The Charlotte News | April 7, 2016 by The Charlotte News

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Charlotte News

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Vol. 58, no. 18 April 7, 2016

Vermont’s oldest nonprofit community newspaper, bringing you local news and views since 1958

Plan B Restructuring the restructured Planning and Zoning office Geeda Searfoorce THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

From whence we came Author and genealogist Robert Charles Anderson to speak at CVU

As the director for the last 30 years of the Great Migration Study Project at the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Robert Charles Anderson has been studying migration from old England to New England in the 1620s and 1630s, from the arrival of the Mayflower to the outbreak of the English Civil War. As the author of The Great Migration Directory: Immigrants to New England, 1620–1640, A Concise Compendium, the focus of his talk will be the motivations for migration, the migration process itself and the early development of New England towns and churches. Anderson, visiting from Boston, will be introduced by his sister, CVU teacher Chris O’Donnell. “We are honored to have Robert share his deep love of New England and its people,” says Charlotter Eddie Krasnow, Access co-director. “All proceeds will go directly to supporting our efforts to bring the best learning opportunities to Vermonters of all towns and all ages here on the high school campus.” Email access@cssu.org or call 482-7194 to reserve spots. Fee is $20, seniors $15.

The shifting sands at Charlotte’s Town Hall aren’t limited to the Town Clerk and Treasurer’s Office, which appears to have stabilized with Mary Mead’s decision to rescind her resignation. As Selectboard Chair Lane Morrison reminded Charlotters during Town Meeting last month, the Planning and Zoning Department will reevaluate its structure as Town Planner, Zoning Administrator and Deputy Health Officer Jeanine McCrumb steps down from her post. Though McCrumb’s resignation has been tendered after she’s served just over two years in the post, it does not likely come as a surprise to townspeople keeping up with larger discussions about the distribution of responsibilities at Town Hall. The need for the administration to take

Cemetery Commissaion born again

a hard look at reconfiguration was made apparent in the wake of the December 31 departure of Planning and Zoning Office Administrator Britney Tenney, who had also provided administrative support for the Selectboard. McCrumb made it clear during the Dec. 7, 2015, Selectboard meeting that the amount of time she works over and above her job description was unsustainable. “When Britney moved on,” McCrumb said, “Dean (Bloch) and I worked together to map out different positions and reorganize duties to reflect a more realistic and effective spread of duties and job titles.” Through the resultant reconfiguration, the town hired an Assistant Zoning Adminstrator—Joseph Rheaume—and a Planning and Zoning Assistant—Lindsay Bryce, splitting the responsibilities into two jobs but with the same number of hours. Bryce, it should be noted, left one day in late March for lunch and never returned. She later resigned. During her tenure McCrumb worked on many complicated planning issues. Notably, she helped introduce regulations to give the town more authority in solar citing projects. She was also appointed as

CONTRIBUTOR

Welcome spring! The old adage about the lion and the lamb having it out in the month of March has gone into overtime in April. Next up, will we actually have “mud season” in 2016? Never mind, I am saddened right now by the sight of my frozen, flattened crocus. The Charlotte Grange and our partner state and national Grange organizations recognize April as Grange Month, and our proclamation is featured nearby and on our hall notice board at 2858 Spear Street. The Grange is your local group of neighbors interested in furthering connections

see Planning, page 7

Racking it up

John Hammer THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

Stephen Brooks reports that the Cemetery Commission met on March 22 and appointed three new members: Viki Zulkoski, Linda Hamilton and Cheryl Waller. Once the new commissioners were seated, Brooks made good on his offer to resign. A number of other townspeople, including Susan Smith and Judy Rowe, were present and pledged their active support. Brooks agreed also to serve as advisor to what he calls a very enthusiastic and capable team. Officers will be Zulkoski as chairwoman and Hamilton as secretary. It is important to note that cemetery commissioners are elected officials, so the three will have to be elected in the next Town Meeting vote. When vacancies occur, however, the commission may appoint members to fill unexpired terms.

Eagle candidate Andrew Gay delivers a bicycle rack to Town Hall as his “Eagle Project.” From left: Seth Zimmerman, Stuart Robinson, David Tsounis, Dean Bloch, Andrew Gay, Lane Morrison, Keagan Bothwell, Thomas Robinson, Zachary Aubin, Sam Zimmerman. Photo: Courtesy

Grange News: Rummage sale April 28 Dorothy Varney Hill

the town representative to the new regional Clean Water Advisory Committee. The biggest hot point during her tenure, however, is the unanimous decision that Lisa and Roland Gaujac’s 2009 kitchen renovations do not constitute an alteration of the pre-existing non-conforming use of The Old Lantern—a decision which is currently being appealed. “It’s unfortunate that there could have been a resolution to the solution that didn’t involve the courts,” McCrumb says of The Old Lantern case, “but it is what it is.” McCrumb, who spent years as a Regulatory Policy Analyst at the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources prior to joining the town, characterizes her experience here as positive. “I’ve met a lot of good people,” she said. “Charlotte has a strong volunteer base with lots of caring folks.” Evaluating the challenges of her role, McCrumb identifies communications as an area upon which the town can improve. “Sometimes it’s hard for a town to coordinate different groups,” she said, “and it can sometimes feel like herding cats. But

to community, supporting volunteerism and appreciating our rural life heritage. We welcome the community to join us at our seasonal potluck dinners and meetings held monthly. Our next potluck dinner will be held on May 9 at 6 p.m. at the Grange hall. Please join us! Our spring rummage sale will be held on Thursday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Saturday sale has a flat nominal charge that won’t break the bank, so please try us out! The sale relies on donations of gently used clothing and home wares, garden and hobby items, etc. and is a great way to repurpose unwanted items locally. Drop-off dates will be

Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday, April 25 and 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You may also contact me (425-4140 or windytop2@aol.com) to arrange another time if needed. We are grateful for all the donors and shoppers who participate every spring and fall in this important fundraiser. The money we raise is used to further the Grange mission, including promoting literacy. Every year we present personalized student dictionaries to every Charlotte 3rd grader through the Dictionary Project, or “Words for Thirds.” We are also partnering with the Charlotte Library on some exciting projects. Our

historic building is volunteer maintained, but we do have the matter of insurance and utilities that require ongoing cash flow. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the voters in Charlotte who supported property tax abatement at Town Meeting. Some important exterior maintenance is planned for the hall in 2016 that will require a professional contractor, and we all look forward to appreciating the end result when the work is completed. Longer daylight hours are here to stay for a while and a new season, too. Get out and enjoy our beautiful town and state and support your local farms and businesses. Each one of our contributions to community makes it a great place to live!

Happy Spring!

2 •April 7, 2016 • The ChArloTTe News

Marking and moving through history

Alex Bunten EDITOR IN CHIEF

I was reminded by a loyal reader recently that I hadn’t written an editorial in a few issues. Although there hasn’t been much actual snow up north, I’ll take a minute here to explain my experience getting snowed under in a metaphorical sense. First and most exciting, we’ve been busy planning our 2nd Annual Charlotte News Writers’ Workshop for April 27, 6–8 p.m. at the Mt. Philo Inn. Our first event last year was very well attended and served as a poignant time for me (the new editor

in town) and my staff to connect with our writing community and see their faces for what they were—lovely local celebrities, not just email addresses. We had informal presentations about the organization, talked about some of our blossoming initiatives and got input from Barrie Dunsmore on the craft of writing. This year we are very pleased to announce that veteran (recently retired) Burlington Free Press journalist Mike Donoghue will join us. Mike is an entertaining and informative speaker with heaps of experience. A fellow delegate at the New England Newspaper and Press Association conference put it best when he said something to the effect of: “I’d watch Mike present paint drying. He’d find a way to make it interesting.” We heartily welcome our volunteer writers and community members interested in hearing more about journalism, what we do, or possibly getting involved with the paper—we are YOUR paper, remember. Or just come to hear Mike speak. That’d be fine, too. Second, our archive project is cranking along through the ages. We have a hard copy of every one of our past issues and are working on storing them properly for later

digitization. Call me nerdy, but this project really gets me excited. Why? Because this is our town’s modern history. And history is important. Without it, we are just a bedroom community with no roots. Fifty years ago, there were barely 1,200 people living in Charlotte. A lot has changed while The News has been in print. And soon the community will have easy access to that history. My hope is that the results of this archiving project will give everyone the opportunity to pause and reflect on our identity as a community—then and now. If you have a particular time in Charlotte’s history you’d like to hear about, drop us a line and tell us about it. We’d happily take requests to feature a specific time in history. Finally, the issues going on at Town Hall—what can I say? This has been one of the most divisive issues of my tenure as editor, minus the Charter. Although it does provide some intrigue for a small town paper editor, for the betterment of the community and all who live here, I look forward to moving past this chapter in our history.

The Charlotte News 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

Business Staff ads@thecharlottenews.org / 802-343-0279

WATERING THE HORSES FOR THE NIGHT AT CCS BEFORE THEIR NEXT MORNING’S RIDE

Business manager: Shanley Hinge Ad manager: Monica Marshall Circulation group: Valerie Lebensohn

Board Members President: Vince Crockenberg Secretary: John Hammer Treasurer: Patrice Machavern Board members: Bob Bloch, Carol Hanley, Michael Haulenbeek, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli

6 Word Stories Brynn Hutchins Only some can see what’s hidden. Cold winter nights are the warmest. The smallest gestures are the biggest. Play. Family. Friends. Fun. Relax. Summer. Read a book. Climb a mountain. I choose happiness, no matter what.

Deng’s 6 Word Stories Deng Dau The darkness runs away from sunlight. I walked behind the open sea. They tease me because I’m different. My mom is my biggest supporter. My family cares for me most. Cats named Dog live 9 times. Big elephants are scared of mice. I wish I could drive cars. I traveled I watched I loved.

“Sunshine, we’re climbing this,” Thunder Cats declared. Catherine Young “What? This is tall and we’ll fall if we try!” I squealed. “I’ve seen Mom and Dad do it plenty “Come on! Mom and Dad can see us! times. We’re fine.” They’ll find out what we’re doing!”My I glanced at him, but he had already brother was the brave one and I was not. begun climbing the monstrous tower. Paw That was my life. He was the sneaky one by paw, I followed. The climb felt like while I could never bear getting in trouble. the longest trek of my lifetime, one shaky Sunshine and Thunder. Who do you think paw after another. Thunder’s black tail I am? Even our names describe us! I just got in my eyes once or twice. I couldn’t wanted to stick at home with my bowl look down but I hated looking up. I heard of water. But Thunder just needed to get a gasp and had to look down. My brother his milk. Less than ten minutes earlier, looked at me. He was already at the top. we were both l ying on the couch. The I moved faster and faster until I was on milk bucket was in clear view from the the roof. I was shaking when I was at the window. Thunder decided that getting top and my fur sticking up. My parents that bucket was our goal today. Unlike many other days where I refused to leave, were at the bottom of the ladder staring at us in shock. Thunder pushed me to keep Thunder forced me this time. moving through the shock of both parents We zipped out our door, and the first thing we saw was a huge gate standing in screaming for us to get down. The drop was far from the roof to the ground, but our way. “The issues of a de-clawed cat,” Thunder Thunder was already leaping! sighed. He turned to me. “I saw something “Come on, Sunshine! It’s now or never!” He leaped. I had no choice but to follow. yesterday that might help us get what we I hesitated, then jumped. I hit the ground want.” hard but recovered instantly. Thunder was “What you want,” I retorted. drinking the milk already, so I joined him. “Just follow me,” he snorted. I heard running footsteps and looked to He was faster than I, but I continued to my side. There was Mom. At least we had follow to show him that I wasn’t weak. We a way out of the yard. ended up next to a silver object that I had never seen before.

Contributors Bradley Carleton, Deng Dau, Georgia Edwards, Josh Flore, Larry Hamilton, Richard Hess, Dorothy Varney Hill, Jim Hyde, Debbie Ingram, Robert Leavitt, Mark Moser, Claudia Mucklow, Alice D. Outwater, Ph. D., Leo Alexander Perez, Mary Recchia, Fatima Shama, Mike Yantachka, Catherine Young

On the Cover A beloved Charlotte landmark turns 15 this year. Carrie Spear holds court behind the counter at Spear’s Corner Store. Many happy returns of the day! Photo: Alex Bunten

Subscription Information The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all Charlotte residences. Personal or out-of-town subscriptions are available for $20 per year (bulk mail) or $40 per year (first class). Please send a check or money order to the address below.

Postmaster Send address changes to: The Charlotte News P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 Telephone: 425-4949 Circulation: 3,000 copies per issue Copyright © 2016 The Charlotte News, Inc. Printed by Upper Valley Press Member of the New England Newspaper & Press Association and the Vermont Press Association.

The CharloTTe News • april 7, 2016 • 3

Voices Just a thought editor: Any possible connection between these two paragraphs that appeared in the March 24 issue? #1 Excerpt from “Out-Doors”: “So, to the far north we had to go. Mount Sainte Anne, about 40 minutes beyond Quebec City, had a bounty of natural snow.” #2 Excerpt from “Conservation Currents” “The limit of the bumblebees’ southern range moved north by more than 180 miles, but the limit of their northern range remained unchanged.”

Debbie Ingram Senate

together we’ll make Vermont work for all Vermonters.

Debbie Ingram Williston

Above and beyond her duty

editor: What a sad turn of events (see “Town clerk/treasurer resigns”). Certainly the Town’s longest serving and hardest working employee now has resigned. I feel we did a real disservice to someone who for over two decades went above and beyond in service to our Town. Having been voted into this job for all that time should indiRobert Leavitt cate to the Selectboard that the people of Charlotte the Town value, trust and totally support her service—and willingness to pay her what is not an unreasonable salary adjustfor State ment. It’s our loss as this valuable servant leaves when we all voted to have her there.

editor: I’d like to announce my candidacy as a Democrat for State Senate from Chittenden County. I’m currently serving my fifth year on the Williston Selectboard, after five years on the Williston Planning Commission. I think of myself as a public servant, not a politician, because that was the way I was brought up—my father was mayor of our little town near Savannah, Georgia, when I was a kid, and he taught me to contribute to my community and to hold justice, compassion and respect for everyone as values. For the last nine years, I have had the chance to serve others in my job as well, as the executive director of Vermont Interfaith Action, a grassroots community organizing group of caring, inclusive people across the state seeking to effect systemic change on the issues of affordable housing, health care reform, public transportation, education and criminal justice reform—all issues that are important in the state senate, too. And the primary issue that interests me is improving our economy, making good-paying jobs that treat employees right a top priority. Please support me in the August 9 primary and again in November, and

assume that he shares his wife’s sentiments and has treated Mary accordingly. Nobody in this town can deny what a capable and effective town clerk Mary has been. Honest, hardworking and supremely organized, she has run a tight ship, often locking horns with members of the Selectboard when she called them out on mistakes, which made her unpopular with them yet saved taxpayers in this town tens of thousands of dollars. Time will tell how Mary’s departure will affect our town, but one thing is clear: Mark Moser Her successor has some big shoes to fill.

Charlotte Submitted March 24 charlottenewsvt.org

Time will tell editor: It is no surprise that after a more than two-year impasse over fair compensation, Mary [Mead] would want to call it quits. What is truly appalling, though, is that Selectboard Chairman Morrison’s wife felt it necessary to make some rather harsh and unsubstantiated remarks towards the end of the March 14, 2016, Selectboard meeting. “Mary is not a popular person.” “There are people in this town that will not come to this office, because it is such an unpleasant place and Mary is the cause of a lot of that.” “She hasn’t earned respect.” Excuse me?! After 22 years of doing an outstanding job for this town, she has not earned any respect??? That is rich! Such blunt and spiteful utterances are very unbecoming for the wife of an elected town official who regularly works with the clerk and reflect badly on Morrison himself. One can rightfully

Legislative Report by Representative Mike Yantachka The past two weeks saw the introduction of all the money bills the House has constitutional responsibility for developing. These include the budget, the miscellaneous tax bill, the fee bill, the transportation bill, the education funding bill and the capital construction bill. Taken together, they constitute the plan for all the state spending in the next fiscal year from July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017 (FY17) and the means to implement the laws and policies enacted by the Legislature. Indeed, they reflect in a concrete way the responsibilities of state government to provide for the safety, health and general welfare of Vermonters. This article will focus on the budget, the keystone of all of these bills, which encompasses all of state spending included in the others. The FY17 budget fulfills the intent of last year’s budget bill by reducing state spending growth, eliminating dependence on one-time funds for ongoing programs, engaging in multiyear planning and improving program accountability. The Appropriations Committee scrutinized programs to determine their impact over

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.

many years. Committee members took testimony on program results and performance measurements from every department and agency and codified reporting of performance measures in Agency of Human Services grants. They invited input from every committee, from agencies and departments and from individual legislators. The result is a budget that grew 2.7 percent this year, down from the five-year growth rate of 3.9 percent and last year’s growth of 4.2 percent. So, what were the reasons and justifications for this spending growth? The increased spending is not the result of adding new programs but of stabilizing existing programs. For example, it includes an increase in support for Vermont State Colleges ($800K), an additional transfer from the General Fund to the Education Fund of $2.6M to help with property taxes, adds $1M to child care subsidies and provides an additional $1.4M long-term to stabilize the Vermont Veteran’s Home. Other factors in spending growth are the increased number of children in the care of the Department of Children and Families

Claudia Mucklow Charlotte Submitted March 28 charlottenewsvt.org

summertime with their Fresh Air friends. Our local volunteer leaders—many of whom are also hosts—serve on our local committees, interview prospective host families, publicize the program and plan summer activities. Additionally, individuals and local businesses give generously of their time and resources to make The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program throughout this area a great success each summer. The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children since 1877. For more information on how you can help to continue this tradition of volunteering, please call The Fresh Air Fund at 800-3670003 or visit freshair.org.

Fatima Shama Executive Director The Fresh Air Fund New York, New York

Have you hugged a volunteer today? editor: National Volunteer Week marks a special time of year for The Fresh Air Fund, and I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to our wonderful Fresh Air volunteers, hosts and supporters in the Champlain Valley. Their continued dedication to our New York City children is exemplary for all community members and truly embodies the spirit of the 2016 National Volunteer Week, which is from April 10–16. Fresh Air volunteers work in several capacities throughout the year along the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine and Southern Canada to help make The Fresh Air Fund’s programs possible. Fresh Air host families open their hearts and homes and share the everyday joys of

What’s fair? editor: I would hope the school supports both sides of the political process and not just one side (see “Commentary: Political returns at CVU”). It isn’t fair to the students if they are offered just one side. If you are offering a day in Montpelier I would hope you would introduce them to both sides of the equation so as to see for themselves the differences between them and why there really are two sides to every story.

Richard Hess Charlotte Submitted March 27 charlottenewsvt.org

House passes budget – round 1 (DCF) requiring an additional $1.8M, a net $71M increase in Medicaid caseload, and $13M for caseload increases in Choices for Care, Developmental Services and Public Safety. Finally, the budget makes investments for the future by increasing the Working Lands funding by almost $200K and providing $11.2M for the weatherization program, both of which are job creation as well as environmental programs. This budget addresses the problem of expenditures outpacing revenues that Vermont has been experiencing for the last several years since the budget growth is less than the projected revenues for FY17 by about 0.4 percent. Moreover, the miscellaneous tax bill identified new funding sources to help: assessment of rooms and meals tax on private rentals of property, such as Airbnb; an increase in the bank franchise tax on average monthly deposits exceeding $750M from 0.000096 to 0.000121; and a 0.25 percent increase in the fuels gross receipts excise tax from 0.50 percent to 0.75 percent.

The increase in the bank franchise tax brings Vermont in line with other New England states. The increase in the gross receipts tax is dedicated to the weatherization program, and at a fuel oil price of $2.00/gallon will cost the average homeowner using 700 gallons of fuel oil per year an extra $3.50/year. No one likes to pay taxes. But taxes are necessary for government to function and to provide the services we expect from government. Cutting services too much just leads to greater costs down the road. The Appropriations Committee took great pains to keep spending as efficient and limited to necessity as possible while fulfilling its obligation to protect our environment, to promote our economic growth, and to provide for the safety, health and general welfare of all Vermonters. These bills now go to the Senate for round two. I always welcome your thoughts and can be reached by phone (802-233-5238) or by email (myantachka.dfa@gmail.com). You can find this article and past articles at my website: MikeYantachka.com.

4 •April 7, 2016 • The ChArloTTe News

Selectboard, Mead agree to re-evaluate clerk/ treasurer position

A FULL HOUSE AT TOWN HALL

John Hammer THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

Editor’s note: As The Charlotte News went to press, this was the latest information. See our website for the outcome of the re-evaluation meeting on April 7. It was a standing-room-only event at the March 28 Selectboard meeting. The crowd waited an hour to get what they came for— the discussion of Town Clerk/Treasurer (TC/T) Mary Mead’s salary. The agenda was packed for the first hour with administrative issues, but Mead’s declaration of her intention to resign at the previous meeting on March 23 had had the town humming

for a week. Lane Morrison, Selectboard chairman, opened the discussion with an overview of Mead’s campaign to receive a salary increase. He explained that her first request came in January 2014, and the issue was taken up at the 2014 Town Meeting, at which no salary increase was supported. The discussions about salary increases, however, led to the development of a salary administration policy (SAP). The SAP was designed over a long period with the collaboration of a human resources pay expert, Frank Sadowsky. The SAP was devised to evaluate the elements of each job against 13 criteria to arrive at a pay rate. This program is widely used and known as

MATT KRASNOW

the Palmer Method. The SAP was instituted in January 2015 and was used in establishing the salaries for the 2015-16 budget, which passed unanimously at the 2015 Town Meeting. As 2015 progressed, the SAP was reviewed and modified. It was finalized at the Selectboard meeting of February 16, 2016. At that meeting, Mead “requested time on a Selectboard agenda for a discussion regarding pay rate calculation issues.” She and the Selectboard agreed to cover this issue at the regular March 14 meeting. In the interim, the Town Budget, including a line for the TC/T position, was passed at Town Meeting on March 1, 2016. The issue was accordingly aired on March 14, during which a motion was made to raise the TC/T salary from her 2014-15 approved salary of $62,916 to $72,259.20. Spell and Spear voted yes, Tegatz and Morrison voted no, and the motion didn’t carry. Later that week, Mead notified the board of her resignation, to be effective May 6, 2016. A meeting was held on March 23 at 4 p.m. to address how to handle the vacancies but not the pay implications of the resignation. The regular March 28 agenda included two items concerning the question: TC/T pay issues and pending vacancies of town clerk, town treasurer and delinquent tax collector. The first half hour was taken up by comments from the public. The question was raised as to whether the Selectboard could change a pay line in the budget when the whole had been passed by vote at Town Meeting. The answer was “yes” as long as the salary line was within the purview of the Selectboard. When asked if the Selectboard was unhappy with the work done by Ms. Mead, Chairman Morrison replied, “Mary’s work, we can all attest, is excellent, and we pay accordingly.” He went on to say that the HR consultant had said in reviewing the SAP, “It’s about the job. It’s not about the person.” A number of audience members suggested that a change in salary after it had been reviewed using the SAP matrix and approved by the town at Town Meeting would be disrespectful of the process and call into question other employees’ salaries. Selectman Krasnow said that any review of the TC/T salary would “entail going back to the Palmer Study, adding up the metrics and coming up with a score.” Selectman Spell brought up the fact that the process has included some personality conflicts, and “the process wasn’t fair based on the testimony that has come out

in meetings over the last year…there has been no body that has been listening to (Mary’s) grievance.” Chairman Morrison and some members of the crowd openly disagreed with Spell. The Selectboard then went into executive session with Ms. Mead for half an hour. Upon their return, Chairman Morrison announced that Ms. Mead had withdrawn her resignation and would submit a revised job description to reflect what she considers to be additional duties not currently included. The board would then undertake to re-evaluate her job with the Palmer survey. Mr. Sadowsky will sit in to ensure the evaluation is unbiased. The public meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. on April 7.

Town CharTer unChanged The next item on the agenda was consideration of changes to the town charter recently voted at Town Meeting. The charter governs the adoption of the annual budget and budget-related articles. Draft changes were drawn up by the town attorney to clarify how budget-related articles might be handled should they fail on the floor of the Town Meeting. It was decided that the changes were not needed because voters have the opportunity to re-raise the issue for vote through the petition process. The charter will stand as voted.

MaCk FarM runoFF soluTion Marty Illick presented a program titled Ahead of the Storm, which was drawn up by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (ANR). It is intended to provide funding for the design and costing of certain water-related and runoff projects. The ANR is funding a project to perform a water quality study of the Mack farm on East Thompson’s Point Road. The Lewis Creek Association is spearheading the effort, and Illick says that all parties are in agreement with some slight changes. Funding, which might involve some town matching funds, will potentially come from the Better Back Roads Program (Vermont Agency of Transportation) or the ANR. The board voted to approve the preliminary design, which will lead to the costing phase of the project.

Biking evenTs see Following page

The CharloTTe News • april 7, 2016 • 5

From the past, for the future The Charlotte News checks in on Vermont History Day Kali Adams THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

MYSTIC PARTY BAND

Maple extravaganza at Palmer’s Sugarhouse From sugar on snow to maple hotdogs, anything is possible at Palmer’s Sugarhouse, as long as it is maple, of course. For over 50 years, the Sugarhouse has been a local, family-owned business in the heart of Shelburne. This past weekend, the Sugarhouse participated in a statewide open house and invited visitors in all day long. Throughout March and April, Palmer’s runs its normal hours of 12–4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, but this weekend the doors were open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With live music from the Mystic Party Band, delicious food and horse-drawn carriage rides, visitors of all ages were easily entertained. There were children dancing in front of the band, friends sitting around eating, and tourists inspecting the sugarhouse. Although the staff was not making syrup, the entire house smelled of the sweet, Vermont scent. Being a Vermonter never tasted so sweet.

selectboArd continued from previous page

The early hour of the meeting saw four bicycling events approved. A series of three Green Mountain Bicycle Club time trials, on May 5, June 6 and August 4, running along South Greenbush Road from just south of East Thompson’s Point Road to Route 7 and back. Participants are single riders, and the trials run from 6:30–8 p.m. More information can be found at thegmbc.com. The Lund Ride for Children will return again this year on Sunday, June 5. The riders start in Burlington at 8:30 a.m. and proceed south through Charlotte on Greenbush Road and return up Mount Philo Road. The 30-mile route will turn east on Hinesburg Road; there is a rest stop at the Charlotte Senior Center. The 55-mile loop will turn around in Ferrisburg. About 75 riders are expected to follow the 30or 55-mile loops. Signage will be posted several days in advance and road monitors will be present. The third annual Cycle4CMT fundraiser will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on August 28. Cycle riders have a choice of

LEAF FOR THE TREES

three rides starting and finishing at the Old Lantern. Route courses are noted at: bit. ly/2383pwr. A fundraising event including food, music and silent auction will be held from noon to 3 p.m. with the general public invited. Between 150 and 200 are expected with half being riders. The Kelly Brush Ride returns again this year on September 9. This is the 11th annual ride coming from Middlebury College with a water stop at the Boffa residence on Mt. Philo Road. The route, which might involve as many as 1000 riders, comes up Mt. Philo Road, then east on Hinesburg Road and north on Spear Street. The route reenters Charlotte following Lake, Ferry and Greenbush Roads, continuing south to Ferrisburg.

Exploration, encounter and exchange— three words that can cover such a broad depth, especially when applied to history. This year on April 2, Vermont History Day, put on by the Vermont Historical Society, was filled with students’ projects relating to those three words. Each student had chosen a distinct topic, researched it and then formulated a project for the state competition. This undertaking is not unique to Vermont, however—thousands of students across America have been participating in similar competitions, with winners proceeding to a national competition in Washington, D.C. Vermont History Day plans for the future by looking at the past. By having students develop their own historical projects, students not only learn how to analyze and understand historical data, they must come to their own conclusions regarding it. Why is such-and-such a primary historical figure? Did that battle really change the war? How did this event shape the world as we know it today? Having a theme to guide them narrows topic selection, but students must choose how they are going to present their topic in relation to the theme. Maintaining both a museum and a research library near Montpelier, the Vermont Historical Society’s mission is to explore and educate the public about our state’s rich heritage. Current projects include

YOUNG HISTORIANS

Vermont women’s history, various archaeological workings and research involving the 1970s counterculture movement. The latter project is one of their most recent, and one we can all connect to. Even Charlotte was affected by the wave of new ideas that led to huge population growth in town— from 1,271 in the 1960s to 1,802 in the 1970s and then 2,561 in the 1980s. History is interconnected in far more ways than we imagine, and it’s often minor shifts such as population increase that drive change. Most students participating have an obvious interest in history. To spend many hours toiling over a website or to portray a prominent Vermont figure in a live performance must involve passion. But History Day develops that passion into something more. It encourages students to use their knowledge to create understanding, effectively training the next generation of historians.

the town’s mowing and land maintenance was awarded to Mow, Mow, Mow, Inc., an application was authorized for a state building permit to cover the new addition for the Senior Center, and an offer for employment was approved for Daryl Benoit to fill the vacant town planner position at a wage rate of $21.29 per hour. The next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting will be held on April 11.

AdministrAtive Actions The Selectboard reappointed Peter Joslin and Gerald Bouchard to the Planning Commission to serve until April 2020. Frank Tenney and Andrew Swayze were reappointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Joanna Cummings was appointed to serve as 2016 Green-up Vermont coordinator. In three other administrative matters

Your mutt make the cut? Is your beagle legal? Keep your Lassie classy—don’t let her end up on the dreaded deliquent dog list. Pay your dues at the Town Hall.

Katie Manges

6 •April 7, 2016 • The ChArloTTe News

OutTakes Commentary by Edd Merritt

Drumpf de Drumpf Drumpf! Love is what I have for you Never care about tomorrow I only thought about what I could get today I left behind a tread of sorrow… Tower of Power – “Unconditional Love” So in the last issue of The Charlotte News, Geeda Searfoorce wrote of the impending development of a “Drumpf Tower” on the Gold Coast of Lake Champlain in Charlotte—a tower that would move our sleepy little village into the 21st century and provide vistas of the Greens and the Adirondacks to all who grew tired of big-city entrapment and felt the need to plow north from down-country metropolises.

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Well, this invasion of the “Tower Droids” is just dandy for you Thompson Point and west-coast denizens, but we hard-working, slightly uphill East Charlotters would like to benefit from luxury construction and tourism by building a tower of our own, perhaps somewhere near Carpenter Road where the cows graze. We are, after all, the working village in Charlotte and deserve to have our labors turn into benefits similar to those our shoreline neighbors reap. Now my colleague Ms. Searfoorce says that, “The town’s character— defined by love of nature and community—is evident in its resistance to the plan.” That resistance, however, may carry no farther east than Mt. Philo Road (certainly not past Spear Street), and we who resolve the problems of our east village daily at Spears Store over coffee and donuts (now that the charter is in place) do believe we can blend cows with buildings to come up with a true hybrid. After all, the cows won’t have to take the elevator to reach their feed, and the hotel tenants will have aerated compartments in which to hide their manure-smudged shoes. If ISIS feels these trade towers are targets of the future, the Air National Guard F-35s may move to a large plot of conserved land in Charlotte, claiming that, “No, they are crop dusters, not fighters.” Yet, their main mission will be to intercept terrorists headed for the Drumpfs. South Burlington and Winooski will despair their loss and hangars will take over berry farm fields And, consequently, we may be able to retain, heaven help us, a locally trained work force rather than be impelled to import those “hideous foreigners” to maintain the property. And for businesses who say our schools don’t educate our youngsters in company needs, CCS could look in either direction and see exactly what is required for corporate jobs. How about mastering elevator skills, handling the tools of room maintenance, studying the button display on the towers’ cash registers, and, of course, practicing pleasantries that are invaluable behind the front desk? Given earlier construction of these Towers of Charlotte, my sons may have stuck to the homeland rather

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than leaving dinky town for metropolitan centers—aah, dream on. And did I mention opportunities for the delicatessen trade? Imagine what the food courts in Drumpf Towers could mean to the Old Brick and Little Garden Market? Whitney Williamson and Rick Benson—the Oprahs of Charlotte—could follow the lead of entrepreneurs Cohen and Greenfield by producing sandwiches made with local growth (no hormones, mind you), burgers grilled from Fat Cow meat from Trono’s and less fat cows from Hinsdales. Speaking of cows, I’m asked by dairy mogul Robert Mack on a regular basis to practice saying “President Trump” so that when my vocal chords cringe at the utterance I can at least mumble an understandable title. I am working on it, but it doesn’t roll off the tongue easily. The Charlotte Library is beginning to burst at the seams and could use more space. To demonstrate its corporate-ness, the town may wish to rid itself of “Dinkytown Hall,” turning it over to the neighboring library, and have the town officers move their operations into one of the newly created Drumpf Towers. Likewise, the Senior Center could move to an upper floor of Drumpf II with only stairs for access to

help seniors increase their lung capacities, exercise becoming a necessity if you’re going to stay for Monday Munch. I can’t wait to see it happen. Lyman Wood’s proposal for a shoreline power plant a number of years ago was just an early-warning bell for the Drumpf invasion. We lost the smokestack, but maybe we’ll gain the tallest TV antenna east of Mt. Philo. Bernie, we in Charlotte may not be in the top 1% yet, but we’re sneaking up to it with the help of some solid Republican business acumen from their front-runner. Heed the warning and look skyward when you visit Charlotte. You may not like what you see, but then again, what do you Vermont congressional geeks know about business? My late friend Thomas Naylor would say the Drumpf Towers were raised to secede.

Invasive species tips

red fruit, and yellow flowers that hang from the stem. Both plants can be pulled with the roots when the ground is soft after a rain and hung from a branch to prevent re-rooting. They can also be cut down to the stump, with the stump wrapped in burlap or plastic, periodically cutting back any new growth. Common buckthorn is a small tree with dark green shiny leaves, small black berries and sharp spines at the end of twigs. It can similarly be pulled and hung or cut with the stump wrapped in plastic or burlap. Buckthorn is one of Vermont’s most insidious invasives, requiring more aggressive monitoring and control over the long term as shoots continue to sprout up. Garlic mustard is an herb with white flowers and broad leaves that are tasty in salad. It is easy to pull up like a dandelion, making sure to get the entire long, s-shaped root. Spinney recommends people use a photo to properly identify the plant and try to minimize disturbance of other nearby plants as they’re digging up invasives. “Be sure to check back a month later to get rid of any shoots that may be sprouting, and follow up every six months after that,” said Spinney. “Controlling invasive plants is a marathon, not a sprint, but a few simple steps can go a long way towards making your yard, and you, much healthier.” For photos of plants or tips on dealing with them, go to vtinvasives.org.

Gardeners and landscapers are already taking advantage of the mild weather to prepare their land for the upcoming planting season. But spring is also a great time to take control of invasive plants that may be creeping onto your property. Invasive plants are almost always the first ones to leaf out in spring, according Elizabeth Spinney, the new invasive plant coordinator for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. “Getting rid of invasive plants makes room for Vermont native plants and helps local wildlife, and it can also make you healthier too,” said Spinney. “Areas with fewer invasive plants tend to see lower rates of infectious disease, such as Lyme disease, because rodents and ticks thrive around many species of invasive plants.” Spinney recommends starting with a few invasives that are relatively easy to identify and manage. Asian honeysuckles, for example, are shrubs with white flowers, red or orange berries and a hollow stem. They are often found at the edge of yards or abandoned farmlands. Japanese Barberry is a shrubby ornamental plant that forms dense thickets, shading out native plants. It has spatula-shaped leaves,

Editor’s note: Digital image created using individual photos taken by Edd Merritt, Tyler Merbler, Chicago Architecture Today, and Chris Goldberg, via the author, Flickr, and Creative Commons License.

The CharloTTe News • april 7, 2016 • 7

Roadside carnage in Charlotte? Larry Hamilton CONTRIBUTOR

According to Webster’s Dictionary, carnage is “great destruction of life.” Are you feeling that there is a great destruction of trees and shrubs going on along some of our roads in Charlotte? I will admit that there are some areas where it would appear so. A good example is along the north side of Ferry Road from Sunset Road west to Lynrick Acres. In a January 28 article in The Charlotte News I warned that we were expecting a roadside haircut by Asplundh Tree Service on behalf of Green Mountain Power Corporation. This is to help ensure electric service reliability for the next five years. It has been in progress since December, mainly in East Charlotte, and I have been trying to ameliorate the cutting and pruning intensity. However, over this year all town roads will be treated, except for

the following: Lime Kiln Road; Lake Road and any roads going west from there; the southern part of Guinea, One Mile and State Park roads; and the most northerly part of Mount Philo Road, as well as the southern part below One Mile Road. It is sort of a crazy-quilt, and the crews seem to move and operate in an unpredictable fashion. As tree warden I have been trying to monitor their activity, but it is usually after the fact, and it is very difficult to determine with only the stump as guidance if the cutting of any particular tree not under or close to the lines was necessary. To compound matters crews are often reaching well into the properties, beyond the town right-of-way, to remove trees with the landowner’s approval. This is the heaviest cutting and pruning we have experienced at the hand of Green Mountain Power while I have been tree warden (since 1995). After considerable delay trying to identify and connect

FERRY ROAD HAIRCUT

with appropriate officials, I am currently working with the Asplundh regional supervisor and the GMPC vegetation management manager to discuss apparent violations of Vermont’s municipal law concerning town shade trees. Please also note, as mentioned in my

January Charlotte News article, that on instructions from the Selectboard, ditch widening and deepening is in the works for some locations. Road Commissioner Jr Lewis is also cutting ditch-side trees and shrubs. Fortunately he is a tree lover and has a conservative cutting policy.

How green is your garden? Although New Jersey has the license plate, Vermont can now claim the title of Gardening State. Analysis by LawnStarter of Google trends from January 2011 to December 2015 found that Vermont led all 50 states in searches for the term “gardening” during the five-year period. What makes Vermonters so enthusiastic about gardening? According to Charlie Nardozzi, a gardening expert who hosts “Vermont Garden Journal” on Vermont Public Radio, “Vermonters are very in touch with the natural world—many living here because of the rural nature of the state— so gardeners fit into that value. You’ll see gardens in containers, beds, window boxes, and even green walls and roofs.” He also cites Vermont’s localvore culture in driving the gardening fervor. “Many

people love to cook,” he says. “Growing fresh veggies and herbs and unusual vegetables is a way to feed that cooking and eating passion.” Ann Hazelrigg, an assistant extension professor at the University of Vermont whose expertise includes educating gardeners, agrees with Charlie. “Vermonters enjoy the work and experience of growing their own food,” she says. “I suspect our short summers also serve as a catalyst to get people outdoors to make the most of the several weeks of growing weather.” According to data compiled by Vermont-based “Strolling of the Heifers,” Vermont boasts the most farmers markets per capita of any state in the U.S. The co-owner of Vermont Flower Farm, George Africa, says that, “The number of community gardens increases each year.”

Because Vermont is an envi- encourage a gardening revolution, but it’s ronmentally conscious state, a fact from my perspective.” Vermonters choose to grow What are you planting this year? Send their own food as the seasons a letter to the editor with pictures of your permit. But the state’s gardening move- garden . ment goes deeper than Vermonters’ desire to produce their own fruits and vegetables. “During times such as these when terrorism is a scary, everyday thing, gardens tend to pull some people back together. This is especially true in Vermont,” With extensive knowledge of town regulations and Africa says. policy, Michael T. Russell can help you plan, permit, “It’s a heck and complete your project. of a way to

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everyone has good intentions and goals, so we have to be cognizant about how to connect dots, orchestrate communications, and work together more effectively.” Tenney’s exodus—to attend law school—was in service of her own professional development. Bryce’s reasons for resigning have not yet fully been explained. McCrumb’s departure, however, is for personal reasons. “I don’t have an immediate place to go,” she said, “but I have a couple rods in the fire.” Her departure may not be a fait acompli, as her professional skills are so valued by the town. “I may stay involved in some capacity,” she said. As the sandy soil of Charlotte shifts again, a dedicated professional at the helm of Planning and Zoning can help steer the town into its next chapter.

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tough being an empty nester, but whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it like being a flourishing fledgling flown from the nest? The Charlotte News reached out to a few CCS grads to see what kind of impression Charlotters are making on the world.

Leo Alexander Perez Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman When did you graduate from CCS? 1994? Been a while, I suppose.

moSt diffiCuLt thing about it?

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a special amphibious reconnaissance corpsman in the Navy. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure I enjoy the military as an institution, but my job is nothing short of thrilling, and my co-workers would take a bullet for me (really)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;I love it. The most difficult thing about it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come about until recently when I got married and had a sonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard for all of us when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m gone. Luckily my wife is amazing.

Where the heCk did you go? CVU; Venezuela; Burlington; Maui; Hawaii; Burlington (Joined the USN); Illinois; San Diego; Oahu; Hawaii; Wilmington, NC; and currently Virginia Beach, Va. Those are the places Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve called SinCe that fatefuL day you fLeW from home the last few years, with a lot of stops the neSt, Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S the StrangeSt pLaCe in between. youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been to? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve deployed to Iraq, Haiti, Afghanistan What brought you there? Love, money, and East Africa, with a lot of interesting Weather, LoWer taxeS, SideWaLkS, holidays in between (to include Spain better CheeSe, better Lake vieWS? teLL where I ran into this paperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s editor). Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve uS about it! seen some really weird and vivid stuff, Certainly not lake views. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to beat but the fire circle/drum party at a nude Charlotte for that. Since about 14 years old beach in Maui, known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Little Beach,â&#x20AC;? I had questions that schoolbooks werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that used to take place on Sundaysâ&#x20AC;Ś well, to high school with. answering. Questions about the world, man, that gets weirdâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and fun. about what I was doing here and what When you teLL your neW fandanit meant to be me or just to be a man in better yet, Where iS the oddeSt pLaCe gLed foreign friendS about Where general. Questions everyone has I guess. I you have bumped into a CharLotter you are from, hoW do you expLain think eventually these questions led me to unexpeCtedLy? (if not a CharLotter, a your CharLotte upbringing in 50 join the military. vermonterâ&#x20AC;Ś) WordS or feWer? (a nd donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t teLL There are a little over 100 people that uS, you Say you are from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;boSton What do you do for gainfuL empLoydo my job in Navyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;one of them is a areaâ&#x20AC;? beCauSe no one knoWS Where ment? a nd do you enjoy it? Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S the Vermonter that knows many people I went CharLotte, Let aLone vermont, iSâ&#x20AC;Ś) I tell them, picture a small town that rests on a beautiful lake surrounded by lush green mountains, with occasional covered Complete veterinary care including wooden bridges that cross over creeks and endoscopy, ultrasound, exotics and rivers. The fall leaves take your breath boarding away, and the winter snow is as gorgeous as it is harsh. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a progressive place with friendly people, and no shortage of guns. Dr. Patrick Leavey, Dr. Rich Armstrong, Dr. Ellen Foster, Dr. Ben Hale, Dr. Matt Quinn www.hinesburgbristolvet.com

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barely speaking English and more accustomed to European schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;her patience and sweetness made an unforgettable impact.

When you think of your aLma mater, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S no better pLaCe to Learn,â&#x20AC;? Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S the firSt perSon that ComeS to mind? Why? Mrs. Runge, my 2nd and 4th grade teacher. Because I moved to Vermont

paper yet? (if not, have a Word.)

No, not for a long time, but I still visit at least once a year, no joke. What do you think CharLotte WiLL be Like in 20 yearS? Hopefully exactly how it was 10 years ago. WouLd you ever ConSider moving baCk? Certainly.

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Flying in unison Bradley Carleton CONTRIBUTOR

Sometimes life hands us lessons in unattractive and painful packages. But all of them, if opened and inspected thoroughly, provide us with wisdom and understanding. A few months ago I had a quarrel with a dear friend over something so petty (at the time it seemed to emphasize our inescapable differences) that it tore us apart by the sheer will of my own ego. I will share how absurd that disagreement was because, again, it emphasizes the absurdity of the human need to be right. My friend, Chris Thayer, whom I have written about many times in this paper and I, had a shouting match about the fecundity of perch eggs based on the size and age class of the females. Both of us were yelling at each other, and the other guys must have thought us insane to be so heated over this topic. It was about being

right, and we seemed to always disagree on everything we believed. The argument blew up into a full-scale “I never want to talk to you again” war of words. Forget that this guy had been there for me through thick and thin, a member of our deer camp, my hunting and fishing partner, and my closest of buddies I’ve ever known. I was throwing it all away. A few weeks ago, my painful lesson was delivered to me by a mutual friend. Chris’s 26-year-old son, Andrew, had been in a terrible accident, and was fighting for his life. Suddenly, my ego came into sharp focus for what it is: a character defect that had to be faced for what it had done—torn apart the heart of one of the people I have loved as a friend more than almost anyone I have known. My grief for him was palpable. I had to make right what I had done. The day I learned of the accident, I was stunned. Three days later Andrew passed. That night I came home from work late. There was a full moon, and as I stepped out

of my truck I looked up and cried uncontrollably. I begged Grandmother Moon to forgive me. I begged Chris to forgive me. I begged to forgive myself. For me, my connection to nature and our universe has been all that I have been able to count on for healing and enlightenment. Call it God, Buddha, Christ, Allah, the Great Spirit or a Non-Deity. The power

that created all of this was all that I felt I could count on to comprehend not just the loss of my friend’s son but of my own spiritual dignity. This past Saturday, I led a migration watch at Dead Creek in Addison and was blessed by the sight of 800 snow geese that sat patiently in a field, feeding. We all watched in rapt attention and wondered about the miles and miles of flight that these birds had endured, living and feeding, sleeping and flying, together, as if they were one spirit. When one of my participants said, “Let’s go get a cup of coffee,”

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the birds lifted off and flew right over us. There was a brief moment where two birds, flying in perfect unison, presented themselves, white wings glowing in the sunlight, black wingtips nearly touching. I thought, “What a wonderful relationship those two have.” My very next thought was of my friend, and a cold teardrop rolled down my cheek. The healing had begun. I pray for peace and serenity for my friend and his family. I pray that Andrew’s life will serve as a lesson that the value of life is so much greater than one’s political or religious beliefs. And that we might all think before we speak poorly about anyone. I pray that my relationship with Chris can be healed and we can grow closer by sharing his loss. I pray that, one

day, we can once again be united in a spirit and friendship that was born of a love for the outdoors. Bradley Carleton is executive director of Sacred Hunter.org, a nonprofit that seeks to educate the public on the spiritual connection of man to nature and raises funds for Traditions Outdoor Mentoring. org, which mentors at-risk young men in outdoor pursuits.

10 •April 7, 2016 • The ChArloTTe News

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SPEAR’S! Walk into Spear’s Corner Store and the first thing you are confronted with is a cosmos of pictures. They are of moms, dads, brothers, sisters, babies, cars, tractors, dogs, cats, (there must be a rooster in there somewhere), mountains, lakes, streams—a patchwork quilt of our community that’s slowly grown over the past 15 years. Carrie says it all began when she hung a picture of the store itself taken shortly before she bought it in 2001. Three pictures followed which drew some positive comment from customers—and on it snowballed. After the wall directly behind the counter was full, the pictures moved to the ceiling. One might say it’s testatment to her place in the community but maybe more so how much she values everyone in it. Want to see your picutre in lights at the local corner store? Just ask. Carrie will find room for you, too.

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12 â&#x20AC;˘ April 7, 2016 â&#x20AC;˘ The ChArloTTe News

Sports

Edd Merritt Sports Roundup CVU women dominate â&#x20AC;&#x153;Player of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? candidates It hardly comes as a surprise that one of the CVU players from Charlotte would be named Miss Basketball for 20152016. Sadie Otley won the distinction as selected by the Free Press sports writers. It probably could as easily have been her senior classmate and last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winner, Laurel Jaunich, or another Charlotte athlete, Annabella Pugliese, who, while not being as prolific a scorer as the other two, was a defensive stalwart. Her coach, Ute Otley, called her the best post defender in the state. She averaged a team-best 1.9 blocks per game and pulled down at least five rebounds per game in the Redhawks undefeated season. Sadie Otleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection makes it the fourth year in a row that CVU has posted the top player in the state.

Taking Care Never too late to give a helping hand Alice D. Outwater, Ph.D. CONTRIBUTOR

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to give you something special,â&#x20AC;? I told my valued old friend, Mrs. B. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is there one thing you need to help a project along?â&#x20AC;? She considered this for a few days

SADIE OTLEY

Walker Storey top Redhawk for menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball A 6-foot 4-inch high school guard is no small feature. Walker Storey made his height and ball-handling ability work in the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favor as he averaged 14 points per game and 7 rebounds. As a result, he was named by the Free Press to its second all-state team and by the coaches to the first team of the Metro Division. His coach, Michael Osborne, received â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coach of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? honors from his colleagues in the Metro Division.

Hawks (a combined team from Mt. Mansfield Union and CVU) placed fourth in the Vermont Power Rankings for 20152016. They made their mark with a powerful victory over U-32 in the title game.

ANNABELLA PUGLIESE

Dave Bremner named to Vermont sports hall of fame

Hall of Fame. Bremner might be cited as the coach who initiated CVUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moniker as â&#x20AC;&#x153;soccer central.â&#x20AC;? His coaching record in the sport was 185 wins, 27 losses and 5 ties. The late teacher and long-time soccer He added five state titles over 16 years. The coach, first at Hinesburg High School CVU gym is named in his honor. He died Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hockey among and later when the school merged to form in 1996. top teams in the state CVU, Dave â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bearâ&#x20AC;? Bremner was inducted The Division II state champion Cougar/ into the Vermont Principals Association then replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I once had a box camera, next a Polaroid and now a Canon that still uses film. A digital cameraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cost is out of reach for me but would improve my photography.â&#x20AC;? I said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go for it. You choose something that suits you.â&#x20AC;? I gave Mrs. B a price range, and she hastened to the camera store and selected one she wanted. She cautiously began taking photos of birds eating from her feeder. The pictures portrayed brouhaha with seeds flying around, while birds shoved each other to get at the feast. I was amazed how well-composed and vivid the photos were. Mrs. Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enthusiasm mounted as the quality of the pictures advanced. At first she was hesitant to share them, but that soon vanished. You should have seen the pride in her smile as I admired the photos! Mrs. B also signed up for a photography course at the Charlotte Senior Center. In 1944 Mrs. B and her husband bought their farm in East Charlotte. For several years there was no electricity or running water in the main house, so they used an outhouse. She washed everything by hand

and used a scrub board for clothes. When they finally had utilities, much less appliances, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was such a luxury,â&#x20AC;? she said. Now Mrs. B wants to record their farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history in pictures. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve expanded it quite a bit over the years. Mrs. B recalls, â&#x20AC;&#x153;First tore down the barn and put up a new one. Then we added a large tool shed. The lumber was cut from a blue print. There was such excitement the day the lumber truck ambled up our dirt road. On weekends, neighbors helped us assemble the barn, and of course we fed them hearty sandwiches at noon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We bought a Farmall tractor in 1947. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve slowly expanded from 10 milking cows to a herd of 174 cows, calves and heifers. Our milk production has risen so much that the large trucks come directly here to transport the milk to Boston.â&#x20AC;? She sighed and quietly said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, Grandpa, if you could see what your son and grandson have done with the farm.... Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be so proud.â&#x20AC;? Some months later Mrs. B showed me the result: hefty draft horses pulling

wagons full of hay and the 10 original cows ambling into the barn to be milked. Also newly born calves gamboling in the fields. She had meticulously dated and labeled each frame, then placed them in plastic covers in three-ring notebooks. The final count was 20 notebooks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The camera has brought me untold pleasureâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and helped me through the loss of my husband. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broadened my scope. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so lucky to have it. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d thought modern photography might be beyond my capabilities, but I did it slowly and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m amazed with the results. Think of learning this new skill at my age! Next Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll concentrate on my grandchildren, as well as birthdays and family gatherings. Five generations have lived here. I just happened upon this project and am starting a new phase of my life. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve really surprised myself at this age.â&#x20AC;? I learned from Mrs. B how gratifying it can be to practice a small act of generosity, a small gesture that propels someone toward their aspiration and rewards both people exponentially.

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The CharloTTe News • april 7, 2016 • 13

You had your water tested. Now what?

Jim Hyde CONTRIBUTOR

Well water is constantly subject to change caused by the level and flow of ground water, human activity and changes in land use. Hence, it’s critical to test your water on a regular basis. No one else is going to do it for you. Currently the Vermont Department of Health recommends that this be done about every five years. (You can find links to water testing labs and other resources at charlottenewsvt.org.) The costs of a panel of tests—from about $150 to $250 depending on the tests ordered —is far from trivial. Amortized over five years, however, the cost comes to only about $30 to $50 per year. Compare this to what you spend for your phone or cable TV each month. Depending on the laboratory you use, you will receive a report that identifies the contaminants, the levels found and the acceptable range. If you are lucky, all of the test results will fall well within this acceptable range. Unless you have some reason to believe that your source water might have been contaminated, you can forget things for another five years.

IdentIfyIng the problem It would not be unusual, living in Charlotte, if one or another of the tests indicates a potential problem. According to one water treatment specialist I spoke with who covers the Charlotte area, the most commonly reported problems relate to hardness and high sulphur levels. Hardness, by itself, is not a health problem, though it can result in deposits within plumbing fixtures, etching of glass and cookware, and scale in hot water heaters reducing their efficiency and increasing energy costs. Less likely will be a high bacterial

count, either coliform or E. coli. This is a finding that should be taken seriously and acted upon immediately. While coliform does not necessarily indicate a direct threat, its presence does suggest that disease-causing pathogens may have gained access to your well water. Experts suggest that you not use water containing coliform or E. coli for drinking or cooking until the source has been identified, your well has been treated and decontaminated, and a retest indicates that it is safe to drink. Less likely, too, but of intense interest due to recent news accounts from Flint, Michigan, and other cities, are copper and lead contamination. The probable source of these contaminants is your own household plumbing fixtures and solder joints. Lead-based solder has been banned since 1989 but may still be found in older plumbing systems and as a constituent of brass. As a result, lead can leach out into water as it passes over fixture surfaces. Copper also can leach out of copper pipes and fixtures, especially in the presence of highly corrosive water. If you have high levels of sulphur in your water it may exacerbate this problem greatly.

fIndIng a remedy The good news is that most of these problems, once identified, can be remediated with the help of an experienced water-treatment professional. Remediation steps will generally involve the following. First, identifying the source of the contamination. Is it in the source water itself? Is it due to a poor seal or a cracked casing in the well? Have bacteria been introduced into the well by accident, for example, during pump replacement? Is the source of lead or copper the distribution system in your home? Identification and removal of the source is absolutely critical. It makes no sense to remove a contaminant that is only going to reappear. Second, choosing an appropriate removal strategy. A great many technologies are available to homeowners. Most commonly they will i nvolve some form of filtration (a simple passive filter

WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? or a more sophisticated reverse osmosis filter), possibly followed by use of an adsorption filter, and finally some form of disinfection. Commonly used disinfection technologies include UV light and chlorination. In exploring water treatment options, you may hear the terms “point of use” and “point of entry.” These simply refer to where the filtering or decontamination process takes place. If it’s at the “point of use” it might just be a filter on your sink tap or in your refrigerator. If it’s at the “point of entry” it will be a system that treats all of the water coming into the house, not just a single tap or faucet. There are obvious advantages to this approach although it is far more costly. Third, whether you use a point-of-use filter or install a whole-house system, you must maintain it. When was the last time you changed the filter on your tap or in your refrigerator? If you do not change these regularly, you might as well lick the ground for all of the good they will do you. In fact, there is evidence that unchanged filters will concentrate the contaminants already present in your water and deliver them to you at higher levels than if you used no filter at all. Fourth, remaining vigilant for any changes in the taste, appearance, odor or color of the water you drink. Remember, if you rely on well water no one is going to be

Drinking water websites and resources r emedIatIon and decontamInatIon

U.S. Centers for disease control and prevention: great overview of well-water treatment options:

of environmental conservation: entry portal for all vermont specific resources and information on ground water. Drinkingwater.Vt.Gov/

Cdc.Gov/healthywater/ drinking/private/wells/treatment.Html

Department of health access portal for drinking water information including testing:

overvIew of common well-water dIseases and contamInants:

healthvermont.Gov/enviro/ water/safe_water.Aspx

Cdc.Gov/healthywater/ drinking/private/wells/disease/ lead.Html U.S. Environmental protection agency: Excellent tutorial on well-water issues specific to new england states: Https://www3.Epa.Gov/ region1/eco/drinkwater/ private_well_owners.Html vermont-specIfIc drInkIng water resources: Drinking water and ground water protection. Department

other resources: (these are sponsored sites, so be aware that they may be a bit biased.

However, these three sites in particular also have some very good basic information). National ground water association: Wellowner.Org/basics/ Well water guide network: Wellwaterguide.Net/ American ground water trust: Agwt.Org/

vigilant for you.

remedIatIon Is not a dIy project I cannot emphasize enough that successful remediation of these problems is not for the “do-it-your-selfer” even though some equipment sellers would have you believe otherwise. There are no “silver bullet,” “one size fits all” solutions. Successfully treating and decontaminating your drinking water requires a mix of skills, experience and an understanding of water chemistry. Make sure the water treatment professional you choose is certified and has field experience in your area. Finally, consult the professionals available at both the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health. I have found them incredibly knowledgeable and very helpful.

James Hyde lives in Charlotte and is emeritus associate professor of public health at the Tufts University School of Medicine. This is the second of three articles on drinking water issues most commonly faced by Charlotte residents. The first article dealt with common well-water contaminants and is available at charlottenewsvt.org. The final article will discuss strategies for protecting source water.

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14 • April 7, 2016 • The ChArloTTe News

Mike Thomas takes it one day (and door) at a time

GOALS

step in it was, he would have died within a very treatshort time. MIKE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY ment. Mike is doing well. He is over 200 days OFFICER MIKE THOMAS AND A CANINE FRIEND This post-transplant. He is a proud husband, was parent and grandfather. Mike’s family also when Mike finally found out just how has been amazing though this ordeal and Shelburne police officer battles diagnosis—sciatica. Behind door number bad his leukemia had been. A doc came always seems to find the positive aspect two was the second diagnosis—pseu- into his room and told him his cancer blast in everything. Without a doubt, Mike’s leukemia and makes gains do-gout. Behind door number three was was at 24 percent. Mike and Cheryl had family has been a huge part and reason for the third diagnosis—rheumatoid arthritis. no idea what it meant and reacted with, his recovery. Josh Flore Behind door number four—leukemia. “Yeah, and…” There is a saying, “It takes a village to Still perplexed the doc looked at Cheryl The doc explained what the cancer blast raise a child.” From speaking with Mike CONTRIBUTOR and asked if Mike was OK. Cheryl, with was and made it seem like the number was and getting his blessing to write this piece, One year ago, on March 25, 2015, Mike a grin, said “Yeah, Mike is just fine, he still incredibly high. Mike asked, “Well, I can say, “It takes a village to fight for your Thomas was sitting in his doctor’s office understands.” what was it when I came into the hospital?” life.” Mike has taken this to a completely waiting to find out the causes of a lingering So began the journey. The doc seemed surprised and told Mike new level. He has a hard time putting his medical condition. He was experiencing Mike checked into the University of his original cancer blast was 80 percent. feelings into words—not because those a constant dry cough, occasional bouts of Vermont Medical Center. After getting Mike was ecstatic, and once again another words are mushy or corny, not because fatigue, and his joints just seemed to flare settled, one of the amazing oncology doc was dumbfounded by his glee. those words would never be enough, but and stiffen. That evening, his rheumatolo- nurses told Mike he needed to set some “Well if it was at 80 percent and 28 days because the gratitude and thanks are gist’s office called with news only the doc goals—to have something to look forward later it is at 24 percent, then let’s get the beyond anything Mike could imagine. could tell Mike. He told him to get to his to, to work toward. The only goal set by the next treatment started. Let’s do this,” he Sometimes words just do not seem to say office immediately. nurse was to take a walk on the floor of the said. what you truly feel. Mike thought that an after-hours visit to unit. After the nurse left, Mike’s daughter, I can only imagine the doc got up and For me the most gratifying day will be the rheumatologist only meant bad news. Mijken, arrived. She took one look at the walked out wondering just what kind of nut the day I see Mike walking back through He pressed the doc to tell him what was goals board and asked, “What the hell is case she was dealing with. Well, she was the Police Department doors to report going on. As police officers we never like that?” Mike told her. Mijken chuckle and dealing with Mr. Michael Thomas, who for duty. When that day occurs, it will be going into a situation cold with no infor- made the necessary changes. With the was and is bound and determined to beat like watching my father return home from mation. Mike was sick. Leukemia. His doc support of his family and friends, Mike leukemia. work, safe and sound. confirmed the diagnosis, told him to get had his marching orders. He was prepared It was not until recently Mike told me if some sleep but be at the hospital the next to take on leukemia and beat it. the leukemia had not been diagnosed when morning and “be prepared.” When Mike After 28 days in the hospital, he and Cheryl asked what he meant by “be prepared,” the were finally ready to leave. Plans for a trip doc explained that by the end of the day to Boston were on the horizon for the next they would know what type of leukemia he had and should have a treatment plan started. The doc explained that Mike could be treated as an outpatient or might have to be admitted. Mike said he would pack a toothbrush. Through it all, Mike’s calm Fully stocked SHIP STORE demeanor and sense of humor showed • Bottom Paint / Cleaners / Wax through. The following morning, Mike came by • Boating Acessories the Shelburne Police Department to meet • Flares / Life Jackets with the chief and the rest of the day-shift team. As he informed us all of the diagno• Beer / Wine / Snacks sis, my heart sank and a wave of emotion • Ethanol Free Fuel swept over me. We all wished Mike well • Factory-trained Service and the best of luck. We all know Mike is a fighter and he would not lose this battle. Department I watched Mike walk out the door to his Check out our online catalog at car, feeling like a young child watching his pointbaymarina.com father go to work. At the hospital Mike was poked and prodded like a pincushion. After all of the tests were run, the doc gave him the news. Acute myeloid leukemia. It was bad. But 1401 Thompsons Point Road, Charlotte they had a plan. The doc asked if he had (802) 425-2431 • www. pointbaymarina.com any questions. Mike being Mike, after a few seconds of contemplation, stated, “Yeah, doc, I will take door number two.” Perplexed the doc looked at Mike and asked if he was OK. Mike told him he was and again stated, “I will take door number two.” A look of utter confusion came over the doc. He took a knee and said, “Mike, you understand that you have leukemia, right?” Mike understood. He explained that behind door number one was the first

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The CharloTTe News • april 7, 2016 • 15

From the Archives

Puzzles Puzzles in 2016 have been underwritten by

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Cover page illustration by: Charlie lotz

History in the making We are happy to report that The Charlotte News Archive Project is moving right along. Between production cycles, Kali and I have done our best to organize and document every hard-copy issue of The Charlotte News from 1958 to present. With the help of the Charlotte Library and Edd Merritt, according to our records, WE HAVE EVERY ISSUE OF OUR HISTORY IN HARD COPY. Pretty amazing to see such a vault of Charlotte’s history in one place. Our next steps are to store them properly, get the website working better, and then get all back issues digitized and searchable. We hope to have some classic editions in display form by the summer. We’ll bring you more on this as it develops. Reprinted archive complied by: Kali Adams, Madison Hakey and Alex Bunten

Volume XI, Number 15 March 20, 1969 The Library One of the busiest places at Charlotte Central these days is our lovely new library. Suddenly these is a great interest in research projects and the 68 library seats are usually filled. At various times during the day, sessions in library usage are given by Mrs. Granger. Each class has one session a week. You may even see the lights burning at night as the “Friends of the CCS Library” have been meeting there to organize their fund drive. Many new books have been purchased for our use. There are: Popular Science, American Girl, Jack and Jill, Snow Goer, and Ranger Rick. Forty-two books about the United States have recently been put on the shelves as well as many new sports books. Twenty factual books about such things as weather, transportation, coins, judo, soldiers, and horses have been purchased and will be on the shelves soon. These books were selected

at a half-price sale by a thrifty librarian. It is hoped by the “Friends of the CCC Library” that the number of books in the library be increased from 2,500 to at least 6,000. We students appreciate their effort and hope to turn our first twenty dollars from our Chatterbox money over to their fund soon. (Ed. note: This editorial was written by Clark W. Hinsdale III, editor of The Chatterbox, published by the students at CCS and sold for 5 cents a copy. Others on the staff are Ila Lewis and Nancy Melanson, stenographers; Richard Steele, art consultant; reporters, Jeff Garen, Bruce Baldwin, Stephen Hancock and Sharon McLoughlin. Since this editorial was written, the staff has turned over $25 to the library fund, realized through food sales as well as sales of the paper.)

Around Town The Cedar Beach Association is offering a reward for information leading to the recovery of its sign reading “Cedar Beach Association—No Trespassing. Private

—Dorothy Thompson (1893-1961)

Property,” removed recently from private property of the Association. Send information to Free Press Box 26. Volume XX, Number 14 March 30, 1978

Volume XX Number 14 March 30, 1978 About Town Former Vermont Agriculture Commissioner Leo O’Brien, for the second time in eight months, is being sued for selling cattle infected with brucellosis. A Charlotte couple has filed a suit for $150,000 charging that O’Brien and his brother Daniel sold them 78 infected animals in 1974. All 78 had to be destroyed because of the venereal disease, according to the suit. Douglas L. and Nancy J. Titus charge that the O’Briens knew or should have known the 51 cows, 14 heifers and 13 calves sold in the deal had the disease. It was not discovered until seven months later, in July 1975, when the herd was tested by the Vermont Department of Agriculture.

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16 • April 7, 2016 • The ChArloTTe News

Senior Center News

Mary Recchia CONTRIBUTOR

We have just added a spring Pastel Painting Class with Shirley Reid-Thompson on Tuesday afternoons from 1–3:30. Dates: May 3, 10, 17 and 24. The emphasis will be on pastel painting techniques. Color theory will be explained and used in your paintings. We will work from real life set-ups except for one afternoon when we will use photographs. We can do mixed media, watercolor and pastel if you want. If requested we can do individual contrast composition with color layering. Special help for beginners is available. All levels of skill are welcome. Call Shirley (860-0666) for a materials list. Registration required. Limit 10. Fee: $100. There will be new projects for spring in Watercolor with Lynn Cummings on Tuesday mornings from 9:15–12:15 p.m. Dates: April 12, 19, 26 and May 3. This spring each class will concentrate on something new that we haven’t done or we haven’t done in a while—for example, a whole class on “just skies” or “starting with your darkest darks.” I will be bringing in new photos from Cuba, so we’ll paint some Cuban/Caribbean-themed subjects. As always, I welcome suggestions or specific requests from students. Feel free to email with your ideas, to get a supply list or ask any questions: Lynn.Cummings@ uvm.edu. Registration required. Fee: $96. Join Elizabeth Llewellyn for The Art of Perspective on Thursday mornings

from 10–11:30. Dates: April 14, 21, 28 and May 5. Perspective at its most basic is drawing or painting three-dimensional scenes convincingly on a two-dimensional surface. There are many perspective techniques, but the aim of all of them is to mimic the way we see. In this four-week class we will cover some of the beginning aspects of perspective, including atmospheric perspective, details and edges, size, spacing and overlap, values and shadows, and linear perspective. Don’t live in EY SIRI YOU THERE fear of perspective! Get off to a good start in a class that will show you how you can Susanna Kahn, the Charlotte Tech Librarian, led an iPhone Workshop at the Senior tame the perspective beast. Open to all Center with 27 participants in attendance. They learned a few tips and tricks to control skill levels. Materials list: graphite pencil Siri’s moods a bit better. Photo: Mary Recchia 2B, kneaded eraser, sketchbook and ruler. Registration required. Limit 10. Fee: $70. for spectacular bird watching. Good views April 13: Jazz It Up! with the CVU Get Ready for an Active Summer, with are guaranteed through Hank’s “Oh my Singers Ginger Lambert on Friday mornings from God” telescope. Register for this event, 9:15–10. Dates: April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13 and if we have to change the date due to For the 12th year, the CVU singers return and 20. We all have different body types bird migration or weather, we will call you. to the Senior Center to bring a light-hearted repertoire to remind us that spring is on its and fitness experience but know that being Registration required. No fee. way! Songs from the great American Song strong and fit helps us to live our lives to their full potential. Using timed intervals Let’s Just Sing! with Carlanne Herzog Book and newer offerings will be shared and a series of stations, this class will and Orchard Corl on Thursday afternoons with our friends, and there may even be a incorporate body weight, light weights from 1 to 2. Dates: April 21, 28, May 5, sing-along or two! and other cardio/strength-building tools 12, 19. Whether you have sung for years to boost strength, cardiovascular fitness, or quietly sing to yourself in the shower, April 20: Discovering beauty and agility and flexibility. Some active games choose whatever excuse you need to come emotion through dance and photograwill be included to make this a fun and join the fun. We will choose familiar phy, with Harriet Veltkamp, 8th grader, interesting workout. Joint and ligament tunes to lift your spirits, song sheets will Champlain Waldorf School issues will be taken into account. Every be provided, and we hope to impart the exercise can be modified for any ability or simple joy of singing. Come when you Inspire + Entertain = Inspirtain. The main level of fitness. If you have been looking can and sing yourself happy! Registration theme of this performance is to show emotion through dance and photos and to for a class that challenges you but doesn’t required. No fee. bring beauty to people through art. Harriet leave you in the dust, then this is for you. has taken a series of dance photos which Registration required. Limit 10. Fee: $60 A collection of lectures, perforeach convey a different emotion and plans mAnces And speciAl events showcAsing Hank Kaestner will lead another Birding the diverse interests of our community to display and talk about them. She has also choreographed several dances that will Expedition on Wednesday, April 20, at 9 a.m. as we try to beat last year’s total by Wednesday afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. be performed. Harriet has loved working on this project and hopes you will enjoy recording 101 species of birds in one year! No registration or fee. watching it. Please meet at the Center so we can carpool together to the location Hank has scouted

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The CharloTTe News • april 7, 2016 • 17

Trendy TiTles @ The library Herding Hemingway’s Cats: Understanding How Our Genes Work by Kat Arney. (Nonfiction) In 1935, Ernest Hemingway was supposedly given Snow White, a six-toed cat who went on to father a line of similar offspring that still roam the writer’s Florida estate. Scientists now know that the fault driving this profusion of digits lies in a tiny genetic control switch, miles away (in molecular terms) from the gene that “makes” toes…We’ve all heard of genes, but how do they actually work? Lust and Wonder by Augusten Burroughs. (Memoir) In chronicling the development and demise of the different relationships he’s had while living in New York, Burroughs examines what it means to be in love, what it means to be in lust, and what it means to be figuring it all out.

Margaret Woodruff CONTRIBUTOR

UPCOMING AT THE CHARLOTTE LIBRARY

The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. (Fiction) A warm, funny and acutely perceptive debut novel about four adult siblings and the fate of the shared inheritance that has shaped their choices and their lives. Travelers by Chris Pavone. (Mystery/Thriller) It’s 3 a.m. Do you know where your husband is? Meet Will Rhodes: travel writer, recently married, barely solvent, his idealism rapidly giving way to disillusionment and the worry that he’s living the wrong life. Then one night, on assignment for the award-winning Travelers magazine in the wine region of Argentina, a beautiful woman makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Soon Will’s bad choices—and dark secrets—take him across Europe, from a chateau in Bordeaux to a midnight raid on a Paris mansion, from a dive bar in Dublin to a mega-yacht in the Mediterranean and an isolated cabin perched on the rugged cliffs of Iceland.

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 p.m. Extend the school day enjoying books, songs, poems and crafts. Students ride the blue bus to library. Registration required for both sessions. 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! MONDAY, APRIL 11, 10 a.m.: Mystery Book Group: The Devotion of Suspect X. This Japanese thriller by Keigo Higashino “complements the familiar psychological suspense/thriller/mystery genre by infusing Japanese philosophy.” Join us for coffee and conversation about this fascinating book. Copies available at the circulation desk to check out. 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. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 7 p.m.: Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Meet the dogs and the people behind this program that “ bring[s] joy and comfort to people in a host of Vermont hospitals and other health-related venues, nursing and retirement homes, child and adult day care centers, and correctional facilities.”

Book review: When Breath Becomes Air, by Paul Kalanithi Georgia Edwards CONTRIBUTOR

Cancer took Paul Kanalithi’s life at age 37 but not before the neurosurgeon was able to write most of his memoir, When Breath Becomes Air. His story begins with a foreword by Abraham Verghese, author (Cutting for Stone) and physician, who urges us to “see what courage sounds like” by reading about this extraordinary man’s life, death and legacy. As a child, Kalanithi was introduced to authors like Sartre, Twain and Thoreau. Books, he said, “… became my closest confidants, finely ground lenses providing new views of the world.” His

LIBRARY BOARD: Emily Ferris, Nan Mason, Danielle Menk, Jonathan Silverman, Robert Smith. Next Meeting: April 14, 6 p.m.

Tell them you saw it in The Charlotte News!

master’s thesis in literature at Stanford University was titled “Whitman and the Medicalization of Personality.” He could not see himself confined to an English department and went on to graduate cum laude from the Yale University School of Medicine and return to Stanford to eventually become chief resident of neurosurgery. Kalanithi found the best of both worlds in combining his love of language and medicine—“… literature provided the best account of the life of the mind, while neuroscience laid down the most elegant rules of the brain.” In 2013, during his final year of residency, Kalanithi

developed severe back pain and fatigue. A CT scan revealed multiple tumors throughout his lungs. After receiving the news that he had stage IV lung cancer, he wrote, “The root of disaster means a star coming apart, and no image expresses better the look in a patient’s eyes when hearing a neurosurgeon’s diagnosis.” Kalanithi found himself in the position of that patient, struggling with the dissolution of his future while gaining new insight. “It occurred to me that my relationship with statistics changed as soon as I became one.” Chemotherapy afforded him a period of remission, and during that time, Kalanithi continued to practice medicine and write. His dual passion for words and medicine enabled him to interweave both into his memoir. He takes us from his childhood in Arizona to his unconventional path to Yale, where he would meet his wife, Lucy. We learn of his patients and follow his case studies. With poignant recall, he describes the birth of his daughter, Cady, in 2014. His kind, philosophical and

introspective character is evident throughout. Paul Kalanithi’s remission and life ended too soon. He died on March 9, 2015. In a moving epilogue, Lucy Kalanithi finished her husband’s story. It reads, in part: “Paul’s decision not to avert his eyes from death epitomizes a fortitude we don’t celebrate enough in our death-avoidant society. His strength was defined by ambition and effort, but also by softness, the opposite of bitterness… Writing this book was a chance for this courageous seer to be a sayer, to teach us to face death with integrity.” When Breath Becomes Air is a beautiful work of prose in which a young man, faced with his mortality, reflects, teaches and inspires. Author Ann Patchett aptly summarized the importance of Kalanithi’s story by stating, “This is one of a handful of books I consider to be a universal donor—I would recommend it to anyone, everyone.”

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18 • April 7, 2016 • The ChArloTTe News

Community Events

Selectboard: April 7, 4 p.m.; 11 & 25, 7 p.m. Planning Commission: April 7 & 21, 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: None

THEATER: Rice Memorial High School will be presenting Once Upon a Mattress at Main Street Landing’s Black Box Theater, 60 Lake Street, Burlington. Shows are April 8 and 9 at 7 p.m., and April 9 and 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. Info: rmhsvt.org/Page/Calendar. Photo: Back Row: Michael Lyons, Sam Dickin, Jack Lyons, Maura Thompson, Brooke Willett, Tracy Ferguson, Maggie Fitzgerald, Dan Wagner. Middle Row: Deanna Cummings, Maryann Pohlen, Rebecca Ludden, Veronique Bartlett, Moira Brown, Sara Bostock, Solange Boucher, Joseph Brooks. Front Row: Hunter Hague, Olivia Parker, Isabel Kline, Michael Casarico, Anna Davis, Maddie Houston, Brian Lynam (Director).

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

GOT YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE? The Charlotte News is looking for an Events Calendar Editor. This person would work directly with the Editor in Chief, helping to collate and format all events submitted to The News. Must have word processing software and a computer or be able to come to the office to work. The role would require about two hours every other week. It’s good to have a pulse on the town’s activities. Send inquiries to Alex Bunten at news@thecharlottenews.org.

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! THURSDAY, APRIL 7 THEATRE: Charlotte resident, Ben Recchia, directs the “Seussical” at CCS April 7, 8 and 9. Enjoy the lively music and acting this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The play begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Students are $6 and adults are $8. Info: ccsvt.org or 425-2771. BLOOD DRIVE: The America Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Charlotte Senior Center from 2– 7 p.m. To avoid delays, it is strongly advised to make an appointment by calling 800733-2767 or contacting redcrossblood. org. FRIDAY, APRIL 8 CONTRA DANCE: Queen City Contras will hold its regular dance at Shelburne Town Hall, 5376 Shelburne Road, Shelburne. All are welcome, all dances taught, no partner or experience necessary. Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Beginners’ session at 7:45 p.m. Dance begins at 8 p.m. $9 for adults, under 12 free. Info: 802-371-9492 or www.queencitycontras.org. SATURDAY, APRIL 9 CHARITY: Rite Aid Pharmacy in the Shelburne Shopping Park for The Vermont Children’s Hospital. We will be accepting all returnable bottles from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also drop them off any time at Tenney’s Bottle Redemption in Charlotte in Rite Aid’s name. We will accept them here at the store any time as well. Bring them in and help us help our kids! Thanks! SUNDAY, APRIL 10

Upcoming pUblic meetings

Upcoming Charlotte Food Shelf Distribution Dates 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.

EVENT: K of C Breakfast. Delicious breakfast eggs, omelets to order, hot cakes, French toast, sausage, bacon and more! ! St. Peter’s Parish Hall,. 85 South Maple St., Vergennes. 8-10 a.m. Adults: $8.50, Seniors over 60, $7.50; and kids 6-12 $6..00 Children under six are free. Immediate families of five or more $28.00. Info: www.saintpetersvt.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 15 THEATER: The Foreigner—A comic farce about a man that residents of a lodge think doesn’t know English and what their conversations in front of him will soon reveal. Shelburne Town Center, Shelburne. Performances are 7:30-10 p.m. April 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23; 2 p.m. April 17. Evening showing $15; matinee $12. Info: www.shelburneplayers.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12 EVENT: Lake Champlain Waldorf School Pre-K through 8th grade Observation Meeting Pre-K through 8th grade observation morning. The beautiful Lake Champlain Waldorf School Early Childhood and Grade School campus is nestled on a 22-acre nature preserve in Shelburne. Tour our campus and observe classes in session. Questions and conversation to follow. 359 Turtle Lane, Shelburne., Vt. 8:30-10 a.m. Free. Info: goo.gl/td8LFZ. RSVP: Contact Pam Graham, (802) 985-2827 ext. 12 or . pgraham@lakechamplainwaldorfschool. org.

PARTY: Red Wagon Plants 3rd Annual Opening Celebration Cocktail Party. Red Wagon Plants is 10 years old and as part of ongoing celebrations welcomes friends, customers and neighbors to join them for their 3rd Annual Opening Day Cocktail Party. 2408 Shelburne Falls Rd., Hinesburg. 6:00–8:00 p.m. Free and open to the public. Please RSVP at (802) 4824060 or email julie@redwagonplants. com.

TALK: Robert Charles Anderson to Speak at CVU in Hinesburg. Worldrenowned author and genealogist, Robert Charles Anderson will speak on the motivations for and process of migration as people spread throughout New England. 6:00–8 p.m. as part of the district’s Access—Community Education for All Program. Please email your interest to access@cssu.org or call 4827194 to reserve spots. Fee $20, seniors $15. For a description of the class, go to http://cvuweb.cvuhs.org/access/#a805. THURSDAY, APRIL 14 PRESENTATION: Writer/carver/ painter Tim Brookes will share his remarkable and thought-provoking perspective on Endangered Alphabets, Cultural Erosion, and the Future of the Written Word at the Lawrence Memorial Library in Bristol. For more information on the program, contact the Lawrence Memorial Library at 453-2366 or go to www.OneWorldLibraryProject.org.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 MUSIC: The Singer’s Art Concert Series: An afternoon of art song, arias and duets. Christopher Colmenero (tenor), who grew up in Charlotte, and Geoffrey Penar (baritone) will be joined by Natalia Salemmo (soprano) and Veronica Jensen (mezzosoprano) in a concert presented by Bill Reed Voice Studio as part of the Singer’s Art Concert Series. St. Michael’s College McCarthy Arts Center. 4 p.m. Adults $20, seniors and children $15.00. Free for St. Michael’s students and staff. Info: billreedvoicestudio.com.

Looking Ahead THURSDAY, APRIL 28 RUMMAGE SALE: The Charlotte Grange #398 requests donations for its annual Spring Rummage Sale. The sale will be held on Thursday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. AND Saturday, April 30, from 8 a.m. to noon. We accept gently used clothing, shoes, boots, children’s toys and games, books (no text books or encyclopedias, please), kitchenware,

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 | 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 | 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

small household items, and gardening and yard tools. Donations will be accepted at the Grange Hall on Spear Street in Charlotte on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Monday and Tuesday, April 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: Dorothy Hill, 425-4140.

The CharloTTe News • april 7, 2016 • 19

Classifieds

Around Town Congratulations

Charlotte. She received a scholarship to study in Ankara, Turkey, was a member of the Young Writer’s Conference at Bread Loaf, received Vermont Commons awards in Mandarin Chinese and in language arts and earned placement in the National Honor Society. Jordan will enter Columbia University in the fall. to Eleanore Blake who earned membership in the Thoroughbred Society at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The society recognizes student athletes who maintain a high grade-point average. Eleanore is the daughter of Sara and Tony Blake.

Congratulations to Naomi Strada, administrative assistant at Charlotte Central School, who was recently appointed president of the Vermont Association of Educational Office Professionals. Naomi has been a member of VAEOP since 2007 and has been the Region I board chairwoman since 2014. to Keira Yardley whose poem “Backpack mix-up” appeared in the “Young Writers Project” in the April 1 issue of the Burlington Free Press. Keira responded to the prompt asking authors to write about their best April Fools prank that, for her, occurred at school when teachers mixed up student backpacks. “It took so long to get the backpacks back that it made for a very long setback,” wrote Keira. to Curt Alpeter who became a partner in Vermont Farm Table, custom design woodworkers, a company started by Charlotter Dustin Glascoe to use reclaimed wood in the design of home tables. Their woodshop is in Charlotte, and they sell through a store on College Street in Burlington. to Jordan Cannon, a student at the Vermont Commons School, who was named an academic all-star in the March 20 issue of the Burlington Free Press. Jordan is the daughter of Jan Cannon of

to the Charlotte Central student teams who participated in the state Odyssey of the Mind tournament in mid March. The 6th grade team—Sam Holmes, Emmett LaChapelle, Aidan Devine, Riley Bagnato, Chris Haigney—won 1st place in its division. The 5th grade team—Grace McNally, Matthew Servin, Jameson McEnaney, Harry Evans, Hadley Stockwell, Ellie Haigney—placed 2nd in its division. to CCS 8th grader Sadie Holmes whose essay, “Observations about the persistence of racism and the difference in perspective on racism,” earned her honorable mention in this year’s Hildene Lincoln essay competition. She will be honored at Hildene on May 15. to the following grade-level spelling bee finalists at CCS: grade 3—Calvin Crandall, Roman Evans, George Taylor; grade 4—Josh Batchelder, Sam Dore, Stephen Zubarik; grade 5—Coco Eyre, Ellie Haigney, Hadley Stockwell; grade 6—Tess Foley-Cox, Immogen Naylor, Olivia Spell; grade 8—Isabel Cohen. The schoolwide spelling bee will be held at 1:30 p.m. on April 13 in the CCS

Sympathy multi-purpose room. is extended to family and friends of Thomas D. North of South Dennis, Massachusetts, who passed away March 16 at the age of 83. Born in Pennsylvania, he lived many years in Charlotte while

The following boards and positions have seats with terms ending in March 2016: • •

Get involved in town government 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

• • • • • • • •

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 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.

building a career at IBM, initially in engineering, moving to personnel and eventually retiring as a government relations representative. The family asks that in, lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to Hope Health, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601. is extended to family and friends of Frances (Franny) Lamothe of Georgia, Vermont, who passed away March 16 at the age of 83. Her surviving family in Charlotte includes her daughter, Linda Lane, and Linda’s husband,. John. is extended to family and friends of Dean Leonard, Sr. of Burlington, Vermont,who passed away March 20 at the age of 85. His surviving family in Charlotte includes his daughter, Brenda Dion, and Brenda’s husband, Marty. The family asks that those wishing to make donations in his memory consider doing so to St. Marks Roman Catholic Church in Burlington. is extended to family and friends of Mead Brownell of Shelburne, Vermont, who passed away March 22 at the age of 85. “Meadie,” as she was known, was a longtime congregant of the Charlotte Congregational Church, where a celebration of her life was held in late March. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to the Lake Champlain Land Trust, 1 Main Street, Suite 205, Burlington, VT 05401. is extended to family and friends of Andrew Thayer of Delray Beach, Florida, who passed away March 21 at the age of 26. Andrew was the son of Christopher and Leslie Thayer of Charlotte. He attended CCS and graduated from CVU in 2007. He worked many summers at the Basin Harbor Club and became a golf aficionado. The family asks that those wishing to make donations in his memory consider doing so to the “Andrew Thayer, Jr. Golf Clinic,” Basin Harbor Club, 4800 Basin Harbor Road, Vergennes, VT 05491. is extended to family and friends of Peggy Lee Weld of Charlotte, who passed away March 29 at the age of 63. Her surviving family in Charlotte includes her partner, Donnie Sorrell, and her brother, Jeffrey Hall, and his wife, Tammy. The family asks that those wishing to donate in her memory consider doing so to the Charlotte Fire & Rescue, 170 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT 05445. is extended to family and friends of Norma Whittinghill of Bedford, Massachuesetts, who passed away January 2. Born in Burlington, Norma grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Middlebury College in 1951. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, LA 50037. is extended to family and friends of Susan Struble of South Burlington who passed away March 30 at the age of 76. Her surviving family in Charlotte includes her son Robert Struble and his wife, Stephanie. The family asks that those wishing to make contributions in her memory do so to Kurn Hattin Homes, P.O. Box 127, 708 Kurn Hattin Road, Westminster, VT 05158. is extended to family and friends of Douglas Therrien of Vergennes who passed away March 30 at the age of 66. His surviving family in Charlotte includes his brother Donald and Donald’s wife,

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. Don’t put off that painting project any longer. Call the professionals at lafayette Painting. We have been painting the homes and businesses of Chittenden County for over 39 years! Visit LafayettePaintingInc.com or call 863-5397. [58-20] MaxiM outdoor Wood Pellet furnace by Central Boiler adapts to existing heating systems & heats with renewable wood pellets. Boivin Farm Supply 802-475-4007 interior and exterior Painting: If you’re looking for quality painting with regular or low VOC paints and very reasonable rates, call John McCaffrey at 802-999-0963 or 802-338-1331 or 802877-2172. [58-24] redstone: Affordable small office spaces available on Ferry Rd. Starting at $250.00 including all utilities. For more information or to schedule a tour call 802-6587400. Spring is here! luPine Painting can help you brighten any area with a fresh coat of paint or a beautiful new color. Trusted and professional for 20+ years. Call for a free consultation 802-598-9940.[58-18] schiP resale shoP Part tiMe helP Local non-profit resale shop seeks parttime help for Saturdays and occasionally during the week. Retail experience preferred with an interest in people a plus. Great boutique style shop with lots of friendly customers. Send resume to SCHIP’S Treasure, 5404 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, Vermont 05482 or email schipstore@myfairpoint.net. [58-19] green Mountain habitat for huManity is looking for a full-time truck driver to pick up donated household items and other goods around Chittenden County and bring them to the Restore in Williston for sale. A clean driving record is necessary, as is the ability to repeatedly lift 50-plus pounds. Full -time. Send cover letter and resume to dmullin@ vermonthabitat.org or call 802-872-8726. [58-17]

Darlene. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory be made to the University of Vermont Cancer Center, Office of Development, The Courtyard at Given–1 South, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405.

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” —Robin Williams

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