to the dedication of a group founding families in the school. school campus and the construction of of parents and grandparents, the school “The Lake Champlain Waldorf a new gym and performance space at was able to purchase the landmark School’s commitment to invest in the kindergarten and grade school cam- Morgan Horse property located at the larger and updated facilities will suppus. port the faculty Alumni, parents, as they encourgrandparents, faculty age our students and friends of the school to enter the world kicked off the campaign confident, comon Oct. 12 at the site of passionate and the future high school. wise, through Campaign Co-Chair our hub of eduMaureen Wheeler reports cation, music that in the past year $1.8 and culture,” said million has already been Wheeler. raised through generous The renovation leadership contributions. of the Morgan The total raised includes Horse Museum the largest single gift in is scheduled to the school’s history: an begin in 2014 anonymous donation of and will include, A rendering of the student common room at the Lake Champlain Waldorf $650,000. along with aca“We also now have an School’s future campus on Bostwick Road. The school has launched a $2.3 demic classhistoric $200,000 chal- million capital campaign to renovate and expand its Shelburne campuses. rooms, a multilenge from a group of use community alumni, grandparents, room, a student parents and the Board of common room Trustees,” said Development Director top of Bostwick Road. The group now with gorgeous views of the AdironLisa Espenshade. “We call them the is raising money for the substantial dacks, a light-filled fine art studio Four Pillars of the School. When we renovation that will turn it into a high (named for Vermont artists Alden and raise an additional $300,000 from the school. Nestled in meadows and sur- Mary Bryan), woodworking, handwork community, this generous group will rounding woods, with more than twice and metal-smithing rooms, a profesaward the $200,000.” the space of the current high school, sional kitchen for the hot lunch program “Our campaign’s tremendous prog- the three-acre property in the Shelburne that features local and organic food, a ress to date is a reflection of the deep Museum District will accommodate library, and a science lab dedicated to commitment and passion to this educa- more than 100 students and will provide phenomenological-based science. tion that lives in the community,” said the school with room to meet growing The renovation of the grade school Wheeler. enrollment demands.

Community Room will double the size The campaign is a result of the Community members marveled at the of the audience space and will include school’s programmatic growth and suc- building’s beauty and serene setting. “It spaces dedicated to arts and to athletics.

Would you enjoy sitting down with a ten-year-old friend and playing a card game? Do you have time during the school day to relax with a middle school student who enjoys having someone to talk to about her day? How about throwing a ball to an enthusiastic 12-year-old boy?

If you find yourself drawn to any of these activities, you may be ready to become a Connecting Youth mentor at CCS. The CY Mentoring Program is looking for local community members to become volunteer mentors to students who would benefit from the friendship of an additional adult in their lives.

Mentors are paired with a fifth through eighth grader and meet for one hour a week at the school during the school day. A designated mentor room houses games, crafts and other activities but is mostly a place for a friendship to develop.

An end of the year survey of our mentors, students and school faculty found that youth in the program felt better about school and themselves, and truly enjoyed having a mentor.

Adults are provided with training and support by the mentor coordinator.

If you are interested in learning more or starting an application, please contact Wendy Bratt, CY mentoring coordinator, at CCS by phone at 425-2771, ext.

142 or by email at wbratt@cssu.org.

SEND US YOUR NEWS, PHOTOS, EVENTS:

news@charlottenewsvt.com

wednesday workshop:

Paperweights

Create a collage inspired by Shelburne Museum’s collections and pictures of your own to make a paperweight that highlights what you are thankful for this season.

1 p.m. and 4 p.m. November 20, Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education. $20; $15 Members.

Registration is required; please call (802) 985-0902.

www.shelburnemuseum.org

Bridge

Because the restoration was meant to reinforce the Quinlan Bridge’s structural integrity, much of the work on the 164-year-old bridge was hidden from view.

Its two steel floor girders that span nearly 90 feet across Lewis Creek were replaced with four new ones that are three inches taller and heavier per square inch than the older beams. Rotted and broken beams and components from the roof to the floor were also replaced or patched in places most travelers will never see.

What commuters in East Charlotte could see, though, was that the bridge was slower to open than advertised.

As Cherington detailed the scope of work completed on the Quinlan Bridge, she was in the midst of finishing paperwork on the project and paying bills that day, necessary busywork that filled the time as she waited for state officials to

k4t-JamieTwoCoats1112.indd 1

EmmalEE ChErington

Continued from page 1

conduct a formal walkthrough to inspect the project before approving its reopening.

Waiting has been a common theme with the bridge, which was originally scheduled to open in late July. However, that date was pushed back at least 14 times due to change orders in the project, some necessitated by several serious structural issues discovered in the rebuilding process.

Last winter, for example, the concrete bearing seats on which the structure

10/24/12 11:08 AM

Award winning landscape solutions since 2001.

Visit us on Facebook for news, and to view completed work as well as ongoing projects.

t 05445

(Left and above) Before and after pictures of the Quinlan Covered Bridge's interior. Notice the two original steel in the center of the bridge to the left. They were replaced by four larger beams. In the above picture, new wood components mix with the old. rests on either side of Lewis Creek were discovered to be so bad they were crumbling into gravel as workers jackhammered them.

“There was no concrete to it,” said Cherington, “no cement holding it together. It was like a gravel road holding up the bridge. It was a little scary.”

Once it started the work, the construction crew discovered the backwalls—the L-shaped concrete platforms that support the bridge and stand against the road—were not attached to the bearing seat as they should be, creating another potentially dangerous situation.

“The back wall could have fallen over,” Cherington said. “There was enough pressure of the road pushing it forward and the floor deck pushing it back that it had always, fortunately,

stayed in place. But it easily could have blown out from underneath. Any number of things could have happened with it. That was pretty scary when they discovered that.”

Both of these issues added quite a bit more time to the project, pushing back the projected completion date nearly three months.

“There are so many what-ifs that you don’t know,” said Cherington. “It’s not like you’re sitting down and designing a brand new bridge. You have no idea what you’re going to run into with a bridge like this.”

Other unexpected repairs weren’t so serious. Crews replaced one entire top chord on the down-stream side of the bridge because it had a hole in it. The original contract called for replacing two

The Quinlan Bridge in April, a month after work began. or three posts inside the bridge, but as the construction process went on, three or four more posts were added, as well as some diagonal braces to support the roof.

The Quinlan also received 1,200 board feet of roof sheathing, new knee braces to help stiffen the structure, and new wood was added to the at the ends of the arch at bearing ends to beef up and strengthen the bridge’s bearing capacity.

Another issue creating a delay in the bridge’s opening was the time it took to receive some of the materials needed for the project. The bottom chord, which is made up of four pieces and runs along the bottom of the bridge, had not been examined since the bridge was built in the 1850s, said Cherington.

Some pieces of it were rotted out and

EmmalEE ChErington

The Charlotte News

The Quinlan Bridge just before reopening Oct. 31.

needed replacing.

This presented several time-consuming issues. First, as the pine used for the bottom chord was harvested in the South and treated in Canada before arriving in Charlotte, the wait time to receive it was an issue. Second, a 42-foot portion of the bottom chord had to be specially ordered, taking nearly ten weeks to arrive. Finally, because so many other pieces of the bridge rely on the presence of the bottom chord, work had to be put on hold until it was installed.

There were also the bureaucratic holdups that can happen when three different entities—in this case Ferrisburgh’s Vanasse, Hangen, Brustlin, an engineering and design firm, state engineers and the five-member crew from Wright Construction—all have to be on the same page.

Cherington noted there were several times a design or its measurements didn’t quite work, so adjustments and approving them took time.

While restoration of the Quinlan

Bridge is finished, the contractors are responsible for regrowing the grass and trees along the banks of the Lewis Creek near the bridge.

The restoration of the bridge was completely paid for with state and federal funds.

Shelburne Vineyard

Free Admission Bring non-perishable item for the Food Shelf

Crews discovered rotting beams throughout the bridge, causing some delays in construction

EmmalEE ChErington

6308 Shelburne Rd. Shelburne Between Shelburne Museum and VT Teddy Bear 802.985.8222 www.shelburnevineyard.com

C O N T E M P O R A R Y. C L E A N . S E X Y.

MOTHER GO LDSIGN NS F INHABIT RAG & BONE ENZA COSTA K/ LLER COLL ECTION HE LMUT LANG

198 COLLEGE STREET | BURLINGTON VT 05401

802.865.1110

|

LIEBLINGVT.COM

OutDoors

Hunting Season Walks and Gearing Up for Winter

by Elizabeth Bassett Finding a safe place to walk in November takes some planning. Darkness grows to just over nine hours each day, clouds often hide the sun, and deer rifle season spans two weeks and three weekends between Nov. 16 and Dec. 1.

Vermont state parks permit hunting, but a number of local properties prohibit it.

Shelburne Farms is a beautiful place to walk in any season and is safe during rifle season. Ten miles of trails snake over hills, through woods and across open fields on the 1,400-acre working farm. Check in at the Welcome Center, open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dogs on leashes are permitted through the end of March. shelburnefarms.org Burlington’s Intervale is a nonprofit organization that was created to restore to fertility one-sixth of all open land in the city. The Intervale Center hosts a hive of organic farms and community gardens, the woodchip--fired McNeil Electric plant, and a wood depot that diverts scrap, wood and brush from the landfill. Walk on dirt roads and paths as well as one marked path, the Calkins Trail. intervale.org

In the midst of hunting country, Green Mountain Audubon in Huntington posts 255 acres of hills and river valley terrain. Five miles of trails wind through a range of natural communities, from hemlock swamp to northern hardwood forest. Beavers can make trail maps obsolete overnight. The Sensory Trail is designed for those with visual impairments. vt.audubon.org.

Red Rocks Park in South Burlington hugs the shoreline and bluffs above Lake Champlain. Four miles of trails thread through hemlock and pine forest, opening to spectacular views of Shelburne Bay, the broad lake and the Adirondacks.

Winooski Valley Park District manages 16 parks in seven area towns; all properties are posted. Parks are open from dawn until dusk. Don’t dally after dark as gates are locked at night. Dogs must be leashed at all WVPD properties. Please clean up after pets. wvpd. org/parks.

In the far northern reaches of Colchester, a 2.5-mile trail encircles Colchester Pond, a WVPD property. The 182-acre preserve is forested and contiguous to protected land in Essex.

Closer to home, Burlington’s Ethan Allen Homestead hosts nearly three

Local Purebred Herford Beef From ours!

Our Family To Y , too

pork & chicken

Farm grown corn silage & fresh grass diets Antibiotic, hormone & nitrate free Whole & half sides Individual cuts

800 Bingham Brook Road, Charlotte 425-3516

miles of walking in the Winooski River Delta, including boardwalks through wetlands and riverside trails. These trails connect to the Intervale.

UVM Natural Areas dot the map of northwest Vermont and include Pease Mountain in Charlotte, Shelburne Pond, East Woods in South Burlington, and Colchester Bog. Properties are posted; dogs are permitted on leash. uvm.edu At East Woods, a UVM Natural Area in South Burlington, a one-mile un-blazed trail rolls through mixed hardwood and conifer forest to the banks of Potash Brook. In the late 19th century two rail lines briefly crossed in these woods. Hemlocks, white pines and hardwoods tower overhead, muting the rush of traffic on nearby Route 7 and I-189.

Colchester Bog is a spectacular UVM Natural Area. The walk over floating boardwalks is short, but bog scenery is unusual and worth a look. If you find yourself in Colchester, detour to the bog adjacent to Airport Park. A bog evolves where no fresh water flows.

When lake levels are high the bog gets an infusion of nutrients, which gives traditional plants an advantage over those that thrive on suspended mats of peat, like the carnivorous pitcher plants.

For other ideas consult Local Motion’s “Trail Finder.” Local Motion is a member-supported non-profit dedicated to promoting people-powered transportation and recreation for healthy and sustainable Vermont com-

munities. A comprehensive catalog of trails across the region for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing can be found at trailfinder.info. Trail features at the site include restrooms, parking, dog friendly, historic site, natural area and wildlife area.

–––– Savings on ski passes fade with the foliage; the last deadline for pre-season purchases is Dec 1.

Cross-country skiing is one of the least expensive and most healthy forms of winter exercise—low-impact on joints and as aerobic as your fitness allows. In a snowy winter we can ski in Charlotte. The closest Nordic areas are a half hour or less from town: Sleepy Hollow in Huntington (skisleepyhollow. com), Intervale Cross Country Ski Trail in Burlington, and Catamount in Williston (catamountoutdoor.com). Sleepy Hollow and Catamount have lighted trails for night skiing three and four nights a week, respectively. Ski away your cares after work until closing time, 9 p.m. at Sleepy and 8 p.m. at Catamount.

A great investment in winter safety is grippers or creepers. Falls on winter ice cause a host of injuries; stable footing makes this less likely. The range of products includes Yaktrax, Micro Spikes, and Stabil-Icers, among others.

For the holidays give your loved one the gift of winter freedom.

Elizabeth Bassett is the author of Nature Walks in Northwest Vermont and the Champlain Valley, available at area businesses.

The Charlotte News

Charlotte Senior Center

The Café Menu

by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator

MONDAY, NOV. 11: Best cream of broccoli soup, Cape Cod chopped salad, holiday spice cake.

Please look for the new Winter Program of activities and events as an insert in the next issue of the Charlotte News.

–––– Our November Art Exhibit will be the Monet Mamas, six friends whose passions for art run deep.

As their name implies, they do not take themselves too seriously but do approach their work with great intensity and the desire to communicate what is in their hearts and souls. They love art, the making of art and all the energy that comes with it.

–––– Challenge your brain Wednesday mornings from 10:3011:30 a.m. With an eye toward speaking and understanding the language better, this French Conversation Group comes together to “chat” about the week’s activities or interests with a goal of improving fluency through listening and speaking. A fun, no-pressure way to meet some new folks, sharpen your mind and practice your French. No fee.

–––– Please join Roy Whitmore and Bob Chutter for the Men’s Breakfast on Nov. 14 from 7:30-9 a.m.

Do you enjoy eating breakfast out in the company of friends? If so, and if you are willing to share in the preparation of the meal and related housekeeping duties, then this may be for you. There are opportunities to practice your skills and to learn from others—and plenty of time for sharing conversation. Registration required. Suggested donation: $5.

–––– The 30 Greatest Orchestral Works from The Great Courses Collection continues on Tuesday afternoons from 1:45-3:15 p.m. Dates: Nov. 12, 19 and 26.

Professor Robert Greenberg of San Francisco Performances takes you on a sumptuous grand tour of the symphonic pieces he counts as being among the very greatest

ever written—inviting you to an in-depth contemplation of what makes these works so memorable and why they live at the center of our musical culture.

These 30 masterworks form an essential foundation for any music collection and a focal point for understanding the orchestral medium and deepening your insight into the communicative power of music. Details of each lecture are available at the host desk. Registration required. No Fee. –––– The Block Print Party class with Elizabeth Llewellyn has changed from four classes to two and will be held Tuesday, Nov. 19 and 26, from 10 a.m. to noon for a fee of $42.

Block printing is one of the oldest types of printmaking and has been around for thousands of years. Essentially, block printing is using a carved material covered in ink to transfer an image on to paper or fabric. Block printing can be done with wood, linoleum, rubber or many other materials. In this class we will be using Speedball Speedy Carve blocks that are a soft, rubberlike material to carve our designs. Our designs will be printed on a variety of papers, notecards and, finally, fabric—just in time for the holidays!

Registration necessary and includes materials.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13: Polenta squares topped with herbed mushroom sauce, hearty kale salad, homemade dessert.

MONDAY, NOV. 18: Corn chowder with oyster crackers, kale salad, apple crisp—and music to munch by.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20: Traditional Thanksgiving feast.

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.

–––– The Wednesday Luncheon on Nov. 20 will be a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner with all the fixings!

We are accepting reservations beginning Nov. 1 for expanded seating, with service beginning at noon.

Lynn Cummings (center) teaches students painting skills during a recent fallthemed art class titled “Watercolor Explorations” at the Senior Center.

ASK US HOW

IMPROVED NUTRITION

CAN AFFECT THE LONG TERM HEALTH OF YOUR CAT.

George & Pam Darling P.O. Box 32 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT gdarling@gmavt.net

Affectionately Cats

Feline Veterinary Hospital and Boarding Suites

860-CATS (2287) w w w.affec tionatelyc ats.com

Upcoming at the library Southeast Asian Cooking with Elvie, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2 p.m. Elvie Golding, chef and owner of Maple Blues Catering, shows us how to make Fresh Asian Veggie Stir Fry with Rice Vermicelli (Filipino Pansit) and Tinola Soup. Brighten up your autumn afternoon with some fresh flavors and new cooking tips.

Late opening for library staff inservice, Tuesday, Nov. 12. The library will be open from noon to 5 p.m.

by Margaret Woodruff

Library Contact 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

International Games Day. Saturday, Nov. 16, all day. Stop in for a round of rummy, a scrap of Scrabble or a chance to try our newest games, Tapple and CrossWays. The boards are open and the cards are out all day, so join us for as long or as little as you can!

Book Discussion Group, Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. Join leader Lesley Wright for a conversation about Russell Banks’ novel Affliction as the “New England Uncovered” series continues. Next on the bookshelf: A Brother’s Blood by Michael White. Sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council and the Friends of the Charlotte Library.

holiday schedUle The Charlotte Library will be open on Monday, Nov. 11 (the Veterans Day holiday). We will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and be closed Thursday, Nov. 28, through Saturday, Nov. 30, for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen on Monday, Dec. 2.

on exhibit Mixed Media & Book Art by Elizabeth Bunsen: Charlotte artist and resident Elizabeth Bunsen grew up in the Midwest, traveled, lived and taught art all around.

“I am a sensualist,” she says. “I love tuning into all my senses. Process, the imperfect, the impermanent and the unfinished sing to me. Along with wood and stones, I stack words.”

Visit the library and see how those words, the paper they appear on and the objects they travel with create thoughtprovoking and beautiful art.

Don’t forget: renew your library card. If you haven’t stopped in with your card, do it today. We’ll check your contact info, give you a new sticker and send you on your way.

Library Board meeting: Thursday, Nov. 21, at 5:30 p.m. Board members: Bonnie Christie (chair), Vince Crockenberg, (treasurer), Emily Ferris, (vicechair), Dorrice Hammer (secretary), and Bonnie Ayer (member-at-large).

Looking for new books? Check out our new website charlottepubliclibrary. org. We’ve got up-to-the minute info on our latest books, activities and programs. We’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions.

A Word About Wordless Books From Children’s Librarian Cheryl Sloan Wordless books are a great way to encourage the art of storytelling. The child who is not yet reading can understand a book all on his or her own. For beginning readers, wordless books are a powerful tool for teaching children how to pull cues from illustrations if they are struggling with the text. Even children with strong reading skills can use the flow of the story to learn about writing and the importance of story structure.

When sharing a wordless book with your child, use it as an opportunity to foster the use of rich vocabulary to describe the illustrations. Let the child tell the story any way he or she perceives it, encouraging embellishments and sequencing.

There is no precise way to read a wordless book, so check some out and enjoy! Some favorite wordless books at the Charlotte Library are: —The Chicken Thief, Fox and Hen Together and Roosters Revenge by Beatrice Rodriguez —A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka —Journey by Aaron Becker —The Snowman by Raymond Briggs —You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Metropolitan Museum by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman —The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney Chalk by Bill Thomson —The Redbook, Rainstorm and Trainstop by Barbara Lehman –Chicken and Cat, Chicken and Cat Clean Up, Robot Dreams and Odd Duck by Sara Varon.

Swap your old incandescent bulbs for CFLs and use 75% less energy.

Visit your local retailer or www.efficiencyvermont.com/stores Find a retailer:

The Charlotte News

Sports

Continued from page 1 ond to South Burlington to also qualify for the New England Championships. The Rebels’ Sidi Abdoulaye led other runners by more than two minutes with what stands as a Division I state record of 16 minutes, 33.8 seconds.

Abdoulaye is a senior who fled from his native Mali last year to settle in South Burlington.

It took another team effort for the CVU women’s soccer stars to end the season undefeated. Goalie Maddie Turnau had seldom had to face as many shots as she did in the final.

She was up to the effort, however, making six saves to preserve the 1-0 shutout. Page CVU Patrick Reiss fights off a Colchester defender during the DuBrul’s shot off Kaelyn Kolasch’s corner D-1 title game. CVU went on to lose the game 2-1. kick in the fourth minute of the first half held for the rest of the game.

Moving Mackenzie Kingston forward in CVU football won its first playoff victory with a 19-0 the second half seemed to bring the Redhawks around shutout of Rutland in the Division I quarterfinals. It was to what became their trademark this year as they main- a game that saw some less familiar faces step to the tained play in the opponent’s end of the field for most fore. Charlotte’s Jason Cora had been the team’s leadof the second half. Coach Stan Williams felt that, prior ing rusher. However, Rutland’s defense restricted his to that, Essex applied more pressure on CVU than any performance along with that of Bennett Cazayoux and other team all season. Charlotte’s contributors this year Steele DuBrul, causing Nick Farrington to fill the breach were many: Audrey Allegretta, Ellie Blake, Catherine and be picked as a “Standout Player of the Week” by the Cazayoux, Maddie Turnau and led by captains Haliana Burlington Free Press as a result. He scored two touchBurhans and Mackenzie Kingston. downs and gained 115 yards on the ground. Cora was not The Redhawk soccer men headed into the state finals far behind with 110 yards for the day, and DuBrul took with just a single blemish on their record and the number an eight-yard quarterback keeper into the end zone for the one ranking in the state. They nearly maintained that first score of the game. position, but for the fact that Colchester’s hungry midThe Redhawks ran up against a stubborn South fielders and forwards, backed by solid goal tending, kept Burlington defense and a strong offense, led by allCVU out of the net until there were only two minutes left state stalwart Tanner Contois, as the Rebels downed in the game. However, it wasn’t enough for CVU, who the Redhawks 27-0 in the state semi-finals. South dropped the D-1 title game 2-1.

Burlington’s defense stopped CVU three times inside the Fortunately for the Lakers, it came within seconds Rebel 10-yard line. Once again, Cora paced the team’s of the second Colchester goal on a free kick. Coach TJ attack with 69 yards on 25 carries. DuBrul gained an Mead said he felt as though the majority of the game additional 34 yards, and Jack Austin grabbed three aerials was played at midfield with both teams following similar for 42 yards.

It took South Burlington’s field hockey women nearly 60 minutes to find the lone goal that eliminated CVU from the state playoffs. Coming off a penalty corner, the Rebels moved on with a 1-0 win.

Evenly matched, the two squads played much of the game back and forth within the midfield Charlotter Haliana Burhans runs the ball zone. South Burlington seemed up field against Essex during the champito have several strong stick onship game. CVU won the title 1-0. handlers who, between foot speed and hand skills, moved the ball forward well.

However, CVU’s positioning, its defenders and Evangeline Dunphy’s goal tending kept them off the offensive strategies. Laker goalie Liam Mooney made board. CVU had its chances with two penalty corners some critical saves in the second half, knocking out a free after time had expired in the first half and a shot that kick that seemed headed for the net and facing a curling barely missed the net in the second half. ball off a restart that missed the right post by only a foot.

Buccaneer Cheerleaders: a New, Old Tradition Team looking for new members and volunteers Jill Gorman Contributor What is football season without cheerleaders?

Whether in the stands or on the field, cheerleaders are part of our sports culture. For those of us in the over-40 crowd, we most likely grew up having cheerleaders for our high school basketball and football teams. I can’t tell you how many moms have approached me saying, “I love cheerleading. I was a cheerleader in high school.”

It’s a tradition that somehow has gotten lost over the past few decades in some parts of the country—maybe for lack of interest or societal changes in the “idea” of cheerleaders.

Have you ever been channel surfing and come across competitive cheerleading on television? Cheerleading is no longer the girly thing of the past. It is a strenuous, competitive, athletic and scary sport that, in many places around the country, includes guys as well. The strength, athleticism and coordination that cheer involves is astounding.

Michele Filardi, a teacher at CCS and a resident of Charlotte, grew up in Florida and, not surprisingly, was a cheerleader in high school. As her two daughters got older, she wanted them to have the opportunity to experience cheer in their high school.

In 2010, Filardi started a cheer team at CVU. Now in its fourth season, it is still going strong. During the first two years, the cheer team was a club, and 15-24 girls were involved. After two years at club status, cheerleading became a team with tryouts and strict guidelines for participation.

In an effort to build a base of girls who know something about cheer before they get to high school, Filardi decided to try to build a cheer program to support the CSSU Buccaneer football program. This fall ten girls from the CSSU district joined the inaugural team. From fifth through eighth grades, they represent every town in the district. We were thankful to have the support of the Buccaneer program—not only financial support to help us through our first year but also vocal support and compliments as the girls cheered on their team.

This fall the team practiced three times a week and cheered at four games. In six weeks, these girls learned 15 cheers, a short dance and four stunts (like pyramids).

They are runners, equestrians, gymnasts and ballerinas, and cheer incorporates parts of all these disciplines: agility, balance, strength, flexibility and commitment. As two sixth graders lift a girl up by her feet to the height of their neck, then throw her up in the air and catch her, they will tell you “cheer is not easy!”

We hope to build this program next year in order to have a fifth- and sixth-grade team and a seventh- and eighth-grade team. We are looking for interested girls, boys and parents who would like to get involved. If we have enough interest next year, we will apply for grants to purchase uniforms.

We currently have three coaches, but would need a few more to help if the teams grow. Please contact me at jillgorman@gmavt.net for more information.

For more information about Buccaneer football, please visit eteamz.com/csbuccaneers/.

Food Shelf News

by Kerrie Pughe

Holiday giving We hope you will keep us in your holiday giving plans this year. A donation to your local food shelf in honor of someone this time of year is always a different and welcome gift idea. The Food Shelf is run entirely by volunteers, so all donations go directly for food or assistance to our Charlotte neighbors in need. If you are a customer of yourfarmstand.com, you may make a donation to the Food Shelf as part of your online order. Otherwise, checks may be mailed to: Charlotte Food Shelf & Assistance 403 Church Hill Road P. O. Box 83 Charlotte, VT 05445

volunteers needed Save the date: we will be looking for volunteers to help us set up the Thanksgiving baskets on Friday morning, Nov. 22. We start about 8 a.m. and need only about an hour commitment. Just come on by the Charlotte Congregation Church that morning and join the food basket prep festivities!

We are also looking for a couple volunteers who could substitute now and again to help with the regular Wednesday evening distributions. Please call Karen Doris at 425-3252 if you could spare a few hours every other Wednesday eve as a substitute.

CHristmas Cards Have you received too many unsolicited holiday greeting card packets from charities? Or maybe you have holiday greeting cards you don’t plan to use?

We could use them at the Food Shelf for our neighbors who might not otherwise be able to send holiday greeting cards to family and friends. If you would like to put stamps on the envelopes, that would be wonderful! The cards could be dropped off at any food shelf donation location listed below.

tHank yous Thank you to the following people for your support: Ruah Swennerfelt, Louis

Business Directory

Cox, Linda Hamilton and Laura O’Brien.

And thank you to the Charlotte Children’s Center for its upcoming food drive.

WisH list We are running low on kids’ cereals (Cheerios preferred), low-sodium soups, crackers and tissues.

CHildren’s ClotHing drive We are still collecting children’s clothing donations for our neighborhood friends in need. Through the fall we will be collecting good, clean children’s clothing for sizes infant to teenager. Adult clothing suitable for teens will be accepted as well. Please, no stains or holes. We are also accepting clean winter coats, winter boots, rubber boots, sneakers (must be in good condition) and other shoes.

You may drop these items in the basket at the food shelf at the Charlotte Congregational Church or email Heather at happyvters@comcast.net for information to schedule a drop-off of your donations.

Thank you!

fresh foods be dropped off at the Food Shelf by 7:30 a.m. on the distribution mornings (see Ongoing Events calendar).

The Charlotte Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry. We are open from 7:30–9:30 a.m. on the following Thursdays for food distribution: Nov. 7 and 21 and Dec. 5 and 19, as well as Wednesdays before each Thursday distribution from 5–7 p.m.

Thanksgiving baskets will be distributed Saturday, Nov. 23, at 8:30 a.m., and Christmas/Holiday baskets will be distributed Saturday, Dec. 14, at 8:30 a.m.

We are open to all community residents. Privacy is very important and respected.

For emergency food call John at 4253130. For emergency assistance (electricity, fuel) call Karen at 425-3252.

For more information call Karen at 4253252 or visit our website at https://sites. google.com/site/charlottefoodshelfvt.

Donated food drop-off locations: All nonperishable food donations may be dropped off at the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (main entrance) or at the Food Shelf during the distribution mornings. We request that all

Julie Elitzer

Linda H. Sparks

Realtor 550 Hinesburg Road So. Burlington, VT 05403

julie.elitzer@lmsre.com

Broker, GRI, CRS Senior Associate Direct:

802-846-7860

Cell:

802-734-2930

Linda.Sparks@lmsre.com

LMSRE.COM

LMSRE.COM

Lang McLaughry Real Estate

Lang McLaughry Spera

Walls Walks Patios Custom Floors Showers Etc. Manufactured and Natural Stone Brick Block Ceramic Slate Quarry

Mason Associates Since 1988

Benjamin Mason, MEd, CEP

P.O. Box 59 2687 Greenbush Rd Charlotte, VT 05445 Phone: 802-425-7600 Cell: 617-283-6010 ben@masonconsult.com www.masonconsult.com

“Dustless” Floor Sanding

Jeff Albertson

DPT | Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists Shelburne South Burlington 23 San Remo Drive 166 Athletic Drive tel 985.4440 tel 865.0010

www.DeePT.com rsak@gmavt.net ύ rvgelectric. com

quick dry environmentally friendly finishes Custom Installation

Tom McLaughlin - Owner P.O. Box 371 Bristol, VT 05443

(802) 453-7956 tommy.floor@gmail.com

Rick Gomez

Master Electrician for over 25 years

RVG Electrical Services, LLC 3317 Bristol Road, Bristol, VT 05443

Phone: 802-453-3245 Cell: 802-233-9462

rsak@gmavt.net rvgelectric.com

U BRUSH HOG WORK U TILLING U SMALL TRACTOR WORK

Dennis Bates 206 Walker Hill Road, Williston, Vermont 05495 Phone 879.6645 Fax 879.4144

Educational Consultants

U YORK RAKE -72” FINISH MOWER U SMALL CHIPPER

PAT LECLAIRE

802.985.8225

The Charlotte News

Charlotte Conservation Currents Journey to the Dark Side Robert Hyams Contributor

I admit it, I am a card-carrying certified herbicide applicator. Opinions regarding herbicide run the gamut—I know Charlotters who can’t live with them and folks who can’t live without. My official position: There is a

it is this: You need a plan—for most infestations, a fairly detailed multi-year plan.

The following is a rundown of key points to address when formulating a plan.

Part 1: Assess the infestation. Managers need to know the species present, age or size of plants, density, presence of native/desirable plants and proximity to sensitive landscape features, such as streams and wetlands.

Part 2: Determine management objectives. Are you trying to improve habitat, timber stands, recreation values and/or views? Is the goal eradication or control?

Part 3: Evaluate treatment protocols.

There is a range of control options—too many to discuss at this time. Some include herbicides, while many do not. Often a combination of methods is most effective. When a plant is removed from the landscape, another will take its place, no doubt. Will you replant or leave it to natural succession? How much will it cost?

Part 4: Ongoing monitoring and control.

Very few control objectives are met in a single season. How will you monitor and treat until the original infestation is controlled and the seed source is depleted?

Looking ahead to the next level, how do we, as a town, state and region address the invasive plant problem? There has been plenty of discussion and some proactive developments in this area:

Commission has added discussion and strategies for invasive plant control to the proposed town plan update.; cies management areas, or CISMA, represent collaborative efforts that span political boundaries. The Lewis Creek Association and Keith ThompA Norway maple infestation in West Charlotte. son, our county forester, are spearheading the formation of a limited place for judicial application of non- South Chittenden County CISMA.; persistent herbicides to maintain habitat and ecological services. Or, I’m somewhere in the gram has contracted with Yellowwood Assomiddle. ciates to undertake a detailed economic analyNeedless to say, I spend a lot of time look- sis of the impacts of invasives on the regional ing for invasive plants, and it’s a great time to economy. find them. Take a look around the landscape.

Needless to say, there’s plenty more hapIf a plant looks green and thriving at the end pening and plenty more to be done. Stay tuned of October in Vermont, there’s a good chance for further discussion and developments, and it is an exotic invasive. In addition to the old read your town plan. standards—buckthorn, honeysuckle and frogbit—the fall Charlotte landscape has revealed Robert Hyams is a member of the Charlotte substantial stands of autumn olive, Norway Conservation Commission. maple and Japanese knotweed.

The control season is winding down. This is a good opportunity for land managers to pause and consider where we’ve been and where we are headed with controlling invasive plant populations. There are so many facets to understand and so many factors to consider. If there is one overarching lesson I’ve learned,

on

A feature from the Charlotte Land Trust

Lens the

Land

I selected this view of a section of Raven Ridge because it shows an interesting example of a geologic thrust in this picturesque part of town.

—Edd MErritt This is the first of what we hope will become a monthly submission by townspeople of pictures capturing Charlotte scenes. The Charlotte Land Trust sponsors the series and feels it is a valuable way of reminding people of the extent of the natural beauty in town.

We encourage anyone with a photo of Charlotte—it does not necessarily have to be of conserved land—to submit it to info@charlottelandtrust.org with a brief description of where it is and why you feel the picture indicates the town’s beauty or is a special place to you.

The next issue of the News comes out on Nov. 21. We would like to have pictures submitted by Monday, Nov. 14.

Want more Photos?

News?

Features?

www.ChrisvonTrapp.com

Places To Go & Things To Do THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Planning Commission Meeting, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Things That Matter, 5:30 p.m., Charlotte Congregational Church. See story on page 3 for more information.

Shelburne Vineyard First Thursday Concert Series with Phil Henry and Gary Moon, 6–-8:30 p.m. Join Shelburne Vineyard for unique concert series. Shelburne Vineyard wine and Fiddlehead beer for sale by the glass to those showing valid ID. Folino’s will also be on site selling wood-fired pizza.

Admission is free.

Shrek: The Musical, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Theater, Middlebury. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre shows up to rescue a feisty princess.

Town Hall Theater’s newest resident company presents the hilarious musical, featuring an all-star cast of area performers led by Leigh Guptill, Kim Anderson and Justin Bouvier. Show runs through Nov. 17. Tickets: $23; $18 children 12 and under; available by calling 802-382-9222, at townhalltheater.org, or at the box office MondaySaturday, noon–5 p.m.

Vintage Fashion at High Tea, 2 p.m., Burlington. Check out this premier event benefiting Burlington Emergency Shelter at the DoubleTree Hotel’s Garden Ballroom. This live, antique fashion show will showcase Lorette Sousie’s private collection and features 27 local models wearing over 75 fashions from the 1890s through the 1980s. It will be a relaxing afternoon, reminiscent of a bygone era with stunning fashions from the turn of the century. Participants will enjoy sipping luscious teas and tasting delightful treats while listening to the graceful melodies performed by local classical musicians. The afternoon will also feature a silent auction. Attendees are invited to dress for the occasion—period attire is encouraged. Tickets are limited and can be purchased in person through the Flynn Box Office, online at flynntix. org, or by calling 802-86-FLYNN.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Opening Reception: John Rivers and Marshall Webb, 5:30–-7:30 p.m., All Souls Interfaith Gathering, Shelburne.

Celebrate All Soul’s November art show with a reception for local artists Rivers and Webb. The show runs from Nov. 2 to Dec. 4.

Queen City Contra Dance, 8 p.m., Shelburne Town Hall. Join Queen City Contras for its regular dance.

Music will be provided by Joanne Garton and Brendan Taaffe. Peter Johnson will call. All are welcome, all dances taught, no partner or experience necessary. Beginners session at 7:45 p.m. Please bring clean softsoled shoes for dancing. Admission is $8 adults; under 12 free. Dance info: 371-9492 or 343-7165. Website: queencitycontras.org.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Pie for Breakfast, 9–-11 a.m., Charlotte Congregational Church. See story on page 7 for more information.

10th Annual International Festival, 5–-9:30 p.m., Saint Michael’s College, Colchester. Saint Michael’s College invites you to a night of culture, music and performances from around the globe. Performers include Middle Eastern dance by Rehab al Mahfudh, Japanese dance and Drumming Theater by Burlington Taiko, traditional Hawaiian music and dance by the Aloha Hula Dancers, Latin American dance by Freeman and Co, Irish dance

by Celtic Knights, and Peruvian music

by Inca Swazi. International cuisine will be available. Free for Saint Michael’s students; $5 for the general public.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Forum: Reducing Gun Violence in Vermont, 6:30–-8 p.m., Contois City Hall, Burlington. Sponsored by Gun Sense Vermont, a growing grassroots organization in support of sensible gun laws, the forum will feature as speakers experts in public health, domestic violence, mental illness and Vermont’s current gun laws. Free and open to the public. Info: Ann Braden, gunsensevt@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Community Safety Committee Public Feedback Meeting, 6 p.m., Charlotte Town Hall. See story on page 1 for more information.

Paul Gilles Reading, 7 p.m. Phoenix Books, Burlington. Join Paul Gillies to explore Uncommon Law, Ancient Roads, and Other Ruminations on Vermont Legal History. Vermont was born in conflict and existed as an independent political community until becoming the 14th state in 1791.

During those early years Vermonters had to chart their own course in matters of law. From these unique origins, the history of law in Vermont provides a fascinating lens for understanding the history of the Green Mountain State.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Charlotte School Directors Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Room 134, CVU. Elise Guyette presentation, 7 p.m., Ferrisburgh Historical Society, Ferrisburgh. In this presentation, Elise Guyette details the early biracial history of Vermont, focusing on a black farming community in Hinesburg and Huntington. The framework of their lives was the changing racism in Vermont and the country as three generations lived, loved, farmed and

St. Jude, Mass, Hinesburg, 4:30 p.m.

Community Alliance Church, Hinesburg, Gathering Place, 9 a.m., Sunday School, 9 a.m., Worship, 10:15 a.m. Information: 4822132.

Charlotte Congregational Church, Worship, 10 a.m., Sunday School, 10 a.m. Information: 425-3176.

Lighthouse Baptist Church, 90 Mechanicsville Rd., Hinesburg, 10:30 a.m., Evening Service, 6 p.m. Information: 482-2588.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mass, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Information: 425-2637.

St. Jude, Mass, Hinesburg, 9:30 a.m.

Information: 482-2290.

North Ferrisburgh United Methodist Church, Hollow Road, Worship, 10 a.m., Sunday School, 9:45 a.m. Information: 425-2770.

Cross Roads Chapel, Relocated to the Brown Church on Route 7, Ferrisburgh. Worship, 11 a.m. Information: 425-3625.

Assembly of God Christian Center, Rtes. 7 and 22A, Ferrisburgh, Sunday worship, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Sunday School, 9 a.m. Information: 877-3903.

All Souls Interfaith Gathering, 291 Bostwick Farm Road, Shelburne. Sunday Service 9 a.m., Evensong Service 5 p.m. 985-3819 Trinity Episcopal Church, 5171 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. “Space for Grace” (educational hour), 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (with child care and Sunday School). 985-2269.

United Church of Hinesburg, 10570 Route 116. Sunday service 10 a.m. September through June; 9 a.m. July through August.

prayed on an isolated hill in northern Vermont. Free.

All are welcome.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 PTO Meeting, 8:30 a.m., CCS cafeteria.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

CCS Artisan & Craft Fair, 10 a.m.–-3 p.m., CCS. Find great holiday gifts and support local artists while benefitting CCS. See story on page 4 for more information.

Green Mountain Animal Defenders 30th Anniversary Gala, 6 p.m., South Burlington.

Green Mountain Animal Defenders will celebrate 30 years of dedication to helping all animals across Vermont and beyond. The keynote speaker will be Wayne Pacelle, CEO and president of the Humane Society of the United States. The special guest speaker will be critically acclaimed Vermont author Chris Bohjalian. Festivities include a gourmet vegetarian/vegan dinner, cash bar and exciting silent auction. All funds raised go toward Green Mountain Animal Defenders’ animal protection campaigns. To learn more or purchase tickets (by 11/12/13), please visit gmad.info or contact Pat at patinvt@aol.com or 802-878-1102.

straight—have played in that history.

Susan M. Murray will moderate. This is the Vermont launch event for We Do! American Leaders Who Believe in Marriage Equality, co-edited by Madeleine M. Kunin.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Meditating for Happiness, 1–-4 p.m., Burlington. Join Ginny Sassaman for a workshop with her sister-in-law Susan Sassaman, a certified Kripalu Let Your Yoga Dance instructor based in Bar Harbor, Me., to learn a variety of techniques to practice at home to cultivate greater happiness and well being. No prior meditation or yoga experience is necessary. To preregister, contact Sassaman at 223-1670 or happinessparadigm@gmail.com. Participants can also preregister by clicking on the PayPal link at happinessparadigm. wordpress.com/happiness-meditationworkshop-in-burlington/.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Panel Discussion on Marriage Equality, 7 p.m., Phoenix Books, Burlington. Remember when gay marriage was the easiest way to inflame an otherwise mild electorate? Governor Madeleine M. Kunin, Professor Ellen Andersen and Professor Mary Burke will discuss the encouraging story of American acceptance of gay marriage and the roles that politicians—gay and

3rd Annual Winter Mixer & Wreath Auction: A Fundraiser for the Shelburne Craft School, 6–-8 p.m., Magic Hat Brewery Artifactory, South Burlington. The Board of Directors of the Shelburne Craft School invites the community to the Winter Mixer and Wreath Auction for an enchanting holiday-flavored evening. Nibble hors d’oeuvres, sip local wine and beer from the cash bar, jam to the music of the Meat Packers and win your favorite wreath during the live auction with auctioneer Jamie Polli of GameshowsVT. There will be about 25 artisan and festive wreaths to bid on. The bidding starts at $45. Tickets are $35 ($30 for members) and include a complementary glass of wine or beer, light fare and a handcrafted ornament.

Send your event information to news@charlottenewsvt.com for publiction in our next issue.

ONGOING EVENTS MONDAYS Senior Center Café, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Featuring soup, salads, homemade bread and dessert. No reservations necessary.

Charlotte Multi-Age Coed Pickup Basketball Open Gym, 7–9 p.m. at the CCS gym. High school students welcome. Call 425-3997.

WEDNESDAYS Charlotte/Shelburne Rotary Club, 7:30–8:30 a.m., Parish Hall, Trinity Episcopal Church, Shelburne.

Newcomers Club of Charlotte, Shelburne and surrounding area meets once a month on the third Wednesday from September to June. Variety of programs, day trips and locations. Information: Orchard Corl, president, 985-3870.

AA Meeting, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 7 p.m.

Senior Luncheon, Senior Center, noon. For reservations, call 425-6345 before 2 p.m. on previous Monday.

Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., 7:30 p.m., Fire Station.

Charlotte Multi-Age Coed Pickup Basketball Open Gym, 7-9 p.m. at the CCS gym. High school stu-

dents welcome. Call 425-3997 for information.

THURSDAYS Food Shelf, open from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Nov. 7 and 21.

Lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry. Information: Karen at 425-3252; for emergency food call John at 425-3130.

FRIDAYS AA Meeting, Congregational Church Vestry, 8 p.m.

The Charlotte News

Food Shelf Receives SCHIPS Grant

Around Town Congratulations to Kirsten ( Nelson) O’Connell and her husband, Patrick, whose daughter Kaylee Kathleen O’Connell was born Sept. 27 at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington. to Meg Smith, who was recently appointed to the board of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. A founding member of Vermont Businesses for Sustainable Responsibility, Meg is an active board member of the Charlotte News, Intervale Center, Young Writers Project and VPR's marketing and development committee. to Ruby Russell, a recent graduate of Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., who was elected to the Sigma Xi Honor Society, indicating that she has demonstrated evidence of research potential in a field of pure or applied science. Ruby is the daughter of Margaret and Michael Russell of Charlotte and a graduate of the Vermont Commons School. to Christopher Jordan, a student at CVU and a bass trombone player who was selected as one of three Vermont student musicians to participate in

national ensembles in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 30. Christopher qualified by playing in the Vermont All-State Music Festival, after which he submitted a video of himself and a musical resume. Christopher was quoted in the Burlington Free Press on Oct. 26 as saying he enjoys being in high-level festivals because “it adds a feeling of professionalism.” He will graduate from CVU this year and plans to continue his musicianship, studying bass trombone in college. to Tom and Lori Delia, who, along with their Burlington restaurant Trattoria Delia, were featured in the Oct. 30 Seven Days for opening Sotto Enoteca, a wine bar connected with the restaurant. They plan to use it as part wine bar, part overflow lounge, according to the article. They offer wine by the glass from over 30 choices and “hard-to-find beers,” according to Tom, as well as a selection of craft cocktails. to Dillon Machavern who recently earned consecutive race car championships by capturing both the Endurance Cup Racing (ECR) and the Tarheel Cup Endurance Series. He then moved along with his team to take the 13-hour Charge of the Headlight Brigade at Virginia International Raceway.

Dillon and his three teammates crewed and drove an ITE Class Aston Martin

Regional Bites

to victory. to Tyler Barnes and Julia Kiendl, students at Kent School in Kent, Conn., who earned placement on the honor roll for the fall term 2013-2014. Tyler is in the 6th form (12th grade) and Julia is in the 5th form (11th grade). Both are from Charlotte.

Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Gerald C. Wilbur of Rochester, Vt., who passed away Oct. 25 at the age of 84. His surviving family includes his daughter Patricia of Charlotte. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Rochester Fire Department, c/o Terry Severy, Rochester, VT 05767. is extended to family and friends of Albert P. Curtis, Sr., of Williston, who passed away Nov. 1 at the age of 81. His surviving family includes his sister Shirley Laberge, of Charlotte. The family asks that those wishing to make donations in his memory consider giving to the American Heart Association of Vermont.

Organization awards over $12,000 in fall grants The Charlotte Food Shelf is one of ten local nonprofit organizations and programs to receive part of $12,205 in fall grant award money from SCHIPS, or Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg Interfaith Projects.

Through selling donated, gently used clothes, collectibles, art and household items at its store in Shelburne, SCHIPS raises money to support area nonprofits that make a difference in the communities they serve.

Other organizations receiving grants are the Boys Scouts of America for its Davis Park Pavilion project in Shelburne, the Hinesburg Community School for after-school scholarships, the Schoolhouse Learning Center, St. Catherine of Siena in Shelburne, the United Church of Hinesburg, the Shelburne Community School, the Vermont Zen Center in Shelburne and the Hinesburg Community School for a literacy program.

SCHIP gives grants three times a year.

Since its inception in 2003, it has awarded over $450,000.

For more information on SCHIP, visit schipstreasure.org or its Facebook page.

For volunteer or donation inquiries, call SCHIP’s Treasure Resale Shop at 9853595.

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

Featuring Environmentally Friendly Flooring Solutions

by Edd Merritt Senator Bernie Sanders hosted a concert of school choruses in Montpelier High School Auditorium on Oct. 26.

Eight schools participated, including CVU and its choral group led

by Charlotte Director Carl Recchia.

According to an article in the Oct. 2 Free Press, Sanders worked with Vermont music teachers to develop the idea as a way of "celebrating music and arts education in public Schools."

Sanders and Essex High School's choral director Glory Reinstein agreed that studying the arts has a positive effect on student learning. Reinstein is quoted as saying, "The success of an ensemble depends on all of its members."

802-658-9336

Warm up to our cool bargains for your fall selections

Yellow house / 5404 Shelburne Road Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4 / 985-3595

www.schipstreasure.org

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.

BRUSH HOGGING: Reasonable rates. Call Adam 802578-8347. (56-09)

New at the Mt. Philo Inn: Overnight Accommodations Spacious 2-3 bedroom suites available by the day, week or month. Adjacent to Mt. Philo State Park, with panoramic views of Lake Champlain. Each "wing" in the historic inn has a private entrance, full kitchen, laundry, and porch. MtPhiloInn.com 802-425-3335 A burst of color can do wonders for your home. Allow the professionals at Lafayette Painting to transform your interior space. We have been changing the colors of Chittenden County since 1977. Call 863-5397 and visit LafayettePaintingInc.com. (-08)

If your clothes and jewelry are not becoming to you – they should be coming to us!

YRC Freight is hiring FT Casual Combo Drivers/Dock Workers! Burlington location. Great pay and benefits!

CDL-A w/Combo and Hazmat, 1yr T/T exp, 21yoa req.

EOE-M/F/D/V. Able to lift 65 lbs. req. APPLY: www. yrcfreight.com/careers. (-07) DOG WALKER WANTED: We are seeking a dog lover who would like to walk our two corgi's Monday thru Friday, mid-day, at our home. They are very easy and friendly.Please contact Kate at (802)857-0472. (-08)