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Volume lVIII Number 17
Town Clerk Resigns, page 1
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Drumpf Towers in Charlotte, page 4
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Where Have the Pollinators Gone?, page 12
Health Matters, page 15
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The CharlottenewsVt.org
Vol. 58, no. 17 March 24, 2016
Vermont’s oldest nonprofit community newspaper, bringing you local news and views since 1958
Town clerk/ treasurer resigns A contentious history over wages and duties comes to a head John Hammer THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
T
he big news in Charlotte this week was the receipt of a letter from Mary Mead resigning from her long-held positions of town clerk, treasurer and collector of delinquent taxes. Her resignation is to take effect May 6, 2016, and comes at the culmination of long and often rancorous disagreements between Mead and the Selectboard on a number of subjects. The major issue of contention has been her compensation package where she has sought to raise her salary. When asked at the December 9, 2013, Selectboard meeting why she was asking for more money, she replied, “I have asked over the years, different times, (and) I’ve said the same thing, ‘Our office does this, this, this and this and I feel like we should be paid for those jobs.’ I don’t think that we have been.” The Selectboard discussed the matter further at its meeting on January 14, 2014,
Cemetery Commissioner threatens to resign John Hammer THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
I
n a heated exchange during the Selectboard meeting of March 14, Charlotte Cemetery Commissioner Stephen Brooks said he would resign after members of the Board of Auditors pressed him to perform certain tasks. The cemetery commission operates under separate state rules (18 VSA § 5373) and reports to the BoA annually. The commission,
where Mead asked the board why her salaries for town clerk and town treasurer had been combined under the single town clerk heading when the two positions are separately elected offices. She stated that under state statutes the town treasurer gets paid separately. Further she pointed out that her hours were increased from 35 hours to 40 hours per week. She wanted to be treated to the same salary increase as the library director since, according to Mead, she does “several jobs for the Town.” The matter became a major issue during the 2014 Town Meeting, during which some attendees suggested that Mead was being discriminated against, a sentiment uttered by Mead’s backers over time at various meetings. Things came to a head at the March 14, 2016, Selectboard meeting. Mead had asked at the February 16, 2016, meeting for “time on a Selectboard agenda for a discussion regarding pay rate calculation issues.” During the March 14 meeting, after presenting her case and having it voted down after a long sometimes fervent discussion, Mead stood up and proclaimed that, “You will have my see Town clerk resigns, page 9
however, is funded largely by the town through a line item in the town budget every year. Brooks came before the Selectboard to request additional funds of about $2,400 to perform needed additional tasks and to cover legal fees arising from a BoA request to provide missing deeds for sold plots. Additionally, there were calls from the BoA and Selectboard to bring the commission up to its full strength of three members. Brooks had brought two candidates to the meeting and felt frustrated that after 15 to 20 minutes of aggressive questioning by the BoA and the Selectboard, he was prevented from introducing them or presenting his larger agenda for the commission. A heated discussion took place with Brooks finally stating that his written resignation would be tendered the next day. As of the time of writing, a resignation letter had not been received.
Things that make you go, ‘mmmmm’
Somewhere between the final soulful tones of all of Francesca Blanchard’s songs and the enthusiastic applause that followed, a collective sigh could be heard at the Walkover Gallery in downtown Bristol on March 19—as if the crowd had just heard their favorite childhood poem...in French. In an intimate, unplugged setting, complemented by the artwork of Linda Reynolds, formerly of Charlotte, Blanchard made her myriad talents look easy. If can’t catch her playing around the U.S. in April, you’ll have to hop the Atlantic as she’ll be embarking on a short euro-tour for most of May. Check her website for more info: francescablanchard.com. Photo: Alex Bunten
Water matters
Vermont trout season opens April 9
Thursday, March 31, Marty Illick of Lewis Creek Association and South Chittenden River Watch, will moderate a discussion with a panel of experts on how well the health of Lake Champlain and the streams and wetlands in growing Vermont towns are being protected. Panelists will focus on the LaPlatte watershed, streams and Lake Champlain and will identify what type of development triggers current regulatory review, how existing regulations provide for surface water protection, and what each town should do to ensure that healthy stream corridors move clean water through the Hinesburg hills and village, through Charlotte and Shelburne, to Shelburne Bay and Lake Champlain. The event will take place at Hinesburg Town Hall at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Heidi Simkins at 482-5215.
“Snow is either already gone or disappearing from the riverbanks quickly,” said Eric Palmer, fisheries director with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. With that, Vermont’s traditional trout fishing season is set to open on Saturday, April 9. The mild winter could be a boon for early season trout action across the state. Vermont’s spring trout season, which is well-known among resident and non-resident anglers alike, can often afford an angler the greatest opportunity to catch trout in rivers and streams. “Some of the biggest trout caught in Vermont rivers each year are taken during the spring season,” said Palmer. Vermont is known for its excellent fishing opportunities for wild trout, as well as for stocked trout – including large, two-year old “trophy” trout that will be stocked statewide later in the spring.
Henrietta and the dreaded DED Larry Hamilton CONTRIBUTOR
a
n American or white elm tree on Dorset Street in Charlotte is currently achieving a remarkable measure of fame in the media. It has been given the name Henrietta (even though elms are both male and female) by the family on whose land she grows and thrives. Henrietta and The Nature Conservancy’s Elm Restoration Project have been given coverage by the Burlington Free Press, WCAX, VPR (8 minutes!), an article by a UVM
student posted at nature.org/vtelm and other local media. Her fame is due to the fact that she may be resistant to the dreaded Dutch elm disease (DED) which has decimated most of the once-numerous elm trees nationwide and which is still virulent today. This large, healthy 80-foot high tree, with a circumference of more than 11 feet, was “discovered” by your tree warden in 2013. Since there were many dead and dying elms within 100 yards of this healthy tree, I took a photo of it, measured it and sent the finding to Christian Marks, who heads the elm restoration work for The Nature Conservancy, and in Vermont to
The Nature Conservancy scientist Rose Paul. Now, lo and behold, this tree has become something of a local hero, since her genes may bring back a truly resistant elm through breeding. Last week twig samples were collected by The Nature Conservancy from the canopy top and sent to Ohio where they will be cross-pollinated with other resistant elms, then tested by inoculation with DED. If resistance occurs, offspring carrying genes from Henrietta may help to restore floodplain forests in Vermont that provide so many values to water quality, wildlife, sustainable land use and scenery.
2 • March 24, 2016 • The charloTTe News
Voices
The Charlotte News
Commentary: Town government runs on volunteer energy – but it doesn’t come free C
harlotte is currently experiencing a shortage of volunteers willing to run for elected office or serve on the town’s various committees and commissions (see the February 25 edition of The Charlotte News). This is an issue which needs addressing because the town basically runs on the energy of volunteers. Yes, we do have paid town employees, but only through residents’ willingness to serve their community can we have a functioning town government which provides the services we need and desire. The opportunities for this formal community service are many and delightfully varied, calling for a range of skills. We need people who are natural leaders, communicators, organizers, planners, educators, analyzers, scientists, writers, people who like to work with their hands on physical projects and people who like to work with their heads, people who know and love the natural and cultural environment of Charlotte, and above all we need people willing to learn and work as part of a team. Seems like there is a spot on the team for practically everyone willing to share their time and skills. Hooray! How fortunate we are…or could be if more volunteers would come forward. What promotes or detracts from volunteerism? If we look at the incentives and disincentives influencing volunteers we’ll see some smart things the town can do to promote and retain volunteers.
What promotes productive volunteers? • • • • •
• • • •
Being asked by a friend to help out with something specific. Clear guidelines of powers, duties and expectations when you join a team. A team leader with enthusiasm for the work and ability to organize and communicate well. Recognition and appreciation of each person’s skills, and good matching of these skills with tasks. Assistance from other parts of local government when needed, with background information, planning, coordination with other programs, budgeting, record keeping and presentation of work. Setting and accomplishing meaningful goals, and being thanked for that. Regular reminders of the common goals that make hard work worthwhile. Fun. More fun.
What drains aWay volunteer energy? •
Boring business meetings (unfocused agendas, participation dominated by a few individuals, unreliable start or
end time, poor follow-up on past work, lack of quorum, etc.) • Lack of communication and coordination among team members and other parts of local government. • Unclear purpose and goals. • Lack of financial support. • Lack of respect and fair hearing of recommendations to decision makers. • Sense of distrust and antagonism among parts of government. • Failure of team leader to maintain focus, civility and fairness in meetings. The good news is that most of these points can be addressed well through a strategy of orientation and on-going assistance for new elected and appointed volunteers. The ideal way to provide this consistent support is through the office of the Town Administrator, whose purpose is to facilitate the efficient running of government. Backstopping town volunteers working individually and on teams is logically a core part of that role. This official investment of time and effort would pay back many-fold in terms of making best use of volunteer energy and helping avoid the common pitfalls which sap their energy or turn them off from volunteering.
What Would this look like? Annual “Government Bootcamp” and orientation as needed of all new members of town government, facilitated by experienced professionals. Full participation would be expected of elected and appointed volunteers as well as employees. Multi-session program, including: Overview of current government structure and members (powers, duties, programs, budget, spokespersons). Team- and communication skill-building exercises among all members of town government. Basics of organizing, and running and participating in productive meetings, including how to deal fairly with conflict and disruptive participants. Guidelines for program planning, budgeting and evaluating. Individualized orientation to specific committees or positions, including past and current programs and expectations of membership. Regular interaction with the town administrator for information, procedural guidance and problem-solving throughout the year. Annual volunteer appreciation event, which formally acknowledges and thanks individuals and teams for outstanding (steadfast or simple-but-meaningful) work in an informal family-friendly event. Note that excellent resources are available to help us with this. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns and UVM
Cooperative Extension offer materials and services to address these very training needs. The next step is key: We must publically set the expectation that everyone in town government will share this kind of training and sincerely commit to honing the skills that make for a smoother-running, more satisfying and productive government experience for volunteers and staff alike. Charlotte residents have a large direct stake in how well these jobs are done, and if we want the participation and performance standard to be higher, the smart thing is to provide appropriate training and backstopping so that volunteers are better able to work productively with each other and with staff.
is this an urgent problem? Judge for yourself. Attending (or viewing the VCAM video of) Selectboard meetings is a reasonable way to take the pulse of current town government as a whole (more info at goo.gl/gSrXkF). The March 14 Selectboard meeting gives us an all-too-clear and painful example of how tense, confused and combative the atmosphere can be and apparently has been for some time. It is beyond embarrassing. It is shameful. And guaranteed to turn off volunteerism—for who can blame people for not wanting to get involved? Fortunately, even though some of the antagonism is deeply ingrained, we know that the atmosphere can be changed. It takes plenty of both head and heart to have local government function well and provide the services residents need and desire. Good government is not necessarily easy. And it does not just happen. It requires a conscious commitment to working together and supporting each other in meaningful ways. It takes not ignoring or accepting these “Town Hall problems” but rather addressing them directly by both honoring the varying levels and kinds of skills people bring to government work and helping them together to hone the particular skills it takes to function as a team. We know what it takes to create a supportive and energizing environment for volunteers. It’s time to call for the Selectboard to make the investment in support services to volunteers and agree to, together in this way, raise the standards of all performance. We can agree to do better.
Linda S. Hamilton Former chair of Charlotte Conservation Commission Charlotte
The Charlotte News is a nonprofit communitybased 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. For submission guidelines and deadlines, please visit our website or contact the editor at news@thecharlottenews.org. 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 more than 50 outlets in Shelburne, Hinesburg, North Ferrisburgh, Ferrisburgh, Vergennes and Burlington. The Charlotte News relies on the generous financial contributions of its readers, subscriptions and advertising revenue to sustain its operations.
Editorial Staff news@thecharlottenews.org / 425-4949 Editor in chief: Alex Bunten Assistant editor: Geeda Searfoorce Contributing editors: Edd Merritt, Ruah Swennerfelt, Jorden Blucher, John Hammer Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Leslie Botjer, Vince Crockenberg, Carol Hanley Outwater interns: Kali Adams, Madison Hakey
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Board Members President: Vince Crockenberg Secretary: John Hammer Treasurer: Patrice Machavern Board members: Bob Bloch, Carol Hanley, Michael Haulenbeek, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli
Contributors Elizabeth Bassett, Jorden Blucher, Nicole Conley, Linda S. Hamilton, Larry Hamilton, John Hammer, Katherine Hinkel, Mel Huff, Emilie Krasnow, Anne Latulippe, Mary A. Mead, Mark Nash, Mark Prescott, Mary Recchia, Margaret Woodruff, Mike Yantachka,
On the Cover Vermont’s nectar is filling buckets all over the state as March goes out like a lamb. The taps at what used to be Skyline Orchard on Spear Street are set against a stunning backdrop of Camel’s Hump. Photo: Alex Bunten
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The CharloTTe News • MarCh 24, 2016 • 3
Voices Fait accompli – town clerk/ treasurer resignation editor: With great sadness and disappointment, and yet great happiness as well, I am resigning from all of my positions with the Town of Charlotte—clerk, treasurer and delinquent tax collector—after 22 years of service. It would have been nice to have finished out the last two years of this current term, at which point my assistant, Christina Booher, would have had a good solid four years of experience making the transition smooth for her and the town. That’s the sadness and disappointment part, because this is going to be difficult for her, and it’s not right. She didn’t need to be collateral damage. But Christina is a smart, hard-working, honest person with the integrity and the necessary judgment to handle the position, and I’m sure she is up to the task. Hopefully, the board makes the correct choice and appoints her to these positions. The other part that makes me sad is that I have always enjoyed my job: the variety, the complexities, the responsibility, the townspeople—it all appealed to me. I don’t have to work, but I really like to work, and I resent that the love of my job was taken away from me. Truthfully, it was taken away about four years ago and it’s been a steady decline ever since, with the final blow at the March 14 Selectboard meeting. The majority of you have no idea what I’m even talking about, and I have no intention of describing all of the events that brought me to this abrupt resignation. There’s too much injustice, unfairness and just plain hatefulness to describe, and it’s a waste of everyone’s time, especially mine. All I would like to say is that I have always tried to provide the best service possible in our office—for townspeople, researchers, anyone who walked in the door. We have always tried to accommodate you for whatever the question of the day might be. It was not always “Town Hall business” related, but it didn’t matter. I’ve worked hard—days, nights, weekends. I didn’t really think that it mattered—it was the job and I accepted it. And at the end of the day, I know in my heart that I did a good job for the Town of Charlotte, and I thank you for electing me year after year. By the way, if you haven’t watched the March 14 meeting (VCAM films all of the Selectboard meetings), you really should just tune into the “Selectboard Updates”
at the end. What I am reminded of when I watch it is the movie, Hunger Games. Whenever a character was killed off there would be a big screen up in the sky to let everyone know who just got eliminated. I feel like the updates section of the movie was the big screen in the sky, and my character got killed off. Oh well, it’s just business as usual. For me it is time to move on, and so it is with great pleasure that I am leaving— more time to play and return to my original happy little self. Thank you so much.
Mary A. Mead Town clerk/treasurer Charlotte
editor: Mary asked for a raise, and quite frankly it’s on the steep side on top of her salary she gets now. It was voted down...she’s the one that blew it out of proportion and got heated. Most companies would have escorted her out the door when she threatened to hand in her resignation. Charlotte has so much potential and opportunities that it’s missing out on. If this was a real town with a real road maintenance department, municipal water, law enforcement she wouldn’t be able to hack it. So you must ask yourself, Is she really that efficient? Or is she one of the ones holding the town back?
editor: Just a note to say how much I loved two of your recent essays: the one about post-war Paris by Alice Outwater and my former neighbor Gay Regan’s reflection on overwintering in VT. These made my day! I hope you’ll pass my fan mail to these writers.
Katharine Hikel MD Hinesburg
Mark Prescott Milton Submitted as a Facebook comment
Birthday card shower editor: Jackie Baker is turning 80! Our family would like to invite all those people in your community who have known our mother over the years to join us in celebrating her 80th birthday! Jackie was a long-time resident of Charlotte and an active member of the community. She served as a town lister for a number of years and greatly enjoyed the library. She regularly visits Vermont during the summer months and has kept up with numerous people in town. She always looks forward to attending her church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, each summer. Our family is having a birthday party in North Carolina for her and as a surprise would like to have a “card shower” for her.
• •
The following boards and positions currently have unfilled seats: • Charlotte Park & Wildlife Refuge Oversight Committee (1 seat) • Energy Committee (1 seat) • Green-up Day Coordinator • Planning Commission (1 seat) • Recreation Commission (1 seat) • Thompson’s Point Design Review Committee (1 seat) • Trails Committee (2 seats) • Trustee of Public Funds • Town Agent • Town Grand Juror
Fan Mail
Letters PoLicy: The Charlotte News welcomes signed letters to the editor and commentaries on any subject of interest to the community. To allow the publication of a diverse selection of views in each issue, please limit letters to a 300 word max. and commentaries to a 800 word max. Include your full name, town of residence and phone number. The editors reserve the right to edit for clarity, English usage and length or to publish submissions in full. Send them to news@thecharlottenews.org.
Asking for it?
The following boards and positions have seats with terms ending in March 2016:
Get involved in town government
If you would like to join in the fun, please send a birthday card for Jackie with a short sentiment. Cards will presented to her at the gathering in a beautiful basket that she can enjoy the whole year long. Please send your card to c/o Mike Rutkowski, 122 Canyon Run, Cary, NC 27513 Thank you so much for helping to make this very special for our much loved Mom. Anne Latulippe Duxbury
• • • • • • • •
Conservation Commission (2 seats) Energy Committee (3 seats and 1 student seat) Planning Commission (2 seats) Recreation Commission (3 seats) Trails Committee (4 seats) Zoning Board (2 seats) Town Service Officer Tree Warden Fence Viewer Chittenden Solid Waste (Representative & Alternate)
If you have interest in serving the town by participating in any of these capacities, please send a short statement explaining your interest and relevant background information by Friday, March 18, to Dean Bloch, town administrator, at dean@ townofcharlotte.com. If you have questions, please email, call 425-3071 ext. 5, or stop by Town Hall.
EMILIE KRASNOW AND SOME POLITICALLY-MINDED CVU STUDENTS
Commentary: Political returns at CVU
R
ecently I had the honor of returning to my alma mater, CVU, to speak to students in the Current Issues classes taught by Lezlee Sprenger. The topic of our discussion was citizens and engagement in the political process—or more importantly, encouraging young people to get involved in their community and in politics right from the start. I shared my path to becoming involved in Vermont politics. I was fortunate to grow up in a home where my parents and siblings regularly engaged in conversations about politics. Discussing current events at the dinner table was as common as sharing the events of our day. My dad, Gerald Krasnow, served the town of Charlotte as a member of the Charlotte School Board, the Charlotte Fire and Rescue Squad, and later as our representative to the Vermont State House. Upon his death in 1998, my sister, Alysia Krasnow, was appointed by Governor Howard Dean to fill his seat. I learned so much from both my dad and sister about local and state politics and the importance of becoming involved in the political process. When I was a senior at CVU, Current Issues, then taught by Greg Cluff, was my favorite class. I remember raising my hand frequently during class as I was eager to ask questions and learn as much as I could about local, state, national and global political events and policies. On my 18th birthday, I registered to vote in class. All of this made me excited to get involved in the political process when I
was an adult. I have worked on numerous political campaigns, including mayoral and City Council elections in Burlington, as well as state-wide campaigns. I worked in the Vermont State House as an intern for Representative Chris Pearson and then as an assistant to Senator David Zuckerman, which led me to my job now as part of Senator Zuckerman’s campaign for lieutenant governor. Additionally, it’s been an honor to be a part of Senator Sanders’s presidential campaign. In Ms. Sprenger’s classes, I asked students what issues they felt were the most important ones facing them and their peers today. The topics ranged from climate change to future job opportunities to tuition costs and college debt. We discussed how important it is for voters their age to research information on those topics and find out where the candidates stand on those issues. I encouraged them to consider volunteering for a candidate who supports and works for the issues that are important to them. I also reminded them that only 38 percent of voters ages 18–24 voted in the last presidential election. Without their voices in the debate and at the ballot box, someone else will be deciding their future. I was excited to learn that many of the students in the Current Issues classes had already registered to vote and had voted in the recent Vermont primary. All of the students were invited to come to meet with their state senators and representatives in Montpelier to observe the work of the Statehouse in real time. I look forward to future opportunities to encourage student engagement in the political process.
Emilie Krasnow Charlotte
4 • March 24, 2016 • The charloTTe News
Landscape, interrupted Drumpf Towers to adorn Charlotte’s Gold Coast Geeda Searfoorce THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
A
crowning jewel is about to be set into Charlotte’s Gold Coast. In a special Planning and Zoning meeting on April 1, it will likely be decreed that a new gleaming skyscraper, to be christened Drumpf Tower, will stand erect on the shores of Lake Champlain, once the four-year building project has been completed. Ground will be broken in Nov. 2016, with construction slated to start in early Jan. 2017. Though the bidding process is not yet complete, one of two companies—Drill Baby Drill, Inc. and Earth Schmurth, Inc.—will undertake the massive excavation required to secure the skyscraper’s foundation and support the glass and steel monolith, the brainchild of real estate magnate Donald Drumpf. “I’ve had my eye on this area for a real long time,” Drumpf told the press of his plan. “Reeeeal long. I mean, c’mon. Just look at it: Lake Champlain is a natural route for battleships to travel north south. And think of the millions of dragon warriors I
could grow on all that farmland. Miles of warriors! Springing up from just a handful of dragonteeth.” How did this unlikely development venture make it this far with the town’s Planning and Zoning department, which is notorious for protecting the bucolic landscape and preserving the rural character of Chittenden County’s southwest corner? Jeannine McCrumb, outgoing town planner, and administrative and deputy health officer, is unsure. “Mr. Drumpf walked in and we were all transfixed,” she said of the initial meeting that led to the project’s green lighting. “He was talking so loud and saying such awful things, but we couldn’t look away. I think we were all in shock, like we were witnessing a car crash. Nobody knew what to say, so none of us said anything. The next thing we knew we were signing on the dotted line and congratulating ourselves on saving capitalism from extinction.” “Has anybody seen my wallet?” she added. Political rubbernecking might just keep the rational electorate at bay. Drumpf’s long-term plan for Northwest Vermont is part of a strategy to wring dry the state’s human and natural resources. “By 2020, you won’t recognize this place,” he said. “It’s gonna look so classy. Plus that Bernie jerk’s gonna hate it. What better way to make that commie pay for his un-Americanness than to pillage his home state? It’s
ARTISTIC RENDERING OF DRUMPF TOWERS ON CHARLOTTE’S GOLD COAST
a no-brainer.” The new skyscraper will be situated on a freshly cut road, tentatively called Dunder Parkway, and will have a big enough carbon footprint that its detrimental effects on the lake will be viewable from space. “Water is a natural filter for human activity,” Drumpf said. “We all agree on that.” The town’s character—defined by love of nature and community—is evident in its reticence to embrace the plan. Protests have erupted from East to West Charlotte, introducing townspeople to one another in some cases for the very first time. Though many are grateful for the interactions and renewed sense of community, some are not as enthused. In the words of one new Charlotter, “I came here to get away from conflict like this. I want peace.”
Peace, however, is not the absence of strife. It is born of the willingness to remain in a community with others who have different views and to respect one another on the way to consensus. Pippi Howell, a three-year resident of Charlotte and inveterate peace-keeper, summed up what many in Charlotte feel. “I just want everyone to feel like their needs are met,” she said. But “needs” change frequently, and the choices we make now as townspeople define who we are as a town later. For now, Drumpf’s needs are definitively being met, despite the hindsight-driven reticence of the planning and zoning board. “I’m not some kind of April fool,” he said. “I have all the best ideas. And the people of Vermont will know it sooner or later.”
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The CharloTTe News • MarCh 24, 2016 • 5
OutTakes Commentary by Edd Merritt
I remember the Knockers… Did you ever know that you are my hero and everything I’d like to be? I can fly higher than an eagle but you are the wind beneath my wings. “Wind Beneath My Wings” (Written by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley, as sung by Willie Nelson)
B
ill Littlefield’s National Public Radio program, “Only a Game,” is a favorite of mine because, generally, he manages to point out the overemphasis our culture has come to place on sports–from early youth through obscenely priced university and professional teams. I don’t want to go too far out on a political limb, but suffice it to say that from my perspective, athletics epitomizes what Bernie Sanders says is wrong with corporate America. An article in The New York Times last weekend, however, reminded me of some memorable moments in sports that I cherish. It reported on a three-overtime basketball game between the United Tribes Technical College Thunderbirds and the Dakota College Lumberjacks, both schools tucked in the plains of South Dakota not far from where I grew up. What made it somewhat unusual was that near the end of the game the Thunderbirds could only put two players on the court. The other three members of the team had fouled out. It was well into the third OT, and each team had scored at least 150 points with Dakota leading by two, 156-154. A three-pointer by United Tribes would have produced a one-point win. Talk about being triple-teamed, though. The two remaining players, Shawn Craig and Trevor Shavehead, weren’t able to weave through the defenders and get into threepoint range in time. Reading this article took me back to my junior year of college and the almost unheralded Illinois state
basketball championship for the Cobden Appleknockers. Cobden had to draw a team from 144 students compared to other play-off schools that housed two to four thousand students and hung out around such metropolises as Chicago, Decatur, Pekin, etc. Almost in Kentucky, half the Appleknocker team carried a southern twang in their voices. However, shorties had to stand tall to hear it, as Cobden averaged 6 foot, 5 inches among its 12 players. They were well named. Apples were the fruit of the region in far southern Illinois, and most of the players had done their time in the orchards. They had also been playing basketball together since they were in 5th grade. There were no divisions of schools ranked by size at the time, so it often pitted the very small against the very large, and this was such an occasion. My college was almost on the Illinois border in Wisconsin, and football rivalries were our games of choice. My fraternity drew heavily from Green Bay Packers stalwarts and Chicago Bears fans, with a few Vikings and others from around the country thrown in for good measure. During the annual carriage of justice called Packer/Bear Homecoming, though, we split the Beta basement pretty evenly between green seats and blue seats. Well, by the time the Appleknockers reached the final four in the university gym in Champaign, Illinois, our green and blue division had disappeared, and all of us were blowing our horns for Cobden. They didn’t let us down. They worked through the sweet sixteen, taking out Decatur (population 70,000) in the semi-finals before going against Pekin in the finals. Now Pekin at the time was a city of about 30,000 (or nearly four times the size of Cobden). It was close to Champaign, where the game was played in the University of Illinois gym, and represented the top half of the state, which included Chicago and Peoria. The sports writers of the local papers loved the match-up. It was the American dream of suburbia against old-line country boys. What chance did the Appleknockers have? Well, as the game progressed, it appeared they had a pretty good chance. But the important thing to me as I watched it on TV was that, perhaps because they never expected to reach that point in the tournament in the first place, they were
Katie Manges
having fun. I think it was in the final quarter and Cobden was not behind by more than three or four points that a foul was called against Pekin. The Cobden shooter stood at the line and looked over at one of his teammates who must have cracked a joke that made the shooter burst out laughing as though he was in the backyard rather the field house. It was sport as it should be, and many of us who watched it with glee said, “yes” – there was skill first and foremost, followed by camaraderie, teamwork above individuality, and it all played out in fun for the team and for fans. Now because they came so close, the Appleknockers were a bit morbid on the bus ride home. However, upon turning onto Main Street in their hometown, with several thousand people standing and cheering them, that sadness soon became pride in their accomplishments as if they had won the game. Some years later, the teammates still said it was their grandest hour, rehashed periodically as their lives progressed in many different directions. I never played on a team that climbed the state ladder as did the Appleknockers. Nonetheless I can clearly remember individual plays as though they happened yesterday: tackles here, blocks there, goals
off the crossbar, centerfield catches and drops, calling a game in the third inning because we outfielders couldn’t stand up in the goose droppings. (Could we shoot the geese? No, they were the town bird.) Yes, Littlefield is right. It’s only a game, and we would do well not to lose that perspective. It ought to require skill and thought. But, above all, it ought to be fun. If it isn’t, turn to something that is. Have you considered hair styling? My barber was a great hockey player nicknamed “Squeak.”
The Charlotte News Upcoming Publication Deadlines Publication date: April 7 Columns/Features deadline: March 28 Letters due: April 4 Ads deAdline: April 1 Publication date: April 21 Columns/Features deadline: April 11 Letters due: April 18 Ads deAdline: April 15
6 • March 24, 2016 • The charloTTe News
The Doyle Poll
Legislative Report
O
nce again the Doyle Poll proved to be popular at Town Meeting, with 213 voters taking the time to fill out the survey. Here
by Representative Mike Yantachka
Q# Question
Yes
No
Not Sure
Blank
89%
4%
6%
1%
79%
14%
6%
1%
2
Should cities and towns have a voice in siting industrial energy projects in their communities? Is it important for Vermont to encourage people and jobs to move to Vermont in light of the population loss?
3
Do you believe water quality is a major issue in Vermont?
77%
14%
8%
1%
4
Should Vermont legalize marijuana?
47%
34%
17%
2%
5
Are you concerned about the increased use of opiates in Vermont?
96%
2%
1%
0%
6
Should Vermont require paid sick leave?
70%
18%
10%
2%
7
Are you satisfied with Vermont’s health care?
36%
46%
16%
2%
8
Are statewide cell service and broadband important to the future of Vermont’s economy?
77%
13%
10%
0%
9
Does Vermont have too many school districts relative to our declining student population?
60%
19%
21%
0%
10
Do you believe that Vermont’s political campaigns are too costly?
48%
17%
34%
1%
11
Should Vermont have a 4 year term for governor?
60%
23%
16%
1%
77%
9%
13%
1%
85%
6%
8%
1%
29%
43%
26%
2%
1
13
Does Vermont rely too heavily on property taxes for funding education? Should we reduce Vermont’s prison population by using alternatives for non-violent offenders?
14
Is Vermont a business friendly state?
12
PROPERTY TRANSFERS Your mutt make the cut? Is your beagle legal? Keep your Lassie classy— Don’t forget to register your dog by April 1 at the Town Hall.
are the results for your consideration. There were five questions that appeared in last year’s survey (Q3. water quality, Q4. marijuana, Q5. opiates, Q8. cell service and Q9. school districts). The opinion favoring marijuana legalization fluctuated from 48% to 42% to the current 47% over the last three years, while the opinion against moved from 42% to 45%, down to 34% indicating a significant shift to undecided. While still an overwhelming majority, a smaller percentage of respondents felt that broadband is important (84% last year). Water quality, concern about opiates and the opinion that Vermont has too many school districts remained nearly the same year-to-year. Vermont’s handling of the health care issue remains in a negative light as problems persist with the Vermont Health Connect system. The slow progress made in addressing the problem of the “change of circumstance” function has been less than satisfactory in the eyes of both the public and the Legislature, which is continuing to monitor the situation and consider alternatives. Likewise, high property taxes as the
major source of education funding continue to be a general concern. The overwhelming consensus is that municipalities should have a greater say than they do now in siting renewable energy projects. A lot of work has been done by the Senate in bill S.230, which has now been assigned to the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee. We have already begun to review the bill, which has great potential to provide a path forward to make the siting process more transparent. It will give towns more influence as they develop local renewable energy plans in conjunction with regional planning commissions, while continuing to move Vermont away from fossil fuels and toward a stronger renewable energy economy. As your representative in Montpelier, I appreciate your input on these and other issues. Your comments help me look at issues from several perspectives, and that is a valuable opportunity for me. You can always contact me by phone at 802-425-3960 or email me at myantachka.dfa@gmail. com. You can find this article and others online at MikeYantachka.com.
Jan. 25—John J. Winton, trustee, to Michael P. and Rebecca M. Abbott, 1 acre with dwelling, 719 Hills Point Road, $718,500.
Feb. 22—Graeme and Nancy Freeman to Rodney Mills and Jason Thibeau, 6.16 acres with dwelling, 186 Homestead Drive, $500,000.
Jan. 27—Steven Colangeli and Corinne Hayes-Colangeli to Matthew Looft and Abigail Garrett, 30.72 acres with dwelling, 65 Big Oak Lane, $580,000.
Mar. 2—J+A Enterprises Inc. to Gregory Armell and Heather Morse, 32.9 acres with dwelling, 3573 Hinesburg Road, $136,000.
Feb. 1—Matthew and Michelle Hough Mar. 3—Stephen and Martha Edwards to Janice Corrow and Jennifer Pike, 1 to Mark Cole, 2 acres with dwelling, 2283 acre with dwelling, 399 Monkton Road, Mt. Philo Road, $380,000. $230,000. Mar. 10—Peter Ross and Maryellen Feb. 12—Unison Site Management LLC Culbert to David Diaz, 46.49 acres, land to Theresa Knowles, 104 acre easement, only, 5560 Mt. Philo Road, $298,500. 1324 Ferry Road, $84,536.
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The CharloTTe News • MarCh 24, 2016 • 7
Does anyone smell smoke?
“The loveliesT aFTernoon oF The year� DirecTeD by meg young oF charloTTe The final one-act wrapped up the entire production with a bang. Literally. It followed the love story of a couple who meet every Sunday for a walk through the park, until one day when the man’s wife shows up. She turns out to be an ugly, angry woman who keeps a gun hidden in the baby carriage. The actors did an incredible job developing the relationship between the two lovebirds before the man’s jealous wife causes them both an untimely death. Young, like most of the other directors, said the best part of the one-acts was gaining a different perspective on a theatrical production. “It was a very different experience [from acting], but I liked seeing both sides a lot,� she says. For more photos, see our website, charlottnewsvt.org.
Charlotters star in biannual CVU one act plays Madison Hakey THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
A
night of fire, romance, birth, and theater rehearsal ended with two deaths this past weekend at CVU. Don’t worry, though, the deaths were simply part of the final one-act play. Every other spring, CVU’s theater program director, Candi Padula, gives four student-directors a play and 30 minutes to work with it, then lets them loose with a group of actors. One-acts help to include everyone, shy or not, as they require less of a time commitment from actors and directors. After a successful production in 2014, Padula decided to make this a biannual fixture at CVU. In case you didn’t make it to this year’s production, The Charlotte News has the highlights for you.
“The Final Dress rehearsal� DirecTeD by briDgeT Kerr oF shelburne The first one-act centered on Charlotters Sabrina Davis and Simone Edgar-Holmes. Davis played the director of Cinderella, which had been rewritten by a college friend, and Edgar-Holmes was her stage manager. As the crew worked together in an attempt to rehearse for the last time before the play’s premiere, the author of the play watches in horror—the actors don’t know their lines, the set isn’t ready, and the premiere is sure to be a failure. The situation quickly turns into any director’s worst nightmare. When the author of the play first enters, he sweeps across the stage and begins orating to the audience. The entire cast begins to roll their eyes and sigh heavily, clearly exasperated. As he carries on, the audience laughs at the complete disregard of the cast behind him. Kerr says, “No one in the show wants to listen to what the author has to say, so everyone is just tolerating him.� As the real director, Kerr let the actors do what naturally came to them, giving the show a very fluid feel. “I walked into
THE FINAL DRESS REHEARSAL
rehearsal every day without a single note in my script,� Kerr says. She asked the actors simply to do what they thought their character might do in that situation. This technique helped the actors and audience feel the emotion of the play.
biting and screaming are all ways to get back at these crazy adults. Leo Garbose, a senior from Charlotte, stole the show as the grandma. “[Cataldo] knew I would be comfortable with wearing a dress and high heels and covering my face in powder,� Garbose says. He also praised “The sTill alarm� DirecTeD by Cataldo’s directing style. “Anna was very relaxed,� he says. “She knew that she was mishKa rehaK oF WillisTon working with people who took it seriously. After a fire starts in their hotel, the two So she directed us but also let us express Contact: Madison@thecharlottenews.org main characters in this play simply discuss ourselves.� the inconvenience it has caused them. One of the pair, Bob, remarks that his mail is already being sent to this hotel, and if he moves to another hotel it will only wreak havoc. His friend, Ed, after lighting a cigarette from the fire just outside their window, puts his feet up and relaxes. When the fire fighters arrive, Ed and Bob listen to one of the firemen play a violin and slowly die. The play had the crowd laughing from beginning to end, thanks to the wonderful actors and their director, Mishka Rehak, who has been acting since the beginning of middle school. This experience helped her to become better in auditions because she now understands how directors pick parts. “We cast more based on who fit the part best and not who was better than another person,� she says.
“baby� DirecTeD by anna caTalDo oF shelburne Ever wonder what a baby is trying to tell you? This one-act looked into the psyche of an infant and how adults act around him in such peculiar ways. The crowd was hysterical as the infant complains about his parents pulling at his cheeks and bottom, naming him “Baby� and attempting to teach him extremely long words that will make him sound smart. Baby’s personal coach explains to him that vomiting,
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8 • March 24, 2016 • The charloTTe News
Charlotte Recreation Spring Programs & Summer Camps Nicole Conley CONTRIBUTOR
Youth lacrosse It’s time to register your child for Spring Lacrosse! Participants in grades 3-8 must have a current US Lacrosse membership valid through June 30, 2016. Visit the US Lacrosse website (uslacrosse.org/membership) to register or renew a membership. Please record your child’s US Lacrosse number along with the expiration date and place it on the rec registration form. Complete the registration form and return the form and payment to the Charlotte Rec Dept. r egistration fee: $80 ($25 late fee applied after March 18)
Mini lacrosse Mini Lacrosse practices will be offered to 1st and 2nd graders on Saturday mornings at Charlotte Central School. Each participant will get a chance to learn more
Providing Repair, Refinishing, Restoration and Transport
George & Pam Darling P.O. Box 32 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT
about the game while having fun. Date: April 30–May 28 tiMe: 9 a.m. r egistration fee: $35 by April 11 equipMent neeDeD: Lacrosse stick
after-school junior golf
Players will learn all aspects of the game, including long shots, pitching, chipping, sand shots and etiquette. There will be some on-course play, including a mini-tournament on June 3, along with a snack and beverage to celebrate all they learned throughout the month. This is a chaMplain valleY track anD great opportunity for young golfers to learn fielD the game and improve on their abilities. Who: Grades 1–8 When: Tues. and Fri. Charlotte is proud to be a part of this May 3–June 3 (10 lessons) Where: Cedar three-town track and field program, Knoll Golf Course tiMe: 3:30–4:30 p.m. which includes Charlotte, Hinesburg and and until 5:30 p.m. on June 3. cost: $149 Williston. After several successful track seasons, the program will continue its after-school tennis affiliation with the Parisi Speed School. Participants will learn the basics of After-school youth tennis lessons are running, jumping, throwing, and relays. back! The program is open to 1st–8th In addition, there will be some casual graders, and age groups will be split into meet options with other rec programs. All different time slots listed below. Tennis participants will receive a t-shirt. lessons will be held at the tennis courts This program is for children ages 7 to 14 at the Charlotte town beach. Student-to- as of 12/31/16. instructor ratio will not exceed 6:1. Space Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, is limited, and spots will be allocated on a June 15 - July 20 location: CVU tiMe: first-come, first-served basis. You may 6:15–7:45 p.m. cost: $50 (Scholarships are sign your child up for both sessions. available) Parent volunteers are welcome. *Please note: Depending on roster tiM serrell tennis clinic sizes, those in 4th and 5th grade may be assigned to either group. Tim Serrell was a summer resident of groups anD session tiMes Charlotte who loved to play tennis. When Grades 1–5, 3:30–4:30 p.m. he died, he left money in a trust fund to Grades 4–8, 4:30–5:30 p.m. provide free tennis lessons to the children session 1: Mondays and Tuesdays, of Charlotte. The program began in 1989 May 2–May 17 (6 lessons) and has become a Charlotte summer tradiCost per session: $70 (6 lessons). tion. Younger children will play during the Make-up/rain days the following Friday early time slot. Your child will be assigned session 2: Mondays and Wednesdays, a time once registration for the clinic is May 23–June 8 (6 lessons) complete. Please fill out a Charlotte recrecost per session: $70 (6 lessons). ation registration form so we can account Make-up/rain days the following for numbers and ages. Space is limited Wednesday graDes: 1–8 Date: June 20–24 tiMe: things to bring: Please bring a 8:30–9:30 a.m. and 9:30–10:30 a.m. tennis racquet (junior racquets are location: Charlotte Beach cost: Free recommended for 1st–4th graders). All (please consider a donation to help cover participants must wear sneakers. Make the costs of the tennis balls, nets, and sure your child has a water bottle. instructors)
after-school horseback riDing at liverY stables
gdarling@gmavt.net
Her philosophy while instructing youth is “learning by doing.” Participants are encouraged to do their very best while feeling comfortable in a safe and noncompetitive environment. You will learn the basics of horse care, including how to groom, feed and manage on foot, as well as how to ride and show. All levels welcome. Dates: Thursday afternoons, May 5– June 9 location: Livery Stables (601 Lavigne Hill Rd. Hinesburg) graDes: K-8 tiMe: 3:30–5 p.m. cost: $120
charlotte green thuMbs suMMer caMp
Kim Johansen has been running Get dirty. Have fun. Make friends. horse camps and lessons for 22 years. Outside. Your thumbs will turn green after a week in Charlotte’s school gardens this summer! Play and work with friends to deepen knowledge and boost excitement about vegetables, fruits, seeds, pollination, decomposition and garden ecosystems. Learn the jobs of a farmer during our walking field trip to visit the animals at Philo Ridge Farm. Each afternoon, transform into a chef to prepare a daily snack using ingredients just harvested from the garden. Don’t forget to save some energy for playing on the playground, yoga,
creating garden-themed art and hiking Pease Mountain! The world is your garden. Come DIG it!! Week 1: June 20–24. Half day: 9 a.m. to noon. Grades K–3. Cost: $125 Week 2: August 1–5. Full day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Grades K–5. Cost: $250. Week 3: August 8-12 Full Day: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Grades K–5. Cost: $250 location: Charlotte Central School Garden *Sign up for both weeks in August and get $50 off the second week!
caMp hoopla! let’s put on a shoW! Play with the pros in music and circus arts. Develop talents in music, theatrical clowning, juggling, and improvisation with Mr. Smith and WOODHEAD! Dates: June 20–24. tiMe: 10a.m.–3 p.m. ages: 10–14. Cost: $250. location: Charlotte Central School
british soccer caMp The British Soccer camp will be held the week of July 11–15 at Charlotte Central School. The camp staff is selected and trained in the UK exclusively to work in these camps. They have a genuine interest in helping each player’s development and providing memorable positive experiences. Please see the four camps offered below: first k icks: Ages 3–4. 8–9 a.m. Resident $67, nonresident $77. Young players are introduced to game basics through fundamental activities, games and fun soccer challenges. One hour a day for 5 days (parents invited to stay) Mini-soccer: Ages 4–6. 5–6:30 p.m. Resident $90, nonresident $100. Fun games, competitions and skill building activities are designed to enlighten and develop a budding player. half-DaY plaYer DevelopMent caMp: Ages 9-12. 9 a.m. to noon. Resident $138, nonresident $148. Emphasis is placed upon skill development and mastery of core techniques through individual and small group practices and coached games. full-DaY plaYer DevelopMent caMp. Ages 7–15, 9–3 p.m. Resident $190, nonresident $200. A more advanced camp for serious players. Full-day camps focus on game-related techniques, tactical development and coached match play. *Host a coach! It’s a great experience for your family and there is an $80 rebate on your registration! Registration MUST be completed online at goo.gl/7dBuv1
tetrabrazil soccer caMp The TetraBrazil Academy provides players with authentic Brazilian coaching. TetraBrazil Soccer Camp combines learning Brazilian techniques, footwork, moves—and fun! This camp will be held at Charlotte Central School the week of July 18-22
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The CharloTTe News • MarCh 24, 2016 • 9 Three-hour camp from 8 a.m. to noon. Ages 6–16. $160. Nonresident $170 Six-hour camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 8–18, $210. Nonresident $220 Registration MUST be completed online at goo.gl/LfE6b0.
with a 2:1 student teacher ratio, it allows us to provide the best learning environment for your young golfer. They learn the skills of the short game and long game so that they will be able to navigate the golf course by themselves. Rules, safety, etiquette, and fitness are taught in a fun and interesting summer horseback riding camp aT manner. Each player receives a ball mark repair tool, junior golf instruction book, livery sTables achievement golf towel, and a golf hat. all levels welcome. daTes: August 8–11 (Mondayweek 1: July 25–29, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Cost: Thursday). Time: Noon–3 p.m. ages: $350 8–15. cosT: $220. locaTion: Cedar Knoll week 2: August 8–12, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Country Club Cost: $350 locaTion: Livery Stables, 601 Lavigne adulT programs Hill Rd. Hinesburg. booT camp. Get fit with boot camp volTage soccer camp instructor Kristin on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 6–7 a.m. at Professional soccer academy invites Charlotte Central School. We hope to see young soccer enthusiasts, ages 5–18, to be you there! a part of a challenging educational experipickle ball. Adult pickle ball is held ence. The academy offers an opportunity indoors until summer arrives. All levels to learn and enjoy many aspects of the are welcome on Wednesdays from 6–7:30 game of soccer in a competitive environ- p.m. at Charlotte central school. ment from current professional players. maT pilaTes. Come flow through a Emphasis is placed on the development, series of dynamic movements that restore improvement and refinement of basic balance to core muscles of the lower back playing skills. Attention is given to the and abdominals. Class is held every Friday instruction of good ball-control habits and at Charlotte Central School from 6–7 a.m. movement techniques in challenging drills fly fishing class. Have you ever been and simulated match situations. All partic- interested in fly fishing but didn’t know ipants receive a ball, T-shirt and tickets to where to start? In this three-hour session a voltage game. we’ll cover equipment and how to use it, daTe: August 1–5 Time: 9 a.m.–noon. basic fly casting techniques, why fish cosT: $115. locaTion: Charlotte Central take a fly, and several important knots. School Equipment for the session will be supplied, Registration MUST be completed although if you have a fly rod, please bring online at below voltagesportsclub.com/ it. Sheila Reid is the VT/NH Program Camps/rescamps.html Coordinator for Casting for Recovery™ and Rhey Plumley is an International summer sailing camp Federation of Fly Fishers certified casting instructor. All profits from this course Come learn the lifelong sport of sailing! will benefit the Central Vermont Trout Campers will learn the basics of rigging, Unlimited chapter, whose mission is to point of sail, sailing maneuvers, safety conserve, protect and restore local trout and recovery in a safe, fun environment and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. designed to promote comfort and independaTe: May 7 (rain date: May 8) Time: 9 dence in the boat. a.m.–noon. Cost: $70. Location: Charlotte daTes: July 25–29. Time: 9 a.m. to Beach. noon. ages: 8–10 and 11–15. cosT: $210. locaTion: The Community Sailing Center Full and partial scholarships are availBurlington, Vt. able for all youth recreation activities.
Junior players golf camp The junior golf mini-camps at the Ultimate Golf-School are the best around, and the kids play on the course every day! The camps are limited to four players, and
You can find additional information on all of our programs as well as registration forms online at charlottevt.org under the ‘Recreation’ tab, or email Nicole Conley, Recreation@townofcharlotte.com, or call 425-6129 ext.204.
Town clerk resigns
continued from page 1
of 2 percent for those employees in the job over 20 years at the recent March 14 meeting. The conflict in positions held by both sides of the issue is complex. Mead has been trying to get what she considers adequate compensation for multiple additional duties. She has been supported so far by Selectboard members Jacob Spell and Carrie Spear. On the other hand, Selectboard members Lane Morrison and Fritz Tegatz are holding to the line set by former board members Charles Russell and Ellie Russell. Selectman Matt Krasnow, who was instrumental in revising and correcting the SAP, was absent from the most recent meeting while attending the birth of his first child. His position on this matter is unknown as of the time of writing. The Selectboard’s position is that Vermont Statutes are general in prescribing duties for the town clerks and treasurers. Title 24 VSA § 1165 simply sets their hours of availability, requiring them essentially to be open and available for inspection of public records “upon request at all reasonable hours.” Mead believes that because her wages were re-calculated based on a 40-hour week, her salary should reflect that (see her presentation here: goo.gl/oC3i1v). She also restated the numerous additional duties that her office performs with a limited work force. Her request for a raise of about $9,000 was supported by Selectmen Spear and Spell, but failed on a tie vote. The other side of the argument is that Title 32 VSA §1224 states that, “Town clerks shall receive such salaries as the town may vote, to be paid by their respective towns each year.” The VLCT interprets this to apply also to the treasurer position. The Selectboard’s interpretation of §1224 is that since no specific tasks or hours are mandated by statute, the salary for a combined town clerk and treasurer position is essentially an annual salary and that hourly rates do not apply in the formulation of pay. They point out that the clerk/treasurer salary is a line item on this year’s town budget, which was voted on and approved by the town at Town Meeting. Suggesting machinations and acrimony toward the current Selectboard chair, Mead’s resignation letter ended with, “Well played Lane, well played.” Chairman Morrison declined to comment.
letter of resignation. I’ll decide what is the right time frame, but it will be quite quickly.” (Watch the interchange in its entirety on VCAM’s website here: goo.gl/ fkDKea) A look back at the history of the issue is instructive. At the 2014 Town Meeting (bit. ly/1XsMwbY) two handouts, one prepared by Mead and the other by the Selectboard, were placed on the seats. Both handouts attempted to justify their differing positions on town clerk pay but confused many in the audience. At issue was how to compare clerk, treasurer and collector of delinquent taxes salaries in similar towns. There were, generally speaking, no two towns the same. Some had clerks, treasurers and delinquent tax collectors in a variety of combinations and sizes, while others had each of the three positions but had additional support from financial analysts and other dedicated personnel. The Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT) publishes a comparison book, but this was found by the Selectboard to be of little value because of the wide variety of office combinations. After visiting a number of towns for answers, the board and the town’s attorney concluded that combined town clerk and treasurer’s positions were quite common. Selectboard chair Lane Morrison noted at the 2014 Town Meeting that “the average for a clerk/treasurer for 18 towns was $51,046.” Mead’s salary for 2013-14 was $61,986 which according to Morrison “was the second highest salary.” The voters at the Town Meeting were then invited to change the town budget line for the town clerk/ treasurer but did not do so. The resultant discussions led to the Selectboard devoting more than 50 meetings to develop what is now called the Salary Administration Policy (SAP). The idea was to study other towns’ wage scales for their employees and base Charlotte’s policy on that of comparable towns. Mead’s position became a new cause celebre when the salary step table was capped at 15 years. The Selectboard had chosen that level as the ultimate step when comparing plans with other towns and getting support from a noted human resources expert in the subject. Because Mead had been in the position for 22 years, she was effectively capped out. This How do you feel about Mary Mead’s became another thorn in the side of the resignation? Let us know on our Facebook Selectboard when at multiple board meet- page or send us an email—news@thecharings Mead’s supporters, as well as Mead lottenews.org. herself, claimed that she had been singled out for less than fair treatment despite her long and dedicated service to the town. The Selectboard, upon reflection, approved an extraordinary step increase
10 • March 24, 2016 • The charloTTe News
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The CharloTTe News • MarCh 24, 2016 • 11
CHARLOTTE CONSERVATION CURRENTS Pollinators gone missing What we can do to bring them back Mel Huff CONTRIBUTOR
T
hree years ago I planted a hummingbird and butterfly garden using handsome new cultivars, something I’d fantasized about doing for years. The bed attracted lots of hummingbirds, although not as many butterflies as I expected. The next year, I dug a clump of catmint out of the bed (it was spreading too rampantly), moved it to a nearby “holding” bed and left it to its own devices. The catmint bloomed prolifically. Later I found two fuzzy mulleins shooting up nearby, their spikes covered with buds. Another plant I had set out there—a mystery plant—turned out to be an old-fashioned turtlehead. As soon as the catmint began to bloom, a cloud of butterflies hovered over it. Bumblebees nearly obscured the blossoms covering the spikes of mullein and turtlehead. I had accidentally created a pollinator garden! The two beds became experiments for the claims of artificially hybridized plants versus wildflowers and native species. Few pollinators were attracted to the cultivars bred with aesthetics in mind, even to those advertised as attractive to butterflies. But a profusion of bees and butterflies were attracted to the plants common to their home range. (Full disclosure: There were exceptions: butterflies were drawn to several varieties of salvia and to a butterfly bush that failed to survive the winter.) Here’s why this discovery matters. At least 10 percent of the monetary value of agriculture is due to pollinators, and some experts claim that as many as three-quarters of the world’s food crops depend at least partially on pollination. Meanwhile, the population of pollinators—worldwide, as well as in Vermont— is suffering steep declines.
Pollinators face extinction In February, the first global assessment of the status of pollinators was published by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). It reported that up to 40 percent of invertebrate pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, are facing extinction. “Their decline,” said Sir Robert Watson, the organization’s vice chair, “is primarily due to changes in land use, intensive agricultural practices and pesticide use, alien invasive species, diseases and pests, and climate change.” Last summer an article in the journal Science, “Climate Change Impacts on Bumblebees Converge Across Continents,” raised concerns about the decline of a key pollinator. Among the authors was Leif Richardson, a postdoctoral research fellow at UVM’s Gund Institute for Ecological Economics. Richardson’s work focuses on bees, the plants they pollinate and the causes and consequences of bee species
decline. The study measured differences in the northern and southern limits of the bumblebees’ ranges for three periods since 1975, a time span that saw a rise in temperature of around 2.5º C (4.5º F). It then compared the ranges during the study periods to the bumblebees’ ranges between 1901 and 1974, the year before the study began. The researchers expected the ranges to expand northward as warming increased, like that of most other species, including butterflies. What they found surprised them. The limit of the bumblebees’ southern range moved north by more than 180 miles, but the limit of their northern range remained unchanged. In other words, their range had shrunk substantially. The results, the researchers said, “require urgent evaluation.” The study said nothing about the abundance of bumblebees in the now-constricted zone. Noting that colonies don’t do well in hot climates, Richardson observed that “Vermont may still be a place where they can persist.” That said, he doesn’t rule out the possibility of “a precipitous decline” in some species of bumblebees in Vermont. Two that were very common throughout their range in the Northeast became rare or absent after 2000. However, Richardson added, “I don’t know if we could see a rapid loss of a large number of different species all at once.”
Pollinators need helP The most important thing people can do to help pollinators, Richardson said, “is to think about the large-scale challenges that they face.” One of these is climate change. Richardson urges us to limit the amount of carbon dioxide we create and prevent it from entering the atmosphere. On the local level, he said, residents
Photo: Nancy Adamson/Xerces Society of towns like Charlotte can help pollinators by limiting habitat loss caused by the parcelization of land and fragmentation of forests, a result of subdividing large parcels of land and clearing woods for house sites. (There are other development models that preserve natural resources.) We can also reduce or eliminate our use of pesticides. And we can inform ourselves about the threat to native wild bees caused by diseases introduced by managed bees imported for commercial purposes. The IPBES report suggests other action we can take to protect pollinators: “Create greater diversity of pollinator habitats in agricultural and urban landscapes.” Farmers can plant pollinator-friendly cover crops or use them in crop rotation. Homeowners can “(add) bee forage into
natural buffers along streams, woodland edges, and hedgerows … along the road, along driveways, and where there is already a lot of native plant growth.” We can add white clover and thyme to our lawns, and instead of mowing the front of our land, use it to restore foraging areas. Perhaps neighbors will join in and one day our roads will be lined with swathes of wildflowers. Imagine! For more resources on this topic, see the online version of this article at charlottnewsvt.org.
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12 • March 24, 2016 • The charloTTe News
Sports
Edd Merritt Sports Roundup Cougar/Hawks skate to state title A women’s hockey team blended among players from three high schools— Mount Mansfield Union, CVU and one player from Mt. Abraham—captured the Division II state championship over U-32 with a 5-2 win at the Gut on March 9. Led by Redhawk Jackie Ryan with two goals and two assists, followed closely by her schoolmates Lauren Hanley with a goal and Lydia Maitland with a goal and an assist, CVU gave Mount Mansfield its punch. Beginning with a strong offense, the Cougar/Hawks pulled to a 3-1 lead after two periods. Concerned by their year-end loss to Burr and Burton, where they went into the final frame ahead by two goals, the Cougar/Hawks enter the third period anxious. However, after scoring early in the third on a power play and going up 4-1, they rebuilt their confidence.
COLBY JORDAN ACCEPTING HIS 1ST PLACE SYRUP AWARD
in a high scoring battle, 96-91.
All-state ski teams contain some familiar names
The Vermont coaches’ all-state Alpine and Nordic teams contain a number of familiar names. CVU’s Emma Owens and Rice Memorial’s Anna Schibli earned placement on the all-state Alpine team for women. On the Nordic trails, Charlotte’s and CVU’s Tatum Braun made the Division I all-state team among women. Tyler Marshall, Baxter Bishop, Sadie Otley is Peter Unger and Ben Logenbach were Gatorade basketball Redhawks named to the men’s Division Player of the Year I Nordic team. Honorable mention went to Meara Heininger and Sophia Gorman, For the last four years, the Gatorade women, and Jack Koskinen and Harken Player of the Year has come from Spillane, men. Champlain Valley Union High School. The last two years have been all Charlotte with Most CVU runners wait Laurel Jaunich named last year and Sadie Otley this year. It is nearly impossible to for warm weather ignore leading players on a team that holds With the exception of Elliot Eastman, a 95-game winning streak and who, in fact, the Coaches’ Association indoor track have never known what a loss feels like over all-stars contained no Redhawk names. their high school careers. Sadie, Laurel and Eastman earned honorable mention along Charlotter Annabelle Pugliese played in with nine other men. the annual Vermont Basketball Coaches’ All-Star game. Laurel led the way for the Mater Christie CYO northern team’s win with 11 points. Sadie was close behind her with nine. Laurel runners’ up also received recognition as the VBCA The Mater Christie boys basketball women’s Player of the Year, while Coach team for 7th and 8th grade was runner Ute Otley was named women’s Coach of up in the CYO tournament at Rice High the Year by her colleagues. School. Charlotte’s Walter Briggs is CVU’s Walker Storey represented a member of the team and will travel his team on the northern men’s side. to Hartford, Connecticut, for the New Unfortunately, the North lost by five points England Tournament in April.
CASSIE FRANKLIN
Charlotte alpine ski racers advance to championship events Colby Jordan is enjoying a fruitful winter as a post-graduate at the Mt. Mansfield Ski Club. On March 14, Stowe hosted the Super-G FIS Finals, the first event in a championship series featuring the highest level of Eastern ski racers. Colby smoked his second Super G run to finish the day in first place, taking home a golden bottle of maple syrup as his reward. Sun Valley, Idaho, is the next stop for Colby, where he has qualified for the 2016 US Alpine Championships. Colby will be competing in all events at the Nationals, from March 22–March 27. Cassie Franklin is also at Mount Mansfield Ski Club. Her strong performance at the U16 state championships earned her a spot at the USSA Eastern Alpine Jr. Championships in Sugarloaf, Maine. The event took place March 10–15 and featured the top 81 female alpine racers from the Eastern states, ranging from North Carolina to Maine. Cassie’s best finish at Easterns was a 16th place slalom run. Cassie’s next stop was Mt. Tremblant, Quebec, where she was invited
TREVOR MCGLAFLIN
to compete in the CanAm U16 Intersport Championship from March 20–March 23. Trevor McGlaflin, a Charlotter currently attending the Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS), also represented Vermont at the USSA Eastern Alpine Jr. Championships. Trevor competed in a field of 85 select U16 men. On the first day of the men’s slalom event, Trevor scored a first place victory! Based on his impressive results at Easterns, Trevor is now bound for Snowbird, Utah. From March 27–April 1 Trevor will participate in the USSA Alpine U16 National Championships at the Snowbird Resort. All 3 of these Charlotte skiers have skied almost every day since November (who knew there was still snow in the mountains?) and we applaud the results of their hard work and dedication. Kyle Darling, a ski coach with Charlotte roots, will also be at the Nationals in Sun Valley and Snowbird. Kyle is currently the USSA Eastern Region development coach. Olivia Zubarik, a Charlotter and U14 alpine racer at GMVS, also qualified to race in Eastern Alpine Jr. Championships. The U14 Easterns were held March 18–21 at Sunday River, Maine.
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The CharloTTe News • MarCh 24, 2016 • 13
Out-Doors Recipe for surviving a warm, snowless winter Elizabeth Bassett CONTRIBUTOR
To those who hate cold and snow, I hope you enjoyed this winter! (And why, might I ask, do you live in Northern Vermont?) For others who pine for eight months waiting to ski, snowshoe, sled or ice skate, here are some lessons learned this winter.
Snowmaking Downhill ski areas have been making snow for decades. It’s hard to conjure how awful conditions sometimes were before snowmaking and modern grooming. A recent Burlington Free Press article tallied some quantities for this season: Sugarbush blew 235 million gallons of water-turned-to-snow and Okemo nearly 400 million. Only in recent years have cross-country centers begun to make snow. This winter Nordic skiing was often on white stuff made or manipulated by man and machine. From the Sleepy Hollow website in mid-January: “Yesterday I used a leaf blower to move snow from the woods to the trail.” Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe blew a mountain of snow and then trucked it to
low elevation trails that connected to natural snow farther up the hill. Craftsbury, the king of Nordic snowmaking, and nearby Sleepy Hollow use solar electricity produced on site to fuel their snowmaking. During our snow drought, Rikert Nordic Center in Middlebury hosted the Middlebury College Winter Carnival on a mix of natural and man-made snow.
go north Even during previous snow-poor winters Charlotters merely needed to drive to Craftsbury Outdoor Center for better conditions. This season, however, even with snow making and farming— moving snow by shovel and bucket loaders—Craftsbury was limited for a chunk of the season to a 4-km loop of artificial snow. So, to the far north we had to go. Mount Sainte Anne, about 40 minutes beyond Quebec City, had a bounty of natural snow this winter. A four-plus hour drive from Charlotte, Mt. Sainte Anne grooms its 200 kilometers of trails to perfection for both skating and classic skiing. On a recent visit only a few trail closures marred an otherwise flawless day. It seems that 12 moose share the Nordic terrain with visiting bipeds. Post-holing mothers and yearlings left steaming deposits on several trails and frightened some skiers; hence the trail closures.
Quietly making noise
Caleb’s story Jorden Blucher CONTRIBUTOR
In the fall of 2014, Caleb, a bright blond-headed boy with inquisitive eyes and a great curiosity for learning, started kindergarten. He loved his teacher, made friends easily and was happy to go to school. Then Caleb began to come home with stories of how Joey was tormenting some of the kids on the playground. One time he told his mom, Rebecca, that Joey pushed Timmy so hard that he split his chin on the concrete, requiring Timmy to get stitches. The stories continued, as did the accusations that the recess attendants spent more time talking among themselves than they did watching the children. Caleb has never been one to tolerate injustice, and he tried to protect the other kids when he saw them being bullied. This quickly made Caleb the target. The gang would chase after him and yell “Get him!” and Caleb would run and hide. His mom talked to him about not running and hiding and perhaps playing closer to the teachers, but Caleb did not like that idea. He and his friends liked to play by the swings where
they had a lot of space to run. One day while Caleb was climbing the ladder on the jungle gym, Joey started beating him on the head, then he tried to kick Caleb in the face. Rebecca sent a note to the teacher and called the guidance counselor, but only got her voicemail. The next day Caleb’s teacher sat down with Joey, Caleb and another boy to talk about what was going on. The boys refused to sit near Joey out of fear. In the end the teacher made Joey write an apology. The teacher told Rebecca that Joey was often in trouble for this kind of behavior. The guidance counselor, who worked only a couple of days a week, called back a few days later. She was surprised that Joey was acting like this and said she had not heard of him doing such nasty things. The recess attendants, the counselor stated, said that Caleb had started a group of kids who reported bad behavior to one recess attendant in particular––the attendant claimed that Caleb had a wild imagination and was trying to fulfill a dream of being a superhero. see Bullying, page 17
AVALANCHE LAKE IN THE ADIRONDACKS, NY
go weSt If there is ice, John Rosenthal will find it. A recent feature on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered accompanied John and a friend on Nordic skates over miles of frozen lakes in the Adirondacks. Additional elevation produced beautiful ice this winter—and lots of it! Ask John or listen to this link: goo.gl/sOk1oI
hike Folks have been hiking this winter, using micro spikes, crampons, or other forms of traction. On a recent sunny Sunday, Myra Handy and husband Steve Dickens, who are building a home in East Charlotte, ventured to Avalanche Lake in the Adirondacks for a 10-mile hike. The trailhead is at the Adirondack Loj, near
Lake Placid, about an hour from the ferry dock in Essex. The Adirondack Mountain Club requests that hikers traveling above 3,000 feet wear snowshoes in soft snow to avoid post-holing, which makes trails more difficult and hazardous for other users. “There was no snow at the beginning of the trail and about 18 inches at Avalanche Lake,” Myra says. “We carried snowshoes but didn’t need them. There was a lot of ice on the trail so the micro spikes were very helpful.” “Our hike took about five hours because we took our time,” Myra says. “Others were doing the hike much more quickly. We got back to Essex in time for the last ferry of the day at 5:30 p.m. Our dog Bella joined us, on her leash,” Myra adds. “Beware, there are stiff fines for owners of unleashed dogs!” Happy spring!
14 • March 24, 2016 • The charloTTe News
HONOR ROLL 2015/16 Congratulations to all the Charlotte students who made the honor roll this semester/quarter. For your efforts, The Charlotte News presents you with a lofty quote about education to keep you searching for all the answers—never stop learning.
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The CharloTTe News • MarCh 24, 2016 • 15
Non-judgment: Embracing reality
The Big Kahuna. The mother of all mindfulness practices. Get this one and you immediately move on to the bonus round Mark Nash CONTRIBUTOR
We humans, and especially those of us raised in a Western culture, just love to put things into categories. It helps us to make sense of things and creates order out of chaos. And our favorite categories fall into the realm of good and bad, or right and wrong. We are led to believe that by making these distinctions we can have orderly lives complete with clear instructions on how to live them. The problem from a mindfulness perspective is that these distinctions are almost entirely arbitrary. Naming something good or bad is simply a matter of opinion or taste or…judgment. In reality, things don’t fall into these neat categories naturally—we put them there. Or to quote Shakespeare, “… there is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.” Obviously some legal and social bounds must be observed. But when it comes to the behavior of those around
Food Shelf News Kerrie Pughe CONTRIBUTOR
donations Please consider a donation to the Food Shelf during these post-holiday winter months. In past years the Food Shelf counted on the Feinstein Challenge to Fight Hunger to help us replenish our shelves and cash account, however this program has been suspended until further notice. We are a volunteer organization so all donations you make to the Food Shelf go directly for food or assistance to our local 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, P.O. Box 83, Charlotte, Vermont 05445
new facebook page “Like” us at our new Facebook page, Charlotte Community Food Shelf and Assistance, to see
us, we often make judgements based on our opinions and preferences rather than some objective truth about the way things “should” be. And then there are our own thoughts, feelings and actions, and these are the ones on which we often pass the harshest judgment. How do we make choices about how to live our lives if we’re not making these clear distinctions between good and bad?
this particular way,” you could say, “I want to behave in this way.” For example, instead of “I should exercise more,” note how much more empowering it is to say, “I want to exercise more.” Or rather than saying “The world should be (fill in the blank),” you could note that you wish the world were different than it is but that wishing won’t make it so, and that accepting the world as it is leads to decreased struggles. (Of course, you could also choose to do something to make changes, but that’s another subject.)
Mindfulness practice takes a pragMatic approach
Contemplating an action? Rather than asking yourself if it’s the “right” thing to do, ask instead whether it’s a useful thing to do. Does it move you closer to meeting your goals? Does it align with your core values? What about feelings, though? We’ve all had those times when we think, “Well, I shouldn’t feel so upset about this.” Or when we get angry, we think, “Oh, it’s wrong to feel this way.” The main thing to remember about feelings is that we have very little control over what emotions show up, and so to blame or judge ourselves for our feelings is a little like judging the weather when it rains. So instead of telling ourselves that some feelings are better or worse (more opinions), the most factual thing we can say is, I prefer some emotions over others. No right or wrong, just personal preferences. And then there are thoughts, which are both the source and object of most judgment. We use our minds to tell ourselves that some of our thoughts are good and some are bad. And here, mindfulness photos and get updates on all the Food Shelf activities.
wish list Snacks for children for after school and weekends, such as dried fruit, Goldfish, crackers and peanut butter.
thank you Thank you to Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s confirmation class for the generous donations collected during the “Souper Bowl for Caring” food drive on Super Bowl Sunday. The Food Shelf is honored to have received gifts in memory of Anne Doris, Bill Doris’s mother, from Emile and Diane Cote, Jim and Peggy Sharpe, Maureen Nelson, Mike and Cher Nelson and Mark and Barb Askegaard. Thank you to the following for their support: Beth and Ed Merritt, the Farm Stand, Meg Berlin, the Eileen Curtis family, Charlotte Organic COOP and the Ladies of the Lake Red Hat Society.
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 (see schedule). We
again suggests a pragmatic approach by asking, Is this thought useful? If so, then keep on thinking it! And if not, maybe we can substitute another thought that would be more useful. So, to use the example of driving in traffic, our good/bad brain tells us that being stuck in traffic is a terrible thing, and it shouldn’t be this way. If we can switch to a mindful state, we might say, I’m sitting in a car, moving towards my destination. In this moment, there is nothing wrong, and since I can’t do anything to change my circumstances, I accept my current situation, which will eventually change on its own, as things inevitably do.
eliMinate the word “should” If there’s one practice you can engage in which will help you avoid judgement—of yourself or others, of the world—it’s to eliminate the word “should.” Rather than applying the arbitrary standard that this word suggests, try replacing it with a statement of preference. That is, instead of saying, “I (or they) should behave in
request that all fresh foods be dropped off at the Food Shelf by 7:30 a.m. on the Thursday distribution mornings or before the Wednesday distribution hours. The Charlotte Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry. Distribution days/ times are posted in this newspaper and on the bulletin board in the Charlotte Congregational Church Hall. You may also call the Food Shelf number (425-3252) for a recording of the distribution times. We are open to all community residents. Privacy is very important and respected in our mission of neighbor helping neighbor. For emergency food call John 425-3130 For emergency assistance (electricity, fuel) call Cindi at 425-3234 For more information call Karen at 425-3252 or visit our website at sites.google.com/site/ charlottefoodshelfvt/
accept reality as it is An attitude of non-judgment, or acceptance of reality as it is rather than as we wish it were, is the capstone and encapsulation of mindfulness practice. When we can be fully aware of our own circumstances, stay connected to the here and now and accept things as they are, we find that life becomes a whole lot less stressful. Looking at our lives through the lens of mindfulness, we release resentments of the perceived flaws in ourselves and the world. In its place we cultivate gratitude for what we have and appreciation for who we are. And therein lies our path to greater peace, fulfillment and wellbeing. This is the second in a series of three articles about mindfulness practice; the first appeared in the Feb. 11 issue of The News. Mark Nash lives in Charlotte and has a psychotherapy practice in Burlington. For questions or comments about this article you can contact him at marknashvt.com.
16 • March 24, 2016 • The charloTTe News
Senior Center News
Mary Recchia CONTRIBUTOR
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End Charlotte Library Director Margaret Woodruff and Alice Outwater, Ph.D., will continue to lead a discussion on Atul Gawande’s book on Monday afternoons from 1–2:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. March 28: We take up the questions of dependence and assistance from Chapters 3 and 4. How do we balance our need for support with our desire to provide it? April 4: What is your definition of “A Better Life?” Does this correspond with the narratives in Gawande’s book? And how does that translate into the difficult process of “Letting Go?” Bring your ideas and questions to our discussion. April 11: How do we share decisions? How do we start a conversation with family members? This session brings us to the difficult conversations and possible confrontations about end-of-life care. Does the book provide helpful guidelines? Registration required. No fee. Gardening for Purple and Green Thumbs, with Roswitha Baslow, Mary Lovejoy and Sukey Condict, will start Monday afternoons from 1–2:30, beginning March 28. Whether you know a lot about gardening, would like to know more or simply enjoy the intrigue of beautiful plants, this gathering is for you. Designed to bring “garden-smart people” together to share
knowledge with others, all are welcome to come enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded garden fairies! Some will take tips and advice back to their home gardens. Others may not have gardens of their own anymore but still like to dig in the dirt. Maybe you never have had gardens but wish to provide many hands to make light work of the landscape task here at the Center under the direction of a gardener. Whatever your motivation, we hope to see you on the 28th. Registration required. No fee. Memories, Celebrations & Dreams—Creating Unique Art, with Lynn Cummings on Tuesday mornings from 9:15–12:15. Dates: March 29 and April 5. In this new class we’ll be creating multi-layered works of art based on a theme chosen by each student. You might, for instance, choose the theme of a wedding, or an ancestor, or a child’s (or your!) accomplishment. Or you may create a work of art based on something you want to do but haven’t done yet. The subject is up to each student. You must get the supply list at least a few days prior to class, as each person’s project will be started with a layer of textual photocopies. You do not need to know how to draw or paint, but you do need to bring an open mind! You will see demos on creating a “ghost image” from a photograph and making collage papers to enhance your work of art. Registration required. Fee: $48. A Healthier Living with Diabetes Workshop, facilitated by Jill McKenzie, R.N. and Robyn Skiff of the UVM Medical Center, will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 1– 3:30. Dates: April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3 and 10. Learn to feel better! The Healthier Living Workshop (HLW) is a program to assist people with chronic disease to develop the skills needed to
Thursday morning Pilates class with instructor, Phyllis Bartling. Photo: Mary Recchia
effectively manage their own health. If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, this workshop is for you! Caregivers and family members are welcome. Topics covered in the free 6-week, 2 ½ hour sessions include healthy eating and nutrition, glucose monitoring, physical activity, medications, stress management/ relaxation techniques, skin and foot care, and working with the health care system. Registration required. No fee.
A collection of lectures, performAnces And speciAl events showcAsing the diverse interests of our community
Wednesday afternoons beginning at 1 p.m. No registration or fee.
Art Show, fiber artists will gather together to talk about and demonstrate how they accomplish their art. Observers will see demonstrations of such artistry as wool spun into yarn, rugs hooked, and products of different kinds of quilting and weaving among others. A rare treat indeed! apr. 6: the baroque enseMble 5 The Baroque period in Western European music is understood to be from about 1600 to 1750. The name comes from the Portuguese word, barroco, meaning oddly shaped pearl. Come learn about the music and compo sers of that era with examples of the music performed by Robin Milne, piano, John Milne, bassoon, Betty Miles, recorder, Steve Mayer, recorder, and Betsy Silcox, violin. Special guests Juna, Lake and River Segel will add selections from their classical piano repertoire.
Mar. 30: Fiber artist deMonstrations As a finale for the February and March
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The CharloTTe News • MarCh 24, 2016 • 17
Margaret Woodruff CONTRIBUTOR
UPCOMING AT THE CHARLOTTE LIBRARY Tuesdays: It’s time for story time! March 8–April 14. Preschool Lunch Bunch, Tuesdays 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Please bring a packed lunch. (For children ages 3 to 5 who can enjoy story time with or without a guardian.) Early Elementary Story Time (Kindergarten and First Grade), Tuesdays 3:15 to 4:15. Extend the school day enjoying books, songs, poems and crafts. Students ride the blue bus to library. Registration required for both sessions. Mondays, March 28, April 4, 1 p.m.: Being Mortal Book Discussion. Parts two and three of our discussion, covering chapters 3 and 4 on the 28th and 5 and 6 on the 4th. Copies available at the circulation desk for checkout. Meets at Charlotte Senior Center. Tuesday, March 29, 7 p.m.: The Hummingbird, Last Rites & Hospice Care. Author and advocate Stephen Kiernan discusses this key topic in
contemporary healthcare. Copies of both books available for checkout at the circulation desk. Thursday, March 31, 7 p.m.: Introduction to Great Decisions. We’re organizing a group to learn about and discuss the key issues of the day: Middle East alliances, the rise of ISIS, the Kurds, migration, the Koreas, the United Nations, the US and Cuba, and climate change. A reading guide and accompanying video presentations are supplied by the Foreign Policy Association, so no expertise necessary! Each week features a different topic for conversation, facilitated by Vince Crockenberg and Jim Hyde. If you’ve got an interest or experience in one of the topics and would be willing to share your knowledge, please contact Margaret at the library, 425-3864. Program free of charge and materials available at the circulation desk. Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m.: CharlotteShelburne Seed Library “Get Ready to Grow.” Got seeds? Need seeds? Join us for our third annual seed swap and garden gathering. The Seed Library has seeds to share, and our local experts have answers to your spring garden questions. Saturday, April 2, 2p.m.: Sushi 1-2-3 with Elvie Golding. Charlotte favorite returns with sushi basics in this hands-on afternoon activity for adults and teens. Registration required; please call or email the library to sign up. Tuesday, April 5, 6 p.m.: Literary Samples & Cider at The Library. The Cooking Book Club focuses on food in fiction for our next outing. If you’ve ever longed to try a recipe included in a favorite novel or story book, this is your chance! Select a dish from a fictional work, make it and bring to the Charlotte Library to share along with a brief explanation of your choice. We’ve got some bookish culinary references if you need inspiration, and we’ll provide local cider to enjoy during
the evening. Registration required; please call or email the library to sign up. National Library Week: April 10 to April 16. We will host a Library Snapshot Day and encourage everyone to stop in and show their support for the library. In addition to our “photo booth,” we will be working on our library infographic, too. Stay tuned for details! Wednesday, April 13, 7 p.m.: Deborah Felmeth: Syria: Remember Me. With a long and enduring passion for Syria, Felmeth brings her photo collection and stories of the beleaguered and beautiful land she has known since 1991. Library Board: Emily Ferris, Nan Mason, Danielle Menk, Jonathan Silverman, Robert Smith. Next Meeting: April 14, 6 p.m. TRENDY TITLES @ THE LIBRARY Adult Books: These three represent a recent trend to revisit the Brontes and their literary world. The first is self-explanatory; the next two are novels which feature young women with connections to the Brontes’ fictional worlds, from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte to The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by the least known sister, Anne Bronte. Plotted: A Literary Atlas by Daniel DeGraff (nonfiction, literary essays, cartography) Jane Steele: A Novel by Lindsay Faye (historical fiction) The Madwoman in the Attic by Catherine Lowell (historical fiction)
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The counselor mentioned that school was almost over but nonetheless she would file a report and talk to Joey’s parents. The rest of the year passed without incident, and Caleb reported that Joey was acting much better. Perhaps, Rebecca hoped, things had taken a turn. The start of first grade brought the discovery that none of Caleb’s close friends from the previous year were in his class. Caleb’s new friend, Toby, began threatening that if Caleb did not give him his school store money he would not be Caleb’s friend. In another instance he said he would bash Caleb’s face in if he didn’t give him a drawing that Caleb had done. On top of that Caleb was again coming home with stories of Joey and his gang causing terror on the playground. Once again Rebecca spoke to the teachers and the guidance counselors, and promises were made to keep a closer eye on things. His parents discussed their options and worried about what had happened to the sweet, curious boy they had sent off to kindergarten the year before. Caleb was now quick to lash out or react in anger, he cried more easily, clenched his fist and hit his dad. By Thanksgiving break even extended family members noticed a difference. The final straw came when Caleb told his parents about how before the break he was hiding in the tires from a boy who was chasing kids around and hitting them with a stick. Eventually the boy found Caleb and hit him on the back a few times before Caleb was able to run away. He lifted his shirt and showed them the faint marks on his back. Rebecca and her husband felt like the school had brushed them off and let them down. Shortly after Thanksgiving they pulled Caleb out of the school. Vermont Law states that all schools are required to have a bullying and harassment plan in place that is equal to, or more stringent than, the one developed by the state. There is even an advisory committee through the Agency of Education that helps with the setting up of these policies. We cannot just send our children off to school and think that we don’t need to engage them when they get home. We need to be asking questions, look for the subtle clues and listen to what our children have to say. I fully believe that to some extent situations like this can make a child much stronger and more fully prepared for the toxicity of our current culture. However, we need to know when to step in and pull them back from the ledge before they become part of the problem or, worse yet, decide it is just not worth facing another day. Contact: jorden@thecharlottenews.org
18 • March 24, 2016 • The charloTTe News
Community Events Linda Seiffert Reynolds shows artwork at the Walkover Gallery, Bristol In an effort to create “visual meditation,” Linda Reynolds of Monkton exhibits her work at the Walkover Gallery in Bristol this month. Linda is often seen at the Senior Center in Charlotte and had her work exhibited there recently. Her show in Bristol, “Years of Seasons,” encourages the viewer to take a moment of relaxation and reflection. The paintings capture the natural beauty of light and how it affects the clouds, water, sky, trees and mountains at various times of the day and year. All the paintings but one in the exhibit are watercolor. “Painting is a way of slowing down and celebrating life reverently,” said Reynolds. “Even though watercolor painting itself goes quickly, it requires forethought, deliberation, and can’t easily be corrected.” The gallery is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are welcome for viewings at other times. For more information, call 453-3188. Do you have a Charlotte event or an event close by that features a Charlotter? Send description, date, time and cost to Ruah Swennerfelt at calendar@ thecharlottenews.org. If it’s a public event, share what’s happening with your neighbors!
Events in Charlotte or including a Charlotter THURSDAY, MARCH 24 Event: Maundy Thursday Service at Charlotte Congregational Church. A contemplative communion service in the vestry to place hearts and minds upon Jesus’ last night with his disciples before his death with a reading of the Passion narrative. 7 p.m. Info: 4253176, charlotteucc@gmavt.net and charlotteucc.org. Event: 19-Hour Vigil at Charlotte Congregational Church. Members of the congregation are invited to sign-up individually or in pairs to keep hour-long vigils throughout the night and day. 8 p.m. Thursday to 3 p.m. Friday. Info: 425-3176, charlotteucc@gmavt.net and charlotteucc.org. FRIDAY, MARCH 25 CCS: NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher Conferences CCS: Full day specialty camps at CCS, hosted by the YMCA. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. will be a Seussical Brunch and Crafts. On the menu: Green Eggs and Ham, Pink Yink Ink Drinks and Cat In The Hat kabobs. From 12 to 4 p.m. the fun continues with games and crafts in the Cafeteria. Cost: Seussical Brunch and Crafts: $40. Full Day Specialty Camp: $50. Register at gbymca.wufoo.com/ forms/march-specialty-camp-at-ccs/. Info: Katelyn Irwin, 652-8153 or kirwin@ gbymca.org SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Event: Easter Egg Hunt at Charlotte Congregational Church. Children are invited to hunt for Easter eggs at the church. 1 p.m. Info: 4253176, charlotteucc@gmavt.net and charlotteucc.org.
Upcoming pUblic meetings Selectboard: March 28, 7 p.m. Planning Commission: April 7, 7 p.m. CSSU Board: April 26, 5 p.m. CCS Board: April 26, 7 p.m. CVU Board: April 26, 7 p.m. Act 46 Public Forum: April 12, 6 p.m. Conservation Commission: April 26, 7 p.m. Zoning Board: March 24, 7 p.m. Meeting times are subject to change. Check the town website for more info: charlottevt.org
Have yoUr say | Selectboard MeMberS | Chair, Lane Morrison, 425-2495 Matthew Krasnow, 922-2153 Carrie Spear, 425-4444 Jacob Spell, 425-6548 Fritz Tegatz, 425-5564
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Selectboard Regular Meetings are usually at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. If you would like to bring an issue to the attention of the Selectboard, contact the board chair or administrator Dean Bloch at 425-3071, ext. 205.
| ccS School board | SUNDAY, MARCH 27 Event: Easter Sunday at Charlotte Congregational Church. Those who wish to attend Sunrise Service, please meet in the parking lot at 6 a.m. We will walk through the cemetery to the top of the hill (bring mud boots!) to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and a new day. Early Easter Service, a joyous celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, will be held at 9 a.m. The same program will be held as Late Easter Service at 11 a.m. There will be no Sunday School. Info: 425-3176, charlotteucc@gmavt.net and charlotteucc.org.
MONDAY, MARCH 28 Meeting: Come join in the conversation at the Selectboard meeting at 7 p.m. THURSDAY, MARCH 31 CCS: Spelling Bee Preliminaries - grades 3 through 8. Room 304, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. FRIDAY, APRIL 1 CCS: Staff Appreciation Luncheon, sponsored by the PTO, and 2nd and 3rd grade families, Staff Room, 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wine Tasting: Enjoy good wine, food and company at the Old Lantern for the start of their 2016 Wine Tasting Dinners Series. There is an entry fee of $40 which includes wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, salad, dinner and dessert. Info: oldlantern.com or 425-2120 MONDAY, APRIL 4 Grange Meeting: The Charlotte Grange will be hosting a meeting and potluck at 6 p.m. Info: thecharlottegrange@gmail. com THURSDAY, APRIL 7 Workshop: Vermont Distinguished Writer’s Series: Stephen Kiernan. Charlotter Stephen Kiernan will be discussing his two novels and reflecting on his writing career in Vermont. Free. 5:30-6:30 p.m. NEFCU, Williston VT. Seating is limited. Info: 879-8790 or nefcu.com. Clinic: The American Red Cross will be hosting a blood donation clinic at the
Upcoming Charlotte Food Shelf Distribution Dates
Chair, Mark McDermott, 425-4860 Vice Chair Erik Beal, 425-2140 Kristin Wright, 425-5105 Clyde Baldwin, 425-3366 Susan Nostrand, 425-4999
| cVU School board-charlotte | Thursday March 24, 7:30–9:30 a.m. Wednesday April 13, 5–7 p.m. Thursday April 14, 7:30–9:30 a.m. Wednesday April, 27, 5–7 p.m. Thursday April 28, 7:30–9:30 a.m.
Charlotte Senior Center. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those in need of transfusions. Donors of all blood types are needed this spring. 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Info: redcrossblood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Theatre: The students of CCS present “Seussical the Musical” on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $6 for students and $8 for adults, and can be purchased ahead of time at ccsvt.org. The show will start at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Info: ccsvt.org.
Other area events SATURDAY, MARCH 26 Film Festival: From March 18-27, Montpelier will be hosting the 19th annual Green Mountain Film Festival. Come enjoy the best of the best in documentaries, narratives and short films! There will also be discussions, Q & A’s, and some memorable guests. Info: gmffestival.org or 262-3423. Event: Join in the festivities at Palmer’s Sugarhouse in Shelburne for food and live music. Fun for the whole family. They are open from 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through April 17. Don’t miss out! Info: http://www. palmersugarhouse.com or call 985-5054. Event: The third annual Vermont Kids Say will be held at the Sheraton Burlington Conference Center. Come enjoy a variety of fun activities designed for kids of all ages. Interact with costumed characters, enjoy performances and much more! Admission is $5 per child; parents and guardians are
Lorna Jimerson, ljimerso@wcvt.com Lynne Jaunich, lmjau@gmavt.net
| Planning coMMiSSion | Administrator, Jeannine McCrumb, 425-3071; jeannine@townofcharlotte.com Chair, Jeffrey McDonald, 425-4429 Vice Chair, Peter Joslin Members: Gerald Bouchard, Paul Landler, Charlie Pughe, Donna Stearns, Marty Illick
| Vt goVernMent | vt senate (cHittenden district) Tim Ashe, D/P-Burlington, 318-0903, tashe@leg.state.vt Philip Baruth, D-Burlington, 503-5266, pbaruth@leg.state.vt.us Virginia “Ginny” Lyons, D-Williston, 863-6129, vvlyons@leg.state.vt.us Diane Snelling, R-Hinesburg, 482-4382, dsnelling@leg.state.vt.us Michael Sirotkin, D-South Burlington, 999-4360, msirotkin@leg.state.vt.us David Zuckerman, P/D/W-Hinesburg, 598-1986, dzuckerman@leg.state.vt.us vermont HoUse Mike Yantachka, D-Charlotte, 425-3960, myantachka.dfa@gmail.com
| U.S. goVernMent | U.s. senators Patrick Leahy, 863-2525, leahy.senate.gov Bernie Sanders, 862-0697, sanders.senate.gov Us congressman Peter Welch, 652-2450, welch.house.gov
admitted free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: VermontKidsDay.com or call Marianne Apfelbaum at 872-9000 x18 Open House: Red Wagon Plants will celebrate their 10th anniversary. 12 p.m. tour of the greenhouses, 1 p.m. Part I of a Salad Fixings Workshop Series. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Info: redwagonplants.com and 482-4060.
The CharloTTe News • MarCh 24, 2016 • 19
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foxtrot in Charlotte 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 and send it to The Charlotte News Classifieds, P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 or email ads@thecharlottenews.org. Mt. Philo inn—A unique hotel situated at the base of Mt. Philo State Park with stunning panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Spacious 3 bedroom suites with 2 bathrooms and a complete kitchen. Thoughtfully designed for casual elegance. Privacy, space, tranquility. Bigger on the inside. MtPhiloInn.com, 425-3335.
Susan Sim cuaght this little critter sluething around their house on March 4. We love it when readers send us photos! What else is out there?
Congratulations Charlotters Robin and Robert Coleburn, pictured here with Dawn Wagner, celebrate Carnevale Vergennes at the Vergennes Opera House on March 5. This annual event raised over $20,000 to benefit three local nonprofits: the Vergennes Opera House, the Vergennes Partnership and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes. Photo: Courtesy
Pens, paper, action: The Vermont Press Association Conference Madison Hakey THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
“Is this off the record?” said Governor Peter Shumlin at the Annual VPA Conference on March 17. “No, of course not!” was the audience’s immediate response. What would you expect in a room full of journalists? The conference was a mixture of voting, presentation of awards, lectures and debates. The lectures were given by Maura Carroll, executive director of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, and Shumlin. Local newspapers’ representatives conversed about local, statewide and national controversies, everyone taking a side.
digging into digital During the conference, VTDigger’s founder, Anne Galloway, asked to be accepted as a full member of the VPA, arguing that her website produces the same work as any of the newspapers represented at the conference. Galloway said that her website represents the “new face of journalism in the state.” In recent years, the hottest topic in the journalism world has been whether print journalism is dying. This topic struck up a heated debate at the conference. Once this topic opened up, the room erupted with commentary. The consensus was that VPA needs to update its constitution and bylaws, which currently don’t allow web-based publications to be members. The counterargument was that if VTDigger is allowed to be a member, many other online publications—blogs and magazines, for example—would be knocking on the door asking for the privilege as well. In addition, Mike Donaghue, the current executive director, said this acceptance would require changes in VPA’s constitution and bylaws. Given recent and ongoing advancements
GOVENOR SHUMLIN
in technology, however, and the impact of those changes on journalism, perhaps it’s time for those changes to occur. VPA members, voting by secret ballot, passed a motion to include VTDigger as one of its members. However, it was unclear if the vote was binding.
“shuMMy” Govenor Shumlin took the opportunity to highlight his achievements while in office, claiming to have saved $50 million for Vermont since he became governor. With this money, he increased funding for education, enhanced rehab facilities for OxyContin addicts, increased the number of installed solar panels ten-fold, created 17,000 new jobs and increased health care and wages. Shumlin expressed great pride in Vermont, saying, “We’ve got a great government in Vermont and we should be proud of that.” He also expressed support for his friend, Bernie Sanders, as he runs for president saying, “It’s been a great gift to America that he’s been slogging it out all these months.” That said he avoided a question about whether he would change his pledged super delegate vote for Hillary Clinton.
to Anna White, a junior nursing major from Charlotte at Colby-Sawyer College, New London, New Hampshire, who is co-chair of the annual Relay for Life run on April 2 and 3. The race raises funds for the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life is the largest worldwide fundraising effort to end cancer, held in more than 22 countries.
Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Jerome Bernstein of Ormond Beach, Florida, who passed away recently at the age of 91. Dr. Bernstein was an accomplished oral surgeon, saxophonist and woodworker. His surviving family includes his son Richard (Bunky) Bernstein, M.D., formerly of Charlotte. The family asks that those wishing to make donations in Jerome’s memory do so to the charity of their choice. A full obituary can be found on The Charlotte News website at charlottenewsvt.org. is extended to family and friends of Jean Marie Couture of Essex Junction, who passed away March 14 at the age of 76. After having spent her early years on Shelburne Bay, Jean returned to the family farm in Charlotte before marrying her husband, Bernie Couture, and settling in Essex Junction. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY 10017 or to an organization of one’s choice. is extended to the family and friends of Kenny Earl Gaudette Jr of Shelburne who passed away on March 9 at the age of 67. Kenny served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He turned a childhood hobby into a career as an iron welder and was employed by CCS for many years. A full obituary can be found on The Charlotte News website at charlottenewsvt.org.
A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships. —Helen Keller
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correction: In the March 10 issue of The News, the sound system issues faced at Town Meeting were incorrectly attributed to VCAM, the organization that was on site to provide recording and streaming video services. The Charlotte-based company StageWorks was hired to provide house audio support and, due to technical difficulties and miscommunication between the parties, it was left unclear who would provide the staff support for the house audio equipment.
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