The Charlotte News | July 30, 2015 by The Charlotte News

The

Charlotte News Charlotte’s award-winning community newspaper

Volume lVIII Number 1

The VoIce of The TowN

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Giving dogs a second chance 1 ∙ One for the record book 3 New series: Back in my day 6 ∙ Banding together for birds 12 T he C harloTTe N ews

Voice of the town since 1958

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Vol. 58, no. 1 July 30, 2015

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

Selectboard address railroad concerns Board also discusses CVFRS budgets and Mack farm trees John Hammer THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

Kim Frigault of Charlotte is the co-founder of Long Trail Canine Dogs, a nonprofit that helps save shelter dogs from being euthanized.

BarkAID comes to support Charlotte-based dog rescue Alex Bunten THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

ong Trail Canine Rescue and O’Briens Aveda Institute will host Patrick Lomantini, master stylist and two-time Guinness World Record holder, on the second stop of his hair-razing BarkAID tour, Sunday, Aug. 2. Started in 2010, BarkAID raises funds and awareness for homeless animals. Each year the Lomantini Team takes on the challenge of doing 50 haircuts in 50 states in 50 days, offering their professional services and time for free. All proceeds go to support a local animal shelter in each state. “And it’s really not so much the animals,” said Lomanitini in a video on the BarkAID website. “I get asked that a lot…‘You must really love animals!’

Yeah I do, but I also really love the people that are involved with saving those animals because all those folks in there are volunteers. They don’t get paid a dime. They work their butts off. They take care of animals that I wouldn’t want to mess with.” In 2013 Lomantini’s 50 States Tour gave 2,525 haircuts and raised over $74,525 for local shelters. “We’re pretty psyched about this guy,” said Kim Frigault of Charlotte, the co-founder of Long Trail Canine Rescue. “He’s just a funny guy to listen to and talk to. He’s very animated. It’ll be a fun day.” Kim, who is the assistant park ranger at Mt. Philo State Park, has been helping to rescue dogs since she was eight years old. “I got caught at the local dog pound

Three issues dominated Charlotte Selectboard’s meeting of July 27. Of greatest interest was a plea by Lydia Clemmons and Fire Chief Chris Davis for the Selectboard’s support of a request to the Vermont Agency of Transportation for stronger safety provisions in its 2015 Vermont Rail Plan. Ms. Clemmons, speaking for a number of members of the Concerned Citizens for Responsible Railroads Group, presented a comprehensive plea for a much stricter interpretation of railroad rules and regulations with respect to the VRP’s Western Corridor, which passes through Charlotte and many other western Vermont towns. The plan, with a map of the Western Corridor, can be found at bit.ly/1U3l97F. Ms. Clemmons presented a historical perspective outlining the establishment of a long siding supporting the 2000 passenger rail experiment entitled the Champlain Flyer. The Flyer necessitated the siding onto which passenger trains could be shunted to allow higher priority freight trains to pass. When the Flyer program was canceled, the siding eventually was

lengthened and became a convenient location in which to store unused rail cars that had been relocated from the Burlington yards. Ms. Clemmons and others have made repeated attempts to determine the contents of the cars and whether or not they present a hazard. Their attempts have been repeatedly rebuffed, for the most part by referral to the Federal Railways Administration. The FRA maintains that inspections have not found any hazardous conditions. It should be noted that in a discussion subsequent to the Selectboard meeting, Ms. Clemmons stated that she was in the presence of an FRA inspector who found a material deficiency on one of the tank cars. The CFRR brought up the fact that a 48-hour rule for storage of hazardous contents can sometimes be extended, as weekends and holidays don’t count. Many of the stored tank cars display notices stating that they may contain such materials as “Liquefied natural gas – non-odorized.” Fire Chief Davis noted that a leak or explosion could affect a sizable damage area with a radius as large as a half mile. A significant factor in Clemmons’ concern is that the Western Corridor might become a route over which western shale oil shipments might be made. Already there are grave concerns over the rail line

Selectboard continued on page 5

Dogs continued on page 3

When she paints her masterpiece As she prepares to close her Charlotte studio and gallery, Laurel Waters reflects on a year of artistic growth Brett Sigurdson THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

nside her Charlotte studio and gallery, Laurel Waters is putting the finishing touches on an abstract rendering of an East Charlotte landscape. The painting features all the singular stylistic hallmarks of her landscapes, many of which capture scenery in and around Charlotte: a wildly colorful sky with hues and pigments seemingly dancing together above green hills that roll to a red barn in the foreground. Despite being a static image, the piece has a sense of movement, of motion. The same could be said of the interior environs of Laurel Fulton Waters Studio Gallery, which the artist is set to close at the end of July. Aside from the paints and brushes near her easel and a few works on the wall, her space on the corner of

Church Hill and Hinesburg roads shows all the signs of a person moving forward: boxes, loosely organized piles, furniture out of place. By the end of the month, all of it will be packed away, marking an end to a period in which Waters’ artistic growth has been anything but stationary. Sitting in a rocking chair among giclée prints and cards featuring her paintings, Waters explains the reasons for closing her storefront just over a year after opening it: she and her husband, Morgan, purchased a home in Colchester, a distance from Charlotte she doesn’t want to commute, and they are expecting a baby in early August. As she reflects on her time in Charlotte, a new life—particularly of the artistic kind—is very much on Waters’ mind. “The pregnancy has brought me into a greater connection with my work and purpose in a way I feel I hadn’t totally connected with until recently,” Waters says. “I feel like I’m bringing this new artistic center with me to the next step

Waters continued on page 7

The Charlotte News’ Assistant Editor Brett Sigurdson with his VPA award.

The Charlotte News takes home state journalism prize

or 58 years, the Charlotte News has been recognized in Charlotte as the go-to publication for community news and views. Now, The News has been recognized by its journalism peers throughout the state. At the Vermont Press Association’s annual meeting and awards luncheon in Montpelier on July 16, a selection from Assistant Editor Brett Sigurdson’s series “Charlotte’s Web” won third place in the Best Local Story category, non-daily paper division. The articles, three parts of a five-part series, examine issues facing Charlotte as town officials embark on a large-scale rewrite of the Town Plan for the first time in over 15 years. They were published in

The News over the course of three months in early 2014. “On a personal level, I’m beyond thrilled these articles received an award from the Vermont Press Association,” said Sigurdson, who served as The News’s editor in chief from 2012 to 2014. “But more importantly, I see it as confirmation of something I’ve long felt: that all the hard work by our small staff and volunteer base is worthy of recognition.” The other two articles to place in the Best Local Story category were both authored by writers at Seven Days. Alicia Freese won first place for “Failing

Award continued on page 3

2 • July 30, 2015 • The CharloTTe News

Voices Pickin’, grinnin’ and award winnin’

The Charlotte News 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 Charlotterelated 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.

Editorial Staff news@charlottenewsvt.com 802-425-4949

Editor in chief: Alex Bunten Assistant editor: Brett Sigurdson Contributing editors: Edd Merritt, Ruah Swennerfelt Summer intern: Lawrence Dee Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Leslie Botjer, Vince Crockenberg

BuSinESS Staff ads@charlottenewsvt.com 802-343-0279

Business manager: Shanley Hinge Ad managers: Monica Marshall, Liz Philip-Morris Circulation group: Valerie Lebensohn

Board MEMBErS Co-president: Tom O’Brien Co-president: Vince Crockenberg Secretary: John Hammer Board members: Rachel Cummings, Tim Halverson, Carol Hanley, Michael Haulenbeek, Patrice Machavern, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli

contriButorS Alice D. Outwater Barrie Dunsmore Beth Merritt Mary Recchia Margaret Woodruff John Hammer

Wendy Bratt Georgia Edwards Jorden Blucher Elizabeth Bassett Frances Foster Nicole Conlet Kerri Pughe

on thE covEr Joe Bean bailing hay in East Charlotte on July 17, 2015. Photo: Ethan Bond-Watts

nExt iSSuE dEadlinES

Next publication date: Thursday, August 13 Contributions deadline: Monday, August 3 by 5 p.m. Letters due: Monday, August 10 by 10 a.m.

SuBScriPtion inforMation The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all Charlotte residences. Personal or out-of-town subscriptions are available for $20 per year (Bulk Mailing) or $40 per year (First Class). Please send a check or money order to the address below.

PoStMaStEr Send address changes to: The Charlotte News P.O. Box 251 Charlotte, VT 05445 Telephone: 802-425-4949 Circulation: 3,000 copies per issue. Copyright © 2015 The Charlotte News, Inc. Printed by Upper Valley Press

Alex Bunten EDITOR IN CHIEF

You are now reading a completely transformed paper. It may not feel that way, but let me explain. Our front page surely betrays how proud we are to now be an “award-winning paper.” This honor was bestowed upon us at the Vermont Press Association annual meeting on July 16, with Governor Shumlin in attendance along with hardnosed Vermont journos like Mike Donoghue. We stood proudly among some of the best papers in the state. It was a beautiful moment. Because let’s

be honest—no one is in this industry for the money. We all work hard and do the best we can to make stories come alive for our readers. If we are recognized or remembered, that’s what makes it all seem worth it. To all those wonderful readers who have recently helped finance your hometown newspaper—whether through our mailing, online, at Town Party or at our Thompson’s Point event—thank you to the moon and back! Your donations, however big or small, will go toward supporting the longest running nonprofit community newspaper in the state. I’ll never forget my first day in the office, taking the tour with Brett. Looking at piles of mimeographed papers in boxes, he said to me, “We have the history of the town back here.” And he’s right. We do. In our 58th year, we’ll try a few new things and I hope you’ll be willing to make some changes with us. Nothing too

drastic, but in this issue you’ll notice a few small additions. First, speaking of history, we’ll start a “Back in my day” section (page 6). We’ll share some of our old stories and we’ll ask you do the same. Also, we’ve added a puzzle (page 11). Let us know what you think! Would you prefer crosswords? Different puzzles? We are open to suggestion. Looking forward, we’ll soon launch a new website. This is a long-overdue project that we are really excited about. But with 58 years of articles to archive, it’s going to be a while before we can truly represent how far we’ve come in digital—get in touch if you are web savvy and want to help. For the time being, if you are looking for any issue from the past two years, you can find it archived at issuu.com/charlottenews. We’ve all come a long way from where we started, in Charlotte or farther afield. Thanks for making the journey with us.

Sixty days with the Iran nuclear deal The clock started this week on the 60 days Congress has to examine the agreement reached between Barrie Dunsmore Iran and CONTRIBUTOR six world powers including the United States. Based on early reaction, we can expect a summer of torrid criticism that will make it seem that this is the worst diplomatic deal in the history of the world. Even before there was an agreement, 47 Republican senators tried to sabotage it by sending a confrontational open letter to Iran’s Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since the deal was announced, there has been an apparent competition among the 16 people seeking the Republican presidential nomination to determine who hates it the most. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham claims the agreement is “akin

to declaring war on Israel and the Sunni Arabs.” In another interview he said, “This is the most dangerous, irresponsible step I’ve seen in the history of watching the Middle East.” Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush denounced the deal as “appeasement.” And Florida Senator Marco Rubio ominously warns it undermines U.S. and Israeli security. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker vowed he would rescind the agreement on the first day of his presidency. A strong contender for the top hyperbole prize is Texas Senator Ted Cruz who suggested the deal could lead to Iran launching a nuclear weapon from a ship in the Atlantic, and “millions of Americans will be murdered by radical, theocratic zealots.” This is not to suggest that the agreement to block Iran’s path to obtaining a nuclear weapon for up to 15 years—in exchange for lifting the economic sanctions imposed by the world community— is a perfect deal. Negotiated agreements inevitably involve concessions by both sides—meaning neither got everything it wanted but each got enough to make the agreement worth having. The only kind of negotiations that don’t

take that form are those where one side credibly threatens to make war on the other. That, it seems, is what President Barack Obama’s critics in Congress and Israel fault him on. As long as a diplomatic solution was possible, Obama wasn’t prepared to use American bombs to obliterate Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Presumably his critics would be. The fundamental problem with pre-emptive bombing is that it would ignite a major Middle East war. And further, in the view of most analysts, including Israelis, it would at best set Iran’s nuclear program back for three years. Iranians know how to make a nuclear weapon—and if attacked will certainly do so. That would make Iran a much greater threat to Israel and the U.S. than any of the alleged shortcomings of the deal that its critics apparently hate so much.

Thanks to all for yet another successful Town Party

and Senior Center provided respite from the rigors of the celebration. And thank you to the incredible Charlotte Library staff members for their cheerful assistance, infinite patience and intestinal fortitude in tolerating the massive invasion of their space to accommodate the book sale. We definitely need to acknowledge and thank all those who donated the close to 7,000 good quality books—clearly essential to the success of the book sale! Besides the many books that were sold, some of the donated books were added to the library’s collection, while others were boxed up to be given to kids attending this fall’s Tractor Parade. As always an enormous thank you goes to the more than 40 volunteers (too many to mention individually here) who spent hours sorting the books, setting up the book tent, cashiering and cleaning up. Last but not least, we need to thank the Friends of the Bixby Library for transport-

ing the remaining books to Vergennes. Please be sure to support their ongoing book sale if you are passing through Vergennes.

Hallelujah—excellent weather prevailed and contributed to the success of the 21st annual Town Party on the Green! As in the past, this event would not have happened without the efforts of many. First, our sincere thanks and appreciation to the owners of the Vermont Tent Company, whose very generous donation to the Friends of the Library makes this event possible, and to the Charlotte Selectboard for again assuming the cost of providing tent space for the various town and local nonprofit organizations. Thank you so much to the Fire & Rescue Auxiliary for so efficiently providing food and fuel to the party, to the Children’s Center staff for their face painting expertise, and to the many town organizations for sharing their information and enthusiasm. The Quinlan School

This commentary originally appeared on Vermont Public Radio on Sunday July 23, 2015. Barrie Dunsmore is a journalist who covered foreign affairs for ABC News for 30 years. His commentaries are also featured on in The Rutland Herald and Montpelier (Barre) Times Argus. He lives in Charlotte.

The Friends of the Charlotte Library Board Laura Cahners-Ford, Carol Clay, Shanley Hinge, Nan Mason, Beth Merritt, Dana Murphy and Martha Whitfield

Have something to say? Send your letters to news@charlottenewsvt.com

The CharloTTe News • July 30, 2015 • 3

Community News Award

continued from page 1 Math: Getting to the Bottom (Line) of Burlington’s School Budget Crisis,” and Mark Davis took second for “From State Ward to the Statehouse: Meet Sen. Dick Sears.” “It’s really gratifying that The News placed with Seven Days, a publication I deeply admire,” said Sigurdson. “As a small nonprofit, our paper has a fraction of the reach and resources of that paper— heck, most papers, really. To know we publish stories that are on par with the work of one of the best journalism publications in the state—that’s something I think our staff and readers should be proud of.” “What an honor to rub shoulders with some of the publishing giants in the state,” said Alex Bunten, who is the current editor in chief. “Brett is an excellent writer and journalist and it’s great to see him recognized for that. He’s really helped to raise the bar here at The News.” Vince Crockenberg, co-chair of the News board, said “It’s immensely gratifying that Brett’s journalism peers have recognized what we on the board have

known for more than two and a half years, that Brett is a superb writer and journalist who has served both the The News and the Charlotte community with great distinction. This is an extremely well deserved award.” The News published two other installments of the series in 2014. One examined trends in three community surveys about Charlotte’s development conducted over 15 years. The other explored how economic activity in Charlotte has dwindled in recent years. All of the articles are posted at charlottestownplan.wordpress.com. The Charlotte News joined several major state non-dailies in receiving awards for writing in 2013 and 2014, including the Addison County Independent (general excellence), the Vermont Standard (sports writing) and The Herald of Randolph (general news photo, best editorial). Seven Days also won awards for feature writing, government reporting, arts criticism and best website. The daily papers to receive awards included The Burlington Free Press and The Valley News. Journalists from outside Vermont evaluated the entries, which come from the 11 dailies and nearly 50 non-dailies that are members of the Vermont Press Association.

THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

continued from page 1

We’re hiring! AssistAnt Editor

You will have experience writing and strong layout and design skills. Working closely with the editor, you will help drive the success of our award-winning paper. Desirable qualities: flexible, curious and driven. This position is paid.

A balancing act gets Tatum Braun into the Guinness Book Alex Bunten

Dogs

letting the dogs free out of their cages,” she remembers. “The local officer took me to my house and lectured me with my dad…then he was kind enough to offer me a job.” She would spend every day after school, helping feed, water and walk the dogs. “I’d take pictures of them with my Polaroid camera and try to find them homes or their owners.” Forty years later and she is still at it—trying to find “lifelong homes” for shelter dogs. LTCR primarily works with a “high kill” shelter in Darlington, South Carolina, where dogs are given about 30 days before they are euthanized. “On the 28th or 29th day we start pulling them out and making arrangements for them,” Kim said. To accomplish this, Kim and Lisa Laflam, the co-founder of LTCR, work with an extensive network of volunteers. “There is a whole volunteer system of transporters that will drive a leg—two hours, three hours—to meet the next transporter. And it takes two days for them to get here.” After an overnight in Pennsylvania where they are fed, bathed and cleaned, the dogs make their way to Vermont. Foster families meet in Vergennes every other Sunday and take in all the dogs. With a large group of foster homes in Charlotte and the surrounding area, Kim said their “only limitation here is the number of foster homes we have, so we are

Charlotter Tatum Braun is all smiles during her seven-and-a-half hour recording setting balance attempt. She passed the time by watching Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. Photo: Contributed.

always looking for foster homes.” More information about how to participate can be found on the LTCR website at longtraildogs.org. “I think some of the keys words here would be purpose and passion,” said John Frigault, Kim’s husband. “All the people are doing this because they have a passion to help save these really incredible beings from being euthanized. And whether it’s the hair cutter or Kim or the volunteer or the foster family or the adopters… They’re all just giving their time, money and resources to make this happen.” Kim and John are also involved in dog rescue efforts in Costa Rica. The initiative is called “Hope 4 a Street Dog.” David Garbose, owner of the Mt. Philo Inn, has shown his support by donating a room for Lomantini to stay in in Charlotte. BarkAID will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at O’Brien’s Aveda Institute, 1475 Shelburne Road, South Burlington. To book an appointment, call 658-9591. Adoptable dogs will be on site.

WEb Editor

As our general web-ninja, you will be responsible for the content and images used on our website and social media. You should be creative, web savvy and be able to work in a team. Interested? To receive the full job description and application form, send an email to Alex Bunten at news@ charlottenewsvt.com.

aving the longest fingernails, spending the most time with your body in full contact with snow, juggling chainsaws, growing the biggest onion—there are so many zany ways to get into the Guinness Book of World Records. Tatum Braun of Charlotte balanced her way into the global annals by keeping herself parallel to the ground on a balance board for 7 hours, 25 minutes and 30.86 seconds, shattering the previous record by nearly five hours. A balance board is a device similar to a skateboard on a large cylinder (see picture), used for training both strength and concentration. Breaking records seems to run in the family, as Tatum’s mother, Cricket, previously held the same record in 2005. She

TownBites by Edd Merritt

was able to stay on a balance board for 1 hour, 30 minutes and 38 seconds. Threatening her world domination, Tatum’s younger brothers have said they’ll try to break the same record—just as soon as they are old enough. You must be 16 to officially compete for a Guinness record. Adding to the challenge for her younger siblings, Tatum complemented her achievement with a small fundraising campaign. According to her GoFundMe page, Tatum raised $974 for the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program. Tatum will certainly have something to talk about in her upcoming senior year at CVU. Read our short interview with Tatum Braun on our website at thecharlottenews. org. nesses from jewelers to regional design makers. Now Sharon is moving her store to 210 College Street, just off Church, near North Face where, she says, she is “excited to be joining the amazing retail community of Burlington.”

Nearly 100 bicyclists ride Bolles says he’ll take baseball any day for Najarian Dan Bolles, music critic for Seven On July 10 nearly 100 bicyclists gathered at the Town Beach to pedal between Charlotte and Ferrisburgh in a 13-mile loop honoring the cyclist Dr. Ken Najarian. Spencer Knapp, attorney and friend of Najarian, led the brigade on its ride. Najarian died in an accident on June 17.

Common Deer retail shop is leaving Shelburne for Burlington

Two years ago Charlotte resident Sharon Beal opened a small retail shop, called Common Deer, in Shelburne. Describing it as a “destination shop for gifts, accessories and décor,” most of the products in the store are manufactured in the U.S.A. in small batches. Common Deer is in business to support small busi-

Days and former Charlotter, has become a voice-of-choice doing play-by-play for the Vermont Lake Monsters alongside long-time sports announcer George Commo. In the July 22 Seven Days, Bolles says that, although he makes his living writing about music, baseball was his first love. This writer can vouch for that. In Little League tryouts, Dan’s outfield drives turned all the coaches’ heads every time he stepped to the plate. Our Little League Red Sox, got first pick among the newbies and Bolles joined the squad. Well, Dan is back to the diamond and waxing melodious.

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along the west shore of Lake Champlain to the extent that the New York governor and several representatives there have expressed reservations to the use of that route for such hazardous shipments. This is not to say that the Western Corridor would carry these materials, but the VRP is calling for four times the number of trains in the state, transporting twice as much freight as is currently carried. Both Clemmons and Davis emphasized that they were not anti-railroad or anti-petroleum campaigners. They are very concerned with the safety aspects of the new VRP. They said that now is the time to influence the writing of the plan with a strong emphasis on safety. They warned that once the VRP goes forward it risks becoming enshrined in legislative or regulatory bureaucracy within the FRA with little or no chance for further local influence on safety matters. Selectboard Chair Morrison tasked the CFRR and Chief Davis to draft a letter for the Selectboard to sign and send forward to VTrans demanding safer train and railway operation in the VRP. Chief Davis said the drafting of the VRP needs to be done “in a sensible and smart way.” Ms. Clemons can be contacted at lydiaclemmons@hotmail.com.

CVFRS CoSt oVeRRunS The second major issue of the meeting arose with the regular joint meeting of the Selectboard and leadership of the Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service. This is a quarterly meeting established by a Memorandum of Understanding between the town and CVFRS to review the service’s financial status and service. As predicted in previous presentations, it appears that the unaudited accounts show loses of $26,665 actual over budgeted estimates. CVFRS corporate President John Snow and Treasurer Charlie Russell fundamentally laid the blame for the overages on additional costs for paid Emergency Medical Technicians and an extraordinary increase in fire calls resulting in increased equipment costs. In the case of the EMT’s, there has been a lack of volunteers to fill all shifts. The volunteers are largely UVM students in the medical curricula and there is a

an “attitude towards my office” exists in which some of the Selectboard were “incapable of objectivity and fairness.” In closing Mead called for the Selectboard to “cure the blatant discrimination that was allowed to occur with respect to the administrative assistant, assistant town clerk/treasurer and clerk/treasurer and quite possibly the Town Planner and Zoning Administrator.” Chair Morrison suggested that a single item meeting be held on the subject in the very near future.

tRee iSSue MoVeS FoRwaRd In the ongoing controversy concerning town trees on the northwest quadrant of East Thompson’s Point Road, Selectboard Chair Morrison stated that numerous discussions had taken place in the matter. Robert and David Mack, owners of the property in question, have met with Charles J. Corley, who is an interested citizen, the tree warden and Chairman Morrison to come up with a potential solution. This solution calls for Mr. Corley to pay to have 10-12 of the trees moved to his property. The Macks agreed to retain 3-4 trees, leaving a potential of 10 to 12 for removal to another location. Tree Warden Larry Hamilton was adamant that the Macks be given a citation to pay for the “successful and professional moving of these trees” in accordance with state law. The issue was not completely resolved and Morrison will continue to work with tree removal contractors, the Macks and the tree warden in further discussions. Marty Illick of the Lewis Creek Association reported that she had negotiated with the Macks with respect to storm water and drainage from their

50-acre field and the adjoining LaBerge property. The LCA has agreed to apply some dedicated grant funding for site assessment and engineer design to develop a plan for reducing the runoff impact on Thorpe Brook. otheR buSineSS In a series of administrative actions, the board approved a Sole Sources and Preferred Vendors List for Regular and Major Purchases. This document becomes an attachment to the town’s recently approved Purchasing Policy. In another action, the board approved a new employee review process in which the employee answers a self-evaluation questionnaire. This is then reviewed and discussed by his/her supervisor. The authority overseeing the supervisor would then complete the review by discussing the resulting document and providing a meeting with both the employee and supervisor. In other actions, Dean Bloch was appointed town representative to the Transportation Advisory Committee of the Chittenden Country Regional Planning Commission for the term ending June 30, 2017. The sum of $1,637.74 was approved for a change order to the library roof replacement. The resultant cost for the roof is estimated to be in the $92-93,000 range. Finally, the board approved a draft Request for Proposal to paint the exterior of the Town Hall, with the bid opening scheduled for August 27. The next scheduled Selectboard meeting will be held August 10 with a special meeting to set the tax rate on August 3.

Mead RebukeS wage poliCy In a matter which will become an issue at a future Selectboard meeting, Town Clerk Mary Mead took the Selectboard to task for a “seriously flawed” wage policy. In describing annual raises or increases she stated that “some employees (are) receiving either nothing at all or a few extra dollars for the entire Financial Year 15/16 compared to thousands of dollars received by others.” She went on to detail her position with numbers and comparisons for the three positions in the clerk/treasurer’s office. Her point of view was summed up with the claim that

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Selectboard

seasonal drop in numbers around the end of the school year. This has been exacerbated by several other personnel changes to the point where at present there are only three volunteers capable of full service. Therefore, paid personnel must fill more of the required shifts. No definitive plan was put forward to resolve the situation, though it was implied that this might be resolved with the start of the new school year. Another factor in the shortfall was attributed to the lower number of revenue-generating rescue calls in the past fiscal year. Selectman Spell was quite concerned and twice moved that the Selectboard be provided with a much fuller explanation at special meetings between the CVFRS and the Selectboard. Both requests failed for lack of a second and the suggestion was made that concerned members of the public visit the station. Meetings of the CVFRS occur every Wednesday night at 6:30 and all are invited. Interested persons should contact the CVFRS (425-3111) prior to a visit to ensure that the training night is scheduled for Charlotte and not some other venue. In the case of the Fire Department overage, Fire Chief Chris Davis stated that it had responded to a record 210 fire calls this past fiscal year as against the previous record of 150. These additional calls resulted in the need for much more maintenance and higher repair expenses to cover the additional wear and tear. Additional costs are also laid at the feet of deferred maintenance needs. The point was made that fire calls, as a rule, do not generate income. The overrun of $26,665 will come out of a previously approved carryover of approximately $47,000 generated from surpluses in previous years.

6 • July 30, 2015 • The CharloTTe News

Back in

My Day

The selections from our archives below are reproduced exactly as they appeared in The Charlotte News. Share your stories with us from back in your day! Get in touch on Facebook or email Alex Bunten at news@charlottenewsvt.com.

July 18, 1958, Vol. 1, No. 1 Camp Hoopla! participants line the “castle stage” behind CCS. Photo: Wendy Bratt

Camp Hoopla! Let’s put on a show! Two playful people in Charlotte share the belief that music is the universal language, while laughter is the shortest distance between two people. When they get together, there is always music and laughter and anything can (and will) happen. Andy Smith, long-time music teacher at CCS, and Woody Keppel, Charlotte resident of 25 years and internationally acclaimed physical comedian, teamed up for a week of inspired silliness at Camp Hoopla with kids age 8 to14, who wanted to charge up their creative batteries. Andy, Woody and 14 Hoopla campers unleashed their creative clown and musical spirits for five days of Fun (with a capital F), while practicing the fun-damentals of music, clowning, storytelling, juggling and all around hoopla. Campers were immersed in opportunities to discover and build upon their tapped, and yet to be tapped, creative talents in music, play and performance. The week at Camp Hoopla culminated with a group performance featuring sketch comedy and individual pieces. For Andy Smith, 8- to 14-year-olds

are some of his favorite people because, with them, there is always adventure and entertainment. Andy is a “kid magnet.” The CCS music room overflows with students who want to hang out and jam with Mr. Smith, even during lunch and after school. When Mr. Smith is not making music at CCS, he performs with a variety of musical acts, including Prydein, Small Change, the Bessette Quartet and more. An acclaimed musician, Smith has appeared on stages throughout the world, has guest conducted several district music festivals for both concert and jazz bands and has co-coordinated the summer jazz camp for many years. Woody is a long-time mentor through the Connecting Youth mentoring program at CCS and is known for his award-winning video, “Woodhead Saves the Farm.” He is also known locally as the co-founder and artistic director of The Festival of Fools, a performing arts festival produced by Burlington City Arts and comprised of comedians and vaudeville performers from around the world. Woody has performed his music/comedy/variety show in over 30 countries as the endearing eccentric “Woodhead” and acted in a dozen feature films. Woody teaches juggling and the art of character clowning to kids and adults across New England. Both Mr. Smith and Woody marvel at how easily kids are able to access and explore their inherent playfulness. Camp Hoopla! ran from June 29 to July 3 at the CCS for students age 8-14 and will be back next year.

Highway By Way Plans for the proposed relocation of Route 7 have been thoroughly discussed at a citizens’ protest meeting held July 7, and an economic hearing, required by the law, held July 10. The new route would completely by-pass Church Hill and several miles of road at either end of it. The present road is among several sections of Route 7 having below the state sufficiency rating of 45 which are in a recent highway reconstruction program. The state feels that Church Hill is too narrow and structurally deficient. Sub-standard grades and curves make it hazardous. Local objections are: (1) the majority of Charlotte’s business are located on the old section of Route 7, (2) financial loss to town from devaluation of property, plus added expenses of maintaining old route, (3) new highway would add to hazard of transporting school children as

bus must cross it four times, (4) reduce scenic value of Route 7. Farm News Frank Way, Chittenden County 4-H Club agent, and Don Belch, Extension Livestock specialist, came to the Whalley’s Farm to see an exhibition using horses and to talk to the members interested in starting a 4-H riding club. Priscilla Cole, Brenda Burleigh and Phyllis Whalley are the ones to see if any of you are interested. Sports in Town Boating has become a very popular pastime at Thompson’s Point and Cedar Beach in the last few years. The boats range in size from the twelve-foot row boat to big inboard speedboats Water skiing is also a favorite with the Charlotte residents. It is known through out the country as the most popular sport of 1958. Most water skiing is done behind the runabouts and speedboats. About a 14’ utility with a 35 h.p. engine will give a fast ride. A speedboat is faster and a lot more thrilling because of the back wake. When water skiing, the ski shoe should be adjusted to fit the foot and some kind of life belt should be worn as a safety consideration.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Van Wagenen Trust to Nancy Faulkner, 36.6 acres with dwelling, 283 Higbee Road, $742,750.

June 29. Kevin Frey, Peter Gras and Travis Dement to Peter Gras, 1.22 acres with dwelling, 540 One Mile Road, $45,826.

July 2. Marcia Marble, Diane Lamore and M. Dean Prindle Jr. to Petdia II LLC, 10 acres, land only, 200 McGuire Pent Road, $20,000. July 13. Gail Anderson to Paula Doyle, 15.2 acres with dwelling, 86 South Olde Carriage Road, $749,000.

June 29. George Burrill Trust and Lola

CorreCtion In our July 2 issue, we incorrectly printed the address for the Friends of the Charlotte News. The correct mailing address is P.O. Box 211, Charlotte, VT. We apologize for this mistake.

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The CharloTTe News â&#x20AC;˘ July 30, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 7

Laurel Waters stands next to her painting of an East Charlotte landscape. Waters will close her studio and gallery on Churchhill Road in Charlotte at the end of July. Photo: Brett SigurdSon

Waters

continued from page 1 of being an artist, and I really feel like I found that here.â&#x20AC;? She explains that her time in Charlotte represents a claim to an artistic identity she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always sure she merited. Like many creative people, Waters says sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;consciously chosen to reject [her] own gifts throughout lifeâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201D;taking paths she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want, painting in styles that werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t her own. In opening the gallery and studio

space, however, Waters took a leap she long desired to make, and it has empowered her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having the business gave me the confidence to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Here I amâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and test it out, to hold the space for myself whether people come in or not,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a nice way to claim my space as an artist, to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This is what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m committing myself to.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? This confidence has manifested itself in the work itself. She points to the painting of the East Charlotte landscape. As she developed the piece, she felt her vision for the painting align with her broad brush strokes, as if all her desires for the

painting translated from mind to brush to canvas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a skill thing,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more like a perspective. The technique isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t different. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on a different level. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something liberatingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I have more access to what I want to do.â&#x20AC;? Now more than ever she feels like a playwright, an artist completely in command of the world sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creating. This is edifying artistically, she says, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also something else: fun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can play here,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Claiming this creative space where you can actually go into that play, that deep playful expansionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been deeply satisfying.â&#x20AC;?

Chainsaw Safety Courses at the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge

Whether you have never used a chainsaw or have 30 years of experience in the woods, the training is designed to develop safe working skills through demonstration and one-on-one, hands-on practice.

The Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge Oversight Committee is offering Game of Logging chainsaw safety training at the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge this fall. Levels 1, 2 and 3 courses will be taught by instructors from Northeast Woodland Training of Chester, Vermont. Game of Logging training provides instruction on the latest and safest techniques to operate and maintain a chainsaw, to directionally fell trees under a variety of circumstances and to process wood products under compression/ tension situations.

GOL Level 1: Saturday, Sept. 19, at 8 a.m. GOL Level 2: Saturday, Sept. 26, at 8a.m.GOL Level 3: Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 a.m.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, Watersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new artistic confidence has been validated by discerning art-lovers in Burlingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;several of whom have commissioned paintings from herâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;where Waters has developed a presence in stores and at the farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; market. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It can be a bit of a tough entrepreneurial dynamic sometimes,â&#x20AC;? she says of making a living as a painter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To feel that people feel receptive to my work in a competitive city feels nice. It feels like thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually room for me here.â&#x20AC;? As she thinks about her growth in Charlotte, Waters says sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thankful for the support Charlotters have shown her work and her gallery. Only a few days before, a line of patrons out the door purchased a good amount of inventory during her moving sale. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People have been very receptive in a really nice way to the work that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put out to the world from here,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really value that about this community.â&#x20AC;? Her new confidence and success have her thinking even biggerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to showcasing her work outside Vermont, to one day hosting a show in a gallery not her own, something sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never done before. She might also find a way to help other sidelined creatives connect to their own lost creative paths, just like sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having courage to hold space for yourself can be really big,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so easy to get sucked into the current and get bogged down, like the lotus flower stuck in the mud. It takes a lot of work for it to get to the top of the water to grow.â&#x20AC;? In her case, Waters is just cracking the surface. For more on Laurel Fulton Waters and her work, visit her website (laurelfultonart.com) or her Facebook page.

Courses must be taken consecutively. Course fee: $150 per course. Class size is limited to 10 students. Information and registration forms are available at the Charlotte Town Hall. You may also contact Jenny Cole, Charlotte Park and Wildlife Sue Smith and Jen Cole work to plant native species among the Refuge Oversight Committee, at 802-425-3105 purple loosestrife plants in the Charlotte Park wetland. Photo: CourteSy or colelogcabin@gmavt.net.

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8 • July 30, 2015 • The CharloTTe News

The Literary 'Lotte

A list of summer reads Georgia Edwards CONTRIBUTOR

The VacaTioners, by emma sTraub Emma Straub’s newest novel has a New York couple, their daughter and friends jetting off to the Spanish island of Mallorca for a much-anticipated holiday. To say that these vacationers are an interesting array of characters is an understatement. The couples are humorously mismatched, and their transgressions range from the humorous to the absurd. A wonderful sense of comedy arises from different personalities stuck together in one place, dealing with the universal dilemma of group vacations: how to have the best time in the world without getting on each other’s last nerve.

Ava Rorhbaugh

CCS student reads poetry at national conference Alex Bunten

DIVERSITY

THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

by Ava Rorhbaugh

Understanding assumptions about diversity is a complicated area to teach, especially to 3rd and 4th graders. However, this is exactly what Vicki Nelson does in her job at CCS. And while presenting at the American School Counseling Association National Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, June 29, she was able to really bring the topic alive with the help of one of her students—Ava Rorhbaugh. Ava is a soon-to-be 4th grader at CCS. She isn’t old enough to craft a one hour and 15 minute presentation at a national conference, but she was certainly able to wow the participants with her poetic prowess via Skype. In the middle of Vicki’s presentation on fostering student understanding about how the assumptions we make of the world impact others, Ava was brought up on the large presentation screen to read a poem she wrote called “Diversity.” “She was poised and articulate and ready!” Vicki said via email. “The audience was thrilled at having a student participate in the presentation.”

Look around and you will see all the colors of diversity A midnight chocolate peach like sand

The TruTh accordinG To us, by annie barrows From the author of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society comes another gem taking place during the Great Depression. Twenty-four-year-old Layla Beck, the spoiled daughter of a senator, refuses to marry a wealthy man of her parents’ choosing. She is reluctantly sent off to Macedonia, West Virginia, to become part of the Federal Writer’s Project—her first job. Layla has been commissioned to write a boring version of the town’s history for its upcoming sesquicentennial. She boards with the Romeyns, one of the town’s founding families—a warm, humorous and eclectic blend—who have some skeletons in their closet. With help from twelve-yearold, self-appointed sleuth Willa, Layla unravels the true history of the Romeyns and publishes an honest and unsanitized version of Macedonia’s past.

a murder of maGpies, by JudiTh fLanders Flanders’ fictional debut is an entertaining mystery set in the eccentric world of British book publishing. Sam Claire, an editor at a well-known publishing house, has grave reservations when a journalist delivers a controversial manuscript about the death of a fashion icon. Soon, a courier is killed and homes are burglarized in attempts to obtain the manuscript. Sam and her solicitor mother, Helena, join the investigation into the murder and robberies. A Murder of Magpies is a mystery in which fingers can be pointed in many directions and a surprise turn takes place at the end. h is for hawk, by heLen mcdonaLd Helen McDonald wrote this powerful memoir after plummeting into a profound state of grief following the sudden death of her father. An experienced falconer, she decides to cope with her deep sorrow by training a goshawk, something rarely done. “They unnerved me,” she writes. “They were things of death and difficulty: spooky, pale-eyed psychopaths…” The book chronicles the author’s emotional and physical challenges in training “Mabel.” Human and hawk develop a trusting intimacy, which eventually brings vitality and new life. A good part of the book discusses how not to train a goshawk. McDonald uses author T.H. White’s (The Goshawk, The Once and Future King) negative experience in training a goshawk as a mirror held up in stark contrast to her methods. H Is for Hawk is much more than a memoir of grief and salvation, and each reader will take away something different from this inspirational story.

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The LosT Garden Stella Martines Grade 6

We might be poor or from a distant land we might be strong

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It does not matter

My arms are burning from the defender slashing me I dodge my defender to get my hands free I step into my fake, now the goalie is on his knees I snap my wrists, the goalie’s eyes are on me I see my teammates running towards me Yelling and clapping is all that gets to me We have won the championship and bring home the trophy

what you look like or if you are close or far. It only matters on the inside

What do you think about this story and others? Send us a letter:

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In a place long forgotten, lies a garden from long ago, dotted with flowers of cotton and roses as white as snow. Ivy is growing on the trellis, a green palace, purple flowers overzealous. Men may see it with malice, but others know the secrets of this twisted labyrinth, the home of my pets. Butterflies alight on perianth in this place long forgotten, in this garden from long ago, dotted with flowers of cotton and roses as white as snow

The CharloTTe News • July 30, 2015 • 9

The Humbled Parent

Jorden Blucher CONTRIBUTOR

Even with the myriad of organizational apps, books, classes and articles available today, trying to lead an organized life can be a challenge. Throw in a child or two and it becomes nearly impossible to get a handle on it all. It has taken me much of the last five and a half years to figure out that mixing digital and paper is the best way for me to not lose my mind and plunge the household into utter chaos. I’ve tried more than once to go paperless, with disastrous results. I’ve tried just using paper, but that too was equally disastrous as I am forever forgetting where I put my list. Several times I have come up with a system of organization that is so convoluted and complicated that by the next morning I have forgotten how it works. Now I carry a pocket-sized notebook with me to jot things down in, and then later I will put them into a program called Evernote, which for an organizing

Taking Care Alice D. Outwater, Ph.D.

Cleaning out the house We immediately had found a buyer for the Tudor house. Now I had five weeks to deal with 65 years of accumulated stuff. I said to Brian, my real estate agent, “How am I ever going to do this?” I looked up “moving” on the Internet and decided to follow the suggestions I found. Make a list of categories: Keep, Discard, Repurpose, Donate, Recycle. Sort one area at a time and follow on from there. I still did not have a place to move, so paintings and breakable items would have to be carefully wrapped, boxed and stashed in storage. Each of the children came and tagged their favorite pieces. Surprisingly there was little overlap. “Oh, don’t worry,” Brian said. “It will be fun! I have an experienced woman who can help you. She moved her mother from New York City. ” The next morning I opened the door to greet 20-year-old Tiffany with a giant Coke in hand. She had a tattoo on her ankle and her brown hair was pulled in a pony tail. She said, “We’ll have the best time! I moved my mother from New York City in a station wagon and even strapped things on the top of her car. Only one ski flew off. Where do we start?” I sensed her youthful energy. Mine had long since vanished. The most challenging area would be John’s downstairs workshop in the former playroom, so we started there.

nerd like me is the greatest program in the world. I take the same approach with the weekly shopping list: first I scribble the list out as I figure out what the menu is for the week, and then I put it into Evernote in the order that I walk around the store. In contrast, our weekly menu goes on a magnetic chalkboard on the side of our fridge so that I can remember what I am supposed to cook each night. We have always had a family calendar; given my wife’s less than predictable schedule at her past job and to some extent in her current job, it is simply a must. We rely on an electronic calendar that syncs across all of our devices, and a monthview white board calendar hangs in our hallway. The problem with the calendar comes when one of us puts something in the electronic calendar but not the whiteboard or vice-versa. The real problem though is that I think my memory is better than it is and that I know what is scheduled on any given day—thus I am forever double booking the family or myself and As a younger man he had manufactured machines and tested equipment made of metal. He shipped them worldwide. Their size, about 30 x 25 inches, had to fit through the oak door. The workshop held a hodgepodge of unfamiliar objects, such as a lathe, a drill press and a band saw. Extra materials were stored over the garage. I rarely visited these mysterious and messy areas, and he never let me tidy them up. It wasn’t my territory. I was determined to have a generous spirit in directing the fate of our belongings. The children and I voted to have Bill, a loyal helper to my husband, choose whatever he desired as a gift from us. “I was going to ask you if I could buy a few of John’s tools. This is unbelievably great to receive them from you,” he said. He began to tote a truckload of stuff up the stairs. It took most of the day. Then I telephoned 1-800-Got-Junk. Two hours later three guys arrived to clear out the rest of the workshop, assuring me everything possible would be recycled. They dragged up heavy loads from the cellar with nary a complaint. They swept both areas, were as polite as could be, and gaily waved out the truck window saying, “You’re going to need us again. We’ll wait for your call.” I looked at the empty space, full of melancholy as I recalled the hours of pleasure John had enjoyed creating his machines. The basement hadn’t been that clear for decades. Even the spider webs were visible. We had over a thousand books to recycle. A rare-book expert advised me which ones to sell. I spoke to someone at the Fletcher Library, who agreed to take the rest for their sale—no damaged or ones with yellowed pages. I rose at 6 a.m. every morning for 14 days and placed them in piles. Then Tiffany put them in plastic grocery bags. Late afternoons we dropped them off at the library. As a treat we stopped and each got an ice cream cone. Next we tackled the clothes. My best would go to SCHIPS, next to one of the churches, then to Goodwill and the Salvation Army. I felt better knowing they

Heeding your own advice then having to figure out how to rearrange the schedule. It has happened so many times you would think that I would have learned to just look at the calendar when making plans, but I have not. The boys’ toys seem to always to be strewn from one end of the playroom to the other and often spill out into the rest of the house. I’ve found Legos in our bed and stuffed animals in the sink. There always seems to be more toys than containers to hold them, which for someone who likes everything to be in its place, whether it be a box bag, shelf, cubby, file or pile, can cause a wee bit of anxiety. To solve this little anxiety-inducing issue I went to the dollar store and bought them out of plastic shoeboxes, and then I spent the better part of an afternoon taking a picture of the toys, printing out the picture and taping it to the shoebox for each group. The idea was that the boys could find the toys they were looking for and also put them back. I have discovered that they certainly can find the toys they want, but then they seem unable to put them back before moving on to something else. Then it is the end of the day and everyone, including me, is melting down, so I determine it is easier to do it myself after they go to bed. More often than not, I just close the playroom door and pretend it doesn’t look like it has been ransacked by thieves. Cleaning has also posed a bit of a problem over the years. It is not that I don’t like to clean. I rather enjoy it, but trying

to fit it into the day on a regular basis was something that eluded me until this past winter when I discovered that by setting up daily and weekly rhythms I could get a whole lot more done. In the simplest of terms, you do a little bit of cleaning each day and by the end of the week you have gotten to the entire house clean and nothing, you hope, has gotten too out of hand. This works great until you lose your rhythm or summer comes and then you just want to be outside basking in the sun. By far, though, the most important thing about organization that I have learned over the years, and with a fair amount of therapy, is that you have to let everything go. The house is not clean. Not a big deal. Toys not put away, that’s OK. If you let the organization and the cleaning rule your life, then someday you’re going to look up and realize that you missed out on a golden opportunity to be reminded what it is like to be a kid again, and you’ll be heartbroken. There are days I need to heed my own advice.

would be worn. Two and a half weeks into the purge, I found myself in a real recycling mode and had no trouble making decisions. I did occasionally feel wistful, but it was essential to concentrate on the task at hand. John’s tailored wool jackets were the most difficult: handsome ones from London and Bermuda with crests on the pockets. He had loved wearing them, I realized I could give them to St. Michael’s Playhouse for their productions. I knew the clothes would have an unusual extension to their life on stage. The same with his English riding boots, his raccoon twotailed hat we bought in a tent in Bulgaria, and his tall mink one from Russia. His suits, ties and sweaters would be perfect for businessmen in Burlington. I kept some of the smaller items, such as shirts and ties, aside for extended family. My mind was tired and whirling by now. Some of these items themselves had little emotional attachment for me: kitchenware, the woodshed with lawn mower— welcomed by a neighbor, and other items. Then the garage—I can’t even remember what was stashed there. The movers spent two days wrapping glassware and dishes in bubble wrap. Alice, our daughter, packed the oil paintings. The movers

carefully loaded the grandfather clock and the remaining furniture. Now the house looked as if its spirit had vanished. I felt totally exhausted, and each evening and morning I reminded myself that I would have the enjoyment of reassembling the contents in a new form. I could finally become a minimalist as I weaned things out. I had let go of stuff I didn’t need or even want. It was freeing to the point of being invigorating. This first phase was completed. I took a deep breath. Moving takes organization and is never easy. I was satisfied with what I had done and how I had gone about it. And I had only complained once to Stephanie, my hairdresser. I told her it had been hard work, and I wondered if I would hold out to the end.

Jorden Blucher is a stay-at-home-dad who uses his passion for trail running to help fight cancer (runningdowncancer. com). More of his musings on life and parenting can be found at smartmenmarrydoctors.com.

10 • July 30, 2015 • The CharloTTe News

This year’s Town Party was lightly attended. Even still, the library managed to sell over 3,000 books.

Annual Town Party hits the Green Edd Merritt THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

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Competing with a bright, warm summer Saturday afternoon and several other events in the area, the annual Charlotte Town Party drew fewer customers than it has in past years. However, the Friends of the Charlotte Library, the organizing group and original sponsor of the event 21 years ago, still managed to sell well over 3,000 books during the three-hour event. Kids books and young adult literature were clearly the hits of the day. Although, this author must admit to hoisting home perhaps the heaviest book in existence—a ten-pound volume of Doonesbury cartoons. Even BD and Boopsie would have found it praiseworthy. The tent on the west side of the Town Green was filled with local nonprofits at tables, pushing their issues—from the importance of conserving lands in town through the Charlotte Land Trust to rep-

resentative Mike Yantachka’s discussion of state policies and politics. The Connecting Youth mentoring program was looking for volunteers to mentor youngsters. The Grange, Lewis Creek Association, the Planning Commission and Trails Committee, Charlotte Recreation and Transition Town Charlotte all had information on their groups and were providing publicity to those who toured the tent. One of the most active tables belonged to Charlotte Community Development, which asked visitors to complete a survey designed to discover what people would like to see in Charlotte in the near future. Seventy respondents took advantage of the opportunity to not only complete the survey but to nibble homemade cookies as well. In a memo to those who responded, the development group said it hoped to determine residents’ interest in objectives that will help “encourage the introduction of new businesses and civic spaces to our community.” Such objectives include obtaining “Village Center” designation for east and west villages so the town can receive grants and can provide tax credits for property improvements, amending

CVFRS smiled while cooking up a storm. land use regulations to facilitate commercial improvements consistent with the Town Plan, and creating a wastewater ordinance that will support the added commercial and residential development without increasing property taxes. Throughout the lunch hour, Charlotte Fire and Rescue served great grilled lunches across the street from the Green. The primary missing event this year, however, was the parade up Ferry Road. Perhaps next year the Rolling Stones will agree to lead it with a bit of “Wild Horses.”

The CharloTTe News â&#x20AC;˘ July 30, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ 11

10th Annual Peter Coleman Photo Contest

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Winner, Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot in Charlotte, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kevin Lambertâ&#x20AC;? By Cathrine Richards

For a look at all the winners of this year's Peter Coleman Photo Contest, take a look at our Facebook page. Many thanks to everyone who entered photos in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contest, and to our three judges: Tom Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Michael Haulenbeek and Patricia Coleman.

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12 • July 30, 2015 • The CharloTTe News

Out-Doors

Outdoors in the lazy, hazy days of August

by Elizabeth Bassett

ugust stretches before us with plenty of daylight and warmth. Here are some ideas to fill a month of lazy, hazy days ahead. But don’t wait—some of these outings have a fall expiration date! In June a graceful footbridge across the Winooski River in Bolton opened to walkers and hikers. Intended to cut out miles of road walking for Long Trail hikers, the bridge has been on the Green Mountain Club’s wish list for more than a century. In 1910 the Long Trail was but a dream, yet in 1913 the Vermont Legislature appropriated $500 for construction of a bridge across the Winooski. Over the decades the Long Trail became a reality, and with the inauguration of the $2.3 million, 200-foot suspension bridge this summer, that dream is now complete. Consider parking at either end of the bridge and then hiking on the other side of the Winooski River. If you have not yet visited Shelburne Farms and Shelburne Museum in 2015, the clock is ticking. Shelburne Museum now boasts year-round exhibition space in the Pizzagalli Center. However, the pleasure of strolling through the gardens and orchards between exhibits on the museum’s 45-acre site will end in mid-October. Likewise, it’s possible to

walk at Shelburne Farms year-round, but the animals and food wagon at the Farm Barn are seasonal. Or splurge and enjoy breakfast on the porch of the Inn and then walk the trails. The Inn closes in mid-October. Don’t forget that passes are available to these two local institutions from the Charlotte Library. More info at charlottepubliclibrary.org/about/. Another deadline of sorts for summer play is the bike ferry that crosses the 200foot “cut,” in the Colchester Causeway in about five minutes. It runs daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., through Sept. 7, after which it will run only on Fridays, weekends and holidays through Oct. 12. The ferry enables riders to pedal from Colchester, Burlington and beyond to South Hero and the Champlain Islands. The route is as beautiful as it is unusual, a marble causeway originally built for the Rutland Railroad. Put this adventure on the ‘must do’ list for 2015. More info at localmotion.org/programs/islandline/bike-ferry/. My favorite half-day summer bike adventure is the Charlotte-Essex ferry followed by the 12-mile uphill ride to Dogwood Bakery in Wadhams. Great sandwiches or pizza to eat in their sunfilled flower and veggie garden. Then coast, mostly, back to the ferry for the

return to Charlotte. Attention is focused on the yummy food and not on the website last updated in 2012 (dogwoodbread. com). Call for opening times: (518) 9622280. Local Motion’s Trail Finder continues to evolve. It’s getting better all the time. Check out trailfinder.org and discover or remind yourself of the wealth of trails in our very town. The inventory includes trails for walking (although several also permit biking) and two road bike loops: Upper LaPlatte Natural Area. Although access is in Shelburne, some of the trail continues into Charlotte: 1.2 miles, easy. Plouffe Lane Trail. 1.4 miles, easy to moderate, on foot or bicycle. Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge. 3.1 miles, easy to moderate. Pease Mountain. 2.6-mile network, easy to moderate. Williams Woods. 0.9 mile, one-way, easy. Mt. Philo. 1.4-mile network, easy to moderate, on foot or bicycle. The following two trails are segments of the planned seven-mile gravel Town Link Trail that will connect Mt. Philo to the Charlotte Town Beach via the West

Village. Melissa and Trevor Mack Memorial Trail. 0.7 mile, one-way, easy, on foot or bicycle. Charlotte Town Link. 1.1 miles, oneway, easy; on foot or bicycle. Two bike loops that pass through Charlotte also appear on the Trail Finder. Covered Bridge. 32.7 miles, moderate to advanced, dirt and paved roads. This trail takes in five covered bridges, three in Charlotte, one on Route 7 at the Shelburne Museum, and the fifth in Ferrisburgh. Little Country Hills. 22.4 miles, moderate, paved roads. Missing from this inventory is the Nature Conservancy’s Raven Ridge. Straddling Monkton, Hinesburg, and Charlotte, Raven Ridge is a 365-acre Nature Conservancy preserve encompassing wetlands, bobcat dens and migration corridor, nesting areas for ravens, three state-significant forest communities and an anticline—a unique geological feature known locally as “The Oven.” Vernal pools provide breeding habitat for wood frogs and spotted salamanders. Directions at nature.org. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed. Enjoy the rest of summer!

Banding together for birds in Charlotte Frances Foster CONTRIBUTOR

I am not a particularly early riser, nor do I consider myself to be a “birder.” Yet, I was thrilled to take part in a bird-banding project that took place early one Saturday morning on Curt and Lynn Alpeter’s land in East Charlotte. Curt invited a few Charlotte Land Trust board members and friends to join him and Mark LaBarr, a wildlife biologist who works for Audubon Vermont, to participate in this really exciting event. The land trust holds a perpetual conservation easement on 42 acres of Curt’s land, which means that the land can never be developed. Curt, who is the board chair of Audubon Vermont, manages this land for bird and wildlife habitat. A federally funded program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service that helps fund wildlife management has helped Curt pay for extensive invasive-species removal work and the improvement of natural habitats. This invasive removal has allowed

native shrubs and trees, such as dogwood, maple, oak, hickory, apple and cherry, to grow up and provide a more diverse habitat for birds and other wildlife. Mark LaBarr has been guiding Curt on habitat management and has monitored the area for the past five years to assess the impact of that work. Priority birds, such as golden-winged warblers as well as the blue-winged warbler, have increased in population as have overall bird numbers of many other songbirds, such as orioles, bluebirds, indigo buntings and scarlet tanagers. On our early morning adventure onto Curt’s land, Mark had set up a series of mist nets on the property. These look like long badminton nets with pockets in the netting designed to catch unsuspecting birds when they fly into the net. Our group was very excited to see a variety of songbirds that were briefly captured. The nets caught a beautiful bluebird, which Mark banded, and a variety of warblers, which was our goal for that day. Mark was excited when we caught a rare golden winged warbler in the net (see photo). He

Mark LaBarr, wildlife biologist and board chair of Audubon Vermont, holding a rare golden-winged warbler. Reportedly, this bird is no longer found in New England but is sometimes found in the Champlain Valley of Vermont. Photo: RobeRt ColebuRn

explained to us that this particular bird is no longer living in any other New England states and seems to particularly like the Champlain Valley of Vermont. What does banding mean? Mark weighs the bird on a small scale, measures its wing span, records its sex and then affixes a tiny metal band loosely around the bird’s leg. All the information about the bird, as well as the number on the band, is recorded and later logged into a national database. Banding serves as a way to document birds, to understand life expectancies and where they winter, and to help track population health. We caught one bird that already had a band on it. The number was recorded—we later learned that this same bird had been banded last year on Curt’s land!

For almost 30 years the Charlotte Land Trust has worked to protect the most special lands in Charlotte. Our mission is to conserve exceptional agricultural lands, natural areas, scenic views and vistas, and land that provides recreational access. We were pleased to be invited to partner recently with Audubon Vermont in its mission to protect birds, wildlife and their habitat through engaging people of all ages in education, conservation, stewardship and action. Our Saturday outing perfectly represented why the conservation of important wildlife habitat is important and demonstrated how the careful management of these types of properties can really enhance the habitat.

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The CharloTTe News • July 30, 2015 • 13

Sports Machavern runs his car to an independent victory in Brainerd

Independence Day in Brainerd, Minnesota, saw Dillon Machavern begin by posting the quickest practice time for the Ryan Companies Independence Day Classic before following it with a victory in the 40-lap race. It was his first in the Trans Am 2 class in his rookie year. The points he gained as a result moved him into second position in the TA 2 championship point standings and into the lead for rookie of the year. The Brainerd event marks Machavern’s fourth appearance on the podium for Trans Am 2, and he complimented the competition, saying the other drivers are “some of the best out there.”

American Legion baseball splits CVU players among two teams Members of the past spring’s CVU

Rec News by Nicole Conley IntroductIon Hello Charlotte residents! My name is Nicole Conley, and I’m the new recreation coordinator for the Town of Charlotte. I am very excited to be back living in Vermont. I recently moved from Queens, New York, where I was working as the associate director of athletics and the head women’s basketball coach at Vaughn College. I was born and raised in Hinesburg, and I am pleased to be working in a neighboring town. I have been involved in athletics my entire life. I have my bachelor’s degree in sports management and my masters in business administration. I am very excited to pick up where Kristin left off and continue to encourage and inspire Charlotte residents to participate in the programs offered by the Recreation Department. I look forward to working with the Recreation Commission

baseball team headed for both South Burlington and Essex Post 91 when it came time to play summer Legion ball. Deagan Poland and Sam Mikell decided Essex was for them, and, in fact, Essex plays some of its home games on the Redhawk diamond. The team has now moved into the state tournament, defeating Bennington 14-2 in the team’s state opener. Charlotte’s Will Potter was perhaps the leading player for South Burlington Legion as he both pitched and hit in several victories over the course of the season. His most significant offense came against his teammates from Essex in mid July when his two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning gave South Burlington a one-run win, boosting their record at the time to one

win better than their rivals. The state tournament is currently underway, being played in Castleton and Rutland. In the semi-finals, Mikell and his Essex team lost to Colchester 13-12 in ten innings with Sam taking the pitching defeat.

From Ute Otley’s recognition as one of the top ten coaches in the state as a result of leading the Redhawks to 71 straight victories and three state championships in the last three years, to CVU girls’ soccer and basketball squads being picked teams of the year, the Redhawks have seen themselves in the Burlington paper many times. Basketball’s Paige DuBrul won individual acclaim as player of the

Twin-state soccer maintains the state divide

as well as the residents of Charlotte to continue to bring programs and activities that foster a sense of community.

lenging educational experience: August 17–21. It’s time to ride—with the Summer Horseback Riding Camp at the Livery Stables in Hinesburg, which will be hosting two sessions for you to choose from: July 27–31 and Aug. 10–14. Get Dirty. Have Fun. Make Friends. Outside. Don’t miss the second week of Green Thumbs Camp: Aug. 3–7 at CCS. Play and work with friends to deepen knowledge and boost excitement about vegetables, fruits, seeds, pollination, decomposition and garden ecosystems. Drive and Putt—Campers will learn the skills of the short and long game so they will be able to navigate the golf course by themselves. Camp runs Aug. 3 – 6 at the Cedar Knoll Country Club from noon to 3 p.m. Fall Soccer Signups—The Charlotte recreation department welcomes Pre-K through 8th grade to participate in our fun-filled soccer program. The early registration fee is $40 and the registration deadline is Aug. 18; after Aug. 18 a $25 late fee will apply. If your athlete already has a Charlotte Rec shirt (RED with white “C”) you can subtract $5. The 6th – 8th graders can sign up after CCS team tryouts without a late fee. The season will start the week of Sept. 1. Games start Sept. 5 then every Saturday morning ending Oct. 10. Note: We are always looking for volunteer coaches and/or volunteers to help

with our soccer Jamboree on Saturday, Sept. 26!

Edd Merritt Sports Roundup

charlotte Beach The dock and rafts have been installed at the beach! We are staffed daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with season beach passes for sale: $20 for residents and $40 for non-residents. Day passes are $3 for residents and $6 for non-residents. There are many fun activities at the beach. We have organized pickle ball on Mondays at 5 p.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m. Join us even if you are new to the game! Pick-up tennis is happening Tuesdays at 6 p.m. The horseshoe pit and volleyball net are ready for use—ask a beach attendant for the equipment. The Recreation Department would like to thank everyone who has made donations over the past few weeks for the disc golf course. Every little bit counts! Please contact Bill Fraser Harris at billandeva@gmavt.net if you are able to help.

upcomIng summer programs Camp Hoopla! just finished at CCS and we hope you’ll join them next year for another week of Fun! Read about the experience on page 6. There is still time to register for the following programs: Soccer Camp Frenzy—Voltage Soccer Camp invites young soccer enthusiasts, ages 5-18, to be a part of a chal-

CVU sports recognized in numerous ways by The Free Press

Chris’s

year. In the spring ledger the state championship men’s lacrosse final went down to the wire with a Matt Palmer goal in the last two minutes winning it for CVU and gaining mention among “moments of the year.” The last three issues of The Free Press have listed the top 15 high school sports programs, including CVU in girls’ and boys’ soccer, boys’ lacrosse and girls’ cross-country running. (Interestingly, the paper did not feel that girls basketball fell among the top fifteen programs despite being a team of the year.)

It ended up New Hampshire 1, Vermont 1 in the twin-state soccer games played at Castleton University. Behind Maddy Feeney’s two goals, the Vermont women topped the granite staters 4-1. In the men’s contest there was only one lone goal, and that was scored by New Hampshire for a 1-0 victory.

adult programmIng Mat Pilates is a great way to end your work week. Class is held Fridays from 6–7 a.m. in the MPR room at CCS. Come flow through a series of dynamic movements that restore balance to the core muscles of the lower back and abdominals. There are four class sessions but you can join at any time. Adult Early Morning Boot Camp is the place to be 6 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Charlotte Central School. It is so much fun! We have such a great community coming out to join us and make a commitment to fitness. There are eight class sessions but you can join at any point. Classes take place outdoors (MPR rain back up). Bring a mat, something to drink and a smile. Please Note: Registration forms for all programs and more information can be found on our town website, charlottevt.org, under the ‘Recreation’ tab, or stop by the Charlotte Town Offices or email Nicole at recreation@townofcharlotte.com. Partial and full scholarships are available. If you have any questions about any of our programs contact Nicole Conley at recreation@townofcharlotte. com or at 425-6129 ext. 204.

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The CharloTTe News • July 30, 2015 • 15 do something. The first step is a community survey, available to all through Front Porch Forum, the Charlotte Library website (charlottepubliclibrary.org, in case you forgot) and paper copies at Town Hall and other locations. Please help us continue to bring the best services, resources and access to all in our town by letting us know what you think the library should offer, be and support.

Margaret Woodruff, Director CONTRIBUTOR

According to Winnie-the-Pooh, “Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” While Pooh is known throughout Milne’s tales as a “bear of very little brain,” it is his wisdom that is guiding the library through the renewal of its strategic plan. The most recent plan (available for view on our website) has worked well for library planning and programming purposes for the past three years. In order to move forward, we want to make sure that the guidelines of the plan are still aligned with community needs and desires for the library—in Pooh’s words, to do something before we

Food Shelf News

Summer reading continues. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 3:00 p.m.: Very Merry Theatre presents The Sound of Music. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the Teen Tour version of this beloved classic, performed on the Town Green. (Rain site: Charlotte Congregational Church Vestry, 403 Church Hill Road) Book Logs: We’ll be counting books and sharing your reading adventures throughout the month of August, so stop by and let us know.

Vermont reads program We are excited to be part of the Vermont Humanities Council’s Vermont Reads program, providing a community opportunity to enjoy Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie. Our programs are coordinated with The Charlotte News and the Charlotte Senior Center. Monday, Aug. 3: Pick up your copy of Haroun and the Sea of Stories at the library circulation desk and at the Charlotte Senior Center. wonderful gardens. The best time to donate fresh food is the Wednesday of our distribution weeks. You may leave your donations right on the steps outside the Food Shelf door if it is locked. See the distribution dates in this paper.

Wish List We need snacks for kids, such as raisins, Goldfish, rice cakes, peanut butter, crackers and pretzels—and, of course, those fresh vegetables!

Looking For summer VoLunteers

Kerrie Pughe CONTRIBUTOR

thank you Thank you for the support from Margaret Berlin, Deborah Cook, John and Nancy Calcagni and the Bunbury Company.

Fresh Veggies Thank you to all the gardeners who have donated fresh vegetables from your

Will you help us? We need substitutes to help with the Wednesday evening and Thursday morning food distributions for July and August. Please call Nancy at 4256116 if you can help.

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. We request that all fresh foods be dropped

RESIDENTIAL

Sign up for our week-long storytelling event: Monday, Aug. 17, and Tuesday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to noon: Charlotte and the Sea of Stories based upon Haroun and the Sea of Stories, Part I: Participants will read, discuss and digest Haroun and the Sea of Stories. Wednesday, Aug. 19, and Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to noon: Charlotte and the Sea of Stories based upon Haroun and the Sea of Stories, Part II: Gather around the wood stove and debate the issues of local and state interest as Charlotters did long ago; imagine what story you might tell. Friday, Aug. 21, time TBA: Charlotte and the Sea of Stories based upon Haroun and the Sea of Stories, Part III: “Charlotte and the Sea of Stories” presentations will take place at the end of the week at the Shelburne Museum. Visit the Tuckaway General Store for historical relevance, then gather in a classroom to present. On deck: Indian food sampler and photo journey through Haroun’s land. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m.: “Gold, Gold Panning, and the Vermont Gold Rush of 1885.” Join us for an event co-sponsored with the Charlotte Historical Society. Randy Archer shares the tales and trials of Vermonters who headed west for the lure of gold. Saturday, Aug. 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Vermont Breakfast on the Farm. Get a free breakfast and enjoy a tour of the off at the Food Shelf by 7:30 a.m. on the distribution mornings or before the Wednesday distribution hours (see ongoing events calendar).

Location and distribution The Charlotte Food Shelf is 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 (4253252) 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 4253130. For emergency assistance (electricity, fuel) call Cindi at 425-3234.

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farm where food comes from! We have tickets at the library, or you can get details and tickets at vermontbreakfastonthefarm. com.

Library board Next meeting: September 10, 6 p.m . Board members: Emily Ferris, Dorrice Hammer, Nan Mason, Danielle Menk, Jonathan Silverman.

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.

phone 425-3864

emaiL charlottelibraryvt@gmail.com

Website charlottepubliclibrary.org

food SheLf upComing diStribution dateS Wednesday, Aug. 12 and 26, 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13 and 27, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 and 23, 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 and 24, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

The Charlotte Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry. For more info, visit bit.ly/1S2kWkR.

For more information call Karen at 425-3252 or visit our website at sites.google.com/site/charlottefoodshelfvt/.

16 • July 30, 2015 • The CharloTTe News

Charlotte Senior Center

The Café Menu

by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator Our August Art Exhibit will feature works by John Calcagni. A resident of Charlotte since 1974, John taught math at Burlington High School for 35 years. Upon retiring in 2000, he decided to pursue a lifelong interest in painting. Starting with pastels and later being intrigued with watercolors, he now paints in watercolor both here in Vermont and while wintering in Florida. Our 10th annual Charlotte Senior Center Community Art Show, will hang in the Great Room for the month of September and is open to all “creative spirits” in our community, 50 years or older. Registration forms with specific details are on the table in the front foyer with a deadline for submission of August 21. As always, there will be a reception for the artists, friends and relatives on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 1 p.m. The center is pleased to host the American Red Cross Blood Drive for this much needed community event on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 2 – 7 p.m. The comfortable atmosphere and great snacks make giving the “Gift of Life” at this site most pleasurable. Are You Ready for an Active Summer? Ginger Lambert continues this energetic fitness class on Fridays from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Using timed intervals and a series of stations, this class will incorporate body weight, light weights and other cardio/strength building tools to boost strength, cardiovascular fitness, agility

Monday, augusT 3 Orzo salad with garbanzos, tomatoes and pepperoni Homemade dessert Wednesday, augusT 5 Shrimp and sausage kebabs Fresh pea salad with ginger & miso vinaigrette Birthday cake and ice cream Monday, augusT 10 Chicken salad Corn and bean salad Watermelon salad Lemon mousse with blueberries Wednesday, augusT 12 Hearty chopped ham and cantaloupe salad Homemade dessert

Crew members of the first Martin Boat Trip of the season—they cruised the lake on June 18 aboard the Nancy Ann with 21 passengers, dined at Basin Harbor for lunch and ducked back into Point Bay just as the weather kicked up some heavy wind and thunder. Photo: Mary recchia

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. Fee: $10/class. Tai Chi with John Creech continues all summer on Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Yes, you can learn the true Yang family style of tai chi famous for its myriad benefits to health and wellbeing. The

flowing movements and postures will increase flexibility, improve balance and strengthen core muscles. Practitioners cultivate a deeper sense of relaxation, increased energy level and a real sense of confidence and presence. John has been studying and practicing tai chi for 10 years and invites you to come learn and practice together. Fee: $7/class. New sessions of our old favorites, Pilates, Chair Yoga and Gentle Yoga also continue for the month of August. Not sure which one is right for you? Come try a class to be sure.

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.

We hope you can join us to celebrate the lazy, hazy days of summer at our Annual BBQ on Friday, Aug. 21. Bring your family and friends for a great time. Rain or shine the party will begin with appetizers at 5 p.m. and dinner “hot off the grill” at 6 p.m. Registration required. Fee: $12/person.

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Renovating your home? You’ll find the help you need right here. Want to see your business card above? Contact Monica at ads@charlottenewsvt.com

The CharloTTe News • July 30, 2015 • 17

A Taste of Summmer The Galley Restaurant and Bar Lawrence Dee

The Scoop What: The Galley Restaurant and Bar When: Lunch/Dinner: Monday through Sunday 11-9; Sunday brunch: 11-2; Late night bar: Mon.–Sat. 9-close. What you’re eating: Surf-andturf style menu. Be sure to ask for the Lobster roll. It’s not listed on the menu, but it’s very tasty. They also have fresh salads from Juniper Hills farm, not more than 20 miles away. What you’re drinking: A collection of house cocktails, standard beers, and a smattering of IPAs. What you’re doing: Listening to live music, hanging with your dog (on the porch only), and enjoying the view from the other side of the lake. Mondays are trivia night and Wednesdays are open mic. Where to find it: 20 Washington St., Westport, New York. More information: westportmarina.com/galley/

THE CHARLOTTE NEWS

“The Ticonderoga used to stop here for overnights on its trip up and down Lake Champlain,” says Dee Carrol, co-owner and operator of The Galley, as we walked past the pictures covering the wall of her restaurant. She’s, of course, referring to the vessel that now stands in Shelburne Museum. “The dock itself, although it has been rearranged and refurbished, was originally here since the war of 1812,” Dee explains as we sit at a table looking east over Lake Champlain. “In my own humble opinion,” laughed Carrol, “it is the best view on Lake Champlain.” Speaking to the humble beginnings of both their business, and the history of the Marina, Dee said, “We started as mainly a snack bar for boaters looking to spend a sunny day on the beach, or link up to the dock for an overnight stay,” The Carrols got their start in Westport in 1982. Having been a boating family, they understood what boaters needed and wanted— they wanted a convenient place to eat

Dee Carrol, owner of the Galley, outside her Westport, N.Y. restaurant with good summer food and great service. The Carrol family took their own advice to heart, and it seems that’s what keeps families coming back. What keeps them so devoted to their work? Dee says it’s the location, family history, and friendly clientele that makes them content with the little slice of heaven they have carved out for themselves on the west side of the lake. “At one point, all five of my grandchildren have worked here. My son Larry is a mechanic in the Westport work shop, as well as president of the marina,” Dee said, pointing to her son who was eating lunch with his family in The Galley during his lunch break. With activities for all ages—from trivia night on Mondays to open mic nights on Wednesdays— boaters interested in exploring the other side of the lake will find something to do there. There is even a live music venue up the street. Burlington’s own Kat Wright and the Indomitable Soul Band will be playing

this Friday, July 31. Looking for a little time off the water? Feel free to check out one of the many serene trails surrounding the area, or take the walking tour around the historic town of Westport. Coming up this Labor Day weekend will be the 49th annual Lobster Festival hosted by the Marina and Carrol family. Be sure to call ahead as spots fill up fast and you have to make a pre-paid reservation.

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18 • July 30, 2015 • The CharloTTe News

Community Events July 31 friday

FESTIVAL: Enjoy Charlotte’s own Woody Keppel at the Burlington Festival of Fools, the weekend of July 31 - August 2. This laughter-filled, internationally renown Church Street event features summertime street performances of circus arts, music, and comedy. Info: vermontfestivaloffools.com.

august 1 Saturday

EVENT: CSWD Rover in Charlotte for Hazardous Waste Collection! The “Rover,” Chittenden Solid Waste District’s household hazardous waste collection unit, is making a stop at Charlotte Central School, 408 Hinesburg Rd. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Rover is free and available to Chittenden County households only. Clare Innes, cinnes@ cswd.net, marketing coordinator, CSWD, Chittenden Solid Waste District. REUNION: Shelburne High School to Celebrate All Classes Reunion The Reunion will be held in the Auditorium of Shelburne Museum’s Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education. All former SHS students, their grade school classmates, families, friends and teachers are encouraged to attend. Registration at the Pizagalli Center starting at 5:00 pm, followed by dinner in the Auditorium and program activities. For reservations please email Ethel Spear Brousseau at ethelmay46@ myfairpoint.net.

august 2 Sunday

FUNDRAISER: O’Briens Aveda Institute promotes rescuing dogs. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to learn about Long Train Canine Rescue, our

foster homes AND get an amazing haircut for only $20. All proceeds go directly to the rescued shelter dogs of Long Trail Canine Rescue! 1475 Shelburne Rd. Call 802-658-9591 for an appointment. longtraildogs.org.

august 4 tueSday

THEATER: The Very Merry Theater performs a show as part of their traveling wagon tour for The Sound of Music. Charlotte Library at 3 p.m. Free. Info: verymerrytheatre.org/upcomingshows-events.html. EVENT: Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA_VT) hosts “Open Farm Week August 3– 9 at Unity Farm, 200 Higbee Rd., Charlotte. Call for more info: 914-703-1328.

august 6

Greenbush Road, North Ferrisburgh. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for “Sunday Dinner at the Farm.” 802-683-6436. kimballbrookfarm.com. EVENT: Charlotte’s Ceal Moran’s Genealogy Day “Get Together”. noon– 8 p.m. (open house format) Jay Town Hall, 1036 VT-242. Contact Ceal: 802578-4225.

august 10 monday

august 7 friday

THEATER: The Very Merry Theater performs a show as part of their traveling wagon tour for The Sound of Music. Staige Hill Farm, Charlotte, at 6:30 p.m. Free. Info: verymerrytheatre. org/upcoming-shows-events.html.

MEETING: Come join a bi-monthly Grange meeting at 6 p.m. Learn about the work of the Charlotte Grange and how it benefits Charlotte, and consider joining. Refreshments served. At the Grange Hall, 2858 Spear St., East Charlotte. Contact: 802-355-9005.

august 12 wedneSday

FAIR: Essex County Fair, August 12–16, 2015. Any questions, please email countyfairfun@yahoo.com or call 518-962-8650. $12 gate admission. Schedule of events on Facebook. ONGOING EXHIBIT: Art, farm, history—a new exhibit at Rokeby Museum, 4334 Route 7, Ferrisburgh, VT 05456 brings together three things Vermont is famous for. The Farm: The Drawings of Rowland Evans Robinson, 18501880 features nearly forty pictures of farm life 150 years ago. The Farm will be on view at Rokeby Museum’s Education Center until October 25, 2015. 802-822-3406

august 9 Sunday

EVENT: Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA_VT) Hosts “Open Farm Week” August 3 to August 9. Kimball Brook Farm, 2263

July 30–August 13

Selectboard: August 3, 10, 7 p.m. Planning Commission: August 6, 7 p.m CCS School Board: August 6, 9 a.m. CVU School Board: None Zoning Board: None Meeting times are subject to change. Check the town website for more info: charlottevt.org

have your say

thurSday

BLOOD DRIVE: American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Ferry Road Charlotte Senior Center, Thursday August 6, from 2 p.m.–7 p.m. To avoid delays, it’s strongly advised to make an appointment by either calling: 1-800 REDCROSS (800 733 2767) or visit their website at redcrossblood.org.

Charlotte Meetings

Calendar Compiled by ruah Swennerfelt Send your eventS to newS@CharlottenewSvt.Com with event in the SubjeCt

SEND US YOUR NEWS, PHOTOS, EVENTS News@ charlottenewsvt. com

LOCAL GOVERNMENT 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 Cvu sChool board-Charlotte: 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 VT GOVERNMENT vt senate (Chittenden distriCt) Tim Ashe D/P-Burlington, 318-0903, tashe@leg.state.vt Philip Baruth D-Burlington, 503-5266, pbaruth@leg.state. vt.us Virginia “Ginny” Lyons D-Williston, 863-6129, vvlyons@leg.state. vt.us Michael Sirotkin D-South Burlington, 999-4360, msirotkin@ leg.state.vt.us Diane Snelling R-Hinesburg, 482-4382, dsnelling@leg.state. vt.us David Zuckerman P/D/W-Hinesburg, 598-1986, dzuckerman@ leg.state.vt.us verMont house: Mike Yantachka D-Charlotte, 425-3960, myantachka.dfa@ gmail.com US GOVERNMENT us senators Patrick Leahy 863-2525, leahy.senate.gov Bernie Sanders 862-0697, sanders.senate.gov us CongressMan Peter Welch 652-2450, welch.house.gov

The CharloTTe News • July 30, 2015 • 19

Around Town Congratulations to Matt Nola and Wanda Handel of Corinth, Vermont, who were married June 27 on Wrights Mountain, Bradford, Vermont’s highest peak. Matt is the son of Virginia and Tom Nola of Charlotte. to the following students from Charlotte at Rice Memorial High School who earned placement on the honor roll for the fourth quarter: First honors: Henry Atkins Second honors: Saige Alpeter, Hana Couture, Conner Gorman, Anna Schibili, Tyler Vutz Honorable mention: Daniel Boardman, Caroline Breen, Moira Brown, Emma Hudziak, Avery Kidd to Conner Gorman of Charlotte and Rice Memorial High School who was named an academic all-star by the Burlington Free Press on July 12. The son of Jennifer and Thomas Gorman, Conner has done much volunteer work in town with the Food Shelf, Special Olympics and TOPSoccer. In addition to earning a place on the Rice honor roll, he received the Excellence in Physics Award. He enters the U.S. Naval Academy in the fall. to Devin St. George of Charlotte who was one of 117 students to earn placement on the dean’s list at Vermont Technical College, Randolph. to Amanda Comai of Charlotte, who graduated from Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, with a major in geography. It was the university’s 194th commencement, in which 732 students participated this year. to William Hall of Charlotte who earned high honors as well as placement on the University of New Hampshire’s dean’s list for the spring semester of the 2014-2015 academic year. to James Heaslip of Charlotte who

The Charlotte News Recipe Box EditEd by Ruah SwEnnERfElt Are you interested in finding new and exciting recipes to try out? “The Charlotte

earned a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, in May. He was among the 3,200 undergraduates who received degrees at URI’s 129th commencement. to Amanda Gellis of Charlotte who earned placement on the dean’s list for her academic achievement during the spring 2015 semester at St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York. A graduate of Champlain Valley Union High School, Amanda is a member of the class of 2018 at St. Lawrence. to Robyn Leary of Charlotte who earned placement on the dean’s list at Ithaca College School of Music, Ithaca, New York, for the spring semester 2015. Robyn is a performance major. to Maxwell McGee of Charlotte who graduated magna cum laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, after earning placement on the college’s dean’s list for the 2015 spring semester. Max majored in chemical engineering. to Sarah Loomis of Charlotte who earned placement on the spring 2015 dean’s list at Robert Morris University, Moon Township, Pennyslvania. Sarah is a nursing (FOP) major. to recent CCS graduate Paige Thibault, whose essay, “To Kill a Changed Man,” was selected by the Burlington Free Press to be included in the Young Writers Project edition of July 3. Paige explores the meaning of life as something that has caused her disappointment. “The dream that once fueled me has left; the excitement that once charged my bones has died.” to Patricia O’Donnell and Jim Donovan, husband and wife but also owners respectively of Heritage Landscapes LLC and Broadreach Planning and Design. Both received awards from the Vermont chapter of the American Society News Recipe Box” wants to feature a favorite recipe of yours! We ask you send the full description of how to cook it and add a little story about your recipe (just 100 words max). This week’s recipe is mine. For many years I’ve been trying to reduce our waste and one way is to bake our own cookies and crackers, avoiding boxes and wrappings. While visiting my cousins at their delightful summer home in Sweden a few years ago, I tasted the most wonderful crackers and asked for the recipe. Greta makes them with rice flour, making them gluten free as well. I use brown rice flour that I can buy in bulk at City Market. I’ve

of Architects for projects completed or underway. Patricia’s firm received two awards of excellence, one for its design work on Mellon Square Restoration in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and one for its planning and analysis for the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Academical Village. It also won merit awards for work on the Kahn Bathhouse, Day Camp and Community Green project, the Manitoga Historic Landscape, and the Woodstock Festival Grounds Historic Site. Jim’s firm won a merit award for its work on Montpelier in Motion, a planning project to help members of the Montpelier community travel its area by various means. The winners are honored at an awards dinner and presentation July 30 at ECHO – Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington.

Sympathy is expressed to family and friends of Michael Ole Hansen of Shelburne who passed away as the result of an accident at Red Rocks Park in South Burlington on July 13. He was 41 years old. Born in Burlington, Michael grew up in Charlotte, attending CCS and Champlain Valley Union schools. He graduated from CVU in 1992.

friends of George Ewins Sr. of West Berkshire and Shelburne who passed away July 21 at the age of 82. George was an active member of the Charlotte/ Shelburne Rotary and in his later years enjoyed socializing at the Charlotte Senior Center. His surviving family includes a son, George D. Ewins Jr., and a grandson, Felix George, of Charlotte. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory be made to the Vermont Historical Society, the Charlotte Senior Center or the Vermont chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Town of Charlotte Project Description Exterior painting of the Charlotte Town Hall. Please see the Specifications below. The Town would like the project to be completed in 2015; however, bids to undertake the project in 2016 are welcome. Bid may be submitted for both 2015 and 2016. Deadline for Bid Submission: Thursday August 27, 2015 @ 4:00 PM. Please see below for bid submission information. Bid Opening: Thursday August 27, 2015 @ 4:00 PM at the Charlotte Town Hall Specifications Siding and trim preparation is to be completed without pressure washing. Bare spots are to be primed. Two topcoats of mid-grade latex above contractor grade are to be applied by brush or Lin

is extended to family and friends of Linda Foote of Hinesburg who passed Complete RFP: The complete Request for Bid is available at the Town Office and at the away July 7 at the age of 68. The first town webs-site: www.charlottevt.org. woman fire fighter in Vermont, she volunteered for 25 years with Charlotte Fire Town Contact and Rescue squads. She held officer spots Questions may be directed to Dean Bloch, Town Administrator at 425-3071 ext. 5 or dean@ and served as chief of Rescue at one point townofcharlotte.com. in time. Her surviving family includes her daughter, Christie Foote, Str8ts Solution Sudoku Solution and granddaughter, Morgan 1 2 3 4 7 9 8 7 6 3 4 1 5 9 8 2 Boss, both of Charlotte. The 5 3 4 2 6 8 7 5 2 1 7 8 9 4 6 3 family asks that, in lieu of 2 3 1 6 5 9 8 4 9 8 3 2 6 5 1 7 flowers, donations in her 1 2 4 9 8 6 5 7 3 1 2 6 9 7 8 5 4 memory be made to Imerman 4 5 8 9 3 7 6 1 6 4 9 5 3 8 7 2 1 Angels at imermanangels.org 8 7 6 5 4 1 2 8 5 7 2 4 1 6 3 9 or to the ASPCA at aspca. 9 8 6 7 5 4 3 1 8 5 9 7 3 2 4 6 org or to Greg’s Mission at 9 8 7 1 3 2 6 2 7 6 1 5 4 3 9 8 gregsmission.org. 6 7 5 1 2 4 3 9 3 4 8 6 2 1 7 5 is extended to family and never made them with wheat flour, but you could try!

gReta’s sWedish cRackeRs Pre-heat the oven to 300° 1. Toss these ingredients into a bowl: 1 cup rice flour 1/2 cup sesame seeds 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup flax seeds 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup olive oil

2. Boil 1-1/4 cup water and add to ingredients 3. Mix thoroughly 4. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper 5. Pour mixture onto cookie sheet and spread evenly with spatula 6. Score to cracker size and lightly sprinkle with Kosher salt 7. Bake for 65-70 min until browned and crisp Call everyone over for Swedish crackers!

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. Since 1977, Lafayette Painting inc. has been providing the best interior

painting service available. Let our experts transform your space. Call us at 863-5397 and see our work, references and more at LafayettePaintingInc.com

information or to schedule a tour call 802-658-7400.

Need a yard service or exterior painting? Call PLeasant VaLLey LandscaPing for quotes at 425-3737.

MaxiM outdooR Wood PeLLet fuRnace by Central Boiler adapts to existing heating systems & heats with renewable wood pellets. Boivin Farm Supply 802-475-4007

Redstone Affordable small office spaces available on Ferry Rd. Starting at $250.00 including all utilities. For more

indePendent contRactoR specializing in Interior/Exterior Painting, Taping, Drywall and Remodeling (light

duty carpentry, flooring etc.) Discounts available for booking winter jobs ahead. Kris Rushford. 802-377-9559. Srushford2013@gmail.com Visit Essex, NY, Saturday, Aug. 1st, 10am-4pm - rain or shine. 36th Annual “Town-wide Market Day.” 50+ exhibitors. Art, collectibles, farm stands, strawberry shortcake, music, food, more! Half price ferry 10am-12 -”walk-ons” only. (518) 963-7494.

The

Charlotte News Charlotte’s award-winning community newspaper

Volume lVIII Number 1

The VoIce of The TowN

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Giving dogs a second chance 1 ∙ One for the record book 3 New series: Back in my day 6 ∙ Banding together for birds 12 T he C harloTTe N ews

Voice of the town since 1958

CHARLOTTE REAL ESTATE Deliver to: LOCAL BOXHOLDER

CARRIE FENN, REALTOR® PETER FENN, MANAGING BROKER, REALTOR® 802 425-3760 carrie@charlotterealestateco.com

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