The Charlotte News | April 9, 2015

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A Look at the CCS Budget 1 窶｢ No Child Left Inside 4 窶｢ Songwriting at CCS 6 窶｢ Gifts from the Great Spirit 21

The Charlotte News

Volume lVII Number 17

The VoIce of The TowN

Thursday, aprIl 9, 2015

In CCS Budget Debate, Two Sides Dig In Before April 13 Revote

Photo: Courtesy

With a reduced budget proposal, the school board aims to bridge a gap between education and cost-savings. A look at the numbers and stories behind the debate.

Sundays at Kimball Brook Hilary and Jack, two of the children of Kimball Brook Farm owners JD and Cheryl DeVos, stand with their herd of milking cows. The farm is starting a series of farm concerts and a summer CSA. For more on their initiatives, turn to page 20.

CVU Student Directs ‘Peter Pan’ for CCS Robin Fawcett CONTRIBUTOR

Many theater directors will tell you producing a play is more than a full-time job. If they have one, they often flex their day job to fit it in. Yet 16-yearold Ben Recchia, director of Peter Pan, Jr. at Charlotte Central School, has flexed nothing but his positive attitude and creative gifts as he leads the way to what will be a very special production.

Ben is the first high school student ever hired to direct the CCS spring musical.

Moreover, he’s doing so while carrying a full load of courses at CVU, including two AP classes, with high honors and no free blocks. He has also maintained his prized internship with the Animal Hospital of Hinesburg, except during these final weeks of rehearsal. How did this come to pass? How in the world is

he doing it all?

In conversation with Ben, he shared that his devotion to CCS theater started with his first show there five years ago, in seventh grade. “So, when the theater director position became open, I thought, hmm, I’d like to try that. I was inspired by the idea of creating a great experience for the 6th through 8th graders at my former school.”

Getting the job required not just an interview; it also required a trusty mentor and a presentation to the principals outlining how he would produce his show. Ben was lucky to get Sean Moran, theater director at Williston Central School, as his professional advocate.

For the principals, Ben presented a vivid display of his plans for the show, a display that became undeniable evidence

Recchia continued on page 12

information about his benefits and salary, a claim she also made against the school board at its previous meeting.

Clearly vexed, Mason told her he and the other members of CSSU gone to an “exhaustive” effort in meeting her requests, a claim to which she scoffed before being shut down by board chair Brett Sigurdson Mark McDermott.

And so marked one more budget THE CHARLOTTE NEWS exchange that illustrated the push and A CCS budget forum on March 31 pull between school officials attemptplayed out in real time much like the ing to pass a balanced, educationdebate over the school board’s pro- centered budget and those who want more accountability posed $7.5 million in school spending—a budget online in neardesire that has come daily Front Porch to represent resistance Forum postings since to a two principal its defeat on Town udgeT model.

Meeting Day. Yet, as he reflected On one side of the oTe on the budget after the table, there were the meeting, McDermott school directors and When: Monday, April 13 noted that the budget administrators from Voting: 7 a.m.– 7 p.m. offers solid common Chittenden South Where: CCS MPR ground between both Supervisory Union, views. the author’s of the “We’ve presented budget and targets of a budget that lowers frustrated postings taxes, and this is what and remarks from Charlotters upset with higher taxes people are clamoring for,” he said. “I (including one of the school board’s know some people would like it to lower taxes more, but this is the comown, Clyde Baldwin).

On the other side was an audience mon ground we found between people of a dozen Charlotters—a crowd much who would like us to spend more on the smaller than previous meetings held school and people who would like us to since the budget failed by 47 votes. spend less. I think it’s hit a nice little Among them was Tammy Hall, who spot in the middle.”

The revised CCS budget is $7,570,995, has, by virtue of a campaign on Front Porch Forum and in other media out- which is $25,000 lower than the budget lets, fashioned herself the public voice voters rejected on March 3. The savings of those angry with the school board’s are due to the projected difference in budget proposal—particularly its allo- salaries from moving to the new admincation for two principals to replace istrative model.

The proposal is an increase over last outgoing co-principals Greg Marino and year’s budget of less than one percent.

Audrey Boutaugh.

During the 15-minute meeting, the However, with a $180,000 fund balcrowd witnessed a testy exchange ance transfer passed by voters on Town between CSSU Chief Financial Officer Bob Mason and Hall, who accused Budget continued on page 10 Mason of thwarting her attempts to get

ccs b V

Six Weeks in Sierra Leone Why did you go?

When Ebola hit the headlines last August, I began thinking almost immediately about how I could help. I went because I knew my skills as a family doctor were needed. And having spent part of my childhood in Africa, Jean Andersson-Swayze, M.D. the faces on the news were CONTRIBUTOR something I could not ignore.

But it wasn’t easy. I have I spent part of January three kids under 10, and I and all of February in Sierra am part of a medical pracLeone volunteering at an tice with partners and patients Ebola treatment center. Now who depend on me. And not that I am past the “quaraneveryone I talked to beforetine” period, I am talking a hand thought I was making little more publicly about my a good decision, which fed experience. People ask me, my own doubts. In the end ‘Why did you go?’ ‘What was though, with the unwaverit like?’ And ‘What’s it like to be back?’ The Charlotte Jean Andersson- ing support of my husband, Andrew (who really is the News invited me to write a piece Swayze unsung hero in all of this), I responding to these questions.

Ebola continued on page 7

Photos: Courtesy

A Charlotter shares her experience fighting Ebola in Sierra Leone

Charlotte doctor Jean Andersson-Swayze dresses in protective gear before treating Ebola patients in Sierra Leone earlier this year. She traveled there as a member of the International Medical Corps.

2 • April 9, 2015 • The

Charlotte News

Voices A Community Engagement The Charlotte News thE voiCE of thE town sinCE 1958 The CharloTTe News is a nonprofit community-based newspaper dedicated to informing townspeople of current events and issues. It serves as a forum for the free exchange of views of town residents and celebrates the people, places and happenings that make the Town of Charlotte unique.

Contributions in the form of articles, press releases and photographs pertaining to Charlotte-related people and events are accepted and encouraged from all townspeople and interested individuals. For submission guidelines and deadlines, please visit our website or contact the editor at news@charlottenewsvt.com.

The CharloTTe News is published in Charlotte by The Charlotte News, Inc., a Vermont domestic 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation. Distribution is made every other Thursday to all households and businesses in Charlotte and to more than 50 outlets in Shelburne, Hinesburg, North Ferrisburgh, Ferrisburgh and Vergennes. It relies on the generous financial contributions of its readers, subscriptions and advertising revenue to sustain its operations.

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Alex Bunten EDITOR IN CHIEF

A workshop run by The Charlotte News, you say? This Saturday from 1-3 p.m. at the Mt. Philo Inn? With the legendary Barrie Dunsmore as a special guest? Presentations by the editors? Snacks and intelligent conversation with locals? I’d love to go!

This is how I imagine the community conversations about our upcoming workshop. However, my rosetinted glasses were momentarily darkened when I received an email from Susan Grasso yesterday asking, “Could you remind me of the purpose of this workshop?”

Not to be discouraged, I explained: To be honest, it started because I’m new back in town and really wanted to put faces to contributor emails.

However, it’s developed into more of a community engagement for new

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ten expression. All the best writers had good editors. But as the editor of the Moscow Times once said to me, “Most people are writers or editors.

It’s rare to be both.”

All that said, if the first paragraph of this editorial missive rings true for you, we look forward to seeing you Saturday.

If you need a bit of an excuse to come, you could consider it a kickoff event for National Volunteering Week (April 12–18). This will then roll into Green Up Day in early-May (page 11), and maybe even lead you into the CY mentoring program for the next academic year at CCS (page eight).

If you can only commit to making your way through this issue and enjoying the writing as it is, we thank you all the same. We need good readers just as much as we need good writers.

Regardless, you have a few things to look forward to. We are exploring some interesting visualizations of police data on page six, we’ve got a smattering of community voices on the page three, and on page 19 you’ll find our continued efforts to get more literary voices in the paper.

Enjoy!

U.S. and Iran Inch Closer to Landmark Agreement

Board Members

jeaN aNderssoN-swayze Bradley CarleToN Chris davis Tai diNNaN Barrie duNsmore georgia edwards joe gallagher PeTer hyams

and old writers/contributors. We are a nonprofit newspaper largely supported by the community—what would we be if we didn’t try to physically interact with the community?

Beyond that, we are looking to discuss good community journalism (especially from a nonprofit perspective), and our submission process (and how to possibly get contributors to make this smoother for a very understaffed/overworked editorial board), and to pitch projects and build collaborations.

We’ll have handouts, presentations, snacks and a lively atmosphere.

Not to mention, Barrie Dunsmore, living legend of journalistic excellence, will be on hand to answer questions and provide an inspirational goal for budding writers in town. Most of our editorial staff will be there, as well.

You might be wondering if there will be a grammatical element to the workshop. I’d say we should cover the dynamics of “less” and “fewer,” but only if deemed necessary by the attendees. Even the most persnickety get the grammar wrong on occasion—dare I say, even this publication has its moments—but that is no reason to limit your writ-

Barrie Dunsmore CONTRIBUTOR

The “framework” nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, including the U.S, is a major step forward in keeping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon for a decade or more. In exchange, the tough international sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy will be lifted. President Barack Obama calls it a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”

But it is becoming obvious there is still a lot of negotiating to be done in filling out the details before a final agreement is reached, the deadline for which is June 30. And opposition to that final agreement—by the hardline Revolutionary Guards Corps in Iran, by virtually all Republican members and some Democrats in Congress, plus Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—still have it within their power to scuttle the deal.

(So far this past week, Saudi Arabia and Sunni Arab states, though nervous about a U.S.–Iran detente, have been less strident.)

Of course it depends on the details, but in principle Iran’s nuclear facilities would be subject to a range of new restrictions, monitored by a

robust U.N. inspection regime, that would give the world at least a year’s warning if the Iranians decided to “break out” of the deal. In return, sanctions would be lifted—at what pace is evidently still not resolved.

Iran says “immediately;” the U.S. says when Iran has complied with all of the restrictions on its nuclear program and has given full access to U.N. inspectors charged with verifying the agreement.

Since the signing of the preliminary agreement, Iran’s version of the deal and what the Obama administration claims has been agreed to seem significantly at odds. But that could well reflect their differing views about the wisdom of actually having a signed, political framework agreement, three months before the final deadline. Obama was facing a Republican-controlled Senate that, along with a few Democrats, seemed determined to impose additional sanctions on Iran that could kill the whole deal. So he wanted to have a conceptual understanding that he could publicly defend.

For his part, the Supreme Leader of Iran, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the ultimate power to approve any final agreement, didn’t want to have to fight off his hardliners twice in three months. Notably, he has been silent on the new framework, although no one believes things would have come this far against his wishes. Still, this is not yet a done deal.

And what happens if there is no final agreement?

If a presidential veto-proof, 67-senator vote forces Obama to submit the final agreement for Senate approval, it could kill the

deal. Constitutionally and historically, Senate approval should not be required because this is an executive international agreement—not a treaty.

But here’s where it gets tricky—as Congress itself imposed some of the sanctions, it would need to agree to lift them. And if the Senate refused to do so or made new demands Iran would not accept, that too could be a deal breaker. If so, America would certainly be blamed for the failure, and the current international sanctions regime would almost immediately collapse. India, China and many European businesses can’t wait to get back into the Iranian market.

Meantime, the present freeze on Iran’s nuclear program would end, and the U.N. inspectors would again have very limited access. That means Iran would effectively be free, if it wished, to proceed with building a nuclear weapon—which experts predict they could do within months.

With that, President Barack Obama would be forced to fulfill his promise that he would not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons. That’s widely assumed to mean bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities, which would ignite the mother of all Middle East wars.

Barrie Dunsmore is a journalist who covered foreign affairs for ABC News for 30 years. His commentaries are also featured on VPR and in the Rutland Herald/Montpelier Times Argus. He lives in Charlotte.

The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 3

What would Maverick do?

Bret Maverick was one of my favorite characters. You’re not old enough to remember? Sort of a happy-go-lucky, harmless type who got into various sorts of trouble—and dodged the accompanying pot shots—because of doing the right thing. Kind of quixotic.

The right thing was easier then. Before taxes were forcing people out of their homes, before inappropriate wage settlements, before institutions routinely circumvented the intent of open meeting…

Before Lorna was unelected from the board, she had a couple of insightful default positions.

First: don’t vote against the budget because you can’t vote against things like taxes for Abrams tanks, B52s and gasoline. Good point. Unfortunately she always reached the same conclusion: “Don’t vote ‘no’ just because you can vote ‘no’ even if you should vote ‘no’.”

Confusing.

Three friends are downtown. Two step in front of a bus. The third friend reasons that s/he should also step out because the others did—disregarding common sense. Our two friends—Montpelier and Washington—have been dragging us in front of the bus for decades. This doesn’t make stepping in front of the bus (read: run up the tax bill) the right—or the smart—thing to do.

Lorna’s second default position: “It’s only a little and it won’t hurt much in taxes.”

In any given year this is approximately true. Compounded over years and years it’s a much different—and much more expensive—story. Remember: taking $180,000 from savings has obscured an additional greater than two percent increase. Remember, also, the effect over time of always speaking in percentages.

Two percent of $7,500,000 is more than twice as much as, say, four percent of $3,500,000 (whenever the budget was this low). It adds up.

Figures provided by CSSU in open meeting confirmed that $272,000 was budgeted for co-principals—now around $245,000. The budgeted amount determines tax rates.

Any misdirection regarding figures was perpetrated by the CSSU CFO— particularly on the subject of assessments. His statement that our CSSU assessment is $208,000 is true only for core services. Last year our total assessment (core and purchased services) was $528,987. Change in statute has changed the accounting location for many purchased services to special education. They haven’t disappeared—they’re just more

$25k CCS budget cut isn’t enough

difficult to find.

The point: whether the costs reside in our building or the central office Charlotters are paying the bill. A school with fewer than 400 students faces a proposed administrative burden of roughly $736,000. Rounding up to the nearest million, that’s almost a million ($130,000 for an extra administrator here, $130,000 there—soon you’ve got real money). We should subtract $130,000 from the original proposal, making the administrative burden around $606,000. Clearly this will require a change of philosophy and the prioritization of administrative tasks.

It is very important to remember that Charlotte has said “yes” over and over again. We should say “yes” again—to about $7,465,000.

The cost of education, as everything, rises. The best hope is to control the rate of increase. The mantra of 21st-century education—that heartfelt opinion should substitute for non-existent or contrary fact—becomes very expensive. Saying “no” to things that have shown no identifiable benefit is not saying “no” just because you can. It’s saying “no” because it’s the right (and in the case of the third friend, the smart) thing to do.

So, as Bret might have said to Lorna, “Ma’am —why don’t y’all just head on down to Washington and see about those B52s. I’ll hang around here and deal with these windmills.”

Charlotters—compel the board to do the right thing: remove the cost of a principal and propose a budget of $7,465,000.

Clyde E. Baldwin Charlotte P.S. The process of hiring the new lead principal was almost completely legal (there was one illegal executive session which was of marginal significance). The process completely skirted the intent of having a process. Check RETN: when board members were appointed is almost impossible to find. Discussions of qualities and traits for the new hire (aside from administrative structure, which we discussed—and still are—ad nauseum), meaningful input from a broad segment of the electorate, or when the board interviewed candidates are impossible to find—because they never happened.

The search committee really functioned as a selection committee. This was a closed loop.

Thank you, Linda Williamson!

Someone very valuable to The Charlotte News has quietly disappeared from its masthead and production staff: Linda Williamson.

Linda and I worked together for nearly a decade at the newspaper when I was advertising manager. Her responsibilities as art and layout editor do not come close to covering all that she did to make sure each issue went to press. She was the constant through at least six different editors and probably the same number of advertising managers. At one time, she was the ad manager selling and designing ads and laying out the paper!

Times change and change is usually good, but not having Linda at the helm of production is something that I will miss. I will miss thinking about her sitting there late on Tuesday night, finishing up the pages to upload them to the printer’s website. She was always cheery, even at

the end of a 16-hour day.

Her loyalty and conscientiousness have always been under-appreciated, mostly because she worked so diligently behind the scenes. She didn’t make a fuss about doing something that someone else should have been doing. It was just important to her to make the paper look good and be done on time. She has such a special design flair that was a blend of homey and sophisticated.

Cheers to you, Linda! And thank you for the many years that you gave your all to The Charlotte News!

Pati Naritomi Charlotte

The CCS School Board has come back to the voters with a proposed $25,000 decrease on their $7,500,000 budget. This is a reduction of one-third of one percent (.0033 percent). Many feel that this is not a true “good faith effort” and that the school board may be hoping that any reduction will encourage people to vote “yes” when the budget comes back to a vote on April 13. This year the school board was saved from making hard decisions by voters transferring $180,000 from the general fund. This used almost half of the general fund.

This is not a budget that benefits the students but rather benefits the administration and the teachers. The budget has increased dramatically over the last several years due to ever-increasing administration costs. The two principals alone cost $272,000+ in salaries and benefits.

The school population has decreased from 550 to only 385 and is projected to continue to decrease.

Why is there an insistence on two principals? Because the CSSU district favors the two-principal model, the benefit of which has not been proven to be to our children’s advantage. The CSSU district does not determine our outcome here in Charlotte. We do contract some of our services through them, including human resources, so do we truly have a voice in salary/benefits discussions, etc.? They have already started looking at applications for two principal positions at CCS. The teachers are approved for a 3.25 percent increase in salaries for the next three years. A teacher’s salary will be capped at $84,000. Already 17 of our

teachers make $70,000 to $80,000 not including benefits. The budget pays for teachers and administrators to further their education. This is a good thing if it benefits the students beyond the “teach to the test” model of education. But the reality is that, once the teachers and administrators are better educated, they then command higher salaries, so we’re getting hit from both ends.

A “no” vote is not against our CCS students and their education. It is about encouraging the school board to make that their priority and not to blindly follow a recommendation that doesn’t necessarily fit our current population’s needs. Maybe this also answers the question of why so many of our families are choosing to either educate their children outside of Charlotte’s borders or moving away entirely.

Whatever your vote is, make it a point to vote!

Absentee ballets are available by calling Mary Mead at 425-3071 and must be returned to Town Hall or mailed in time to arrive by April 13.

Asking for a fiscally responsible Charlotte Central School budget, most sincerely,

Tammy Hall Jeff Hall Suzanne Ferland James Laberge Donald Therrien Darlene Therrien Charlotte

What’s in a word In the last issue of The Charlotte News, CCS School Board Chair Mark McDermott presented a compelling argument for two administrators at the school.

One would be a full-time “lead principal” and the other an .8 of full time “instructional leader.” Because both are called principals, this has not satisfied the many people who don’t believe CCS needs two principals.

What if the word principal were not attached to the instructional leader? Even with the same job description and salary, my guess is that voters would have been satisfied. Frankly, given that CCS has averaged about 2.5 administrators for the last 20 years, I fully support the board’s effort to provide the school with the required leadership and Charlotte students with the finest education possible.

I also am impressed that the board has

held the line on spending for several years and, on April 13, is presenting us with a budget that includes net spending that is 3.3 percent less than last year. The resulting tax rate for CCS, based on the state homestead rate currently being discussed in the Legislature, would also be 3.3 percent less than last year.

Charlotte has a long history of community support for our excellent schools.

I was a beneficiary of that support when I attended CCS in the 1950s, my children benefited in the 1970s and my grandchildren do so now. I hope that support continues for all Charlotte children now and in the future and urge those who agree to vote YES on April 13.

Nancy Wood Charlotte

Our community, our lake As a student and active citizen in the Chittenden County community, I value Lake Champlain as a crucial source of communal recreation, education and culture in Vermont. The recent elevated levels of phosphorus in Lake Champlain pose a huge threat to the lake’s current status as a wildlife habitat, source of education and, of course, to its aesthetic beauty.

Multiple times this past summer, my friends and I were denied access to beaches in Burlington due to higher-than-normal algae levels. This is a public health problem and affects everyone living in the community.

This issue definitely affects the thousands of college students in Burlington seeking summer recreation. More importantly, though, this pollution issue affects the environment and is destructive to the multitudes of organisms that call Lake Champlain their home. How will this

affect fish and other marine populations?

When will it affect people’s health? Do we want to wait around long enough to find out that answer?

The cause of this issue is completely man-made. The phosphorus levels are caused by agricultural runoff, which is then dumped into Lake Champlain. The public must realize this, become conscious of it and create a plan to prevent its occurrence in the future.

The local community must step up and share their ideas in order to create a comprehensive strategy for cleaning up our lake. After all, this affects everyone. We, the Vermont community, are responsible for the implementation of a cleanup plan in order to prevent this pollution from contaminating future generations’ lives.

Isabella Caruso Burlington

Charlotte News

No Child Left Inside

Tai Dinnan CONTRIBUTOR

Nature Deficit Disorder. Leave No Child Inside. De-natured Childhood. Free Range Kids. What is your reaction to these phrases and slogans?

Experts agree: children (and adults) are spending less time outside. Screen time is on the rise, after-school and weekend time is increasingly structured, and many families lack access to outdoor spaces that feel safe and fun. For me, and the children’s programs I run, the phrases above provide a framework to justify a focus on outdoor play. These new terms, and their emphasis on the importance of getting children out into nature, are backed up with rigorous research. It turns R AG & BONE

HEL M U

T L ANG

out children need to play, adventure, relax, work and learn in natural spaces to develop into healthy, whole adults.

Though physical health is one of the most obvious benefits of playing outdoors, the more subtle benefits add up into a very long list: improved cognitive functioning and development, increased self esteem, more motivation, improved problem solving, encouragement of inventiveness and creativity, cooperation, increased attention spans, and psychological well-being.

Luckily, Charlotters have access to remarkable outdoor spaces. Most have large yards where children can play safely within shouting range of the house.

A garden, wetland, stream, field and forest border our school. Mt. Philo State

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Park offers family-friendly hiking and picnicking opportunities. The shores of Lake Champlain offer endless treasure hunting, exploring and swimming opportunities. And don’t forget public and backyard gardens and farms to tend and visit!

Gardens, in fact, provide children with a surprising multitude of opportunities to work, learn and play in nature. School gardens draw classrooms outside for hands-on learning and community service. Vegetable gardens at home give families an opportunity to work together to grow and share nourishing food.

Gardens are beautiful, lush miniature ecosystems. They can be just the right scale for children to discover the magic of life cycles, ecosystems, patterns, colors, teamwork, artistry, engineering challenges, flavors and smells. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The school gardens at Charlotte Central School have been expanding.

Nestled between the Pease Mountain trailhead and the lower parking lot, the CCS Kitchen Garden is home to raised beds, a perennial herb garden, pumpkin and potato patches, the school’s compost shed and an outdoor classroom. It is a truly lush, colorful, buzzing and delicious place to be—especially in the summer.

When planning summer vacation, families should remember to include plenty of free time outside. For parents who work, make sure to select summer programs that encourage free play, outdoor expeditions, opportunities to garden and plenty of running around. Consider where you get your food: visiting a local farm or signing up for a CSA can be a great way

to get outside as a family and connect with the source of your food. The best part of committing to increased time outside for your children? You can join them and enjoy the benefits to your physical and emotional health as well!

Tai Dinnan lives in Charlotte and is the director of the Extended Day Programming and the Turtle Lane Art and Nature Camp at Lake Champlain Waldorf School in Shelburne. She also works with Stacy Carter to run the Charlotte Green Thumbs Summer Camp—a daytime gardening camp for kids in late-June and early-August. For more information about the camp, email CCSGreenThumbs@gmail.com.

Tai blogs at growingstories.wordpress.com

Photos: tai Dinnan

4 • April 9, 2015 • The

(Above) Vera Simon-Nobes welcomes campers, including Shana Mester and Alina Donaldson, to Fifth Fence Farm. (Left) Ryan Elias-Guzman helps pull pea plants at the end of the season. Green Thumbs campers look on.

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The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 5

CCS Hires Komons-Montroll, Waits on Instructional Leader The Charlotte School Board formally announced last week it had hired Barbara Anne Komons-Montroll as new the lead principal at CCS. Komons-Montroll leaves a position as principal of the Doty Memorial School in Worcester, Vt, where school board members say she forged an impressive and meaningful connection between the school and the community.

According to a press release, the 12-member search committee was impressed with her enthusiasm, passion and focus on achieving the highest potential for every student. Two interviews and a site visit to Doty led to unanimous support of her recommendation to the school board.

“Her energy and her organization were all exemplary,” noted Mark McDermott, chair of the school board. “Her background in education is stellar. More than that, in talking to people from the district, we

Barbara Anne KomonsMontroll heard the biggest compliment of all: they’re sad to lose her.”

Komons-Montroll is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Vermont. Her experience includes working as an elementary school teacher,

project-based learning educator, sensory integration teacher, early education science coordinator, and regional director for Building Bright Futures. She is scheduled to make $110,000 in salary, about $10,000 less than outgoing co-principal Greg Marino, though more than Audrey Boutaugh, whose salary is roughly $108,000.

As with the proposed 2015-16 CCS budget—the debate around which has centered on the administrative structure at the school—the move did not come without some degree of drama.

During a recent interview, School Board Chair Mark McDermott noted the school board’s hiring committee is currently looking at resumés for the instructional leader position that will complement Komons-Montrell’s role. He noted no hiring decisions will be made until after the CCS budget vote.

Selectboard Interviews, Appoints Committees and Commissions John Hammer CONTRIBUTOR

With a majority of discussion points on the docket, the March 30 Selectboard meeting wasn’t bound for great excitement or contention. The meeting opened with interviewing candidates for town commissions, committees and boards.

There followed an almost three-hour working session on a draft town purchasing policy. The policy follows a recommendation by independent auditors Sullivan Powers & Co. to formalize more of the town’s procedures. The first sentence of the draft document states that it “will increase efficiency, promote fairness, accountability and confidence, and provide necessary supplies and services in a timely and cost effective manner.”

This session was used to edit, integrate and query concerns from those involved, as well as gather occasional input from the public. Jenny Cole expressed concern that those in attendance weren’t being given ample time to comment. According to Chairman Morrison, the public will be given the chance to voice concerns at a later meeting when the policy has been more fully developed. It was decided to continue the public discussion at a special Selectboard meeting on April 20.

The lion’s share of the April 6 regular Selectboard meeting was taken up with continuing interviews and finally the appointments of candidates for town volunteer positions. Catherine Hughes, David Pill and Christopher Sheehan were appointed to the Energy Committee for terms ending April 30, 2017. Margaret Russell was appointed to the Trails Committee for a term ending April 30, 2017. Bill Fraser-Harris, Greg Smith and Mark McDermott were appointed to the Recreation Commission for terms ending April 30, 2018. Amos Baehr was appointed to the Conservation Commission for a term ending April 30, 2019.

The final interviews for and appointments to the Planning Commission will

take place at the Selectboard meeting on April 20.

The Selectboard agreed to send a memo to the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and to the town attorney requesting prices and timelines for drafting a legislative charter to implement the procedures for voting the town budget approved at last month’s Town Meeting. The memo will request that draft charters be available for Selectboard review at its April 20 meeting. Both parties will return their proposals to the town administrator who will assess them on expense and delivery date.

Representatives from the Lund Family Center received approval to hold their seventh annual “Ride for Children” on Sunday, May 31. The ride, which has 30- and 55-mile components, begins in Burlington and uses Greenbush Road and Mt. Philo Road. Both rides will use the Charlotte Senior Center as a rest stop. Last year a total of 250 riders participated with 55 completing the 55-mile ride. There will be traffic controls at all major intersections. Participants will be required to observe all traffic rules.

Two highway access permits were granted to Scott Hardy for two residential lots on Mt. Philo Road between McGuire Pent Road and Lime Kiln Road. Similarly, Mr. Scott received approval to run two wastewater force mains under Mt. Philo Road to septic fields located on the west side of the road.

Road Commissioner Jr Lewis briefed his plans for paving this season. He has $31,000 left over in grant money that must be spent on Greenbush Road and a remaining $26,000 unspent so far this year. These sums can be combined with the $235,000 authorized for the coming year’s budget. His plans are broadly to do some work on Greenbush Road, some on Mt. Philo Road around the Hinesburg Road intersection, small sections on Thompson’s Point Road, and a spot on Spear Street where it intersects with Guinea Road. His closing comment was that our “blacktop

roads are in pretty good shape.”

After considering the matter in executive session, the Selectboard approved an agreement with Denise and Thomas Kessler in a legal action relative to housing occupancy in the building formerly occupied by Affectionately Cats on north Church Hill Road. The agreement permits the Kesslers to remain in the house until new land-use regulations are formulated to address the special occupancy situation in which they find themselves.

In minor actions, the Selectboard approved a rental contract with Vermont Tent Company for tables, chairs and tents for this year’s Town Party. The board also approved a service agreement with Northeast Woodland Training to provide chainsaw training again this fall. The training will be paid for by participants and is being sponsored by the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge Committee.

Finally, as the Charlotte Liquor Control Board, the board approved a second-class liquor license for Whit’s End LLC, doing business as the. Old Brick Store, for the year May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016.

The next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting will be on April 27.

However, there will be a special meeting on April 20 as noted above. The second regular meeting in May will be held on May 18 due to a holiday conflict.

Alex Bunten also contributed to this report.

Chris’s

r

Charlotte Meetings april 9–april 23 Selectboard: april 20, 7 p.m. planning commiSSion: april 16, 7 p.m. ccS School board: april 14, 7 p.m. cVU School board: april 14, 7 p.m.

seleCtboard MeMbers Chair Lane Morrison: 425-2495 Matthew Krasnow: 922-2153 Carrie Spear: 425-4444 Jacob Spell: 425-6548 Fritz Tegatz: 425-5564 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 CCS School Board Regular Meetings are usually at 6:30 p.m. at CVU on the third Tuesday of each month.

Charlotte CVU board Lorna Jimerson: ljimerso@wcvt.com Marilyn Richardson: mkrichardson1520@gmail.com

PLANNING COMMISSION Administrator Jeannine McCrumb: 425-3071; jeannine@townofcharlotte. com Chair Jeffrey McDonald: 425-4429 Vice Chair: Peter Joslin Members: Gerald Bouchard, Paul Landler, Linda Radimer, Donna Stearns, Marty Illick Committee meetings are listed on the town website. Check times and agendas online or by phone at charlottevt.org, at Town Hall, 425-3071 or 425-3533.

Meeting times are subject to change.

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Charlotte News

Three More CCS Students Test Positive for TB No ongoing risk to students and staff, say officials Vermont Department of Health officials reported three more CCS students received positive tuberculosis skin tests after a final round of clinics at the school on March 20 through April 3.

A total of 19 children and two adults have tested positive for the bacteria since the outbreak at the end of January. The Health Department is working with parents and the school to arrange testing for approximately 30 remaining students and adults who have not yet been tested.

Health officials note that a positive skin test result does not mean a person has active TB or is contagious. A positive result only means that the person has been exposed to TB and has the bacteria in his or her body.

Officials are also reiterating that there are no active cases of TB at CCS and no ongoing risk. It is perfectly safe for children and adults with positive skin test results to be at the school and for others to be around them.

The Health Department set up the TB testing clinics at CCS after an employee was diagnosed with an active form of the disease in January. The employee is now being treated and will be able to return to school after being cleared by the Health Department as no longer able to spread the bacteria.

For more information about TB go to healthvermont.gov.

THE CHARLOTTE NEWS presents

Pens on the Land: A Contributors’ Workshop Generously hosted at the Mt. Philo Inn

April 11, 1–3 p.m.

•

Meet the editor and some fellow writers • Get writing tips • Find out how we work • Pitch projects

For more info, sign up at this link: eepurl.com/be8rZr, or send us an email: news@charlottenewsvt.com

March 2015 Police Beat We at The Charlotte News strive to keep the you informed about what’s happening in the community—both good and bad.

Our town has a low crime rate, but bad things still happen. They aren’t all terrible, but we feel it’s important public information. We hope you do, too.

All the information presented in the graphs comes from the Vermont State Police.

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The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 7

In Harmony Emma Slater THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

This March, Francesca Blanchard, special guest teacher and professional singer/songwriter, worked with two CCS music classes to help teach a song writing and composition unit. Over three inschool sessions, Blanchard and the fourth grade classes composed original pieces to be performed at Grandparent Day. For the first class, Blanchard focused on teaching students rhyming techniques and song structure. She also introduced them to improv, demonstrating a natural creative process for song writing. This was challenging for students, but Blanchard explained that she “wanted the kids to feel uninhibited and confident in just singing out loud and going with whatever words came to mind.”

The last two classes were used to create the actual song—the kids wrote lyrics to accompany a chord progression prepared

by Blanchard. She was surprised and excited that students returned to the second class with their own notebooks filled

Ebola

with words. They had really taken their own time to work on the song. “This was so inspiring and rewarding to me,” she said. “If there’s anything I wish to pass on to them from this unit it would be to keep creating on their own, outside of school.

It is so important for kids this young to be encouraged to create independently, to express through their art.”

A CCS alumna herself, Blanchard has her own fond memories of participating in the CCS music department. While acting as an authority figure in the classroom was a challenge, she also empathized with the experience of being a fourth grader.

Blanchard’s biggest challenge in this project was “trying to convince the kids that writing music is cool,” but she hoped to provide them with an opportunity to express themselves as artists in the way she would have wanted at that age.

Even for students who aren’t interested in music, the teamwork involved in writing a collaborative song was well worth the effort. It was “beautiful and rewarding” when the class discovered the perfect lyric. And all the students seem to

Francesca Blanchard helps CCS students write a song during a recent workshop. The students are writing an original composition for Grandparent Day.

Grandparent Day, May 22.

More information about Francesca Blanchard, her music and performance dates is available at francescablanchard. com. This songwriting program was supported by the Lake Monsters fundraiser band—an initiative students participated in last June.

as they emerged from a chlorine shower, sing songs of encouragement to the beat of the djmebe (a conga-like percussion instrument). The discharges were often bittersweet, however, as most if not all of the survivors’ families had been decimated by Ebola. Their acceptance back into their communities was also fraught with challenges. It was wonderful to watch eight-year-old N’yandewah get stronger each day as she slowly fought Ebola, but we had not been able to save her pregnant mother, aunt or sister.

And she was considered lucky to have one grandparent remaining who could care for her and her ten siblings. Ebola has left approximately 25,000 orphans so far in West Africa.

weeks. It feels so wonderful to hug my kids. My bed is blessedly soft, a stark contrast to six weeks sleeping on a box spring. At work, I have renewed satisfaction from being able to provide treatment that has a good chance of making someone better.

But my thoughts frequently return to the ETC, our patients and survivors. I am haunted by the many deaths. The experience simply can’t be summed up in the few sentences that people seem to have the time for. And the many comforts of our life here sit uneasily with the knowledge that so many have so little and are still suffering.

I’ve started a gofundme site for N’yandewah and her siblings at gofundme.com/Nyandewafund.

Please contribute if you can.

Photo: Courtesy

signed up for a six-week deployment with International Medical Corps. I left my family on a frigid January morning, and at the time it felt like one of the hardest things I had ever done.

An Ebola survivor, N’yandewa received care at the Lunsar Ebola Treatment Center. Her mother, father, sisters, brother, step mother all died from Ebola. Her grandmother is now left with ten children and has no means to provide for them.

touch. If your goggles fog up (as they often do), you are rendered less effective unless serendipity provides a drip line of condensation that you can awkwardly peer through as you move on to the next patient. I have never felt so helpless and frustrated in my life.

We lived for those days when a patient survived and was discharged. On those occasions, we would gather together and,

Francesca Blanchard

agree that they created something great.

For Blanchard, it was equally rewarding on a personal level. “The experience has only deepened my love and appreciation for music because it became the channel through which I could relate to these kids, and that’s always exciting,” she said.

The songs written in this project will be performed by the fourth graders at CCS on

continued from page 1

What Was it like?

After a few days of training I found myself literally and figuratively in the “hot zone.” The Lunsar Ebola Treatment Center was a world so far removed from anything I had ever experienced and certainly as close to hell as I ever hope to get.

To enter the hot zone one must put on, in a methodical series of steps, an outfit that leaves only your eyes exposed. These are then covered with goggles. I’m sure you’ve all seen the pictures. Now imagine doing this in 100+ degree heat with greater than 80 percent humidity. (All of a sudden my early morning Rec Department Boot Camp workout with Kristen at CCS seemed like a piece of cake!)

Imagine then, after you’re suited up, stepping into a series of tents where the air is so thick with chlorine it burns the back of your doubled-masked throat, and the sick and dying lie sweltering with no sheets, pillows and, of course, no air conditioning. Kids are watching their parents die, and parents are helpless as their kids die—day in and out, shift after shift. All you can do is push intravenous fluids, administer basic medications and provide words of encouragement and

Photos: emma slater, Courtesy

Charlotte singer-songwriter Francesca Blanchard brings her talents to CCS

What is it like to be back?

My “discharge” from Sierra Leone was also bittersweet. While there we all followed the “ABC’s”—Avoid Body Contact—and I literally did not touch anyone for six

Jean Andersson-Swayze is a family doctor at Middlebury Family Health and lives in Charlotte.

Charlotte News

Board’s Corner Update from CCS CCS Budget Reduces Tax Rate Mark McDermott CONTRIBUTOR

The Charlotte School Board has set April 13, 2015, as the date for a revote on the budget necessary to run the Charlotte Central School. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the multi-purpose room at CCS. The total amount of the new budget is $7,570,996. This represents a decrease of $25,000 from the budget originally presented in March. The cost savings come from a restructure of the administration at CCS. Teeth have been gnashed and much ink has been spilled on the reduction from two full-time principals to a model that has a “lead principal” and a part-time “instruc-

Adam Bunting Named New CVU Principal In April 2012 Montpelier High School He attended Connecticut College where was delighted to hire Adam Bunting, 39, he majored in English and later studied school leadership at the Harvard of Williston, as its new prinGraduate School of Education. cipal. After three years in the According to a press release, capital, CVU is now equally the 13-member search commitdelighted to have him back tee from CVU was “impressed in Hinesburg as its new prinwith his genuine care and comcipal. He is set to replace the passion for students and families current CVU principal, Jeff as well as his passion for educaEvans, in July of this year. tion.”

Before accepting the job in The committee’s unanimous Montpelier, Bunting worked support for Adam came after at CVU from 1999-2012, Adam Bunting interviews and a site visit to working his way up from an Montpelier High School.

English teacher to eventually Elaine Pinckney leave as the Snelling House Director. Superintendent Bunting used to live in Shelburne and is recommended Bunting to the board at its March 17 meeting. The board accepted the a CVU graduate. nomination unanimously.

Mark McDermott is chair of the CCS school board.

CY Goes ‘Mad’ for Ping-Pong CCS student Claire Slater in a doubles team with community member Jess Dineen at the annual March Madness ping-pong tournament for the CY mentoring program. The CY mentoring program is always looking for people interested in becoming mentors to students at CCS for one hour each week during the school day. For more information please contact Wendy Bratt at wbratt@gmavt.net or 425-6442.

PhotoS: CourteSy

The

tional leader.” The board believes it has struck a balance between the idea that two principals are way too much and that one principal is far too little. Since this article deals with the budget, the numbers say that a reduction of one full-time principal saves the average taxpayer about $23. If this is the main complaint of the current budget then the board feels it has done an excellent job of presenting a fair and fiscally responsible budget.

At the heart of it, this budget provides the children of Charlotte with an excellent education. In addition, it provides the residents of Charlotte with a tax cut.

Given the current information from the Vermont State Legislature, the homestead tax rate will be reduced by 3.29 percent. In other words, if this budget passes, the owner of a $400,000 home will save $137 compared to last year.

The School Board as a whole takes its job to provide a first class education in a fiscally responsible manner extremely seriously. Anyone who says otherwise does not fully understand the commitment of every single member of the board.

We encourage all registered voters to exercise their right and vote on April 13.

Photo: Caroline Slater

8 • April 9, 2015 • The

Odyssey Teams Win Big at State Finals

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Three teams from Charlotte Central School had a wonderful time competing in the Odyssey of the Mind state finals on Saturday, March 21. Their impressive performances resulted in two first-place finishes and one third-place finish. (Above) The fifth-grade team—Runaway Train Problem—also finished first.

They are Luka Mester, Benjamin Fox, Tanya Kanigan (coach), Aidan Blasius, Wolfie Davis, Andrew Bastress, Noah Jordan. (Left) The fourth-grade team—Silent Movie Problem— also finished first. They are (from left) Hadley Stockwell, Matthew Servin, Jameson McEnaney, Harry Evans, Ellie Haigney and Grace McNally.

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The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 9

CHARLOTTE CENTRAL SCHOOL

A GREAT SCHOOL FOR A GREAT COMMUNITY A GREAT EDUCATION FOR GREAT KIDS

BUDGET REVOTE APRIL 13TH, 2015 NEW BUDGET AMOUNT $7,570,996 CCS ESTIMATED TAX RATE $1.0113 (-3.29%) ON A HOME APPRAISED AT $400,000 THIS REPRESENTS A DECREASE OF $137 (TAX RATE NUMBERS REPRESENT BEST ESTIMATES GIVEN THE LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE STATE LEGISLATURE)

10 • April 9, 2015 • The

Budget

Charlotte News

continued from pg. 1

Meeting Day, that means the budget is a three-percent decrease over last year’s budget. At $1.0113, this is a 3.29 percent decrease in CCS’s estimated tax rate.

That means those with a home valued at $250,000 will see a cost of $86. Those with a $400,000 home will see a tax rate of $137.

If passed, the 2015/2016 budget, when factored in with the fund transfer, ends a three-year trend of higher budgets at CCS. Budgets have risen by between three and six percent since 2012.

The budget would see per-pupil spending rise slightly to $15,747, essentially remaining flat over the previous year.

A look At enrollment In essence, per-pupil spending tells the story of why CCS’s budget, and Charlotte’s property taxes, have risen.

According to a study on Vermont’s education funding system, ACTs 60 and 68, between 2000 and 2010 Vermont’s school population lost nearly 19,000 students, a decrease of 18 percent—more than any other state save for North Dakota. During the same time period, the state’s average per pupil spending jumped 150 percent, from roughly $6,600 to $17,000, making it the highest percentage spending growth in education in the country.

Despite the shrinking school population, the report notes that school districts remained unchanged, with the average district losing 52 students. According to one demographic report, Charlotte lost about 92 students in that time period. As Charlotte has lost students, the amount it has spent per pupil has risen 14 percent, from $13,764 in 2009-10, according to numbers provided by CSSU. Since 2010, the school has lost 69 pre-K-8 students, down from 469 to 400 as of last week, according to CSSU Superintendent Elaine Pinckney. The numbers, however, are always fluctuating as students leave and new students enter the district, she said.

McDermott explained that the student population “underpins” much of the

board’s work on the budget, but planning two principAls for enrollment can prove difficult.

Despite the cuts to teachers, some also “Even though our budget is essentially desire a reduction in CCS’s administraflat, it does make our per-pupil spending tive model. Currently, the school board look a little worse,” he said. “You still is looking to hire an instructional leader have to open the building you still have to who will work less contracted days in do all that stuff. If you lose ten students support of throughout the grades you’re not losing Barbara Anne Komons-Montroll, the the ability to get rid of a teacher.” recently hired full-time district principal “We look at that a lot,” (see story on he continued, referring page 8). This to class sizes. “We seem shift repreto be in a more stable We’ve presented a budget sents another environment. If you change to believe these numbers, that lowers taxes, and this CCS’s leaderwe’ve hit the bottom of is what people are clamor- ship structure. the trough and should From 1990 ing for. level off for a while.” to 2009, CCS Another issue with was led by a —Mark McDermott focusing on student full-time prinenrollment projections cipal and fullis they can vary widely. time assistant.

According to statistics from the New Coupled with a special education adminEngland School Development Council, istrator who also helped in the capacity CCS’s enrollment is projected to decrease of instructional leadership, the school had slightly over the next three years before three full-time administrators. In 2009, beginning a steady upswing beginning in CCS hired a new principal and moved 2019, when enrollment is projected to rise the assistant to half-time, with the spefrom 405 to 429 through 2024. cial ed administrator continuing to help These numbers differ from a study with instructional leadership. This model, completed in 2012 by demographer Bill however, was deemed ineffective. After Smith, who estimates the school will see gathering input from staff and community a decrease to 374 by 2024. members, CCS moved to a co-principal While both estimates are merely model, with the special ed administrator that—long-range guesses—McDermott focusing exclusively on special educaestimates CCS’s population will hover tion. around 400.

In choosing to maintain a two-prinBut school officials have been quick cipal model, McDermott said the board to react to declining enrollment. As class is aligning itself with standard studentsizes have shrunk since a high of 564 in to-administrator sizes across the state.

1994, CCS administrators have adjusted According to a 2013 study commissioned by cutting at least six full-time class by the CCS school board, the average teachers, two enrichment positions, bus number of principals for a school with runs, and reduced services ranging from 425 students is 2.15 principals. guidance to the school nurse to educaThe report states that a princitional opportunities like art and world pal’s job expectations are broken down languages. into 14 separate duties ranging from curThis year’s cuts included a .2 FTE riculum coordination and behavior manreduction in counseling, world languages, agement to hiring and developing new and a .4 FTE increase in a health educator. staff and budgeting to communicating In the school’s 2013 configuration with parents and the school board. And study, which used Smith’s numbers as a that still doesn’t cover it. basis for its report, administrators recom“I’m not sure people appreciate how mended the school reduce its teaching much work they do outside of the prinstaff by at least one more full-time teacher cipal-disciplinarian model, which is in 2016-17. increasingly a larger part of their position,” he said referencing Marino and Boutaugh’s handling of the recent TB outbreak.

But he also points to test scores as a marker of the school’s success. In 2013,

for example, CCS’s eighth grade students scored tops among 25 similar-sized schools in the science portion of the New England Common Assessment Program test—exceeding both CSSU and state averages. Though figures may be skewed given that not every state school reported its test scores.

“Our school is one of the top-ranked schools in a state that is top-ranked in public education,” he said.

This is one reason that teachers support the lead principal model. In a letter submitted to the school board in March, 30 teachers signed a statement supporting a two-principal model, in large part because of the instructional leadership the school provides.

“We are in the midst of major transformation with the implementation of a much more rigorous set of standards with Common Core and Next Generation Science standards,” reads the letter.

“This requires instructional leadership, both vertically and horizontally, with the administrative team needing to respond to the longitudinal expectations but also the unique progressions within elementary, intermediate and middle school strands.”

For McDermott, and others, all of this is worth the negligible cost for one more principal: roughly $23 this tax year.

Bridging the divide So what accounts for the rise in spending? Some have been critical of CSSU’s $8,000 increase over last year’s allocation, which now stands at $208,000. This figure represents services like transportation, human resources and food service and enrichment programs. Paid for on their own these would cost CCS much more. The figure is representative of how many students CCS has within the CSSU. Currently, it’s ten percent of the entire CSSU population.

The figures driving up the cost are a 4.5-percent increase in health care costs, expenditures for a part-time health educator, technology, science, and the Four Winds Program. There is also a higher special education assessment from CSSU, which extends from legislation basing this funding at the supervisory union level.

Yet, this could save CCS money in the long-term, as the new model is meant to protect against unexpected expenses should a student needing special education help move into the district.

These things, like everything in the budget, are open to criticism, McDermott noted, and he appreciates the back and forth surrounding the budget.

“It makes us on the board look at things carefully—not that we weren’t before, but it points us to areas we need to look at closer.” McDermott noted. “However, I think it goes beyond the point of criticism and gets into school-yard name calling.

And that’s not helpful to anybody.” “[Charlotters] should be proud of the school they’ve built over the years and it’s continuing existence in its current form should be a point of pride for our community,” he said. “In the town as a whole education seems to be important and I think that reflects well on the town.”

The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 11

Need

compost? Please buy your bulk compost at the Charlotte Central School fourth annual “Compost Sale” on Saturday, May 2, in the CCS west Quonset hut parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon. Compost for the sale is being generously donated by Champlain Valley Compost Co., a local producer. Proceeds go to the CCS Green Team compost shed and school gardens.

New this year are CCS compost shed tours given by 6th grade students. Come learn about thermophilic and backyard composting techniques. Drop in 9 a.m. to noon.

Please order and pay for the amount you need by Thursday, April 30. Order forms are available on the home page of the CCS website at ccsvt.us and below.

Bring your five-gallon, 20-gallon or 33-gallon cans to the school to fill; volun-

teer shovel labor will be provided. Prices are as follows: $2 per five-gallon can, $8 per 20-gallon can and $12 per 33-gallon can. Receipts for pre-payment are your ticket for compost pick up on May 2.

How much do you need? For a variety of reasons, compost should be applied to achieve a minimum 80 percent dilution rate—apply one inch of compost for every four inches of soil. When using compost as nutritive mulch, an application rate of no more than one to two inches deep is recommended. For further guidance, visit the Champlain Valley Compost website at cvcompost.com/compostfaq.php.

This is a fabulous Mother’s Day gift— for your mom and for Mother Earth.

May 3-9 is International Compost Awareness week. Find more info at compostingcouncil.org/icaw.

CONTRIBUTOR

It’s that time of year again, when the brown begins to turn to green, the temperatures begin to climb, trees begin to bud and spring flowers poke through the ground. And we’ve earned it! All these wonderful occurrences also mean it’s time to clean up our roads. What better way to do that than participating in the 45th anniversary of Vermont’s Green Up Day tradition!

If you haven’t had the opportunity to join in the past, I hope you’ll mark your calendars to join us this year. It’s an important event because it keeps our beautiful landscapes and waterways safer, cleaner and more beautiful. Not to mention it’s a lot of fun!

Not much has changed from past years—it’s really easy to join in.

Green Up Day trash bags will be available for pick up two weeks in advance of Green Up Day at Spear’s Corner Store, the Old Brick Store and Town Hall. Or you can pick up your bags on Green Up Day at the Quonset hut at the Charlotte Central School.

Electronic Sign Up: In order to sign up electronically for a particular road or stretch of road, we have created a Green Up Day page on the Charlotte Town website. Simply go to charlottevt.org and click on the Green Up Day link at the top right of page. This will bring you to a screen where you can view what roads are still available for cleanup and which have been “taken.”

You can then provide a couple of pieces of contact information and indicate what road or portion of road you would like to clean.

Hit “submit” and you will see the road you have selected turn from “available” to “taken.” Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns about this process.

Sign up on Green Up Day at the Quonset hut at CCS: Don’t fret if you were unable to sign up electronically. There are always plenty of roads left over to clean up, so just swing by, pick up your bag, sign up for a road and head on out.

Electronic Waste Recycling at the CCS Quonset hut: Transition Town Charlotte member Ruah Swennerfelt is again heading up an

A student carries a bucket of compost into the shed at CCS.

CCS Compost Sale

Green Up Day’s 45th Anniversary— Will You Pitch In? Joe Gallagher

Photo: Courtesy

CCS Compost Sale and Compost Shed Tour on Green Up Day

E-waste recycling project on Green Up Day at the Quonset hut at CCS. Bring your old computers, anything that plugs into a computer and anything with a screen—either flat or glass cathode ray tube (CRT), phones, TVs, VCRs and small kitchen appliances such as microwaves.

The Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge will be doing some cleanup on Green Up Day as well. Volunteers will meet at the Town Hall on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Also they will have a picnic in the park after a couple of hours of cleanup.

The Charlotte Library will again host its seed library—stop by for some seeds to plant this spring.

Stay tuned for additional information about this year’s Green Up Day in future editions of The Charlotte News and on Front Porch Forum. If you’re a person who’s been participating for years, we hope you’ll come out again! If you never have, I encourage you to come on out and enjoy the day. It’s a great event and will give you a great sense of satisfaction.

Contact me with questions and/or ideas to improve Charlotte’s Green Up Day. I’m all ears! Phone: 802-734-2854.

Email: joegallaghervt@gmail.com.

Pre-order and buy bulk compost by Thursday, April 30!

Pick up is Saturday, May 2, in the Quonset parking lot, 9 a.m. to noon.

Compost generously donated by Champlain Valley Compost Co. of Charlotte All sales benefit CCS 4R’s Green Team

******Make Your Check out to Charlotte Central School****** 408 Hinesburg Road, Charlotte, VT 05445 attn: CCS compost sale

Name ______________________________ Tel: __________________ Attached is a check (payable to CCS) for $_______ for the purchase of: ____ 5 gal. ($2/ea) or ____ 20 gal. ($8/ea) or _____ 33 gal. ($12/ea) All pre-orders must include payment. Deadline: Thursday, April 30

Please mail or drop your order/check in the CCS Compost Sale box in the CCS Front Office.

***Bring your own receptacle for the pick-up*** Prices 5-gal. paint cans of compost

$2/each

20-gal. trash cans of compost

$8/each

33-gal. trash cans of compost

$12/each

Calculator: 80% dilution recommended: apply 1” compost for every 4” soil _____ 5-gal. cans x $2 per can = _____ 20-gal. cans x $8 per can = _____ 33-gal. cans x $12 per can = --------------------------------cut and save for pick up----------------------------RECEIPT Name: ________________________ has paid $ ________for the purchase of : _____ 5 gal. ($2/ea) or

_____ 20 gal. ($8/ea)

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Pick up between 9 a.m. and noon at Charlotte Central School Quonset parking lot Saturday, May 2. Bring your own receptacle. *Shoveling help provided.*

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12 • April 9, 2015 • The Charlotte News

Recchia

continued from pg. 1

of his directorial promise. Ben shared a homemade three-dimensional model of the set with movable parts, renderings of costume ideas, dance and fight choreography, a rehearsal schedule, and a suggested production team composed of fellow students and adults. Needless to say, he was given the job.

Now in the full swing of rehearsals every weekday after school, Ben is in charge of many, many things: the cast of 28, the music director, costume designer, lighting designer, stage managers, crews for scenery, props, lighting, costumes, make-up, hair and marketing. He’s in charge of coordinating the evolution of the show through meetings, communications and scheduling. And…he runs

the rehearsals. This is one of his favorite parts. Warming up the actors, giving blocking, teaching choreography, shaping the artistic interpretation and coaching all performers to reach a potential beyond what they previously thought possible.

“I feel equipped for this job from all my experiences on and backstage at CCS, CVU and FlynnArts. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience in theater, for learning how all the parts interconnect.” Ben also acknowledges learning much from his theatrically prolific parents, Carl and Mary Recchia. They have separately and together worked on dozens of shows. Now they’re working for their son. Ben admits that dinner time these days is a production meeting.

On top of all these accomplishments, Ben is directing with a few goals in mind, drawn from directing styles he admires.

“I want to be able to put on a good show, be a sane person and be kind.” He laughs and adds, “Okay… my sanity wavered a little last week, but I’ve generally been able to meet my goals.”

I t makes perfect sense that one of B e n ’ s favorite sentiments from his s h o w is this:

Director Ben Recchia and Assistant Director Maya Townsend, former CCS students and current CVU students.

“Think a wonderful thought, and you can fly…being positive can help you achieve whatever you want.” You can see Peter Pan Jr. at CCS on April 9, 10 and 11. It’s one you won’t want to miss!

Robin Fawcett is a member of the CVU theater arts faculty.

SEND US YOUR NEWS PHOTOS EVENTS News@ charlottenewsvt.com

The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 13

2

1

3

5 Picture 1: Some of the Peter Pan Jr. cast, from left: Augusta Claire Burhans (Tinker Bell), Maryn Askew (Wendy Darling), Jake Holm (Michael Darling), Carter Harvey (John Darling) and Henry Bijur (Peter Pan). Picture 2: More cast members, from left: Ella Woodruff (Mr. Darling), Rayona Silverman (Mr. Smee), Paige Thibault (Captain Hook). Picture 3: Henry Bijur (left) as Peter Pan and Jake Holm (Michael Darling) practice “flying” at rehearsal. Picture 4: CCS 7th grader Maryn Askew as Wendy Darling and 6th grader Henry Bijur as Peter Pan. Picture 5: Carl Recchia, music director and Ben’s father, with some of the Peter Pan Jr. cast.

Photos: Courtesy

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14 • April 9, 2015 • The Charlotte News

OutTakes Commentary

by Edd Merritt

Yes, it’s the time of year again when the Burlington Free Press gets into its Bill Doyle Poll mold with the headline in its end-of-March issue saying, “Doyle Poll, an unscientific Vermont tradition, shows disapproval for gov.” Seems to me the paper has been carrying the poll report for over 40 years, but that’s an unscientific count on my part.

I first met Bill 35 years ago when I moved to Johnson from western Connecticut after graduate school. I had been in my office in Martinetti Hall gazing at the magnificence of the Sterling Mountain Range when government and history professor William Doyle popped his head in and introduced himself, “I’m Bill Doyle. Vote for me.” We talked briefly, discovering that we shared graduate backgrounds in New York. Then Bill, as I learned was his wont, hurried on to his next encounter as a member of the Johnson State faculty, leaving me gazing at his coattails. Nearing age 90 now, he

Taking Care

Alice D. Outwater, Ph.D.

Travels in My Mid-80s A friend recently said to me, “Some

of us want to travel in our mid-80s and would like to know how you have the courage to manage.” So here are some tips from my recent trip to the Yucatan.

I try to go abroad every year plus take a few shorter trips in the U.S. Travel expands my horizons and educates me about other cultures. Our plentitude here humbles me and makes me examine how responsibly I live my life. I acquaint myself with local history and listen with an open heart to help me accept and understand. I often travel with one of my children, or alone.

I’ve had to pay closer attention to details arranging the journey itself. Airports are crowded, personnel are stressed out, and old-fashioned graciousness has disappeared. I ask the travel agency to send me

The End of the World is Near—According to an Unscientific Poll does not appear to have slowed his pace as a teacher or legislator. Getting around the capital and the classroom with the help of a wheelchair, he is still able to scientifically meet his governmental mission.

I can understand why the newly minted senator back in the ‘60s wanted to get a sense of his constituents’ feelings about what was happening in Montpelier and, therefore, generated a series of questions on an easily marked questionnaire to hand out to voters at Town Meetings.

His returns obviously gave him something from which to work in the state senate—as well as some things he could throw before his history and government students and those of us who happened to pass by his office on our way to lunch.

What I find hard to understand is why Free Press writers feel compelled to highlight the fact that, while the results don’t represent scientific data, they still dwell on them at length, laying responses before readers in elaborate displays. It must have something to do with freedom of the press or being the largest daily paper around. You need regular content to cover your advertising.

It reminds me somewhat of my youthful experience as the butt of unscientifi-

cally found behavior. Ironically, it had to do with medicines from my father, a physician. I had hay fever as a kid and Dad used to treat me with whatever drug the pharmacist gave him gratis because it was handy and cheap—no scientific study to determine whether it worked for me. But apparently he never felt he had to so long as the placebo effect was sufficient. So who was I to complain that my eyes still itched? I never thought to ask what medicines I was taking and why they were supposed to work. And I did not learn until much later that the treatment of his “real” patients was much more scientific.

So if the results of the Doyle Poll are not scientific, why do Free Press editors make them sound so important?

According to Mike Yantachka, our state rep, the 50th annual Doyle Poll drew 179 responses in Charlotte, and the Free Press reported that 1,165 Charlotters voted—or 36 percent of the town’s registered voters.

So Bill’s poll responses here amounted to just six percent of eligible voters (fewer than those who voted on the CCS budget).

Scientific or not, Bill’s is a tough number on which to base a full community judgment, particularly when it comes to approval or disapproval of the governor.

My sense is that Yantachka will not take

the poll results at face value; they will lead him to more questions and he will want to explore how extensive the feeling stands in town and throughout the state.

In my mind, he is a thoughtful representative who will use the poll appropriately.

However, back to my current profession, journalism. I can’t remember whether I read this in a scientific journal, but I recall seeing that most people attend to newspapers primarily through headlines. So if the headlines say what the paper feels will sell, editors print them and worry about attention to detail later on. The Free Press is hardly an exception to this rule.

With that said, I’m going back to my Zymurgy home brewing magazine where the beer recipes and brewing methods are often the products of engineers. These people stick very closely to the scientific method. Not being so bound to it myself, I’m happy to take their word, brew away and hope that my growlers contain a flavorful zing. Maybe we ought to add a brewers’ poll to Doyle’s. The former might help define the grains of difference and the hops of political preference around Vermont.

paper and electronic copies, then underline arrival and departure times in red.

I forward my itinerary to family members so they know my schedule.

Next I collect my passport, note if a visa is required, and go to the bank to withdraw money for the trip. I keep these items together with my Visa card for easy access. I always take my trusty cane. I try to visualize most steps of the journey, and leave nothing to chance.

I pack with care—less is better—and label the suitcase. Comfortable clothing and shoes are desirable, with a sweater that can be taken off when needed. I try to look zippy, as courtesies seem to be more forthcoming if I do. I sling my purse over my shoulder and take a light carry-on with reading and writing material.

Long gone are the luxury days when airline hostesses, dressed in designer outfits with perky hats, offered you pillows and a blanket for comfort as you settled in. They served tasty hot meals with two to three choices each, plus drinks. Sadly this is a relic of the past.

In making the reservations, I request a wheelchair to meet me at each stop.

For years I resisted but have set aside

my pride to get to new places. Distances between airport gates can be too far. Now I consider the chair a necessity. I sit up straight, try to look my most fetching and as if I am enjoying the ride. However, I do refrain from giving the royal wave to passersby. I admire the fitness of my fellow travelers as they stride briskly to their next designation.

Security checks have been added. It’s bothersome at 6 a.m., barely out of bed, to reverse the process: off with the coat, hat, scarf, and put everything in a plastic bin. Passengers and personnel both look annoyed. Then I must stand up from my wheelchair to be patted down—my hip replacement shows up. My carefully packed lunch, including raspberry yogurt and orange juice, are discovered and confiscated. I ask in a peeved voice, “Do you ever find anything dangerous in the bags?” “Yah,” the TSA agent growled, “Last week a well-dressed woman had two loaded pistols carefully wrapped in her underwear. And with a couple before that, we found guns in another suitcase.

‘Oh, we forgot to take them out’ was the excuse.”

I arrive at the airport two hours ahead of the flight because, one unfortunate evening, I reached the New York gate half an hour before take off for Frankfort to witness the doors being slammed shut

then locked in my face. They had even seen me approaching.

“But I have a seat for this overseas flight and it’s still early,” I pleaded in my calmest voice. “Captain’s orders,” the attendant snapped back. I waited until after midnight—six hours later—for the next flight.

Now I double-check my flight at the gate counter, then sit nearby to make sure I hear the announcements. Sometimes locations can change quickly and one can be left behind. To avoid holding up others, I pre-board and get settled in my seat. Once buckled in, I can relax until the next stop.

A few rules of thumb are helpful. Don’t travel when you’re sick with a cold, or go to a warmer climate expecting to regain your health. Best to wait at home until you’re well. Leave with full energy intact.

You’ll need it! Yes, I still get jitters leaving home and returning. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment when I get to where I’m going and at the completion of my adventure.

In spite of all the inconvenience and fuss, I love airports with their hustle and bustle. The takeoffs and landings are still exhilarating with limitless adventures ahead.

Count me in on the next trip. I’m packed and ready to go.

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The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 15 Ages 10 and up.

Wednesdays at 5:30 Wednesday Night Knitters.

p.m.

Monday, April 6, at 10 a.m.

Mystery Book Group: Roseanna by Maj Sjowall and Per Walhoo. Pick up a copy at the circulation desk beforehand and join us for coffee and conversation.

Wednesday, April 8, at 3:15 p.m.

Scribblebot! Make a tiny, wiggling, writing robot! Third grade and up.

Friday, April 10, from 10:30 to noon: Scrabble Friday for Adults.

Start from scratch or reacquaint yourself with this favorite word game with tournament player Susanna Kahn.

Margaret Woodruff CONTRIBUTOR

Spring

has sprung and with it an abundance of programs at the Charlotte Library. Discover activities for all ages, from a “Week of the Young Child” puppet show (courtesy of our friends at the Charlotte Children’s Center) to a “Slow Money” presentation (co-sponsored by Transition Town Charlotte) with Mystery Book Group, Scrabble and Scribblebots for good measure. We hope you’ll find something to enjoy!

uPcoming at the LibrarY For more information about these and other programs, visit our website.

Monday, April 13, through Wednesday, April 29: Money Smart Week(s). Financial literacy for all ages.

The Vermont Department of Libraries and State Treasurer’s Office designated April 5 through 12 as Money Smart Week. Because of the wealth of offerings available, we’re extending our Money Smart programs throughout April.

Tuesday, April 14: Piggy Bank Story Time: Join us for a funny look at money. Share stories, games and crafts to learn about what goes into our piggybanks. A Money Smart Week program.

Preschool: 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Kindergarten and 1st grade: 3:154:15 p.m. Registration required.

Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m. Slow Money. Eric DeLuca, chair of Slow Money Vermont, shares how to get involved in investing in local food businesses. A Money Smart Week program co-sponsored by Transition Town Charlotte.

Wednesday, April 29, 7 p.m.

Identity Theft. Amy Schram from the Better Business Bureau covers the common scams currently circulating the community, the red flags to watch out for and the tactics consumers can use to protect themselves and their identity. A Money Smart Week program.

Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. Lunch Bunch Story Time for Preschoolers.

Pack your lunch! Ages 3 to 5.

Monday, April 6, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Maker Monday: Doodling plus computing equals Scribblebot!

Tuesday, April 14, at 12:15 p.m.

Let’s Grow Kids. Taking place during our preschool story time session, each presentation is 10-15 minutes long with a question and answer period for parents and caregivers. A Week of the Young Child event.

Thursday, April 16, at 11 a.m.

Talking Hands Puppet Theater Presents Bugaboo Revue. Space is limited. Please call the library to reserve your spot. Sponsored by the Charlotte Children’s Center as a Week of the Young Child event.

Please note: In advance of our library inventory next month, we’d like to remind you of our borrowing guidelines. No fines or fees charged.

Circulation period: Two weeks for all library materials except interlibrary loans (ILL); ILL due dates scheduled by interlibrary loan librarian. Overdues and restrictions: Two weeks after due date, a first notice is issued via email or phone. Four weeks after due date, a second notice is issued. Six weeks after due date, a restriction notice and bill are mailed to patron.

Library ContaCt information Director Margaret Woodruff

Youth ServiceS Librarian Cheryl Sloan hourS Mon, Wed: 10 a.m.-–7 p.m.

Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10 a.m.-–5 p.m.

Sat: 9 a.m.-–2 p.m.

Spring Safety Reminders From Your Local Fire Chief Chris Davis CONTRIBUTOR

Recent thaw-and-freezing cycles have created extremely unpredictable and unsafe ice conditions on ponds, the lake and any steam or river. It is past time to stay off the ice. Please, for your own safety!

In the event that you or a friend do find yourself on thin ice and cracks appear, drop down on your stomach and try to roll back the way you came.

If you or a friend fall through: • Remain calm, keep your arms on the ice, and do not thrash around as this pushes air out of your clothing and allows the water to enter faster.

• Call for help—be sure that the 911 emergency system has been notified.

• If you or your friend is making the 911 call, describe the exact location, how many people are in the water and the nearest road, trail or path to the person(s) in the water.

• Be sure someone goes to the nearest road to lead the emergency responders to the person in the water.

• Emergency responders are less than 15 minutes away from all the water bodies in this area, so let them make the rescue—avoid additional people falling in the water who will also need to be rescued.

• Charlotte Fire and Rescue and neighboring fire departments will respond to rescue pets, so do call 911 and follow the steps above. Please do not become a victim yourself by attempting to rescue a pet. chimneY fireS The long cold winter and recent warm weather transition can cause a rapid buildup of creosote, increasing the chance of

a chimney fire. Chimney fires are very dangerous and can cause a house fire. A lesser chimney fire can damage your flue or stovepipe, requiring expensive repairs.

Annual cleaning and proper operation of wood-burning appliances can prevent a tragedy.

If a chimney fire occurs or if you think something is not right with your stove or chimney while it is in use, call 911 immediately.

Please have your chimney checked now and don’t wait for a chimney fire to occur.

Smoke DetectorS In order to best prevent a tragic house fire, you need to regularly test the operation of your smoke detectors and change the batteries if you have not yet done so this year. Have a wired-in alarm system tested and/or serviced by a professional at least once a year to prevent unnecessary false alarms. If your present detectors are older than seven years, replace them.

New smoke detectors should be the photoelectric type, which have been shown to detect smoke from fires more quickly than the ionization types. One detector for every level of your home is a minimum—one for every bedroom is recommended. For more information, go to the state fire marshal’s website dps.state. vt.us/fire/smoke/index.html.

Test or install at least one CO (carbon monoxide) detector in your home. The plug-in type with numeric readout and battery backup is recommended. These devices have saved lives here in Charlotte.

State law requires one in every residential unit. Test it several times per year.

Help all of us have a safe spring!

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16 • April 9, 2015 • The Charlotte News

Food Shelf News

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wenty families visited the Food Shelf for the March 18 and 19 distributions. In addition, the Food Shelf assisted with several heating and electric bills.

Thank you Thank you for the support from Donna and Remo Pizzaggalli, Teresa and John Meyer, Edwin Amidon, Beth and Edward Merritt, Deborah Cook, Robert and Elsa Carpenter, Keira, Riley and Shea Botjer, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Charlotte Congregational Church, Anne Castle and the Charlotte Organic Coop, the Shelburne Supermarket and its coffee bar patrons, and Margaret Berlin and the Farm Stand. In addition, we appreciate the donation left at the Food Shelf on behalf of Michael Krasnow.

Donations given during End Hunger Month go a long way in helping the Food Shelf stock the shelves. Thanks to all who help in our mission of helping our neighbors in need.

A big thank you to all the community members who have been participating in the “Feed a Family for a Day� program. We also appreciate the donations for our purchases of food from the Vermont Foodbank.

In March, we purchased 775.5 pounds of food!

Wish lisT We need after-school snacks for children, such as granola bars, crackers, peanut butter, pudding or Jell-O cups and cereal.

VolunTeers Welcome to Brandon Hammond, our new student volunteer. It has been great to have the added help.

Can you help us? We need substitutes to help us with the Wednesday and Thursday food distributions for April, June and July. Please call Karen at 425-3252 if you can help.

Your local Food Shelf is run entirely by volunteers so all donations go directly for food or assistance to our neighbors in need. If you are a customer of yourfarmstand.com, you may make a donation to the Food Shelf as part of your online order; otherwise checks may be mailed to: Charlotte Food Shelf & Assistance 403 Church Hill Road P. O. Box 83 Charlotte, VT 05445 Donated food drop-off locations: All nonperishable food donations may be dropped off at the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (main entrance) or at the Food Shelf during the distribution mornings. We request that all fresh foods be dropped off at the Food Shelf by 7:30 a.m. on the distribution mornings or before the Wednesday distribution hours (see the “Ongoing Events� calendar).

The Charlotte Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry. Distribution days and times are posted in this newspaper and on the bulletin board in the Charlotte Congregational Church hall. You may also call the Food Shelf number (425-3252) for a recording of the distribution times.

We are open to all community residents. Privacy is very important and respected in our mission of neighbor helping neighbor.

For emergency food call John at 425-3130.

For emergency assistance (electricity, fuel) call The Food Shelf at 425-3252.

For more information call Karen at 425-3252 or

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Call Monica at 343-0279 to discuss how the Charlotte News can work for you!

The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 17

Charlotte Senior Center

The CafĂŠ Menu

by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator

Monday, april 13 Herbed tomato cheese bisque Fresh green salad Homemade dessert

Getting ready for an active summer

Fitness for every body, with Ginger Lambert, 9:15-10 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22. We all have different body types and fitness experience. And we all know that being strong and fit helps us to live our lives to their full potential. Using timed intervals and a series of stations, this class will incorporate body weight, light weights and other cardio/strength building tools to boost cardiovascular fitness, agility and flexibility. Some active games will be included to make this a fun and interesting workout. Joint and ligament issues will be taken into account. Every exercise can be modified for any ability or level of fitness. If you have been looking for a class that challenges you but doesn’t leave you in the dust, then this is for you.

Registration required. Limit 10. Fee: $60. ––– Join Hank Kaestner on Wednesday morning April 22 for another birding expedition as we try to record 100 species of birds in one year! Please meet at the Senior Center a little before 9 a.m. so we can carpool together to the location Hank has scouted for spectacular bird watching. Good views are guaranteed through Hank’s “Oh my God� telescope.

Please register for this event so if we have to change the date due to bird migration or weather, we will call you. No fee. –––– The first spring road hike in the Champlain Valley with Marty Morrissey will depart on Tuesday, April 28, and head to Ripton. Please meet at the Senior Center 10 minutes prior to our 9 a.m. departure with water, good hiking or walking shoes and a snack or lunch. This hike starts at the Skylight Pond trailhead and heads north on USFS Road 59 to the Natural Turnpike for a couple of miles and back. The road is closed to traffic and relatively flat. Last year we spotted a few deer on this lovely walk. Our second hike will be on Tuesday, May 5, to Bristol Waterworks. Registration required. No fee. –––––

Wednesday, april 15 Catch of the day Mashed root vegetables Green beans almandine Homemade dessert

Monday april 20 Vegetable soup with cornbread Fresh salad delight Pumpkin spice bundt cake with buttermilk glaze Wednesday, april 22 Inside-out chicken cordon bleu Roasted broccoli Homemade dessert Senior luncheons are held every Wednesday at noon; reservations are necessary in advance and can be made by calling the Senior Center at 425-6345.

Reservations are not required for the Monday Munch; a $4 donation is requested.

Photo: Courtesy

Participants in a weekly tai chi Class led by John Creech. The class meets every Thursday at 10 a.m. From left: John Creech, Lucy Beck, Joan Mollica.

Join Elizabeth Llewellyn for a drawing with pen and ink class Thursday from 10-11:30 a.m. Dates: April 30, May 7, 14, 21. Ink is a wonderfully flexible drawing medium that has been popular for centuries.

In this beginner class we will discuss the different materials available and how to use them. We will practice the two types of marks that can be applied to paper: dots and lines. Using different texturing techniques—contour lines, parallel lines, cross hatching, stippling and scrumbling—students will draw a variety of subjects in ink.

All skill levels welcome. Please bring a sketchbook, pencil and ink pen to the first class. Registration required. Limit 10. Fee: $65. –––– And, of course, new sessions of our old favorites, Pilates, tai chi and yoga begin in April. Not sure which one is right for you?

Come try a class to be sure.

A collection of lectures, performances and special events showcasing the diverse interests of our community continues on Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

April 15: “Know the 10 Signs,� Ester Pearlman, Alzheimer’s Association Your memory often changes as you grow older, but memory loss that disrupts daily life is not a typical part of aging.

Some people may recognize changes in themselves before anyone else notices.

Other times, friends and family will be the first to observe changes in memory, behavior or abilities. It’s time to learn the facts. This program will discuss the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, what to do if you see the signs in yourself or someone you love, the process of diagnosis, medication options and sources of support.

April 22: “Famous Hikes in Spain and France,� Tom McAuliff The hiking in Spain is fabulous, but so is the hiking in France. How to decide and where to go? Tom McAuliff will compare the two and describe their historic backgrounds, how to get there and how to make either hike easy. Get ready, the spring hiking season is around the corner. Tom will bring guidebooks and maps to help show the way.

Red Cross Blood Drive April 9 The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Charlotte Senior Center on Ferry Road on Thursday, April 9, from 2-7 p.m. To avoid delays, please make an appointment by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or at redcrossblood.org.

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18 • April 9, 2015 • The Charlotte News

Charlotte Grange News

April is National Grange Month Dorothy Varney Hill CONTRIBUTOR

Spring is here whether we believe it or not. April is bound to bring rain showers and usher out the many months of snow and things frozen. The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry annually recognizes April as Grange Month and local Granges open their doors to the community. We welcome visitors at out meetings and seasonal dinners and invite you to join us at our next potluck dinner, to be held at the Grange hall on Spear Street on Sunday, April 19, at 4 p.m. We will also have a lecturer’s program at this gathering—please join us!

Our Grange will be holding our spring rummage sale from April 30 to May 1.

This is a little later than in years past, but it should be warmer! Drop-off of donated items for the sale will take place the week prior—specifics to follow—unless other arrangements are made. We appre-

ciate the community participation in these biannual sales in spring and fall.

They help keep re-using and recycling a reality and provide important funds for the Grange building and charities.

Thank you!

Our Grange is partnering with the Charlotte Masons Friendship Lodge in a U.S. flag retirement ceremony in 2015.

The Grange will provide a collection location at the hall at Baptist Corners in East Charlotte for any worn or otherwise unusable flags. These will then be properly “retired” over Memorial Day weekend by the Masons. Mason Seth Zimmerman has kindly performed this service in previous years, aided by the Charlotte Boy Scouts. Every year before Memorial Day the Charlotte Grange replaces U.S. flags on all of the veterans’ graves in Charlotte cemeteries. These collected flags will also be retired in the Masons’ ceremony.

Your Charlotte Grange #398 encourages everyone to take advantage of the renewal of spring and the growing season ahead. Please consider growing extra vegetables to donate to the Food Shelf or to experiment with some new varieties of flowers or plants. One of my favorite stops at the Champlain Valley Fair (Exposition)— an event started

by Chittenden C o u n t y Grangers so many years ago—is the carefully produced vegetable, flower, orchard and field contest entries.

Everyone marvels at the enormous pumpkins, but there is so much more to see, smell and appreciate. Happy spring everyone!

For more information about the Grange please go to NationalGrange. org or call me at 425-4140.

SPORTS

by Edd Merritt

Free Press names Laurel Jaunich “Miss Basketball” For the third year in a row, CVU has had the top women’s basketball player in the state’s top division. Following on the heels of Emily Kinneston in 2013 and 2014, Charlotte’s Laurel Jaunich led the way to the Redhawk’s third straight state championship. She and her classmate and Charlotte colleague Sadie Otley earned a place on the newspaper’s first all-state team. Caitlin Grasso earned honorable mention. The Metro Division coaches agreed with The Free Press selections, with the exception of exchanging another Charlotter, Annabella Pugliese, for Grasso on the honorable mention list.

Photo: vtsPortsimages.com

Machavern takes to the track again

Between college and car racing, Dillon Machavern is into the busy season. Driving his Spec Miata for South Burlington’s H e r i t a g e Motorsports, he ran two races at Road Atlanta in his Panic Motorsportsprepared Mazda.

The Saturday race was under Dillon Machavern clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Sunday’s brought a steady downpour. Dillon drove well under both conditions. Holding on to second place during most of Saturday’s event before moving into first for the final laps, he won round seven by half a second. Round eight was the Sports Car Club of America’s (SCCA) Southeast

Conference Majors Tour. While Dillon started in the pole position, he was quickly shuffled back to sixth. However, a caution near the end of the race tightened up the field and Machavern finished in third place.

Free Press high school hockey all-stars named

Called one of the premier defensemen in Division I with a great shot and good mobility, CVU’s Caleb Godbout was named to The Burlington Free Press’ all-state first team for 2014-2015. The coaches named him to the all-league second team. Redhawk forward Cam Rivard appeared on the coaches’ top squad and The Free Press second team, while defenseman Oscar Kelly appeared on the third team.

On the women’s side of the ledger, Rachel Pitcher from Shelburne, playing for the combined South Burlington/CVU team, earned honorable mention from the Free Press.

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The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 19

The Literary 'Lotte

Thirty-five Feet Peter Hyams - Grade 7 CONTRIBUTOR

It was my first time seeing an elephant. In fact, it was my first time on safari. We had had a full day of seeing many animals, small and large, but this was truly the best sighting. There the elephant was, standing in the African bush, casually drinking from a small stream. Its grey skin was shining in the light of the burning sun, and its legs sturdily stood in the long grass of the savannah. I was exhilarated, for I am very fond of them. I love their strength and their wisdom.

Our group of about seven was sitting on top of the safari car for about half an hour, enjoying our surroundings and our colossal company. It was then that the elephant started doing something different. It picked up its head and started walking towards us. At first, I thought that it was being playful, but when the elephant picked up its pace, I knew that it wasn’t playing games. The angry elephant was running towards us, fury and annoyance in its eyes.

“Go!” my mom yelled. “Go, Go!” The driver shoved the key into the ignition. The car wouldn’t start.

“Go! Hurry!” my mom yelled again.

I felt my heart sink to the pit of my stomach. A rush of adrenaline entered my head, and all I was thinking about was the fact that I might not make it out alive.

Why was the elephant doing this?

Why was it being so vicious? This was surely not how I pictured an elephant.

My mom was screaming, the driver was stressing, and the elephant was getting closer. Once again, he tried the key, but to our dismay, the car still wouldn’t start.

There I was sitting in the back of a hot safari car, stressing and sweating on the brown leather seat. This was it, I was sure. But my thoughts changed when I finally heard the loud rumble of the engine. The sweat disappeared from my brow, and I felt one hundred pounds lift off my shoulders. This experience didn’t change my liking for elephants. I assumed that this one was just probably having a bad day.

We zoomed away, fast as a cheetah, escaping disaster by a mere thirty-five feet.

Scripts & Quips

Book Review "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania"

By Erik Larson Georgia Edwards CONTRIBUTOR

Erik Larson (In the Garden of Beasts, Devil in the White City) once again takes a page from history and brings it to life in his riveting account of the last fateful days of the RMS Lusitania.

On May 1, 1915, the world’s fastest passenger vessel left New York, bound for Liverpool.

Pride of the Cunard line, the luxurious “Greyhound of the Sea” had a service speed of 25 knots.

World War I had entered its 10th month and German submarines patrolled the waters of a war zone surrounding the United Kingdom. On April 22, the German embassy issued a warning that passengers sailing to this area did so at their own risk. Few heeded it, and the captain declared his vessel could outrun any submarine.

On May 7, the Lusitania reached the coast of southern Ireland at the same time as the German submarine, Unterseeboot-20. Neither was aware of the other’s location due to an early morning fog. When it lifted, luck prevailed for U-20—the Lusitania was within clear sight. The submarine fired one torpedo, hitting the ship’s starboard side. A second explosion followed the first impact, and the great ship sank into the Celtic Sea within 18 minutes. Only six out of 48 lifeboats were successfully launched; 1,198 people died, 128 of them American. The epic tragedy would cause strong anti-German sentiment and influence the United States’ entry into World War I two years later.

With meticulous research and masterful use of narrative nonfiction, Larson reconstructs the voyage. Dead Wake

becomes a tale of two captains: William Turner, the cruiser’s 58-year-old seasoned sailor, and Walther Schweiger, the avid 32-year-old commander of Unterseeboot-20. Larson wanted his book to read as a mystery thriller, and he has succeeded. Suspense builds as he alternates chapters between captains and vessels, bringing them closer to their destiny.

The author carefully examines the confluence of events that may have created the perfect storm for disaster—from fog and bad fortune to a controversial plot by Winston Churchill to bring the United States into World War I. British code breakers followed the progress of U-20 but never apprised Turner of its path—an “enduring mystery,” states Larson. Some of the coded messages remain top secret. In addition, the British Admiralty recalled the destroyer that was sent to guide the ship into port, and as the Lusitania approached the Irish coast, Turner was given conflicting navigation instructions.

The Lusitania carried munitions, as well as passengers, fueling two debates: did this make it a legitimate enemy target and was the second explosion caused by the ignition of those arms?

There are no definitive answers. The prevalent belief is that U-20’s torpedo struck a vulnerable part of the ship, causing a boiler explosion and massive flooding, which rapidly sent the ship down.

May 7, 2015, will mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania. A century later, Larson has commemorated the event with a gripping and thoughtful account of its last voyage.

Georgia Edwards is the cataloging librarian at the Charlotte Library.

Vermont Humanities Council Seeks Nominations for Educator Award Do you know a Vermont teacher who has inspired you and who deserves statewide recognition? Since 2003, the Vermont Humanities Council (VHC) has honored such teachers with the Victor R. Swenson Humanities Educator Award, which recognizes a Vermont educator in grades six through 12 who exemplifies excellence in the teaching of the humanities. VHC is seeking nominations for the 2015 award. Nominating letters are due May 1.

The recipient receives a $1,000 check and public recognition at VHC’s fall conference on November 14 at UVM’s Dudley Davis Center.

For details on the nomination process, visit vermonthumanities.org.

SUBMITTED BY BRETT SIGURDSON

20 • April 9, 2015 • The Charlotte News

Sunday Dinners at Kimball Brook Farm Emma Slater THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

May 17 will mark the third anniversary of the opening of Kimball Brook Farm, a certified organic dairy farm located on the border of Charlotte and North Ferrisburg.

Now a firmly established operation with a creamery in Hinesburg, the DeVos family is looking to expand the Kimball Brook business to include a summer CSA and community events celebrating their local products.

“It takes several years to get off the ground, and every year you get a little more solidified,” said spokesperson Wendy Bratt. “This year, I see it as an opportunity to take the next step out, to create a sense of community in our local area. We tout local products, and now we can create local events.”

Kimball Brook was certified organic in 2005, but owners J.D. and Cheryl DeVos are the third generation in a legacy of family farming that goes back to J.D.’s grandfather, who ran a 20 cow farm outside of Amsterdam, Holland. Now located at a 955-acre farm in North Ferrisburg, purchased from J.D.’s father in 1988, J.D. and Cheryl have expanded on his family tradition. Their farm now consists of 200 Jersey and Holstein cows whose milk is

bottled at the Green Mountain Organic Creamery. Some of their clients include Lake Champlain Chocolates, Red Kite Candy, Studio Cacao, STIR Chocolates and Nutty Steph’s.

They are proud to offer single farm milk and dairy products from cows that are certified organic and grass grazed, without the ritual antibiotic injections that have become standard farming procedure. This herd is allowed to roam freely, grazing and fertilizing the land naturally.

The organic seal also guarantees that all products are free of synthetics, genetically engineered components and processes like irradiation.

In this spirit of keeping things high quality and local, about 75% of the products that will be served at their “Sunday Dinner at the Farm” events this summer will come from the farm, or within 20 miles of it. This includes pulled pork, beef, vegetables and an array of milk products that are produced by the farm.

There will also be children’s games, live music and a chance to see a professional milking parlor in action.

The first “Sunday Dinner at the Farm” will take place June 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with entertainment provided by local musician Patti Casey. Dates also include June 14, July 12, August 9 and September 13. The cost will be $30 per adult and $10 per child under 12. For the menu and tickets, visit kimballbrookfarm. com or find them on Facebook. There is limited seating so be sure to sign up as soon as possible. R.S.V.P. by May 20 to 802-482-6455 or 802-734-6346 or kbfvermont@gmail.com.

Business Directory

Trout Fishing Season Kicks Off April 11 Edd Merritt THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

While Minnesotans still have to wait for a month before “Walleye Opener,” Vermonters are on the cusp of a new trout season that begins April 11. Despite a tough late winter, the streams should produce some of the best trout fishing of the year for Green Mountain reelers and out-of-state anglers. According to Eric Palmer, director of fisheries with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, “Though the cold, high water early in the season may force anglers to fish slower in order to tempt sluggish fish, as the spring temperatures rise, the action can really pick up.”

Vermont spawns its fishing opportunities well. “Whether you prefer to fish smaller, remote streams in the woods, larger rivers in the valleys, or one of our many lakes and ponds, Vermont really has it all,” says Palmer. Vermont offers high-quality habitat for brook, brown and rainbow trout. Willoughby River in the Northeast Kingdom adds a steelhead spawning run from Lake Memphremagog, where the fish can be seen jumping the falls in Orleans. The renovation of dams in Vermont always requires new construction to pay attention to fish migration up and down stream.

Vermont Fish & Wildlife believes in keeping its streams stocked. Over 18,000 trophy trout will be stocked throughout the state in 2015. Anglers will be able to fish over 34 miles of rivers and 28 lakes and ponds that are designated as

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Whether you prefer to fish smaller, remote streams in the woods, larger rivers in the valleys, or one of our many lakes and ponds, Vermont really has it all. trophy water. According to the Vermont Outdoor Guide Association, in total the state has over 700 lakes and ponds and 5,000 miles of rivers and streams.

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Zen and the Art of Rainbow Trout on a Sunny Day Bradley Carleton CONTRIBUTOR

Two characteristics of real Vermonters are that they celebrate sugaring season and the holy grail of spring— opening day of trout season. This year trout season opens on Saturday, April 11.

It’s been a couple of years since my dear friend Sara Blum of Shelburne and I have had the opportunity to fish together.

But this year I am making a public pledge to get her on the water. Sara started fly fishing just a few years ago, and like many who try this sport, she struggled with the amount of information and technique needed to actually land a trout.

Sara is a tenacious business owner (she owns Acorn Marketing, which stresses highly focused marketing), and as such she is remarkably adept at learning a new means to an end.

On a gorgeous spring day, we ventured to the Winooski River to wet our lines and enjoy the dappled sun on the riffles of a feeder stream while throwing color-

ful flies into the tail-outs of the rippling water.

Fly fishing is more Zen than any sport I know. Standing in the current and listening to the fly line swish by your head makes you feel part of a magnificent world. The water and the sky absorb your spirit, and soon you find that your mind is at peace with the present.

I was watching Sara as she practiced her back cast and lay-down finish. After numerous false casts, Sara released her line and laid it down on the water about 20 yards out, just at the end of the riffles.

I watched her breathe a sigh of relief having accomplished what she had been longing to do. As she relaxed and reveled in her success, it happened.

Smack! A nice rainbow trout surfaced and hit the elk-hair caddis with reckless abandon. The reel began to scream, ticking off the gears of the internal mechanics and literally singing as the fish made a run downstream. “Raise your rod!� I yelled. “And if he jumps bow down to him!�

And jump he did. The feisty rainbow threw himself a foot into the air, sparkling pink and green in the sunlight. “Did you see that?� I whooped as I walked over to coach her on bringing him in. “Wow! That was fantastic!� Sara

Photo: Bradley Carleton

The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 21

Sara Bloom of Shelburne catches her first rainbow trout of the season in the riffles of the Winooski River. replied.

I watched as she played the fish until he was tired enough to bring in to the

gravel bar where we were standing.

Sara knelt down, partly in reverence and partly in awe at the glorious being.

A smile came over her face that shone brighter than the sun above her head.

Together, we were experiencing the present as it is meant to be—a gift, a present, from the Great Spirit. She said goodbye to the piscatorial deity and released him back into the gurgling water.

If you have ever wanted to experience this kind of connection, please feel free to contact me and I will be glad to assist you in finding your own piece of Zen in the outdoors.

Bradley Carleton is executive director of SacredHunter.org, a nonprofit that seeks to educate the public on the spiritual connection of man to nature and raises funds for TraditionsOutdoorMentoring. org, which mentors at-risk young men in outdoor pursuits.

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22 • April 9, 2015 • The Charlotte News

Community Events THURSDAY, APRIL 9

EVENT: American Red Cross blood drive at Ferry Road Charlotte Senior Center, Thursday April 9, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s strongly advised to make an appointment by either calling: 1 800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or contact redcrossblood.org.

THEATER: Broadway musical, The Last Five Years, directed by Doug Anderson, at Town Hall Theater, Middlebury April 9, 11, and 12. Tickets are $17, $6 for students, purchased at townhalltheater.org, 802-382-9222, at the THT box office and at the door.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

THEATER: Comedic Storytelling Performance to benefit United Way of Chittenden County. 7 p.m. on Friday, April 10 at the Black Box Theater at Main Street Landing, award-winning comedic storytellers Kevin Gallagher, Cindy Pierce and Sue Schmidt will reunite for an encore performance of Are We There Yet? Doors and cash bar at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets and performance information at are-wethere-yet.eventbrite.com.

DANCE: Queen City Contras will hold its regular dance on Friday, April 10 at 8:00 p.m. at Shelburne Town Hall. Music provided by Audrey Knuth, Guillaume Sparrow-Pepin and Everest Whitman. Peter Johnson will be the caller. Beginners’ session at 7:45 p.m.

Admission is $8 for adults. Under 12 free. Please bring clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Dance info: 802-371-9492 or 802-343-7166, queencitycontras.org.

EVENT: Birds of Vermont Museum Volunteer Work Day, Saturday, April 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get in shape with a one-day intensive mostly-trail work event? Please pre-register. More info on the website: birdsofvermont.org.

EVENT: Charlotte Shelburne Rotary is inviting members, friends and anyone interested in learning about Rotary, its programs and its service to the community, to come to a sweet seasonal treat at Palmer’s Sugarhouse on Shelburne Falls Road on Sunday, April 12 at 4 p.m. It’s free. Pre-register by contacting a Rotarian you know, or call Ric Flood at 658-1511.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

WORKSHOP: Rokeby Museum and Shacksbury Cider have teamed up to offer a pruning workshop and volunteer day. Volunteers can grab their saw and come to Rokeby to learn pruning techniques in the Museum’s historic orchard and then work to help to start bringing it back to life! April 18, 1-3 p.m. Contact Jane Williamson at 802-877-3406 or email rokeby@comcast.net.

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

EVENT: Common Ground Center/Camp Common Ground in Starksboro needs groups of volunteers willing to give a full day to help with trail maintenance and spring planting of their vegetable and flower gardens.

April 14, 28 or May 5, five-hour shifts between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Contact Emily Gibbs at 802-453-2592 or email Emily@cgcvt.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

WORKSHOP: Take an “Everyday Bicycling” workshop, and learn how to make running errands more fun.

Saturday, April 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Robert Miller Community and Recreation Center, 130 Gosse Court, Burlington. Free. There will also be free pizza and drinks! Register at bit.ly/ EverydayBicycling.

FILM: Handmade Nation—discussion to follow with Moe O’Hara and Mark Dabelstein April 15 at 7 p.m. at Feldman’s Bagels, 660 Pine Street, Burlington VT. Free. For more info contact Rob Hunter at rhunter@froghollow.org or 802-863-6458.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

MUSIC: Saint Michael’s College presents its Annual Fine Arts Department Music Festival from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11 in the McCarthy Arts Center Recital Hall. The festival program is as follows: Noon – Jazz Orchestra, directed by Brian McCarthy; 1:15 p.m. – Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Gribnau; 2:30 p.m.

– Chorale, directed by Nathaniel G. Lew; 3:30 p.m. – String Orchestra, directed by Susan Summerfield and Fran Pepperman-Taylor; 4 p.m. – A Cappella Ensembles. For information call Nathaniel G. Lew, 802-654-2284, nlew@smcvt.edu.

ness hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Williston Girl Scout office in the Mansfield Office Park, 60 Knight Lane #30, by Friday, April 17. All types of shoes, boots, flip-flops, and sandals are accepted. More info at girlscoutsgwm. org, or call 888-474-9686.

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

EVENT: Made in Vermont Marketplace. Friday, April 10, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, April 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Champlain Valley exposition, Essex Junction. Free parking.

MUSIC: Social Band celebrates “A Beautiful Adventure”–Songs of Travels and Transformations Saturday, April 11 – 7:30 p.m.

Richmond Free Library Saturday, April 18 – 7:30 p.m.

Hinesburg United Church Sunday, April 19 – 3:00 p.m.

Charlotte Congregational Church Admission is by suggested donation of $15. Tickets are available at the door.

For more information, visit socialband. org, find them on Facebook, or call 802355-4216.

ONGOING EVENTS

THEATER: Next to Normal, a musical presented by the Middlebury College Musical Players, April 16-18, 8 p.m. $12/ $10 Faculty/ $6 Middlebury college students. Tickets available through the Middlebury College box office, by phone at 802-443-3168 or online: go.middlebury.edu/boxoffice TALK: A presentation about the Slow Money movement on Wednesday, April 16 at 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Library. Co-sponsored by Transition Town Charlotte and the Charlotte Library. Eric DeLuca, chair of Slow Money will share about investing in local food businesses.Visit facebook. com/slowmoneyvermont for general info. Contact Ruah Swennerfelt at ruahswennerfelt@gmail.com or 4253377 with questions. Or visit the website at transitioncharlottevt.org.

FRIDAY, APRIL 17

VOLUNTEER: Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains are collecting gently used shoes to help people in developing nations as a service project.

Pairs of shoes should be tied together with laces or rubber-banded together, and can be dropped off during busi-

SUNDAY, APRIL 19

WORKSHOP: Create a felt Eastern Bluebird with Susi Ryan, Sunday, April 19, 1-3 p.m. Celebrate spring, and the birds returning to Vermont with your own small bluebird. Susi Ryan of The Felted Gnome Knows will guide participants in the craft of felting a bluebird you can hang. Minimum age: 8 (felting needles are sharp!). $35 (includes materials). Maximum enrollment: 8 people.

Please pre-register Birds of Vermont Museum, 900 Sherman Hollow Road, Huntington, VT 05462 (802) 4342167 museum@birdsofvermont.org.

Website: birdsofvermont.org.

Charlotte Grange Rummage Sale April 30 Doing some spring cleaning? Remember the Charlotte Grange Rummage Sale! Drop off your treasures Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or Monday and Tuesday, April 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clothing, books, household, garden items, and whatever else you find.

What’s hidden in your attic or garage that needs a new home?

Then remember to come on Thursday, April 30 beginning at 9 a.m. or Saturday, May 2, 8 a.m. to noon to find some special items and make your purchases.

Proceeds benefit our community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Food Shelf, open from 5–7 p.m.

Lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry.

Information: Karen at 425-3252; for emergency food call John at 4253130.

The Charlotte News • April 9, 2015 • 23

Around Town Congratulations to Sammie Blackmore, a sixth grader at Charlotte Central School, whose piece titled “Wonderland” appeared in the Young Writer’s section of the April 3 Burlington Free Press. Written in the first person, Sammie describes waking up to find his house eerily quiet with no sign of his mother at home. Getting out of bed, he wandered down the hall, finding that he was lost in his own house. He finally ran into his father, who had disappeared many years ago and who, while he did not recognize Sammie, welcomed him, nonetheless, to “Wonderland.” to Michael Wool, an attorney with Langrock, Sperry and Wool who became the chair of the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) at the board’s spring meeting. Wool succeeds former Maine senator Emily Cain who left the post to run for a seat in the U.S. Congress.

The NEBHE has been in operation for 60 years and brings together leaders in education, government and business “to forge partnerships and advance ideas that enhance the economy and quality of life in the six-state region.” to Barry Finette, M.D., whose firm MEDSINC was named one of six finalists in a recent LaunchVT statewide

business pitch competition. MEDSINC analyzes clinical data and then generates an assessment of an illness’s severity. It can be used on a smart phone and was developed to provide medical information in parts of the world where there is little in the way of a medical infrastructure. The algorithms have been trialed in places such as Bangladesh and Ecuador.

Congratulations to Noah BernsteinHanley, a saxophonist who continues to be a prominent part of the indiejazz scene. Noah is a Charlotte native and graduated from CCS and CVU before going on to a career in music.

He appeared on Vermont Public Television’s presentation of “Austin City Limits” last week, playing with tUnE-yArDs. As the alto saxophonist in the four-person band, Noah’s solo work was biting but clear. He has since formed his own group called Grammies, which released an album titled “Great Sounding” this past January. Comparing their scores to those of jazz great Ornette Coleman, a weekly Portland, Oregon paper called Grammies one of the “best new bands in the area for 2014.” After graduating from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Noah spent a year in Ohio before moving to Portland in 2007.

to CVU’s Scholars’ Bowl team that made it to the statewide semi-finals before losing to Burlington High School in a high scoring match. Essex went on to defeat BHS in the finals. to parishioners at the Charlotte Congregational Church who contributed food and snacks to the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS) Daystation and Canal Street Veterans Program.

Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Ronald A. Sweet of Shelburne who passed away March 25 at the age of 80.

Sweet began a teaching career at CCS before moving on to L.C. Hunt School and Burlington High School where he specialized in automotive restoration.

The family asks that those wishing to make contributions in his memory consider doing so to the Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Road, Williston, VT 05495 or to Hospice of the Champlain Valley, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446.

Upcoming charlotte Food ShelF diStribUtion dateS Wednesday, April 16, 5–7 p.m.

Thursday, April 17, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, April 29, 5–7 p.m.

Thursday, April 30, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 13, 5-7 p.m.

Thursday, May 14, 7:30-9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, May 27, 5-7 p.m.

Thursday, May 28, 7:30-9:30 a.m.

The Charlotte Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry.

Regular Church Services SATURDAYS St. Jude Catholic Church, Mass, Hinesburg, 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAYS Community Alliance Church, Hinesburg, Gathering Place, 9 a.m., Sunday School, 9 a.m., Worship, 10:15 a.m. Information: 482-2132.

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

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

St. Jude Catholic Church, Mass, Hinesburg, 9:30 a.m. Information: 482-2290.

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

Cross Roads Chapel, Ferrisburgh Ctr. Rt. 7, Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Information: 425-3625.

Assembly of God Christian Center, Routes 7 and 22A, Ferrisburgh, Sunday worship, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Sunday School, 9 a.m.

Information: 877-3903.

All Souls Interfaith Gathering, 291 Bostwick Farm Road, Shelburne.

Sunday Service 9 a.m., Evensong Service 5 p.m. 985-3819 Trinity Episcopal Church, 5171 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 8:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. “Space for Grace” (educational hour), 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (with child care and Sunday School).

985-2269.

is extended to family and friends of J. Michael Baker III of Rutland who passed away March 25 at the age of 46. His surviving family includes two sons, Joseph Michael Baker and Duncan Howard Baker, both of Charlotte. The family asks that those wishing to make memorial contributions consider doing so to the Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231 or to a charity of their choice. is extended to family and friends of Debra (Guthrie) Thibault of Burlington who passed away March 29 at the age of 60. Her surviving family includes

her daughter, Elizabeth Thibault, and Elizabeth’s husband, Mark Yantachka, now living in Westport, CT. Mark is the son of Janet and Mike Yantachka of Charlotte. is extended to family and friends of Lois Hayman of Burlington who passed away April 3 at the age of 87. Her surviving family includes her daughter Cindy Hayman and Cindy’s husband, Bill Pence, of Charlotte. Her grandchild, Jonathon Pence, and his wife, Leah, live in South Burlington along with a great grandchild, Simone Pence.

A Sweet Treat with the Rotary The Charlotte Shelburne Rotary would like to invite members of the public to a sweet seasonal treat at Palmer’s Sugarhouse on Shelburne Falls Road on Sunday, April 12, at 4 p.m. Although all are welcome, the Rotary would especially like to see people interested in learning about the organization, its programs and its service to the community.

“We know that everyone thinks they know what Rotary does,” says Richard Fox, president of the Charlotte Shelburne Rotary Club. “But their perceptions maybe don’t match the mission of the Rotary Club in 2015, its service to neighbors,

its international programs, the commitment to its motto ‘Service Above Self,’ and the satisfaction of projects that help both the local community and the world.”

David and Michelle Palmer at Palmer’s Sugarhouse will take guests behind the scenes as they transform gallons of sap into gallons of delicious sweet maple syrup, the hallmark product of Vermont.

The event is free. Pre-register by contacting a Rotarian you know, or call Ric Flood at 658-1511.

Classifieds

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

NEW AT THE MT. PHILO INN: Overnight accommodations, spacious 2-3 bedroom suites available by the day, week or month. Adjacent to Mt. Philo State Park, with panoramic views of Lake Champlain. Each "wing" in the historic inn has a private entrance, full kitchen, laundry and porch. MtPhiloInn.com, 425-3335.

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 802338-1331. (-18)

FRUIT TREE PRUNING SEASON: Better distribute sun, flowers, and fruit. Minimize pests and storm damage, get back to a little each year.

Dave 453-4992 (-16) For over 37 years, LAFAYETTE PAINTING has been transforming the interiors of homes in Chittenden County. Allow our experts to give your space a new look in just a day. Call 8635397 or visit LafayettePaintingInc.com (-16) FOR SALE. Flynn Theater Tickets for Peter and the Starcatcher on April 14, 2015 at 7:30PM. Four tickets available, seats Orch Right F11-17, cost $314, will take best offer.

Call Michael at 985-8269.

Charlotte News The Hometown Paper Since 1958

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A Look at the CCS Budget 1 窶｢ No Child Left Inside 4 窶｢ Songwriting at CCS 6 窶｢ Gifts from the Great Spirit 21