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Volume lVII Number 18
The VoIce of The TowN
Thursday, aprIl 23, 2015
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CCS Completes Administrative Shift 1 窶｢ Prepping for Green Up Day 1 窶｢ CSAs and Farmers Markets 10 窶｢ Finding Spring in Charlotte 12
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The Charlotte News Volume lVII Number 18
The VoIce of The TowN
Thursday, aprIl 23, 2015
Selectboard Moves Forward on Charter Change John Hammer
Photos: Bill symmes
THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
‘Peter Pan’ Soars at CCS How good was CCS’s recent performance of Peter Pan? So good the School Board took time out of its meeting last week to recognize director and CVU student Ben Recchia and the cast of 28 students—Henry Bijur (above, center) as Peter Pan and Maryn Askew (right) as Wendy Darling—in what one member called an “amazing” middle school performance. For more performance pictures, see our Facebook page.
CCS Selects Sumner as Instructional Leader New hire cements new administrative model at school Brett Sigurdson THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
The CCS School Board completed its transition to a new administrative model last week as it hired Stephanie Sumner as the school’s new instructional leader/ principal. A long-time educator with extensive experience in curriculum design, Sumner is currently a 6th grade math and social studies teacher at CCS, where she was originally hired as a math coordinator in 2013. As the instructional leader, she’ll be charged with ensuring that students at CCS are achieving the highest standards of education.
It’s a job she’s well prepared for. In an interview shortly after her hire, Sumner noted she “felt an immediate pull toward applying for the position.” “I believed that it would be a good fit for me and knew immediately that it was the type of entrance into administration that I would want to engage in, as the primary focus is on working with teachers, students, families, curriculum and assessment,” she said in an email. Sumner describes curriculum design as a “passion” throughout her roughly 16 years in education. In that time, she’s been at the ground level of curriculum expectations and standards changes, moving from the Vermont Framework of Standards to the current Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in her classrooms. “The changing nature of education, in direct response to the changing needs of our students (particularly to prepare
them with 21st century skills), requires that we continue to evaluate our curriculum and assessments,” she said. “I really enjoy this work—not just the design, but the implementation and reflection involved in delivering the curriculum with students.” Prior to teaching in Charlotte, Sumner taught 5th and 6th grade courses at schools throughout southern Vermont. These positions often saw her leading curriculum changes. At Flood Brook Union School in Londonderry, for example, she helped develop standardsbased curriculum and assessment for the science and language arts courses. Similarly, at the Dorset School, she and her colleagues implemented a twoyear- long interdisciplinary program that incorporated a musical production and
Sumner continued on page 6
The Selectboard meeting of April 20 was long on talk and short on completed actions. The bulk of the meeting was taken with working discussions on the draft town purchasing policy. The complexity of the content and the number of changes that had been made, combined with the fact that Selectmen Matt Krasnow and Jacob Spell were attending by phone, limited work to where only two of the seven pages were finished. The Selectboard will reconvene in a working session at 4 p.m. on April 28. The key action taken was an amended version of a draft legislative charter governing the way Charlotters would vote on the annual budget and budget-related articles. The draft was drawn up by the town attorney and included the following wording: Paragraph 3. “Adoption of Annual Budget and Budget-related Articles (referred as Budget) (a) The town shall vote on the budget amount for the town at the floor meeting of the annual meeting, which vote shall not become effective until the voters approve such budget by Australian ballot vote conducted in the manner set forth below.” The following sub-paragraphs called for the Selectboard to set a date and warn a special meeting for the budget vote by Australian ballot no sooner than 20 days after posting the warning. There is also wording regarding procedures to be followed should the budget vote fail. The amended draft will be returned to the town attorney for final review, after which it will be submitted to the attorneys at the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and the Elections Office of the Secretary of State for their review. Mike Yantachka, the town’s representa-
Selectboard
continued on page 5
Miles of Roads Before We Sleep
Joe Gallagher CONTRIBUTOR
Last year Charlotte townspeople gathered 2.78 tons of trash and 143 tires from our roadsides. Imagine that? It’s likely there is a similar amount out there now, unfortunately. As spring finally arrives, we have an opportunity to do something about this though, and it can be fun and extremely rewarding. How can you help? Participate in Green Up Day! Convince your family members to join you, grab a friend or neighbor, gather up the kids, pick a road to cover and spend an hour or two help-
ing to keep our beautiful town cleaner and safer. Bags are available for pickup at the Quonset hut at CCS from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 2, and 9 a.m. to noon on May 3. We’ll also be tracking what roads are covered from CCS. To sign up for a road in advance, jump on charlottevt.org and click on the link at the top right. Bags are also available now at the Town Hall, Charlotte Library, Spear’s Corner Store and the Old Brick Store. Hosted by Green Up Vermont, Green Up Day is an essential day for our state and the serene nature around us. It is when we get to give back to the earth and thank Vermont for all it gives us—our beautiful lakes, rivers, ponds, mountains, trees and wildlife. Green Up Day is also
Green Up Day continued on page 6
Photos: Joe GallaGher
198 roads to clean in Charlotte on Green Up Day, May 2 and 3—will you pitch in?
Green Up Day volunteers drop off the ubiquitous green garbage bags at CCS during last year’s event.
2 • April 23, 2015 • The ChArloTTe News
Voices Signing Off The Charlotte News thE voiCE of thE town sinCE 1958 The CharloTTe News is a nonprofit community-based newspaper dedicated to informing townspeople of current events and issues. It serves as a forum for the free exchange of views of town residents and celebrates the people, places and happenings that make the Town of Charlotte unique. Contributions in the form of articles, press releases and photographs pertaining to Charlotte-related people and events are accepted and encouraged from all townspeople and interested individuals. For submission guidelines and deadlines, please visit our website or contact the editor at news@charlottenewsvt.com. The CharloTTe News is published in Charlotte by The Charlotte News, Inc., a Vermont domestic 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation. Distribution is made every other Thursday to all households and businesses in Charlotte and to more than 50 outlets in Shelburne, Hinesburg, North Ferrisburgh, Ferrisburgh and Vergennes. It relies on the generous financial contributions of its readers, subscriptions and advertising revenue to sustain its operations.
oN The weB aT:
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On the cover afTer PuTTiNg TogeTher a series of arTiCles oN arTisTs arouNd CharloTTe, CoNTriBuTiNg ediTor emma slaTer seNds readers off wiTh aN illusTraTioN of her owN TiTled “iNTo The greaT BeyoNd.”
Next issue deadlines NexT issue daTe: Thursday, may 7 CoNTriBuTioNs: moNday, aPril 27 By 5 P.m. leTTers: moNday, may 4, By 10 a.m. CirCulAtion: 3,000 CoPies Per issue. Copyright © 2015 thE ChArlottE nEws, inC. printEd by uppEr vAllEy prEss
Emma Slater THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
In the past couple of years at The Charlotte News I’ve probably drafted my “final” article two or three times, but somehow I always seem to find an excuse to stay longer. My original semester-long high school internship turned into two semesters, then volunteer work, and then a generous offer from The News to continue as a contributing editor during these past eight months of my gap year. My introduction to journalism started with a hesitant phone call to The News when I was a junior in high school. Exploring new opportunities for school credit outside of the classroom, I contacted Brett Sigurdson, although there was no existing internship program yet. Brett, Linda Williamson and Edd Merritt quickly integrated me into their biweekly routine anyway, teaching me about the myriad tasks that are required to produce a high-quality paper. I started small. Brett walked me through reworking press releases and the process of identifying traditional article structures. Gradually I moved towards topics with a wider scope and learned how to integrate various elements of supporting research. With The News, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph and talk to incredible Charlotters in some unique situations. I’ve written about blueberry picking, geocaching, the Masonic influence in Charlotte, ultrasound imaging in Uganda and the work of local artists. I interviewed TIME photojournalist Robert Nickelsburg who patiently answered my barrage of questions about his
experiences in Afghanistan, as I continually dropped my pen out of nervousness and excitement. For a story on Jim and Barbara Amblo’s farm, I photographed an entire herd of 40 miniature horses as they galloped toward me and circled around, curiously sniffing and nibbling my clothes. Through these experiences, The News has provided me with a platform for academic growth outside of the traditional classroom structure. I’m grateful for the freedom the editors and production team have allowed me to enjoy while pitching my own story ideas and designing projects. This has empowered me to be creative and to own my work. The photo essay of Summer 2014 was a good example of this, when I decided to document last summer in photos and handwritten quotes. The ability to take ownership of projects like this, as well as contribute to the newspaper production team, provided a sense of purpose that helped me to rediscover my own enjoyment of writing. That’s another defining characteristic of the team at The News— we work here because we love it. As a nonprofit organization striving to provide a public service to the town, the staff members are involved because they feel passionate about the work they do. They are generous with their special skill sets, wisdom and humor. They write, edit and dig for stories because of a commitment to the community, both in our Ferry Road office and beyond. So in a lot of ways, leaving The News feels even more momentous than graduating from high school. As an upperclassman I faced some personal challenges that made me wonder if I could ever feel successful in an academic setting again, let alone attend college. But here I am, two years later, about to move to the West Coast where I’ll hike the John Muir Trail and enroll at Lewis and Clark for the fall semester. For all these reasons, I very much hope The News will continue to train and inspire young writers to par-
ticipate in local nonprofit news. A recent generous donation by Alice D. Outwater will hopefully set the stage for this to become a more regular possibility. With Alex Bunten at the helm as editor in chief, I couldn’t be more excited for the future students who will be able to start their own adventures with The Charlotte News.
TiPs for fuTure News iNTerNs 1.
Be prepared to become emotionally invested in issues like capitalization, italization and punctuation. 2. All staff members have a signature food. Blueberry coffee, cheese pizza and chocolate pie are already taken, so pick yours accordingly. 3. The archive of The News is a treasure trove of historical information. 4. Always bring a snack, preferably one to share. 5. On The Road is pretty much required reading. 6. Always back up your interview recordings with good old-fashioned notes. 7. Vince Crockenberg has promised the staff a chocolate pie if they produce a completely error-free issue. This may haunt your dreams. 8. Giggle fits are contagious when you’ve been proofreading for over three hours. 9. Author Craig Silverman referred to the New York Times as the “most scrutinized newspaper in the world.” The Charlotte News should come in at a close second, at least as far as we’re concerned. 10. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone you don’t know. Charlotte is full of exceptionally kind and fascinating people.
Enter the 2015 Charlotte News Writing Competition Benjamin Franklin once said, “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” If you hope to one day be associated with the first category, keep reading. The Charlotte News will host its fourth annual writing competition this month, and if you are an unpublished writer we want your submission. Writers who are self-published or who have published only locally (in the pages of The Charlotte News, for instance) are still eligible. The rules are easy: Send us a fictional or narrative nonfiction (personal biography or memoir) story that responds to the following prompt:
I wish someone had told me… • •
1,000 words max. Double-spaced with your full name and the story title at the top.
•
Email it to news@charlottenewsvt.com with “TCN Writing Contest” in the subject heading. • Submission must be received by Sunday, May 17, at 5 p.m. • Submissions can be simple, serious, humorous or outrageous. We want it all. The judges will select a winning story based on its originality, how it develops and reads, and whether the piece engages the reader emotionally. Judges’ decisions are final. To ensure objectivity in the competition, writers’ names will be removed by the editor before the stories are sent to the judges. Prizes have been generously donated by Horsfords, Spear’s Corner Store, the Old Brick Store and. The winning submissions will be published in The Charlotte News in June. Well, what are you waiting for? This story isn’t going to write itself. Good luck!
The CharloTTe News • April 23, 2015 • 3
Voices
Legislative Report by Representative Mike Yantachka
Reforming Our Education System During last year’s elections, candidates across the state heard complaints about property tax increases due to education spending. Decreasing enrollment and the large number of school districts (282) throughout the state present challenges to how our public schools are governed and funded. The House Education Committee was reorganized this year with a new chair who had previously served on the Ways & Means Committee and was the recognized expert on school funding. Rep. Dave Sharpe of Bristol and his committee have made a serious attempt to create policies that would control spending and property tax increases. The resulting Education bill (H.361) reflects a lot of tri-partisan work that will reform education funding, spending and governance. The bill was passed out of committee unanimously and achieved strong support when it was voted on by the full House: 88 to 55. The bill has as its purpose the improvement of education quality for all Vermont students through greater equity in student opportunity by maintaining a communitysupported system, asserting Vermont’s commitment to public education and achieving economies of scale. Elements of the bill include: Creating larger education districts of at least 1,100 students by 2019 unless a waiver is granted for special circumstances. The larger education districts comprised of existing smaller districts will share responsibility for educating all pre-K to grade 12 students. The State Board of Education may approve alternate
configurations, including existing supervisory unions, as long as the proposal advances specific goals like equitable educational opportunities, stable leadership, the flexible and efficient use of resources, increased student-to-adult ratios, budgetary stability and less volatility for taxpayers, and community engagement. Financial support for reorganizing districts, include access to grants up to $150,000 and temporary local property tax reductions ranging from $.08 in the first year to $.02 by the fourth year after consolidation. A temporary cap on local spending increases ranging from a 1.4 percent increase to 4.1 percent, depending on whether the district chooses to base the increase on its total spending amount or its per equalized pupil spending amount. For example, a district that spends exactly the statewide average (roughly $14,100) would be allowed a two percent increase. A district that spent more would have a lower cap; a district that spent less would have a higher cap. A moratorium is imposed on the Legislature’s passing any new unfunded mandates on schools until 2017. For the year 2016 the statewide nonresidential education property tax rate will be $1.525 and the residential rate will be $.98, the same as this year. The bill also reflects the realization that more work needs to be done. It creates a House-Senate Joint Oversight Committee to monitor, evaluate and provide a continuing review of matters concerning edu-
cation policy, education funding, and student outcomes and the intersections of each with corrections, economic development, health care and human services issues. It charges the Office of Health Care Reform to consider the possibility of transitioning health insurance plans for teachers and administrators to plans offered through Vermont Health Connect by 2018 in order to address the impending excise tax on highly beneficial health insurance plans. It also requires the Secretary of Education to propose alternative methods of delivery and payment for special education services, including best use of paraprofessionals and ways to reduce administrative burdens and increase flexibility in the provision of services. While the bill reflects a lot of good work and compromise to get the tri-partisan support it received, it still relies heavily on the property tax. I will continue working with my colleagues to come up with funding alternatives that decrease reliance on the property tax. I continue to welcome your thoughts and questions and can be reached by phone (802-233-5238) or by email (myantachka.dfa@gmail.com). You can find this article and past articles at my website, MikeYantachka.com.
charLotte Meetings aPriL 23–May 7 Selectboard: Special Meeting—april 24, 11:30 regular Meeting—april 27, 7 p.M. Working-Meeting—april 28, 4 p.M.
a.M
planning coMMiSSion: May 7, 7 p.M. ccS School board: May 19, 7 p.M. cVu School board: May 19, 7 p.M.
seLectboard MeMbers Chair Lane Morrison: 425-2495 Matthew Krasnow: 922-2153 Carrie Spear: 425-4444 Jacob Spell: 425-6548 Fritz Tegatz: 425-5564 Selectboard Regular Meetings are usually at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. If you would like to bring an issue to the attention of the Selectboard, contact the board chair or administrator Dean Bloch at 425-3071, ext. 205.
ccs schooL board
Letter to the Editor Thanks from Wildwood West residents We would like to publicly thank Will Debuc and another kind Wildwood West woman for rescuing our labs from Route 7. You kindness was appreciated and you are our heroes. Thank you!
The Mahoneys and Hoyts
Charlotte
Chair Mark McDermott: 425-4860 Vice Chair Erik Beal: 425-2140 Kristin Wright: 425-5105 Clyde Baldwin: 425-3366 Susan Nostrand: 425-4999
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 Check the town website for more info.
TownBites by Edd Merritt
Charlotte has major players in the ivory wars Charlotters John Fishman, the drummer of Phish, and Teaghan Yardley, a 12-year-old in the Endeavor Middle School, have testified in front of the Vermont House committee to help stop the sale of African ivory. The House is considering banning sales of rhinoceros horn and ivory—primarily from elephant tusks—as a way of helping to stop the “slaughter, illegal poaching and imminent extinction of African elephants,” according to an article in the April 10 Burlington Free Press. On the other side of the fence stands another Charlotte resident, Ethan Merrill of Duane Merrill & Co., an auction and appraisal company, who says that by banning the sale of ivory in Vermont the bill would “make private art and antique collections worthless and could discourage people from preserving priceless cultural artifacts.” “Imagine your retirement package that you’ve saved for . . . and come January 1 next year, it’s worthless,” says Merrill.
Karen Frost helps Burlington City Arts host a free film series on architectural design Charlotte resident Karen Frost, who owns Vermont Eco-Floors with her husband, Mike, has taken her interest in architectural design and parlayed it into a free documentary film series offered in conjunction with Burlington City Arts, UVM art professor Lynda McIntyre and TruexCullins architectural designer Andrew Chardain. Having taken McIntrye’s course as an undergraduate at UVM in the early 1980s, Frost and her “prof” later ran into each other at a bakery. Chardain met with McIntyre following the University’s annual Roland Batten Memorial Lecture. Batten, an architect, had designed the King Street Center and renovated the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts and was McIntyre’s husband. The next film in the “Architecture + Design Film Series” will be October 15. It is titled Maya Lin: A Clear, Strong Vision. Previous series included the film Microtopia that investigated tiny dwellings, off the grid, such as Norwich design-builder Keith Moskow’s “Chicken Chapel”—a chicken coop with an “airy, pitched roof.” He has also designed structures with quaint names like Swamp Hut, Ice Chimes and Rural Interventions.
Final Public Hearing The Town of Charlotte received $295,823 from the State of Vermont for a grant under the Vermont Community Development Program. A public hearing will be held at Municipal Offices, 159 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT on 5/11/2015 at 7:10 p.m. to obtain the views of citizens on community development, to furnish information concerning the range of community development activities that have been undertaken under this program, and to give affected citizens the opportunity to examine a statement of the use of these funds. The VCDP Funds received have been used to accomplish the following activities: Information on this project may be obtained from and viewed during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m at Municipal Offices, 159 Ferry Road, Charlotte on 4/29/2015. Should you require any special accommodations please contact Dean Bloch at 802-425-3071 to ensure appropriate accommodations are made. For the hearing impaired please call (TTY) #1‐800‐253‐0191. Legislative Body for the Town of Charlotte Letters PoLicy: The Charlotte News welcomes signed letters to the editor on any subject of interest to the community. To allow the publication of a diverse selection of views in each issue, please limit letters to a maximum of 300 words. The editors reserve the right to edit for clarity, English usage and length or to publish submissions in full. Send them to news@charlottenewsvt.com
4 • April 23, 2015 • The ChArloTTe News
Charlotters Set Sail from Tortola to Rhode Island Alex Bunten
Photo: Brett SigurdSon
Barrie Dunsmore gives participants some food for thought on good writing and the latest happenings in world affairs at The Charlotte News Pens on the Land workshop at the Mt. Philo Inn, April 11.
Pens on the Land has Landed We are happy to report that our first workshop at the Mt. Philo Inn was a raging success. With about 20 people in attendance and many others who wished they could have made it, we were very pleased with the turnout. There is room for more at the Inn, but all in due course. Keep your ears out for more events like this. A mountain of appreciation goes out • to David and Jane Garbose at the Mt. Philo Inn for hosting us and being just lovely people. The venue was perfect. • to all the staff and board members at The Charlotte News for helping to put this on and coming out on a Saturday. You are amazing.
• to all the participants for bringing your energy and feedback. If you have any comments on the new submission guidelines, I’d love to hear them. • to Barrie Dunsmore for taking the time to enlighten and inform us with broad perspectives on good writing and global affairs. Many people have commented on how much they enjoyed hearing you speak. • to Alice Outwater for her unexpected donation to support a new project at The News. This will be an exciting opportunity for some local youth. Stay tuned. You can find the presentations at bit.ly/1DchZnT and bit.ly/1Fc3WUj.
Photo: Alex Bunten
Martha Perkins (left) and Elizabeth Bassett interview each other as part of a workshop exericse.
Sailing isn’t for everyone—the heaving rollers, the belting sun, the pissing wind, the small spaces, the long, hot days, the wet, cold nights, living from meal to meal, horizon to horizon—but for some it’s a dream. On April 3, when Charlotter Bill FraserHarris posted a crewing opportunity on Front Porch Forum from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands to Rhode Island, many dreamed, but only 12 plucky locals applied and interviewed. This local editor was over-the-moon to be among the four chosen for the trip. Jeff Finkelstein of Charlotte and two other adventurous souls, John Ayer and Thor Belle, will also make the journey. The last story I filed for The News about sailing was back in 2004 after I sailed from England to Portugal for a Habitat for Humanity initiative. This one doesn’t have the same humanitarian overtones, but it does tick some bucket list boxes. Let me explain... Toward the end of my time in Scotland in 2008, I had two wild plans for the future—go teach in Russia or sail around the world as crew. My dear mother saw my enthusiasm and bought me a book, A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Oceans: Crewing Around the World, and I drooled on every page. I got myself signed up to a few Royal Yachting Association courses. I started receiving yacht crew email blasts with titillating subjects like, “Delivery Crew required, Brussels-Turkey,” “FranceCroatia,” “Transatlantic-Caribbean.” Drool. Every time. Ultimately, I chose a more professional path in Russia, which eventually
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A crew of Charlotters, including our fearless editor, will sail from Tortola to Newport, RI, alongside the Bermuda Triangle. led me to this position, but like Pavlov’s dogs, the subconscious feeling couldn’t be subdued. Having done the journey seven times, Fraser-Harris cites safety as the biggest concern and the unknown as the biggest challenge. We’ll be sailing just to the east of the illustrious Bermuda Triangle, so let’s hope the unknown is just the amount of fish we’ll catch. I’ll be reporting as editor-at-large, so be sure to stay tuned on social media and our website. Follow our progress: Instagram: @thecharlottenews Facebook: facebook.com/thecharlottenews Up-to-date map locatIon: share.delorme.com/BillFraserHarris
The CharloTTe News • April 23, 2015 • 5
Twice Voted, Twice Counted, CCS Budget Passes
Selectboard
Brett Sigurdson
continued from page 1
It was bound to be close. Given that the proposed $7.5 million 2015-16 CCS budget failed by 50 votes on Town Meeting Day, one could assume the next goaround would be at least as close. When all the ballots were counted after the polls closed after a second vote on Monday, April 13, the budget passed by a mere 11 votes, 473 to 462. That was enough to trigger one community member to request a recount. Last Friday, Charlotte’s Board of Civil Authority conducted another tally of the votes, and the results were mostly the same: 472 in favor, 463 opposed. The vote puts an end to what was at times a heated discussion surrounding the school board’s $7,570,995 2015-16 budget proposal, which was $25,000 lower than the budget voters rejected on March 3. The savings are due to the projected difference in salaries from a move to a new administrative model. That model was the cause for the initial rejection, according to some who railed against the school board’s decision to retain a two-administrator model in the wake of resignations from its current co-principals, Greg Marino and Audrey Boutaugh. Citing declining school enrollment and a need to cut school spending, some urged the board to hire one administrator in the lead-up to Monday’s vote. Referencing the increasing roles and responsibilities of school principals—as well as a student population that, at roughly 400, still warrants the oversight of more than one person—the board recently hired a lead principal, Barbara Anne KomonsMontroll. The board last week hired current 6thgrade teacher Stephanie Sumner as the school’s new instructional leader, a position that will augment the work of the
Photo: Brett SigurdSon
THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
Volunteers count CCS budget ballots shortly after the polls closed at 7 p.m. Monday. lead principal. Sumner will be contracted for 210 days over the course of the school year, while Komons-Montroll will be contracted for 261 days, a full school year. There was a slight note of tension in the CCS multipurpose room Monday evening as 11 vote counters and a small group of onlookers, including McDermott and board member Kristin Wright, awaited the results, which some counters indicated would be close. When the final tally was announced, both expressed measured delight. “I’m happy with the results,” said McDermott, adding, “But we still have a lot of work to do.” That work began the following night, when the board addressed a full agenda during its monthly meeting (see story on page 8). A total of 935 registered voters, or 29 percent of those eligible, cast their ballots. Because Monday’s vote margin was less than five percent of total votes cast, the results became eligible for a recount if requested, noted Town Clerk Mary Mead.
We at The Charlotte News strive to keep the you informed about what’s happening in the community—both good and bad. Our town has a low crime rate, but bad things still happen. They aren’t all terrible, but we feel it’s important public information. We hope you do, too. The information present above comes from Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue.
The budget savings from the reduction in administrative salaries will come in close to $28,000. Boutaugh and Marino were paid a combined $228,000 last year, according to the Town Report. KomonsMontroll and Sumner are next year slated to make $110,000 and $90,000, respectively. They will both take over as administrators July 1. In light of a $180,000 fund balance transfer approved by voters on Town Meeting Day, the budget is a threepercent decrease over last year’s budget. At $1.0113 per $100 of assessed property value, this is 3.4 cents lower than the current tax rate for CCS. The Legislature is still considering a 98-cent base tax rate, which, if approved, would net Charlotters with a home valued at at $250,000 a savings of $86 over last November’s tax bill. Those with a $400,000 home will see a savings of $137.
tive, will also be included in the review. Subsequent to these reviews, there will be two public hearings on the charter after which the town will vote on it by Australian ballot in the fall. Should the charter pass, it will go to the Legislature, which has to approve it before it becomes effective. The Selectboard went on to approve a fee schedule for parties seeking to use the town beach for private events. The structure sets similar rates for residents and non-profit entities while higher fees will be charged for corporate entities. The Selectboard will approve parties with more than 100 participants on a case-by-case basis after review by the Recreation Commission. A change order was approved for construction on the Town Link Trail, Co-housing section. The construction was completed last fall but there have been drainage problems. These can be cleared by the addition of two culverts and ditching. The contractor agreed to do the corrective action for the cost of materials, which is $1,465. In another environmental action, May 1, 2015 has been declared Arbor Day. The Selectboard urged all Charlotters to plant and care for trees. The usual annual Arbor Day celebration will be held at the Charlotte Central School. The Town Attorney was authorized to enter an appearance in a hearing on an appeal by DeStiger and Hotaling regarding a conditional use permit granted to Chris Lawn Care. The next regular Selectboard meeting will be held on April 27.
6 • April 23, 2015 • The ChArloTTe News tiatives, and my first priority is to support teachers with new programming and assessments so that student learning is at the center,” she said. “This will include from page 1 working with the entire faculty around strengthening the climate of the school through work around individual and field trips. Sumner says she sees opportunities for group needs as well as programs we use delivering creative curriculum approach- to work with student behavior.” Sumner will join Komons-Montroll, es at CCS, in particular with its scithe school’s district principal, as the ence, technology, engineernew two-person administrative ing and math (STEM) and team at CCS. Komons-Montroll Next Generation Science will be charged with oversight Standards (NGSS). of school operations, budget According to a press development, and board and release from CSSU, the community relations. Komons12-member search comMontroll and Sumner are next mittee was impressed with year expected to make $110,000 Sumner’s depth of knowland $90,000 in salaries, respecedge, analytical and comtively. They will both take over munication skills, and pasas administrators on July 1. sion for student learning. As a teacher at CCS, Sumner The school board voted to Stephanie Sumner is aware of the discussion that approve the recommendahas surrounded the two-admintion on a 4-0 vote with one istrator model at the school. She abstention. sees her role as essential to fostering a These are the skills that Sumner thinks fruitful learning environment. will make her successful in the role. “Now more than ever, with the imple“I think that the primary skills that mentation of CCSS and NGSS, it is I bring to this role are communication, important to have an administrator availorganization and an ability to keep the able to directly lead in the areas of curlarger initiatives in mind while analyzing riculum, instruction and assessment,” she how the smaller pieces and details need said. “Teachers need regular support, to fit together,” she said. “By nature, I am access and collaboration with an admina problem solver and solution-oriented, istrator focused primarily on instruction.” which I believe is an essential skill for A graduate of UVM and the Vermont working with different grade levels and Science Initiative, Sumner has earned teaching teams.” degrees in elementary education and sciThese skills will help her realize her ence education. She has coached Girls short-term goals, namely, building relaon the Run and basketball and been a den tionships with the incoming lead princileader for Scouts. pal, Barbara Anne Komons-Montroll, and Sumner lives in Williston with her huscontinuing to do so with teachers. band, Sandi, and two children, Sadie, 12, “We have many new educational iniand Jackson, 8.
Dr. Teresa Canal Meyer, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist Doctorate At The Creamery in Shelburne 802-318-7063 Offering Psychological Services: Increase understanding of self and others Ease life cycle transitions Enhance parenting and co-parenting Improve communication ShelburneAdultandChildPsychology.com
The fruits of the town’s labors for Green Up Day 2014— 2.78 tons of trash.
Green Up
from page 1
a day to reflect on global warming, what it is doing to the earth and what we can do to help. According to the Green Up Vermont website, “Vermont was the first state to designate a day to clean up the entire state. Started in 1970 by Gov. Deane C. Davis, Green Up Day 1971 was also officially recorded in the Congressional
Photos: Joe GallaGher
Sumner
Record, thanks to U.S. Senator George Aiken … 45 years later, Green Up Day continues to thrive! In 1979 the Green Up endeavor became a private undertaking through the establishment of a private, non-profit corporation called Vermont Green Up, Inc. In 1997, it began ‘doing business as’ Green Up Vermont. Its efforts now reach out to promote the Green Up ethic and spirit year round through its slogan, ‘Live the Green Up Way Every Day!’” Contact me with questions or concerns at joegallaghervt@gmail.com or by phone at 734-2854. I hope to see you out there!
Transition Town Charlotte Collects E-waste on Green Up Day Ruah Swennerfelt CONTRIBUTOR
Do you have old stereos, VCRs, boomboxes, etc. that are just cluttering your house? Do you want to be sure they don’t end up in the landfill? Then we have a solution for you! Transition Town Charlotte will once again coordinate electronic waste collection at the Quonset hut at CCS in conjunction with Charlotte’s Green Up Day, Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3. In addition to the importance of cleaning up the waste we find on our roadsides, the electronic collection eliminates thousands of pounds from ending up in our Vermont landfill. As you probably know, only one landfill currently services the State of Vermont. It’s located in Coventry
and will be full by 2020! Anything we can do to reduce waste or recycle may extend that termination date. Even though it’s not legal in Vermont to throw away what is recyclable, many people still are filling our landfill with electronics. Good Point Recycling, which ultimately takes the electronics collected by Transition Town, helps make sure that they are recycled. We can collect the following electronic devices—computers and their components, DVDs, VCRs, stereo’s, phones, record players, radios, TVs, laptops, video machines, microwaves and small kitchen electronics. We cannot accept appliances such as air conditioners, stoves, refrigerators, washers and dryers. Thanks for making this collection such a success in prior years. Please share this information with your neighbors. Let’s keep Vermont clean and beautiful.
The CharloTTe News • April 23, 2015 • 7
The Humbled Parent What It Means to Be a Humble Parent Carrie Fenn CONTRIBUTOR
I love the title of this column. Perhaps I am stating the obvious, but what are all parents if not humble? If we are honest with ourselves, most of us have spent years exhausted, confused, perplexed. How will she turn out? Am I screwing my kid up? How did I get here? Few of us want to be just like our own parents, and even if we did, the psychological makeup of every human being is so maddeningly different and complex there is no way we can even begin to imagine how our own children are interpreting our parenting skills. And now that I have everyone thoroughly depressed and ready to throw in the towel...my take on parenting. I have been a parent for 28 years—more than half my life. I am still not particularly good at it (I learn a lot more from my kids than they learn from me), and yet, primarily because I have great kids, people assume I “know what I am doing.� After assuring a friend that it was okay our 16year-old boys were going to see Fifty of Shades of Gray last Saturday night, she
texted back, “you are so wise.� Hmmm. Wise is something I never feel—especially when I am not freaking out about my son going to see a movie that I really don’t want him to see (which, by the way, he thought was horrifying and atrocious, so at least that one worked out)—but I always feel as though every day as a parent is a new adventure. When friends talk to me about problems with their kids or their own issues in their parenting roles, I can usually muster up some appeasing advice. “It all works out.� “Just make sure he knows you love him.� “She’ll come around.� And I believe this stuff, because generally I believe it does work out, and kids do feel safer when they are loved, and in time they usually do come around. The only time I really feel confident is when I offer the advice given to me when I was a young parent. I didn’t really get it at the time, nor did I use the knowledge to the extent I should have, but it’s what I offer all couples I know who are embarking on parenting for the first time. This sage tidbit was bestowed upon me by Dick Hong, a long-time Charlotte resident (and avid
‘The only time I really feel confident is when I offer the advice given to me when I was a young parent.’
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Carrie Fenn tennis player). He was happily married to his lovely wife, Marion, until she passed a couple
of years ago, and they raised a slew of awesome adults. “We always acted as a team,� he told me. (Footnote—Dick is a great doubles player.) �We backed each other up, and we always made sure the primary relationship took precedence over the relationships with the kids.� Dick raised his kids in a different time than we live in now, but his advice is more important than ever, not only for the health of our kids but for the health of ourselves. Even single parents can take this advice, because the bottom line is a healthy adult (both emotionally and physically) is a better parent. As you care for your partner, as your partner cares for you, or as you simply care for yourself, you provide a stronger person for your child to learn from, because, after all, you aren’t raising a child. You’re raising an adult.
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8 • April 23, 2015 • The ChArloTTe News
CCS Board Discusses Personalized Learning Plans Brett Sigurdson THE CHARLOTTE NEWS
Fresh off the passage of its budget the night before, the CCS School Board got back to business at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting April 14, covering a wide agenda during its nearly two-hour meeting. By far the most in-depth discussion surrounded the planned debut of personalized learning plans, or PLPs. The initiative is part of a broader state effort called the Flexible Pathways Initiative, which was signed into law in 2013. The initiative calls for schools to develop a framework for implementing PLPs as a means for helping individual students to identify their academic, college and career goals and to meld them with a school’s academic assets. The PLP system is expected to begin for 7th and 9th graders by November. At the school board meeting, Co-Principal Audrey Boutaugh and middle-level counselor Kathy Batty presented on CCS’s implementation of the PLPs. “The PLP is a learning tool and a record of each child’s learning journey from 7th grade on to high school,” said Boutaugh, by way of definition. “This learning is planned and designed for each unique student and takes into account their strengths, their interests, their needs, their learning profiles.” Each PLP is tracked though an online program called Naviance. It consists of areas for each student to record and track his or her learning goals and objectives. Students will work closely with their teachers, as well as a cadre of partner teachers, who will act as guides not only through meeting state and federal educa-
tion standards, but also through exploring their own interests and educational goals. Each plan will be similar to those at CVU, so students and faculty can continue to track progress seamlessly to high school. To begin the process, this year’s 6thgrade students at CCS will take selfassessment tests next month in preparation for their 7th-grade year. In the fall of the next school year, they will begin to identify their interests and goals and the tasks they need to reach them. Before moving on to 8th grade, they’ll assess their goals and revise them if necessary. “It’s an evolutionary process,” said Boutaugh, who added that more grades will begin the PLP process gradually. Some board members wondered if the plans would serve as a distraction or create more work for teachers. Boutaugh noted that the PLP process will help teachers work closer with students to realize their educational goals. “It’s an opportunity to work with kids on a deeper level than we have in the past,” she said. Others wondered how these personal plans would augment objective education initiatives like the Common Core State Standards, which all students are expected to meet. Batty noted that PLPs are meant to help students meet these standards by investing them in their education. “We’re trying to put meaning to learning through this plan,” said Batty. “It does help kids figure out ‘What are my interests? Where am I going in life? What are the things I need to feel positive and happy in my life?’” School Board Chair Mark McDermott noted he’d like to see a report on the results of the first year of PLPs. For more on this new initiative, see News From CVU on the following page.
Vt Day School Open House May 3
A graphic shows the process of personalized learning plans, which enable students to begin planning for their high school, college and career goals. A new state standard, the PLPs will be implemented at CCS next fall. In other news, the board: • discussed looping at CCS, which sees students remaining with teachers for more than one year. Board member Susan Nostrand added the item as a discussion matter in order to discuss its history and effects on students, particularly in 3rd and 4th grades. A few audience members spoke out about issues they had with their children in the model, namely that it keeps students from mixing with their peers and that they found it hard to switch teachers when students don’t mix with the teacher’s style. • received an update on the move to repair the school’s roof, lighting and elevator. The bidding process will begin soon, and the board hopes to have contracts ready for approval in May so that projects can commence this summer. • approved the final day of school this year. Because of snow days, students will now attend school until Monday, June 15. Eighth grade graduation will still take place on June 11. The next regular school board meeting is schedule for May 19.
Vermont Day School, a new elementary school in Shelburne, is hosting an informational meeting on May 3 at 3 p.m. for prospective families to visit the school. Scheduled to open in the fall, Vermont Day offers academic instruction in core academic areas, and uses a project-based approach to learning in order to inspire students to become creative thinkers, problem-solvers, collaborative learners and effective communicators. According to Sage Bagnato, the school’s founder and head of school, Vermont Day School will focus on STEM education “so that students learn to make connections between these disciplines, and to integrate and apply their knowledge seamlessly.” Other features of the curriculum will include digital literacy, global studies and environmental stewardship. Currently, Vermont Day School is admitting K-5 students for the 20152016 school year. The future plan is to add an additional grade each year so that students can stay at Vermont Day School through 8th grade. As Bagnato states, “it’s important for children to have a continuous learning experience, from both an academic and social perspective.” Vermont Day School is located at 6701 Shelburne Road. For more information, visit the school’s website: vtdayschool.org, or email Sage Bagnato at info@vtdayschool.org.
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The CharloTTe News • April 23, 2015 • 9
News From CVU Working to Meet the Needs of All Learners at CVU Have you known a high school student, Recent state legislation, however, has who, at the end of four years, with gradu- provided us with an opportunity to expand ation around the corner, suddenly appears our work on such student-centered learnto “wake up” to a looming reality of life ing. In June 2013, Act 77, which includes after high school? Are you concerned Education Quality Standards, was signed when you see teenagers going through into law. This legislation requires that all the motions to satisfy graduation require- Vermont schools implement Personalized ments, out of touch Learning Plans with who they are, (PLPs) beginning how they are motiwith grades 7 and ‘No matter what, the 9 in 2015. CVU vated, and in what ways they see themPLP should be viewed believes that, if selves fitting into implemented well, as a living document that PLPs can be effecthe world? Transcending is reviewed and updated tive tools that can gender, socioecohelp students know regularly with caring nomic level and acathemselves, take demic performance, adults who can support responsibility for these concerns are their learning, and student goals.’ not new at CVU. begin to develop Grad Challenge a vision for their is an example of a futures after high program that aims to help students learn school. PLPs present the opportunity to deeply about themselves through a project shift the learning culture not only at CVU, that requires them to take control of a but, indeed, throughout the entire CSSU learning experience—directing the what, in time. why, where and when. Another example What do PLPs look like? This is actuis Advisory, a program that works to ally the work in which our district is presensure that each student is “well known” ently engaged. A large group of CSSU by at least one adult in the building. professionals and administrators from
every CSSU school (and 21 other school districts throughout the state) are attending in-depth learning workshops facilitated by the Great Schools Partnership and supported by a grant from the Agency of Education. This year-long experience is aimed specifically at the implementation of PLPs and proficiency(standards)-based learning, both state mandates. It is likely, though, that PLPs will consist of the following steps: building a self profile (who am I?); identifying personal goals; making a plan; implementing the plan; assessing goals; reflecting on goals; and, finally, revising goals, as students engage in new experiences and mature. Goals can be short- or long-term; they can be personal choice or required. The PLP itself might take the form of a paper or virtual portfolio. No matter what, the PLP should be viewed as a living document that is reviewed and updated regularly with caring adults who can support student goals. The purpose of the PLP is not to find a major or identify a career after high school. It is to help students internalize the process by which one knows
oneself and can envision specific steps to achieve personal goals—a lifelong and transferable skill. We are excited by the prospects offered by the PLP, but, as the old saying goes, “the devil is in the details.” The Agency of Education agrees, noting that the PLP “is only as good as the process that supports the development and use of the document.” We look forward to keeping you informed about the development of the PLP through stories from students and parents. In the meantime, we hope you agree that PLPs are a positive step away from the one-size-fits-all model of secondary education to a model that meets the needs of all learners. Prepared by CVU School Communications Committee
Board
School Board repreSentativeS lorna JimerSon, ljimerso@wcvt.com m arilyn r ichardSon , mkrichardson1520@gmail.com
Craft Fair at CVU, May 2 A For Kids–Make ‘n Take Craft Fair will be held May 2 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at CVU. Designed for children from pre-school through 4th grade and sponsored by the CVU Sophomore Class Council, this new event will coincide with the Access CVU Spring Craft Fair at the school and will provide a fun happening for youngsters from all around. Activities will be set up in separate stations and include: decorate your own cookies, put together Perler bead items, create your own placemats, make bottlecap magnets, paint a pet rock, craft a suncatcher, and four stations devoted to Mother’s Day gift making for those kids wanting to give gifts. All stations will be supervised by CVU sophomores. Michelle Fongemie, CVU English educator and Sophomore Class Council supervisor, says, “The students are super excited to work with the younger kids to help them create as many interesting works as possible while they are here. There is no limit to the creativity of the young!”
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10 • April 23, 2015 • The ChArloTTe News
Food &Field Photo: yourFarmStand.com
Farm to Table Right Here in Charlotte Vera Simon-Nobes
markets, CSAs and dollars spent on local foods per capita. The following notes will provide a few strategies for sourcing While our beautiful Charlotte soils are farm-fresh food so we can proudly defend soaking up the snow melt, geese are fly- this number one rank into the future. Community Supported Agriculture ing north, and new fox pups are exploring forests and fields, our community’s farm- (CSA) farms offer a subscription model ers are preparing for a bountiful and deli- of shopping, where customers pay up cious growing season. This summer you front for a share of the farm’s produce. should have no trouble sourcing locally CSA farms may distribute the boxes of grown beef for the best burger you’ve ever farm-fresh food at the farm or at another had, sun-ripened tomatoes for that perfect location. Pick-up is often weekly, but tomato-basil salad or spring spinach that some farms offer bi-weekly options. The will remind you that good things come to contents of a “share” vary depending on those who wait. Currently, Vermont leads what’s growing at the farm. Many contain the United States in number of farmers eggs, vegetables and meats, and sometimes the farm offers other farms’ products as well, so cheese, bread, jams and ELP PROCEEDS H grains may be T R O SUPP included. r e te lun Hospice Vo AND When you Services m o d sign up to is W f Women o become a CSA member with a farm, you are committing to CONTRIBUTOR
Sweet Charity
Whether you’re
moving or simply
Brittany and Drew Slabaugh of Shakeyground Farm in Charlotte sell at the Shelburne Farmers Market each summer. fresh, healthy products. Your ability to pay for the share up front offers the farm financial security and helps them pay for labor, equipment, seeds and other costs incurred early in the season. Your purchase also helps farms to disperse the financial risks of crop failures. Most CSAs are about more than just purchasing food. You become a shareholder in a farm, and you get to celebrate the harvest with other CSA members each week. Some farms offer member newsletters, events and specials such as pick-your-own flowers or herbs. Now is the time to sign up for a CSA share. Several farms offering CSA shares that may be convenient to Charlotte residents are: Stony Loam Farm—Charlotte—stonyloamfarm.com
REDECORATING, please consider donating to Sweet Charity
All donations matter! We love... ...dishes, artwork, bookcases, books, lamps, glassware, furniture, tables, rugs, decorations... what have you?!
Farmers markets Farmers markets have a tremendous variety of foods (and sometimes crafts) available, and customers can purchase from many vendors all in a day. Like CSAs, farmers markets are an important puzzle piece when it comes to building viable small farms, because the customer’s whole dollar goes to the farm, instead of being split between farmer and distributor. With music, smiling neighbors and
The CSA pick-up stand at Stony Loam Farm on Hinesburg Road in Charlotte.
www.sweetcharityvt.com 141A Main St, Vergennes
Full Moon Farm—Hinesburg—fullmoonfarminc.com Trillium Hill Farm—Hinesburg—trilliumhillfarm.net Needham Family Farm—Hinesburg— needhamfamilyfarm.com Last Resort Farm—Monkton—lastresortfarm.com Bella Farm—Monkton—bellapesto. com Golden Well Farm & Apiaries—New Haven—goldenwellapiaries.com Essex Farm—Essex, NY—essexfarmcsa.com Many more CSA farms are listed on the NOFA-VT webpage: nofavt.org/findorganic-food/csa-listing.
• 877-6200 • Mon-Sat 10am-5:00pm Photo credit: Stony Loam Farm
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The CharloTTe News • April 23, 2015 • 11 the freshest food around, it’s hard to think June 11, Thursdays 3–6 p.m. at the Town of a reason not to frequent a local farmers Green. market this summer. Looking to travel farther afield? Visit Did you know that in 2014, 38 Vermont the NOFA-VT farmers market directory farmers markets accepted EBT/SNAP to search for a market by day or location. (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program)? Vermont receives over $11 Independent RetaIleRs, supeRmaRkets million per month in food benefits from and Co-ops the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Situated between Burlington and Program. Through the Vermont Farmers’ Middlebury, Charlotters have a large Market EBT and Debit Cards Project, selection of grocery stores to choose from recipients of the SNAP can support the and wonderful products abound within state’s agricultural community and obtain them. Just within our borders, we have the highest quality of foods. Farmers Fat Cow Farm beef at Carrie Spear’s store benefit as well when in East Charlotte, federal dollars are Maplebrook spent right here in Farm ‘Eating Vermont-grown food is rella at mozzaVermont. Little Families partici- about knowing your local farm- Garden Market pating in WIC or Shelburne ers and introducing new foods to and living at or below Orchards apples your family, but it’s also about in the Old Brick 185% of the poverty level can receive famous job creation and ensuring that Store’s $30 worth of cousandwiches pons to be spent at the working landscape that sets in the village. participating farmour state apart from all the rest Middlebury ers markets through Natural Food remains viable for future the Farm to Family Co-op, City Program. More info Market and generations’ on coupon distriHealthy Living bution is available all carry an in the June WIC assortment of Newsletter or by calling 800-464-4343. Vermont-raised food, and it’s becoming Shelburne Farmers Market will open more common to see Vermont-grown May 30. Saturdays 9 a.m.-1p.m. at the foods on the shelves at larger chain superShelburne town center. sbpavt.org/farm- markets as well. Wherever you’re grocery ers_market.php shopping, keep in mind that your request Hinesburg Lions Farmers Market will for a specific local product can go a long open June 5. Thursdays 3:30-6:30 p.m. at way. If you’d like to see more locally the United Church. hinesburglionsfarm- grown products on store shelves, take a ersmarket.org moment to speak with the manager and Vergennes Farmers Market will open let your voice be heard! pICk-YouR-own, FaRm stands and GRow-YouR-own Picking blueberries with thunderheads rolling overhead is the epitome of summer, and we are fortunate to have Adam’s Berry Farm join Pelkey’s and the Charlotte Berry Farm in the PYO landscape last year. Farm stands are also always worth the stop. Fat Cow Farm beef will be available in its Bingham Brook Road store, which debuted this winter. The Fresh View Farm on Route 7 near the Ferrisburgh line looks forward to another season of selling some of the best eggs in town. Of course, these are all options for purchasing food, and anyone whose eyes wander to the backyards around town know that many residents have voracious green thumbs! Growing vegetable gardens or raising livestock can be rewarding
A happy blueberry customer with a full basket at Adam’s Berry Farm in Charlotte. Photo credit: AdAm’s Berry FArm
YourFarmStand Celebrates Five Years Mike Walker Contributor Yourfarmstand is five years old this year! Back in its first week in July 2010, seven customers picked up their bags of local produce from the porch of the Brick Store; now over 30 producers sell in Charlotte’s online farmers’ market with hundreds of people buying local produce each year. Yourfarmstand started as a simple idea to help neighbors exchange surplus harvest vegetables. It rapidly developed into a sophisticated website where producers list items for sale in real time, and customers can make purchases from different farmers in a single transaction with the whole order being picked up in one bag at a chosen location—the Old Brick Store, Spear’s Corner store, Yoga Roots and the Flying Pig Bookstore. In a rapidly evolving local food scene, Yourfarmstand has stuck to its original principle of making it simple to buy from local farmers directly. “People value the huge range of produce available on Yourfarmstand, combined with the flexibility of being able to choose as much or as little as you like,” founder Suzy Hodgson said. “And many cusprojects, and trading home-grown food with neighbors and friends is a delicious form of summertime commerce. While we hope summer is a bountiful and healthy time for all, it is important to remember that there are Vermonters and community members right here in Charlotte who cannot access enough food to lead healthy lives. Children are especially vulnerable to food insecurity during the summertime, when they aren’t receiving free or reduced meals from school. In fact, one in five Vermont children experiences hunger or food hardship, and 13% of all Vermont households are food
tomers check what’s for sale a couple of times or more during the week. Many of our customers are already local food supporters and use Yourfarmstand to supplement their CSA shares, but the site also introduces local products to a lot of people who might not yet be part of the local food movement.” In addition to seasonal vegetables and fruit, Yourfarmstand offers a great variety of meats from local farms—beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and traditional and specialty sausages such as chorizo and merguez. There are also eggs, prepared foods such as pesto and bean burgers, cheese and even locally produced staples such as oils, vinegar, beans and flour so you can eat locally year round. Other communities in Vermont and beyond have adopted the system and use Yourfarmstand to host their own online markets. The system is highly decentralized so each market is run by a local coordinator and offers produce local to that area only, staying true to the principle of building and strengthening hyper-local relationships between producers and consumers. To see what’s for sale, visit yourfarmstand.com.
insecure. You can learn more about food insecurity through Hunger Free VT at hungerfreevt.org. To build a more food-secure Vermont, consider making a contribution to the Vermont Farm Share Program, which offers subsidized CSA shares to limitedincome families within their communities. Contributing columnist Vera Simon-Nobes co-chairs the Farm to Plate Agritourism Task Force.
12 • April 23, 2015 • The ChArloTTe News
Out-Doors
by Elizabeth Bassett
Elizabeth Bassett CONTRIBUTOR
When brown stretches to the horizon, where to find spring? Visit a greenhouse or, better yet, several! Charlotte has two retail greenhouses so I went for a visit. BritSue’s Greenhouses are tucked between Spear’s Store and Tenney’s Store at Baptist Corners. I called Britney Tenney. “I’m in the MS Walk this morning and then afterwards I’m going to an event for Camp Ta Kum Ta,” Britney said of her Saturday. “My dad can show you around.” Walking into any warm, humid space on a chilly gray day is a balm. Two plastic greenhouses at BritSue’s are exploding with young plants. “We opened the greenhouses on March 1,” says Britney’s father, Rick Tenney. “We start most of our plants from seed but also buy some plugs to transplant. Otherwise we’d have to start heating the greenhouses in January, and we simply can’t afford to do that.” Rick Tenney milked cows for many years, but he also worked at Gecewicz greenhouses on Spear Street. “That’s where I learned the importance of good soil,” Rick says. The third and most recent of their greenhouses is for mixing soil. “We use an old bathtub and a home cement mixer,” Rick says. “They aren’t much to look at but they are perfect for the job.” Half-inch tomato seedlings cover one bench next to a similar expanse of red
and green peppers. Nearby a flat of basil seedlings is fringed with brown. “UPS dropped these off at our door at 8 p.m. one night when it was well below freezing,” Rick says. “We found them in the morning. Britney has put in a claim. She is so organized—my daughter keeps me in line!” A 2013 graduate of Champlain College, Britney is Charlotte’s planning and zoning assistant. “I’m still running the greenhouses with my dad. Over the past few weeks we’ve been working to get the soil mixed, seeds planted, and the plugs arranged. We will be officially opening on Mother’s Day weekend, but people are welcome to drop in any time to see what we have going on.” At Horsford Gardens & Nursery, nestled between Route 7 and Greenbush Road, things were buzzing on opening day, Monday, April 13. Co-owner Eileen Schilling was sorting boxes of bulbs and tubers, tractors zipped back and forth, and knots of workers clustered on the mats and in the fields. “They’re potting up in the greenhouse,” Eileen said. “Even Leo is there!” Leo is the legendary Leo Roberts, a fixture at Horsford’s for more years than he cares to admit. “I retired last year,” Leo said, “but I’m feeling great so I just couldn’t stay away. I won’t stay the
Leo Roberts in the greenhouse at Horsford Gardens & Nursery.
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Photos: ElizabEth bassEtt
Where to Find Spring in Charlotte—Indoors!
(Above) Rick Tenney at BritSue's Greenhouse in East Charlotte. (Left) Petunias at Horsfords. whole season, probably just until June.” Leo and Gianetta Bertin were indeed potting, row after row, pot after pot, methodically pulling tiny plugs out of one-inch cells, scraping off the very bottom of each plug, then slipping them into three- and four-inch, soil-filled pots. “Leo and I have been doing this work together for years,” Gianetta said. “This is my fun job. My other job is working as a registered nurse at the Charlotte Community Health Center. Leo and I talk; we solve the problems of the world while we work!”
Take a Break for Mud Season GMC asks hikers to avoid muddy hiking trails The Green Mountain Club, maintainer and protector of Vermont’s Long Trail, asks hikers to think of alternate activities from April 15 until Memorial Day weekend. Warmer temperatures and a substantial winter snowpack have made Vermont’s hiking trails wet, muddy and especially prone to erosion. Hikers walking on saturated soils or on the sides of trails can cause irreversible erosion and damage surrounding vegetation in the Green Mountains. Officially closed state lands include: Coolidge State Forest, Camel’s Hump State Park, Mansfield State Forest, Long Trail State Forest, Jay State Forest and all other state forest lands. Trails in the Green Mountain National Forest are not officially closed, but the USDA Forest
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More importantly, as they move down the rows, they turn the long benches into bands of green. White plastic tags poke above the foliage in each small pot. Gianetta and Leo duck their heads between baskets hanging overhead, still showing more plastic than greenery. “We pinch back the plants as soon as they flower, but if you want a taste of spring there are a few petunias in the corner.” Gianetta pointed toward a rectangle of purple and white. “Today it will be spring,” Leo pronounced. “I am sure of it.”
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Service asks hikers to avoid muddy higher elevation trails like the Long Trail until Memorial Day weekend. “It’s been a long winter and everyone is itching to take a hike. If a trail is so muddy that you need to walk on the soil beside it, turn back and seek an alternative area to hike or an alternate outdoor activity like canoeing or biking,” recommends GMC Director of Trail Programs Dave Hardy. Dry trails at lower elevations, dirt roads and recreation paths provide excellent opportunities for spring activities. The GMC thanks hikers for their cooperation in helping to preserve one of Vermont’s finest recreational resources— its hiking trails. For information on mud season hiking opportunities, please contact the Green Mountain Club at gmc@greenmountainclub.org or on the web at greenmountainclub.org.
The CharloTTe News • april 23, 2015 • 13
Charlotte as Forest Guardian of Our Lake Larry Hamilton CONTRIBUTOR
Lately there has been considerable discussion about the need to improve the quality of water in our beloved Lake Champlain. Such quality is key to a pure water supply and healthy water recreation. With the entire western side of our town as shoreline to this wonderful body of water, Charlotte has a key role and responsibility as guardian of water quality for our “inland sea.” Relatively new statemandated shoreland use regulations are now in effect, and shore-abutting landowners need to be aware of them. These may be consulted online at Vermont Shoreland Protection Act. In addition, our town has had its own designated shoreline and shoreland zones covered by regulations as to tree cutting and vegetation removal. This regulatory policy also helps the situation. Check with the Town Planner Jeannine McCrumb. But there is an arena often overlooked that can help Vermont achieve less polluted water, suitable for drinking and recreation—our forests, nature’s best and cheapest purifier. Headwater forests in our uplands, for example the foothills of the Green Mountains where Lewis Creek and the La Platte begin, are best land cover for preventing erosion. They also filter out air pollution deposits such as lead, mercury and arsenicals. The same is true of Thorp and Holmes brooks on a smaller scale. But it is in the lower stretches of our streams where forests really shine. As Rose Paul, the science and stewardship director of the Vermont Nature Conservancy, states: “Floodplain forests play a critical role in producing clean water because they are the last stop for lake pollutants like phosphorous. The buck can stop here—forest vegetation absorbs pollutants and sediment, and reduces flood damage by soaking up floodwaters. Nature’s resiliency is vividly
on display in the floodplain forest ecosystem with its natural ability to create checks and balances to our excesses.” Moreover the forest-shrub riparian zones are also guardians. These often unkempt and wild areas adjacent to our streams are important sediment and nutrient-laden agricultural runoff filters that keep such water impairment out of the lake. Trees on banks impart bank stability with their roots, provide shade to keep the water cooler and provide food for fish. And according to Paul, they are an ideal environment for eagles and osprey, nesting wood ducks and orioles, and they provide cover for mink and otter that use aquatic habitat. The importance of preserving buffer zones of 50 feet or more from each bank is hard to overemphasize. Cattle may need access to water, but a fenced passage to the stream can protect this important riparian buffer to fields that are grazed or cropped. Road salt for de-icing is another pollutant that winds up in the lake. Recent monitoring of salt pollution reveals the La Platte as having the highest levels of 13 rivers entering the lake from Vermont and New York. I would take a guess that this may be due to Shelburne’s policy of bare roads for winter driving. Incidentally, this policy is probably why there are so very few roadside sugar maple shade trees, for sugar maple is particularly sensitive to salt. Your friendly tree warden is pleased to note there is increasing recognition of the importance of floodplain forest and wooded riparian zones plus a protected shoreline. Kudos to the Lewis Creek Association, to the Town of Charlotte for its long-time shoreland zoning districts, and to the Planning Commission that understands the key role of stream buffer areas. Larry Hamilton is Charlotte's volunteer tree warden.
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Charlotte arbor Day DeClaration Whereas trees in the Town of Charlotte contribute significantly to the beauty of our landscape; And recognizing moreover that trees provide many valuable environmental services such as shade in summer, carbon fixation, oxygen production, soil erosion reduction, more favorable groundwater recharge, and habitat for many forms of other plant and animal life; And also noting that our aging shade tree population is succumbing to increasing pest damage, and storm damage causing loss or disfigurement; And whereas new tree planting is not compensating for these losses; Therefore, the Charlotte Town Selectboard, recognizing that it is a good and worthy thing for residents to plant trees for the benefit of present and future generations, hereby: Declares May 1, 2015 to be designated as Charlotte Arbor Day and encourages tree planting; and It notes with pleasure that there will be an Arbor Day celebration at Charlotte Central School on May 1, and an assessment of our roadside tree planting with a view to replacing any failed trees; and The Selectboard encourages Charlotte residents to plant and care for trees at this time. Approved: SelectboArd MeMberS
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14 • April 23, 2015 • The ChArloTTe News
SportS Machavern cruises to second place at Homestead-Miami The Trans Am Championship racing series for the first time posted its Trans Am 2 class cars in their own race. Dillon Machavern of Charlotte, driving a Heritage Ford Mustang with #24 painted clearly on the door, powered his way through the pack so that by the seventh circuit of the track he was in third place, moving into second on the 28th lap. He focused on finishing in that position, which he managed to do in the 75-minute race. Dillon said that his crew worked hard on the car’s chassis all weekend in order to make it competitive, and he looks forward to taking the result of their hard work and his driving skills and building up to a top finish at Road Atlanta in several weeks.
Joseph sisters lead CVU women’s tennis to a strong season start Junior Kathy Joseph and her younger sister Stephanie have led the Redhawk tennis team to four victories in early season play. Kathy, a two-time state champion, plays number one singles, her sister number two. In the matches, their wins have all consisted of the minimum two sets. Meara Heininger and Hadley Menk, a couple of doubles players from Charlotte, have also aided the
CVU cause, most recently in the 7-0 team victory over Essex. Starting off the season with two victories, the CVU men’s tennis players slipped recently, losing 7-0 to South Burlington and 5-2 to Essex. Charlotte senior and cocaptain Nathan Comai has been the number two and number three singles player, along with teammate Ethan Leonard who also played on Charlotte’s lakeside courts before heading to CVU. Sophomore Ben Hyams played singles in the first two matches of the season, defeating his Rice opponent after losing his opener to a Burlington High School player.
coach Tim Albertson was quoted in the Free Press saying, “It’s nice to have the quality type of pitching we have.� The Redhawk softball team traveled to South Burlington April 16 to face the Rebels with the home team managed a single-run win by scoring five in the bottom of the sixth inning for a 7-6 victory. The loss gave the Hawks a 0-2 record for the season, having lost their opener to Mount Mansfield.
Edd Merritt Sports Roundup
Baseball, softball feel nature's wrath Most affected by wet fields, rain and dark of night, the CVU baseball and softball teams have managed few games so far in 2015. For the hard-ballers, that “few� meant less than one complete game as darkness overcame them at the end of nine innings with the score tied at one between the Redhawks and South Burlington. Pitching by both teams was a feature of the game to that point. The Rebel starter and reliever gave up only a single hit while CVU’s Rayne Supple, Will Potter and Sam Mikell combined mound duty, allowing only two hits. Giving his take on CVU’s strength this year,
CVU Track is back There must be something challenging about running over Church Hill or along the Charlotte lake roads, leaping fences or tossing heavy objects into Lake Champlain, because in looking at the results of CVU track teams, one sees many Charlotte names among both longand short-distance runners, hurdlers, high jumpers and weight throwers—particularly for the women’s team. In a recent three-school meet against Milton and Peoples Academy, the top spots went to Sadie Otley in the 100-meter dash and the 300-meter hurdles; Malina Carroll in the 200-meter sprint; Maeve Higgins in the 800-meter run; Sophia Gorman in the 3,000-meter race; and Michaela Flore put the shot 28 feet, 6 inches, then threw the discus 79 feet and 10 inches to win both events. Naomi Burhans, Morgan Schnell and Annabella Pugliese finished among the top three in several categories. The men threw Stowe into the Milton, Peoples Academy mix, but it did not seem to hinder CVU as it won the meet handily by 126 points over secondplace Milton. Top-three finishers from Charlotte included Zaq Urbaitel in the
110-meter hurdles, Adam Hamilton in the high jump, Silas Cleveland putting the shot and Alex Guyette heaving the javelin.
Women’s lacrosse is off to a fast start, men’s LAX struggles Despite the fact that they lost 10 of last season’s players to graduation and that they have a new coach, Becca Weiss, the Redhawk women’s lacrosse team has won its two opening season games. Freshman Lydia Maitland led the team to a win over Rutland, scoring twice— the second late in the game—to make it 14-13 in favor of CVU. Moving to the artificial turf of South Burlington’s field, the Redhawk women then gained a 14-3 win over Colchester behind three hat tricks from Megan Gannon, Annie Keen and Emma Owens. Bailee Pudvar in goal covered her net well, stopping a dozen or more shots in each game. When was the last time that CVU’s men’s lacrosse team lost four games in a row? Probably never since they began playing as a varsity sport in the early 1990s. Unfortunately, last year’s Division I state champions have some revamping to do if they are going to repeat. Their defense is strong and plentiful, but they lack the steady scoring from their attack and midfield. Charlotte’s Elliot Mitchell scored a hat trick and midfielders Walter Braun and Kyle Jaunich almost brought the Redhawks their first win in Hanover, New Hampshire. However, CVU suffered its second overtime setback 12-11 after having lost its opener in overtime to Essex, 10-9. South Burlington and Cape Elizabeth, Maine, stayed at CVU’s end of the pitch to capture 10-5 and 9-6 wins over the Redhawks.
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The CharloTTe News • april 23, 2015 • 15
Rec News by Kristin Hartley Currently Spring is officially here! Lacrosse has begun, the town tennis courts are now open and ready for play, and the rest of our outdoor spring programming will begin the first week of May. We have added quite a few adult programs so I hope you will try some of them out and get to know your neighbors. On another note, the Recreation Commission unfortunately is losing Jessie Bradley, a long-time volunteer (25 years!), from the commission. Jessie has made an incredible difference in our community and we would like to say a big thank you for all she has done.
OutdOOr spring prOgramming Check out the official lacrosse practice schedule below. Afterschool Tennis takes place at the town courts and is run by Kylie deGroot, an experienced player and teacher of tennis. This is a great way to introduce your child to the sport of tennis. Afterschool Golf is now full. Kindergarten Soccer will take place five Fridays after school beginning May 1. This is a chance to get out and play a little soccer with your friends and enjoy a
snack on the playground. Track and Field is shared with our neighboring towns, Hinesburg and Williston. After another successful season the track and field program will continue its affiliation with the Parisi Speed School. Participants will learn the basics of running, jumping, throwing and relays. This program is for ages 7–14 and begins June 17 at the CVU track.
summer Camps We offer a lot of great camps here in Charlotte. Here is a list of what we have so far; there may be additions as the spring continues. Green Thumbs directed by Tai Dinnan and Stacey Carter. This camp takes place at CCS and is for five-year-olds to rising 5th graders. June 22–26 and August 3–7. Days filled with gardening tasks, art projects, free play, taste-testing, outdoor exploration, sprinkler play and garden-to- The Recreation Commission says good-bye to Jessie Bradley. After 25 years, she plate cooking. has decided to retire from the commission. Tim Serrell Tennis Clinic is a free tennis clinic run by Amy deGroot. This sessions but you can join class at any is a Charlotte tradition made possible by 10–14. It should be lots of fun! Camp Hoopla! is a camp to be held time. Registration required. a generous trust set aside by Tim Serrell. at Charlotte Central School the week of Adult Early Morning Boot Camp is This program takes place June 22–26. June 29–July 3. Play with the pros in the place to be at 6 a.m. on Tuesdays and Three soccer camps will be held in music and circus arts. Develop talents Thursdays at CCS. It is so much fun! We Charlotte this summer! in music, theatrical clowning, juggling have such a great community, come out Our first camp is the British Challenger and improvisation with Mr. Smith and and join us and make a commitment to Soccer Camp to be held July 13–Woodhead. fitness. There are eight class sessions but 17, followed by the Tetrabrazil Soccer Summer Sailing Camp will be hapyou can join at any point. Registration Camp July 20–-24, and last but not least pening the week of July 6–10. This camp required. the Voltage Soccer Camp to be held takes place at the Community Sailing Come try Pickle Ball if you haven’t August 17–-21. Center located in Burlington. Sign up already. On May 1 we will begin our outCharlotte residents can enjoy Summer with your friends for a morning on the door season as the Charlotte beach nets Horseback Riding Camp at the Livery lake learning how to sail. are up. Monday and Wednesday 6–7:30 Stables in Hinesburg. We have two p.m. are the times allotted to our pickle weeks set aside; July 27–31 and August adult prOgramming ball drop-ins at CCS through the end of Community Cooking Class: Come this month. There are paddles provided if cook with your neighbors! Stacy Fraser, you do not have one and instruction if you EatingWell’s Test Kitchen Manager are just starting out. and long-time Charlotte resident, is This spring Charlotte will be hostoffering a community cooking class ing a Puppy Workshop and a Basic hosted at the Charlotte Senior Center. Dog Obedience Workshop to be held Class members will prepare an easy, Saturday, May 23. These classes are two healthy, Italian-inspired meal together. hours in length and run by Lori Bielawa May 9, 5–8 p.m. of Waggles. SOLO Wilderness First Aid The Recreation Department now has a Course: The WFA is the perfect course Facebook page for program updates and for the outdoor enthusiast or trip leader action photos. I hope you will check it out who want a basic level of first aid train- at Charlotte VT Recreation Dept. ing for a short trip with family, friends Registration forms for all programs and outdoor groups. Class held June 6 and more information can be found on and 7, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CPR offered 5–7 our town website (charlottevt.org) or here p.m. at the Charlotte Town Offices. As always Mat Pilates is a great way to start there are full and partial scholarships your week. Class is held Monday morn- available for all recreation programs. If ings 6–7 a.m. in the MPR room at you have any questions about any of CCS. Come flow through a series of our programs contact Kristin Hartley at dynamic movements that restore bal- recreation@townofcharlotte.com or 802ance to core muscles of the lower back 425-6129 Ext. 204. and abdominals. There are four class
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16 • April 23, 2015 • The ChArloTTe News
Charlotte Senior Center
The Café Menu
by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator Enjoy a collection of lectures, perbeen looking for a class formances and special events showcasthat challenges you but ing the diverse interests of our commudoesn’t leave you in the nity on Wednesday afternoons begindust, then this is for you. ning at 1 p.m. Registration required. April 29: The Secrets of Survivors Limit 10. Fee: $60. presented by a CERT Team and the ——— Medical Reserve Corp. in association The first Spring Road with CVAA, VNA, Vermont 211 and Hike in the Champlain FEMA. Valley with Marty Even though everyone has differMorrissey will depart on ent needs and abilities, we can all take Tuesday, April 28, and steps to prepare for all kinds of emerhead to Ripton. Please gencies. This presentation will help meet at the Senior Center you evaluate your own personal needs 10 minutes prior to our 9 and make a plan so you can be better a.m. departure with water, prepared for an emergency, whether good hiking or walka train wreck or a weather disaster. ing shoes and a snack or Complimentary handouts, check lists Participants get fit at the Friday morning step aerobics lunch. This hike starts at class with Pam Lord at the Senior Center. and Go Bags for all participants. the Skylight Pond trailMay 6: Housing Options as head and heads north on Summer—Fitness for every body with We Age with Roberta Coffin, M.D., Ginger Lambert begins Friday mornings USFS Road 59 to the Natural Turnpike Annmarie Plant, R.N., B.A., C.C.M., from 9:15-10 a.m. Dates: April 17, 24, for a couple of miles and return. The President, Armistead Senior Care, and May 1, 8, 15, 22. road is closed to traffic and relatively Brenda Schill, Executive Director, We all have different body types and flat. A lovely walk where last year we Eastview. Aging can bring challenges but fitness experience but know that being saw deer. Our second hike will be on also an opportunity for exciting changes. strong and fit helps us to live our lives to Tuesday, May 5, to Bristol Waterworks. Join us for a panel discussion highlight- their full potential. Using timed intervals Registration required. No fee. ing a personal perspective from Roberta and a series of stations this class will ——— Coffin, M.D., former Commissioner of incorporate body weight, light weights Join Elizabeth Llewellyn for a Health, administrator at FAHC and world and other cardio/strength building tools Drawing With Pen and Ink class traveler. Our discussion will include sev- to boost strength, cardiovascular fitness, Thursday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. eral housing choices: downsizing, right- agility and flexibility. Some active games Dates: April 30, May 7, 14, 21. Ink is sizing, home sharing or staying where will be included to make this a fun a wonderfully flexible drawing medium you are. How do you choose what’s right and interesting workout. Joint and liga- that has been popular for centuries. In for you? ment issues will be taken into account. this beginner class we will discuss the ——— Every exercise can be modified for any different materials available and how to Getting Ready for an Active ability or level of fitness. If you have use them. We will practice the two types of marks that can be applied to paper: dots and lines. Using different textur-
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Monday, april 27 Chicken tortilla soup Caesar salad Cranberry orange bread Dessert surprise Wednesday, april 29 Smoked sausage and sauerkraut Baked potatoes Homemade dessert Monday, May 4 Chicken soup Homemade bread Carrot salad Bert’s dessert Wednesday, May 6 Meatballs in marinara sauce Rice and broccoli Alfredo Birthday cake and ice cream Senior luncheons are held every Wednesday at noon; reservations are necessary in advance and can be made by calling the Senior Center at 802-425-6345. Reservations are not required for the Monday Munch; a $4 donation is requested. ing techniques— contour lines, parallel lines, cross hatching, stippling and scrumbling—students will draw a variety of subjects in ink. All skill levels welcome. Please bring a sketchbook, pencil and ink pen to the first class. Registration required. Limit 10. Fee: $65. And, of course, new sessions of our old favorites, Pilates, Tai Chi and Yoga begin in April. Not sure which one is right for you? Come try a class to be sure.
The CharloTTe News • april 23, 2015 • 17
Margaret Woodruff CONTRIBUTOR
Neil Gaiman’s quote, “Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one,” plasters library-loving Facebook pages and Twitter feeds around the globe. While we can’t promise the speed of a Google search, we do endeavor to tailor our search efforts to suit your needs. From daily title requests to more infrequent queries about creameries in Charlotte, even our small library handles a remarkable variety of questions—and with enthusiasm! We revel in the satisfaction of tracking down the next book in a series for an avid reader or locating the long-lost ancestor for a summer visitor. Not only do these quests satisfy our hunting instincts, they also answer a prime mission of libraries everywhere: providing access to information to everyone. As stated in the American Library Association Code of Ethics, “we [libraries] have a special obligation to ensure the free flow of information and ideas to present and future generations.” Here in Charlotte, this means our doors are open and our services available to all.
Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Night Knitters. Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m. Identity Theft. Amy Schram from the Better Business Bureau covers the common scams currently circulating the community, the red flags to watch out for, and the tactics consumers can use to protect themselves and their identities. A Money Smart Week program. Saturday, May 2, & Sunday, May 3, Charlotte Seed Library at Green Up Day. Pick up your seeds as you drop off your trash at the CCS Green Up Day site! We have a terrific selection of seeds for starting or direct planting, thanks to a generous gift from Seed Savers Exchange and Charlotte’s own fabulous gardeners. Monday, May 4, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Monday Maker Club: Altoid Tin Flashlights. We tackle “tinnovation” as we turn Altoid tins into handy flashlights using some maker skills and imagination. Friday, May 8, at 10:30 a.m. Scrabble Friday for Adults. Start from scratch or reacquaint yourself with this favorite word game with tournament player Susanna Kahn. Monday, May 11, at 10 a.m. Mystery Book Group. Our continental mystery tour continues as we read a Maigret mystery by Georges Simenon. Copies will be available at the circulation desk to check out for reading before our meeting. Coffee and refreshments provided. Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. Know Your Chances Book Discussion. Join Jane Kearns, Director of the Hartness Library at Vermont Tech and Community College of Vermont, and Lauren Olewnik, Instruction and Reference Librarian, Castleton College, for a book discussion of Know Your Chances: Understanding Health Statistics. Authors Steven Woloshin and Lisa Schwarts wrote
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this accessible book to “help you … become a better consumer of health messages, and foster better communication between you and your doctor.” The book is a quick read and is freely available online on the PubMed Health bookshelf at: http://goo.gl/mFxl28. Please note: In advance of our library inventory next month, we’d like to remind you of our borrowing guidelines. No fines or fees charged. Circulation period: Two weeks for all library materials except interlibrary loans (ILL); ILL due dates are scheduled by interlibrary loan librarian. Overdues & Restrictions: Two weeks after due date—first notice issued via email or phone. Four weeks after due date—second notice issued. Six weeks after due date—restriction notice and bill mailed to patron.
Library Contact Information Director Margaret Woodruff
Hours Mon, Wed: 10 a.m.-–7 p.m. Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10 a.m.-–5 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.-–2 p.m.
Phone 802-425-3864
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Affordable Wooded Lot Unpretentious Privacy Dreamed of Lake Views? Live in Historic Splendor On 13.5 acres nestled in a This 3 bedroom Contemporary In a super commuting location. Located in the heart of Just a stone’s throw from woodland and just minutes Cape was designed to take Charlotte, this 1812 Tavern is Route 7 in Ferrisburgh, this from Charlotte Central School, advantage of the Lake currently used as professional newly created 5.8 acre wooded office space but could be a this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Champlain views for miles, Contemporary is a surprising from Westport/ Basin Harbor to lot will have a three bedroom great home! A solid structure delight. Features a state of the Essex/Converse Bay plus the septic design included with the & one of Charlotte’s most sale. View potential. Monkton. art Chef’s kitchen. Charlotte. Adirondacks. Charlotte. recognizable landmarks. $69,000 | MLS# 4399856 $598,000 | MLS# 4355115 $597,500 | MLS# 4378694 $798,000 | MLS# 4406880
Chris von Trapp, REALTOR® Chris@ChrisvonTrapp.com (802) 343-4591
18 • April 23, 2015 • The ChArloTTe News
Community EvEnts Thursday THEATER: Middlebury Community Players are bringing the raucous musical comedy Spamalot to the Town Hall Theater April 23–May 3. Shows are 8 p.m. on Thursdays– Saturdays, April 23–25 and April 29–May 3, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on April 26 and May 3. The May 3 Sunday matinee will have American Sign Language interpretation. Thursday performances $15, all other shows $23 adults/$18 students with ID. Town Hall Theater Box Office, Monday–Saturday, noon–5 p.m., 802-382-9222, or online at townhalltheater.org. MUSIC: Saint Michael’s College presents the Akoma World Music Ensemble, Beginning Drum/Dance Ensemble, and the Global Issues in Music classes joining together at 7:20 p.m. in the Roy event room, Dion Student Center (3rd floor). Featuring guest artists Soriba Simbo Camara of Guinea, Eli Wolasi of Ghana and Johnny Scovel of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Info: Josselyne Price, jprice@smcvt.edu.
April 24 Friday TALK: Saint Michael’s College presents “A Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Launch of the Hubble Space Telescope!” with Saint Michael’s Physics Professor John O’Meara. 6 p.m. in Cheray Science Hall Room 101. Weather permitting, NASA Solar System ambassador Tom Estill will lead a night sky observing with telescopes and will bring a number of hands-on activities. Info: 802-654-2985. FILM: Saint Michael’s College presents a French film, the drama J’enrage de son absence (Maddened By His Absence), 7 p.m. in Cheray Science Hall Room 111. Sponsored by the Department of Modern Languages and Literature and the Alliance Francaise. Info: Laurence Clerfeuille, lclerfeuille@smcvt.edu.
April 25 saTurday EVENT: Bird monitoring walks. Last Saturdays, April 25, May 30, June 27, 8:00 a.m. in April and 7:30 a.m. in May, June. Experienced birders, walks in the woods and bird-
Chris’s
friendly coffee. Bring your own binoculars and dress for the weather. Free. Please pre-register. Birds of Vermont Museum, 900 Sherman Hollow Road, Huntington, 802-4342167, museum@birdsofvermont.org, birdsofvermont.org. EVENT: Wildflowers of the Champlain Valley, outdoor guide Elizabeth Lee leads a morning hike, geared for children, and an afternoon hike, for adults, on a CATS Trail. Donation: $15 per adult; $10 per child. Session I: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Session II: 1–3:30 p.m. Info: info@ champlainvalleytrails.com. MUSIC: MET Live in HD’s Tragic Double Bill to play at Town Hall Theater. The double bill broadcast of Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci will be presented live in HD at Town Hall Theater on Saturday, April 25, at 12:30 p.m. Free pre-show talk in the Byers Studio, 11:45 a.m. $24/ $10 students. Info: 382-9222, townhalltheater.org.
April 30 Thursday SALE: The Charlotte Grange Spring rummage sale: Thursday, April 30, beginning 9 a.m. and Saturday, May 2, 8 a.m.–noon. Donation dropoff dates: Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.– 1 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, April 27 and 28, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Info: Dorothy Hill, 802-425-4140.
EVENT: The Green Mountain Bicycle Club is offering Introductory Group Rides every other Saturday throughout May and early June. Experienced riders will explain the rules of the road and teach novice cyclists how to ride safely in a group. The rides will start at 10 a.m. at the Wheeler lot at Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington, and will travel between 12 and 20 miles. Rides on May 2, 16, 30 and June 13. Info: Viola Chu, hviolachu@gmail.com. EVENT: At 9:00 a.m., the members of Branch Out Burlington! need helpers to plant 130 trees in the Burlington Community Tree Nursery. Tree planters will be serenaded by Robert Resnik. Lots of door prizes and refreshments offered to the hardworking volunteers. Info: Margaret Skinner, 802-656-5440, mskinner@uvm.edu, branchoutburlington.org. EVENT: The University of Vermont Medical Center hosts the new AARP Smart Driver Class at 9 a.m. in the McClure Lobby Conference Room. The 4.5-hour refresher course is open to all drivers 50 years and older. Fee is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Info: Baird Morgan, Instructor, 802-483-6335. Reservations are required; checks must be received prior to the day of the class.
FILM: Main Street Landing, The Burlington Film Society (BFS) and the Vermont International Film Foundation (VTIFF) present the French feature film Girlhood, 7 p.m., Main Street Landing Film House, 60 Lake Street in Burlington. Discussion following screening. Free for VTIFF Members, $8 adults, $5 for students. Tickets at door or at brownpapertickets.com/event/1360930.
EVENT: Free Comic Book Day, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, 8 River Road, Jericho. 10:30 a.m.—Ben Cohen, expert cartoon instructor, presents how to read comics and the history of women in cartooning. 11:30 a.m.-Samantha Day from MMU shares her Manga artwork. 12 noon. James Kochalka, Cartoon Laureate, hosts a drawing workshop. Free comic books distributed and popcorn served!
MAy 2
MAy 3
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EVENT: Mayfest 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School 359 Turtle Lane, Shelburne. Outdoor celebration designed for children ages six and under includes live music, crafts and other festivities. Free and open to the public. Info: Pam Graham 802-985-2827 ext. 12, pgraham@lakechamplainwaldorfschool. org, lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org/ events/mayfest.
CYCLING: Covered Bridges of Chittenden County—three distance options of rolling hills through Shelburne and Charlotte with the longer ride through Ferrisburgh. All rides stop at the Old Brick Store in Charlotte for a tasty treat. 9:45 a.m. at Wheeler lot, Veterans Memorial Park, South Burlington (NOTE: This ride will begin at South Burlington High School if a Saturday baseball tournament at Veterans Memorial Park is rained out.) Info: Dorothy Pumo, 802829-8729,
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dpumo5@gmail.com. EVENT: The 26th Annual COTS Walk kicks off at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3. The fundraiser is a 3.5-mile trek around downtown Burlington starting from Battery Park, following the route a person who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless might travel to receive shelter and services. Info/register: cotsonline.org, 802-864-7402. Check-in begins at 1 p.m.; the walk begins at 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. The walk itself takes about an hour.
MAy 5 Tuesday EVENT: SCHIP (Shelburne Charlotte Hinesburg Interfaith Projects) Community Supper. Join us at the Hinesburgh Public House on Tuesday, May 5, for our second Community Supper. The Public House will be serving a locally sourced, fourcourse meal for an inclusive price of $20. Half of the proceeds raised from the supper will be donated to SCHIP. Last year this event raised over $1,000. Info/register: 802-4825500.
MAy 6 Wednesday FILM: Award-winning feature documentary After Winter, Spring, directed by Judith Lit, at the Merrill’s Roxy Cinemas in Burlington, 7 p.m. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker and a reception featuring local foods sponsored by City Market. A portion of the proceeds from this event benefit the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT). Tickets $15 general admission or $12 for NOFA-VT and City Market members, online via nofavt.org and at the door.
On the hOrizOn SALE: Guess who has some great Prom Dresses for only $20. SCHIP’s Treasure Resale Shop in the distinctive yellow house on Route 7 in Shelburne. Why spend a fortune on a dress you’ll wear one night? Come in and see our great selection. Not only will you save some money, you’ll help the community and be on your way to having a great night! PLANT SALE: Burlington Dismas House is gearing up for its annual Perennial Plant Sale and needs volunteer individuals and groups of up to 10 to pick up loads of plants and topsoil and “pot up” about 1500 plants.
CONCERT: On May 16, Charlotter and acclaimed singer-songwriter Francesca Blanchard will perform for the benefit of The Joe Shook Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for differently-abled campers to attend Partners In Adventure’s summer day-camp program. The show will be hosted by comedian and Charlotte resident MaryAnne Gatos and will include performances by Williston fiddler Duncan Yandell, guitarist Dylan Hudson and R&B artist Jamell Rogers. Williston Central School at 7 p.m. Free refreshments provided. Adults: $25, children under 12: $10. Tickets at partnersinadventure.org or at the door. Three-hour shifts on varied Mondays, Tuesdays or Fridays through May 18. Sale days are May 20–23. Contact Sierra Flynn at 802-658-0381 or email sierra@dismasofvermont.org. JOB: Vermont Food Systems Summer Study Tour Seeks Media Fellow: The Vermont Higher Education Food Systems Consortium (VermontFoodEducation.org) seeks a documentarian, storyteller, and food and farm enthusiast to cover the inaugural Vermont Food Systems Summer Study Tour, May 31–June 20. The media fellow will travel, dine, learn and live with the students and instructors throughout their three-week journey. Contact: Paul Costello, Vermont Council on Rural Development; pcostello@vtrural.org, 802-223-6091. VermontFoodEducation.org.
Compiled by ruah sWennerFelT—send your evenTs To neWs@CharloTTeneWsvT.Com
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April 23
The CharloTTe News • april 23, 2015 • 19
Around Town Congratulations
tive review. The reviewer singles out a song sung by Oscar and his brother and sister characters as a “showstopping, casket-riding commercial for Bruce’s [their father’s] funeral home that the Bechdel children whip up while hanging out in the mortuary.” to Kaylah Sharpe of Charlotte who earned placement on the Stonehill College Dean’s List for the fall 2014 semester. Kaylah is a senior studying education and visual and performing arts. She graduated from Rice Memorial High School.
to Meghan Ann Small and Asha Mills Zimmerman (above), who are engaged to be married. Meghan is the daughter of Nancy Small of Summit, New Jersey, and Jeffrey Small of South Burlington. Her fiancé’s parents live in Keene, New Hampshire, and Saratoga Springs, New York. The couple is completing medical residencies at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island—Meghan in pediatrics, Asha in surgery. Both are graduates of the University of Vermont Medical School. Meghan grew up in Charlotte. They are planning a July 2015 wedding and will live in Cranston, Rhode Island. to Hannah Tomkinson Fairbank of Charlotte and Michael Bernard Mascia, Ph.D. of Sweden, Maine who were married in Santa Fe, New Mexico on April 10. Hannah is the daughter of Louise and Jonathan Fairbank of Charlotte. The groom’s parents live in Fayetteville, New York and Sweden, Maine. Hannah and Mike live in Washington, D.C. where she is an international environmental policy advisor for the U.S. Agency for International Development and he directs social science programs at Conservation International. to Oscar Williams, an 11-year-old Charlotter who made his debut as a Broadway actor in fellow Vermonter Alison Bechdel’s play, Fun Home, which opened last Sunday at the Circle in the Square in New York City. Oscar, the son of Tom and Zoe Williams, after auditioning for several New York plays, won the role of one of the lead character’s brothers. Featured on the front page of the April 20 Art section of the New York Times, Fun Home receives a very posi-
to attorney Tim Sampson of Charlotte and now also of Downs Rachlin Martin LLC, Burlington, who was recently hired to work in the firm’s real estate law practice group. Sampson was formerly with the Virginia law firm, Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, P.C., where he was a partner and served of counsel. to the following Charlotte artists whose works are on display in the area: James Vogler’s abstract oil paintings at the South End Arts and Business Association (SEABA) Center on Pine Street through April 24 and at the Innovation Center in Burlington through May 31; Jane Ann Kantor’s work as part of the University of Vermont’s Medical Center Group Show through April 30; and Barbara Smail Award winner Sumaru Tekin’s multimedia installation through June 20 at the Burlington City Arts (BCA) Center.
sent to Vermont Audubon, 255 Sherman Hollow Road, Huntington, VT 05462 or online at vtaudobon.org. is extended to family and friends of James Hight Hayford, Jr. of Burlington who passed away April 7 at the age of 78. His surviving family includes his stepdaughter Stephanie Pizzagalli and her husband, Peter, along with their children Hunter and Colton of Charlotte. The family asks that those wishing to make contributions in Jim’s honor consider doing so to Doctors Without Borders, 333 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001-5004 or online at doctors withoutborders.com. is extended to family and friends of Anne Marie McGarghan of Burlington who passed away April 14 at the age of 78. Her surviving family includes her son Kevin and his wife, Sarah, of Charlotte along with grandchildren Rory, Leynah, Callie and Finn. is extended to family and friends of Barbara Hyndman Anderson of Shelburne who passed away April 12 at the age of 88. She and her husband and family lived in Charlotte for many years where she was an active member of the Charlotte Congregational Church since the 1960s, serving on the Grounds Committee, the Restoration Committee,
the Parsonage Committee and the Ladies Aid group. She and her husband, Fred, grew and sold Christmas trees locally for over 35 years. The family asks that those wishing to make contributions in her name consider doing so to the Howard Center, 208 Flynn Avenue Suite 3J, Burlington, VT 05401 or to the Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495. is extended to family and friends of Katherine R. Carpenter of Burlington who passed away April 8 at the age of 99. She was married for 57 years to Merritt E. Carpenter of Montpelier and Charlotte, and she will be buried in the Grand View Cemetery in Charlotte. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory be made to the VNA of Chittenden County, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446, to Converse Home, 272 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401, or to TLC Nursing Associates, 1550 Williston Road, South Burlington, VT 05403. is extended to family and friends of Elbert D. Nostrand of Middlebury, who passed away April 15 at the age of 86. His surviving family includes his son Ben Nostrand and Ben’s wife, Susan, of Charlotte.
to Gabe Bushey, of Church Hill Landscapes in Charlotte, who won the New England Nursery Association’s Young Professional of the Year Award, recognizing his achievements as someone under 40 years of age.
Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Arline Lewis of Charlotte who passed away April 15 at the age of 85. She lived most of her life in Charlotte with her husband, Hugh Lewis, Sr., and her family. Surviving members include her son Hugh Jr, his wife, Leslie, and their family. Arline was actively involved in the Charlotte Grange and many community activities. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Arline’s memory be
Charlotte Shelburne Rotary Club welcomed members, family and friends to a Sugar on Snow Party Sunday afternoon at Palmer's Sugarhouse on Shelburne Falls Road.
Scripts & Quips
Regular Church Services SATURDAYS St. Jude Catholic Church, Mass, Hinesburg, 4:30 p.m. SUNDAYS Community Alliance Church, Hinesburg, Gathering Place, 9 a.m., Sunday School, 9 a.m., Worship, 10:15 a.m. Information: 482-2132. Charlotte Congregational Church, Worship, 10 a.m., Sunday School, 10 a.m. Information: 425-3176. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mass, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Information: 425-2637. St. Jude Catholic Church, Mass, Hinesburg, 9:30 a.m. Information: 482-2290. North Ferrisburgh United Methodist Church, Hollow Road, Worship, 10 a.m., Sunday School, 9:45 a.m. Information: 425-2770. Cross Roads Chapel, Ferrisburgh Ctr. Rt. 7, Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Information: 425-3625. Assembly of God Christian Center, Routes 7 and 22A, Ferrisburgh, Sunday worship, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Sunday School, 9 a.m. Information: 877-3903. All Souls Interfaith Gathering, 291 Bostwick Farm Road, Shelburne. Sunday Service 9 a.m., Evensong Service 5 p.m. 985-3819 Trinity Episcopal Church, 5171 Shelburne Rd., Shelburne, 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. “Space for Grace” (educational hour), 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (with child care and Sunday School). 985-2269.
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