The Charlotte News | January 23, 2020

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Charlotte News Thursday, January 23, 2020 | Volume LXII Number 14

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Charlotte News

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Vol. 62, no.14

January 23, 2020

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

The ice is nice and the skating is great Chea Waters Evans It’s in the single digits on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it’s pretty quiet around Charlotte. The occasional car or brave cross-country skier is around, but for the most part it’s a day for the indoors— unless you’re at the Charlotte public iceskating rink. Not many people get excited about days of freezing temperatures, but Bill Fraser-Harris isn’t one of those people. He was there Monday afternoon, along with a dozen other people, wearing spikes on his shoes and flooding a section of the ice.

The rink, located just west of Charlotte Central School, has been around for a couple decades and change; it’s operated by the Recreation Commission and paid for through its budget. Fraser-Harris shares ice-maintenance duties with Ed Sulva, taking the day shift while Sulva usually has nighttime duties. When the weather cooperates, the two of them, with another member of the Recreation Committee who is still learning the finer points of ice maintenance, spend about six to 10 hours each at the rink.

“Ed is really interested in ice,” FraserHarris said, “and I do this and the social media. We combine our intellects,

Chea Waters Evans

At a special meeting earlier this month, the Selectboard voted 4-1 to approve sewer use and sewer allocation ordinances that will allow the town-owned wastewater system in the West Charlotte Village to be leased by private businesses. Two petitions are currently circulating in town, one per ordinance, to disapprove of this Selectboard decision. If the petitions gather enough signatures, the issue will be put in front of voters for a voice vote at town meeting on March 3.

Photo by Chea Waters Evans

because this is all guesswork.” Despite their years of experience and the bank of knowledge that’s formed through trial and error, Fraser-Harris concedes that there’s another person who really holds the cards in this situation.

“Mother Nature controls everything—we just kind of do what we can do,” he said.

Just over a week ago, temperatures were in the 50s, and the rink was water and mush. Getting and keeping good ice requires multiple days and nights of freezing temperatures; Fraser-Harris said that in the seven or eight years he’s been working on the ice rink, he has definitely noticed that those stretches are getting see ICE RINK page 3

Charlotte Town Charter in final weeks before sunset clause takes effect Unless voters initiate charter extension, the Selectboard budget will return to Town Meeting for approval Lilly Menk In 2016, the Town of Charlotte passed, by Australian ballot, Town Meeting Article 9 by a vote of 1,148 to 349. The article put in place a municipal charter that changed the way Charlotters vote for the Selectboard’s budget. That municipal charter will expire on Town Meeting Day this year unless voters choose to extend it.

Under the current charter, voters discuss and amend all budget-related articles collectively at Town Meeting, but final approval of those articles is decided several weeks later by Australian ballot. However, the charter that put this two-part process in place contains a three-year sunset clause.

Lynn Jaunich, who was on the committee that developed the charter, said, “The only way for the charter to be extended would be a vote via Australian Ballot on Town Meeting Day, or another voting day. I do not know of anyone who has collected a petition

Voted but not over: petitions aim to bring wastewater vote to town meeting

with signatures asking for it to be put on the ballot for Town Meeting Day, and I believe the Selectboard has not shown a willingness to do so without one.”

The initial concern of the community group who drafted the charter in 2016 was the distinct possibility at the time that the town’s voters would act to move final approval of the Selectboard’s budget from Town Meeting to Australian ballot, just like the town had done in 2004 with the much-larger school district budget. The charter was an attempt to preserve Town Meeting for purposes of a community-wide discussion of the municipal budget while also providing an opportunity for those who couldn’t attend Town Meeting in person to vote by Australian ballot for or against final approval.

According to Jaunich, the charter has worked as expected. “I think if you look back at the years of voting, the new solution did increase voting on the town budget.” The numbers support her, with 372 more people voting on the final budget by Australian ballot rather than at Town Meeting in 2017, 100 more in 2018, and 66 more in 2019.

Selectboard Chair Matt Krasnow, who was a Selectboard member in 2016 and the author

of the sunset clause, is unpersuaded. “I feel this was an important experiment that ultimately did not improve the democratic process.” He went on to say that with the change introduced by the charter, “Town Meeting Day temporarily became a largely ceremonial event.... [It] also incurred an additional monetary cost to the town because we had to hold an additional election in April. By last year, the number of people who voted on the budget in April was almost as low as the number of people who attend Town Meeting itself.”

According to Town Clerk Mary Mead, the additional cost of the April vote has been “in the $400 range.”

Krasnow said he will not propose a charter extension but that he will try to reinvigorate Town Meeting. “Once the Town has reverted to its original democratic process of Town Meeting Day, my goal is to continue the critical and important work of increasing citizen engagement in all town decisions. I also specifically will be working on other ideas to improve access to and participation in Town Meeting Day to build a stronger, more resilient and stable democracy for future generations to enjoy.”

The septic system in the West Village is currently used by Town Hall, the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Senior Center, which are all public institutions, as well as the private Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services.

The issue of wastewater leasing to other private entities arose last summer when the Charlotte Children’s Center and the Charlotte Family Health Center both expressed interest in leasing septic capacity, which is available but unused.

After discussion by the West Village Wastewater Committee and several discussions by the Selectboard, a vote was held in December, and then another on Jan. 6 because of a legal issue, both resulting in the same 4-1 outcome. Board members Matt Krasnow, Carrie Spear, Fritz Tegatz, and Louise McCarren all voted to approve the ordinances; Frank Tenney was the lone vote against them.

According to Town Clerk Mary Mead, the petitions were taken out by Charlotters Moe Harvey, Robert Mack, and Peter Trono. Each petition requires signatures from five percent of eligible voters, in this case 164 signatures, in order to be considered valid and must be presented to the town clerk within 44 days of the ordinance’s approval; in this case, that date is February 19. The Selectboard then has see WASTEWATER page 2

MEET THE CANDIDATES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 @ 7 P.M. The Charlotte Grange, Charlotte Library and the Charlotte News are co-hosting the annual Candidates Night at the Grange Hall, 2858 Spear Street. Please join us for conversation and refreshments with the candidates on the Charlotte Town Meeting ballot. Each candidate will have a few minutes to present an opening statement, then the floor will be open for questions and discussion.

The Charlotte News • January 23, 2020 • 3

Around Town Congratulations

than she does now right now.

The poems of Courtney McDermott and Lily Kate Keech of Charlotte appeared in the Burlington Free Press Young Writers Project column of Jan. 17. In Courtney’s poem, “Dreams I,” she talks about her own dreams, about sunsets, light and symmetry.

In her poem “Beautiful Me” Lily summons to her own brain her own beauty. She also suggests that there is an ugliness that produces herself as a “disgrace to humankind.” But on good days she wonders if she could love herself any more

Annika Gruber’s work “Reaching Up” appeared in the Young Writers Project column on Jan. 10. She describes intimately the world on a day in which “the snow has melted and the ground is bare and dry.” She reaches out to “feel pleasure as the sun breaks through the slight cracks in the clouds.”

WASTEWATER

continued from page 1

60 days to present the ordinances for a vote to the town at large at a special meeting—in this case, town meeting, because of its higher attendance numbers.

The town clerk is responsible for checking signatures on the petitions and verifying them as the pages come in. Mead and Harvey are married, and she said potential conflict-ofinterest issues are addressed as such: “In reality, [Assistant Town Clerk Christina Boohers] and I both do it since it’s also her job as assistant clerk, and it depends on who’s busy and who is not when someone comes in with their petitions.”

Sympathy Sympathy is extended to family and friends of William C. Petty III who passed away

Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Patrick J. Perras who died on Jan. 2 at the age of 48. Patrick grew up in Charlotte. His father, Thomas Perras, predeceased him, and Patrick is survived by his mother, Shirley Perras. In lieu of flowers, his family wishes donations be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Humane Society International.

the Old Lantern.

sooner than you think,” he said.

“The original intention of the septic system was for municipal only,” Harvey said, mentioning that at first, it was only the Town Hall and the fire station using it, and the library and senior center were added in following years. “My problem is, I don’t believe the Selectboard. As much as I like those people, they’re not looking far enough forward.”

These issues were tackled over the course of discussions about wastewater usage both at Selectboard and wastewater meetings and on the Front Porch Forum community email; Harvey pointed out that not many people attend those meetings, and that an opportunity to discuss the matter and vote on it at town meeting would bring the issue before a greater number of voters.

The matter first came before the Selectboard last summer, after the doctors who own the Charlotte Family Health Center approached the board about potentially leasing septic capacity from the town. Their current building farther west of the village on Ferry Road is too small and inefficient for their space, and they said they will have to move at some point in the near future. In a presentation to the Selectboard last year, Dr. Andrea Regan said the ideal location for their facility is on property in the village center which is currently owned by Charlotte resident Ben Mason.

Harvey, a former Selectboard member who was part of the original property acquisition and development of the wastewater system, said he wanted the issue to be a voter decision, not a Selectboard decision, because he thinks there has not been enough time or opportunity for discussion.

“My only goal is to let the public vote on it instead of letting the Selectboard make the decision,” he said. He has the institutional knowledge, he said, to understand the town’s original intent for the wastewater system’s location, size, and use. The original septic capacity was part of a larger project that involved a walking trail between Greenbush and Ferry Roads, the sledding hill just south of The Old Lantern, and the three houses that were eventually built across the street from

on Jan. 13 at the University of Vermont Medical Center. He and his wife, Nancy, and family have been part-time residents of Charlotte for 19 years.

Harvey also mentioned concerns regarding school facility usage and new rules imposed by the Champlain Valley School district that were raised by Spear during Selectboard meetings: he thinks that in the future, if school usage is limited to school activities only, a town community center that uses a good portion of the septic capacity will be needed for meetings, recreation department usage, and other community needs. “It’s going to be

The cost of building a new septic system is prohibitive, Regan said, and allowing the health center to hook into the existing system would save them enough money to build a facility in the center of town and keep what she said is a valuable resource for community members in Charlotte. The Charlotte Children’s Center, a daycare and preschool, would also request to use the town’s septic system, which would allow them to meet a greater need for childcare in the area than what their current system allows.

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ON THE COVER Icy lake wood by Susie Marchand

4 • January 23, 2020 • The Charlotte News

Report from the Legislature The Transportation and Climate Initiative: How it works how to best invest proceeds to reduce transportation carbon emissions through subsidies of transportation options that emit less CO2. These might include electric and hybridelectric vehicle and charging station incentives, mass transit improvements, park-and-ride lots, and encouraging smart development. Attention will be given to relieving the cost impact on low-income and rural Vermonters.

Rep. Mike Yantachka Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Vermont at 43 percent of total emissions.

Our neighboring states are facing the same problem. So, in 2018 Vermont joined with 12 other eastern states, from Maine to Virginia, and the District of Columbia to design a regional program called the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) to reduce GHG emissions from transportation. Details of the design were released in December 2019, and Vermont’s Agency of Natural Resources has invited public comments on the proposal.

The concept behind TCI is similar to that of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which includes Vermont along with other states in the northeast. RGGI, established in 2009, is a market-based program that has reduced GHG GHG emissions from electric generation from 188 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) in 2009 to 80 million in 2019. The revenues Vermont has received from the program have been a major reason why our electric rates have been relatively level over that period and why we have been able to transition most of our electric energy to renewable sources.

TCI will operate in a similar way to reduce climate-changing emissions and invest in cleaner transportation, healthier communities and more resilient transportation infrastructure.

All pollution-reduction mechanisms have

ICE RINK

continued from page 1

less frequent.

The water hookup on the east side of the rink draws water from a reservoir on the other side of Hinesburg Road. FraserHarris said that the fire department used to help flood the ice, but that over time the ice-maintenance crew realized that the skating surface has better quality if water is applied in thin layers and allowed to freeze in increments rather than all at once.

“Water freezes from the top,” FraserHarris said over the sound of the gushing rubber hose that he uses to systematically flood the ice. He pointed to a pothole in the ice, the top layer of which is shattered.

“When the water underneath doesn’t freeze, it sinks into the ground.”

On MLK Jr. Day, the south end of the rink had two goals on either side and a raucous pickup game of hockey going; on the north end, some elementary school kids and their parents puttered around less aggressively but just as happily. There is plenty of room for both to happen at once.

Along with plenty of space, the rink has a warming hut and lights for night skating.

Fraser-Harris drove his blue tractor over to the rink to clear the snow on Monday.

He said he usually doesn’t have to do that because Dave Schermerhorn, who has a farm across the street, is the regular plow

Graphic is from the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources website

compliance costs that are eventually paid by consumers. The TCI “cap and invest” system is designed to drive down the price of compliance and lessen the cost to consumers while providing a mechanism to reduce fossil fuels used for transportation. This is how it will work.

• A limit, or cap, is set on the amount of CO2 that is released from vehicles using transportation fuels.

The initial cap is based on a “business as usual” scenario and is reduced over time.

• Transportation fuel suppliers must obtain an allowance for every ton of CO2 resulting from the fuel they sell.

• The total number of available allowances is limited based on the cap.

An auction is held to determine the price per ton of carbon to meet the cap.

Transportation fuel suppliers can bid on available allowances.

• States receive payments based on the revenues raised from the sale of allowances. Each state then determines

Although Vermont has participated in the TCI design process, Governor Scott has been less than enthusiastic about signing onto this multistate agreement. He has stated his opposition to any concept that includes carbon pricing. However, we must also consider the costs of not participating.

Since we are in a regional market, Vermont may be subject to the increased cost of fuel without getting any of the benefits. We also face the costs associated with more extreme weather that damages our roads and bridges, drowns our crops and downs our power lines.

Furthermore, it is disingenuous to talk about concern for climate change without taking the steps to reduce our contributions through a more efficient transportation policy.

The Legislature may elect to participate only to face a veto. It is time for our governor to translate words and intentions into action.

I welcome your emails (myantachka.dfa@ gmail.com), phone calls (802-233-5238), or in-person contacts. This article and others can be found at my website MikeYantachka.com.

guy. The tractor can go right onto the ice and clears it much more quickly than a guy with a shovel could. “We can’t flood with snow on the ice,” Fraser-Harris said, “because then it just forms slush.”

When the rink is covered in snow, FraserHarris said, skaters think they’re helping by shoveling it off, but ideally, they would just skate over the snowfall, he said.

Though they may clear off a section that’s nice for skating, the snow inevitably ends up in piles on the rest of the rink, and then solidifies and makes bumps. He said it’s better for the ice in general to trust that someone will be there shortly with a tractor, though he acknowledges that people don’t always follow the rules.

There aren’t set hours for the rink; but on cold nights, skaters could be asked to go for the good of the ice. Thin layers of water, applied over time, freeze on top of each other to make a smooth, skate-able surface. Sulva and Fraser-Harris put cones on the entrance with a sign when the ice is still freezing, though sometimes the rink is just too tempting for skaters to wait, though Fraser-Harris said he wishes they would.

The benefits of the rink far outweigh whatever nuisance may come from rule-breakers and wildly uncooperative and unpredictable weather. “It’s really wonderful to have a place for teenagers to go to that’s safe, that’s exercise, that has fresh air,” Fraser-Harris said.

The ice rink is one of the most popular

Bill Fraser-Harris adds some water to the rink.

Recreation Commission endeavors, and the Charlotte Vermont Public Ice Rink Facebook page, with over 600 followers, is the best and most up-to-date source of

Photo by Chea Waters Evans

information about conditions and upkeep.

Calendar Events

We welcome appropriate community event listings with a maximum of 100 words. Print fees may apply to community events outside of Charlotte.

Email your events to ads@thecharlottenews.org.

Sunday, January 26

Vermont to the Tenth Power: A community conversation with Charlotte author Stephen Kiernan.

2 – 3:30, at the Grange, 2898 Spear Street in beautiful East Charlotte.

This past June, Charlotte author Stephen Kiernan posted an essay on his website titled, “Vermont to the Tenth Power: How a Small State Thrives in a Time of Federal Collapse.” In it he argues that, given the rancor and gridlock in Washington, D.C., we Vermonters should look to the power reserved to the states in the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution and strive, both here in Vermont and alongside other likeminded states, to “shield our state from the worst of Washington’s difficulties, to learn from other states, and to strengthen Vermonters’ capacity to determine our own fate.”

To kick off this VT10th project, The Charlotte News, the Charlotte Library and the Charlotte Grange are co-sponsoring a community conversation with Kiernan at Grange Hall on Sunday, Jan. 26, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., to talk about the ideas he expresses in his essay, which can be read in its entirety at stephenpkiernan. com/vermont-to-the-tenth-power.

Refreshments will be provided by the Grange. Join us to talk and exchange ideas with Kiernan about what “We, the people” can do in Vermont—and in Charlotte—to, as he puts it at the end of his essay, “exchange the frustrations of Washington with the gratification of taking greater responsibility for our own lives, our shared communities, our home.” See you on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 24, at Grange Hall.

The Charlotte News • January 23, 2020 • 5

Town

Planning Commission holds session on land use and supports study of Charlotte’s farms Juliann Phelps The Planning Commission again took up business related to the East Charlotte Village at its Jan. 16 meeting, which also included a working session on Charlotte’s land use regulations. Five members of the commission took no action on the village commercial boundaries or lot size, but did go through the regulations to discuss where changes might occur if they reduce lot sizes from five acres to one.

Planning Commission member Shawn Coyle has not attended the past four meetings, and David Kenyon has attended only every other meeting.

The commission also discussed and proposed language in the land use regulations allowing utilities like septic and water to pass under

Commission member and Charlotte Land Trust member Marty Illick also supported the idea of interviewing farmers. “It’d be great for

Chair Peter Joslin supported the idea, suggesting the Charlotte Land Trust could build on the initial work the Town Planner Daryl Arminius recently did to identify area farms. Arminius was asked by the commission to compile a list of farms using state data as part of Planning Commission activities related to Act 143 and accessory on-farm businesses.

them to say what they might like to see in this [study],” she said. Lampton concluded that while the proposal was close to complete, their next step would be to see if there are any grant funds available and hire an outside consultant to conduct the study.

Other business The commission heard from Roy Marble during sketch plan review (PC-20-01-SK Marble-Winn-Clark) for possible subdivision of a 31.5-acre parcel at 3411 and 3453 Spear Street. They voted to continue the review and also referenced a deferred open space requirement which, according to the staff report, was a condition of a previous 2005 subdivision approval. Of note, most of the eastern portion of the parcel is within the conservation district with delineated wetlands.

The commission then discussed the East Charlotte village traffic calming study. The request for 20 percent of the estimated cost of the study to be included in the FY2021 Planning Commission budget was removed by the Selectboard during budget review at its Jan. 13 meeting, after board member Fritz Tegatz expressed concerns about the merits of the study.

The commission expressed disappointment at the decision, and Arminius and Joslin said that Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission grant funding for the traffic study would not be available to apply for again until next year.

Coming up at Grange Hall Trina Bianchi If you want to hear some great music in a beautiful, cozy historic building close to home, check out these events happening at the Charlotte Grange Hall in the coming weeks.

January 24, 25 and 26. The Grange Hall will be busy these three days with

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Kate Lampton spoke to the commission about a proposed study next year by the Charlotte Land Trust that would collect data about farming in Charlotte, including identifying and interviewing farmers about their agricultural activities. Lampton said a similar study was conducted 20 years ago by the CLT to identify potential areas for conservation but was not used widely because the output was “spreadsheet after spreadsheet.” The proposed new study, Lampton said, would be “more user friendly, more accessible.”

She continued, “There are several reasons to do the study again, to quantify what’s on the town’s conservation front and getting a sense of direction of agriculture in Charlotte. … I consider this to be something that could be used by different entities in town.”

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Farming study by Charlotte Land Trust

The commission took questions from the sole public attendee, Jonathan Fisher, who asked the board for details about the buildout analysis Vice Chair Charlie Pughe presented in November. He asked, “Of the number of possible houses on one acre or two acres, what was the difference roughly?” Pughe estimated approximately 52 on one-acre lots and 34 on two-acre lots. Fischer said, “I bring up distances on lot size because I was wondering how realistic it is. There are three land owners affected by this that have big enough lots.”

He referred to land owned, among others,

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town roads and across districts to facilitate development in the East Charlotte Village commercial district.

local volunteers and members from both Transition Charlotte and the Charlotte Grange building and assembling window inserts for several private homes and the Grange Hall. We need volunteers to help build and assemble the inserts and to provide sustenance for those worker bees.

These inserts are designed to be used year after year during the winter months to help save on fuel costs. If you are able to help by working or donating food ( breakfast, lunchtype food), please contact Ruah Swennerfelt at ruahswennerfelt@gmail.com.

Sunday, January 26, starting at 2 p.m.

The Charlotte News, the Charlotte Library and the Charlotte Grange have joined forces to invite Steven Kiernan to present his “Vermont To the Tenth” proposal. Come and listen to Kiernan explain how a small state like Vermont can thrive in a time of federal collapse. It should prove to be a

lively and enlightening conversation. For those who might be interested in reading Stephen’s proposal beforehand, go to www. stephenpkiernan.com/vermont-to-the-tenthpower Admission is free but donations, as always, are welcome.

Coming in February and March Tuesday, February 11, at 7 p.m.: The Charlotte News and the Charlotte Library will co-host Candidates Night at Grange Hall.

Tuesday, February 18 stating at 6:30 p.m.: acoustic Open Mic. Friday, February 21 at 6:30 p.m.: Hugh McBride performs at the Grange Hall. Pot luck and music.

March 8: Our second annual Mardi Gras.

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6 • January 23, 2020 • The Charlotte News

Town

Selectboard: tackles budget and wastewater Juliann Phelps At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Selectboard meeting focused again on the FY2021 budget, interspersed with routine motions and approvals on a highway access permit, the Thompson’s Point wastewater budget, system contracts and leases. The board also received an update from CVFRS on the potential to provide ambulance services to Hinesburg and discussed the West Charlotte wastewater ordinance petition.

Trimming the FY2021 budget Discussion of the FY2021 budget opened the meeting and continued with two additional agenda items. The Selectboard, with Town Treasurer Mary Mead and various town representatives present, reviewed individual budget line items, especially those with large year over year increases, and requests for transfers into various town funds, including the conservation fund and improvement and repair fund.

The board heard from members of the Trails Committee on a proposed article to be included in the warning for Town Meeting.

Trails Committee co-chairs Laurie Thompson and Margaret Russell asked for time to present information about trails during Town Meeting and indicated their intent to present each year for the next five years an article requesting $57,000 to be transferred into the trails reserve fund. Russell said, “It might be easier for the town to pass one year and see what we have done in one year. We can come back next year and say ‘this is what we did.’ It’s a little bit more work -- but it’s fine.” In addition to asking back various town committees, the board will take up the budget again at its January 27 meeting.

CVFRS update on ambulance services Chair Matt Krasnow added an adjustment to the agenda: an update from CVFRS on the potential of providing ambulance services to the town of Hinesburg. CVFRS Board President Tom Cosinuke and Business Manager Patrice Machavern provided a handout to the board that including scope of service, anticipated call volume, coverage area, anticipated revenue and a “back testing process.” Cosinuke described the process as a way to see “if we were out making calls in Hinesburg, would it conflict with calls that we had to make in Charlotte.”

Machavern provided context, explaining St. Michael’s College Rescue notified Hinesburg that they would no longer be providing ambulance service starting in June. She said members from CVFRS and neighboring fire and rescue outfits would attend the Hinesburg Selectboard meeting on Wednesday the 15th to present their proposals. Machavern also noted in the handout a matrix outlining the mutual aid agreement among neighboring towns. She said Charlotte is second on the list to respond if St. Michael’s cannot. Cosinuke said, “The duration (of services) is to be determined. We think it’s probably more of a short-term engagement, but it’s possible the Town of Hinesburg could decide this is an economical way to provide it. It could potentially extend beyond. What are the financial considerations? How do we expect to be paid? And how do we make it fair to

Charlotte tax payers?” The board asked to be kept in the loop during the proposal process.

Wastewater ordinance petition During the review of the warning for Town Meeting, Carrie Spear asked the Selectboard, “Can we put the wastewater ordinances as an article and have it voted from the floor?”

In response, Mead said that a resident can request the Selectboard to put the question on the warning for Town Meeting, which the board would have to approve, or a resident can draft a petition and collect 175 signatures (5 percent of registered voters) and submit it to the Selectboard at least 44 days before Town Meeting.

Louise McCarren said, “Even though I totally support the wastewater ordinances, I would also support putting it to vote at Town Meeting.” Krasnow said, “This is crossing two statutes. I don’t know how they intersect. One statute is the process for repealing the state’s process for allowing the repeal of a town’s ordinance. The other is a state’s process for allowing the town to vote on things at Town Meeting as articles.

I don’t know which takes precedence and how.” He reiterated that the timing of the Selectboard’s vote on the ordinances was so that it could be discussed at Town Meeting if a petition is filed. Mead requested the board pose the question to the town attorney.

“There’s a population out there that would like to be a part of the discussion,” she said.

Mead continued, “There are certainly enough people out who have no idea there was any kind of sewer ordinance or sewer allocation even discussed.”

Other business The Selectboard approved a request for a Highway Access Permit (HAP-20-01) on Dorset Street for George and Claire Aube and approved amendments to the Highway Access Policy and Procedure. In addition to several Thompson’s Point leases, the Selectboard also reviewed and approved the FY2021 budget for the Thompson’s Point wastewater system, including a fixed fee of $750 per connection and a per gallon fee of $0.61. They also approved contracts with Civil Engineering Associates as the system engineer and SJW Docks as the system operator.

The Selectboard approved the grant and installation of an EV charging station at the Town Hall parking lot. The vote was 4 to 1 with McCarren against. According to the Town Administrator Dean Bloch the Charlotte library applied and received a $16,934 grant from the state towards the cost of the $18,963 system. The $2,029 difference is to be split between the library and the town.

The board deferred action on an application for a traffic-calming study in East Charlotte Village, on a request for bids for bridge repairs, and for quotes to replace lighting in the Town Hall and in parking lot. It will take up these matters at its next meeting.

After a brief update from Louise McCarren on Charlotte Solar, the board voted to go into executive session for a personnel issue with no action expected. The next Selectboard meeting is at 5:30 on January 27.

Charlotte Crossings faces parking challenge Jessica Savage Charlotte Crossings, the new multiuse building in Charlotte, is open for business, but there are more obstacles in 2020 for the leaders on this project. Mike Dunbar and Debra Kassabian, owners and developers of Charlotte Crossings, are facing challenges to put in a parking spot at the front of their new building.

included a parking lot in the back, which required a ramp that stretched more than 70 feet from the parking lot to the entrance of the restaurant. Though the ramp would comply with ADA guidelines, to Dunbar and Kassabian it seemed excessively unwelcoming to patrons with handicaps compared with having a parking spot at the front of the building.

Both Dunbar and Kassabian concluded, after trying to change a piece of regulation written by the town, that the process is not change-friendly. So they are working through the petition process to secure the change they want: delete the single line in the regulation that makes it overly difficult, in their view, to develop their property—in this instance by adding a handicap parking space—between the building and the road.

Dunbar and Kassabian have initiated a petition to land this issue on the ballot for Town Meeting Day in March. While they continue to comply with the traditional methods of bringing this issue to the planning and zoning commissions, Dunbar and Kassabian are also working to involve the citizens of Charlotte by asking them to Charlotte Crossings Rendering sign their petition.

Dunbar wants to stress that he “understands that rules need The petition hopes to change a line in a to be followed.” Faced with the possibility zoning regulation that prevents them from of starting over with a new agenda for developing at all on the land between the building and the road. The petition requires the planning and zoning commissions, he believes that “how we deal with [this] 175 signatures, or 5 percent of the town’s matters.” Kassabian agrees, noting several voting body. It currently has about 130 signatures, and Dunbar and Kassabian plan benefits of a parking area with accessibility to the front of the building seems like a to reach the required number of signatures “no brainer.” She worries that the process by the end of the week. will be too drawn out and hopes that “common sense prevails over a regulation, Dunbar and Kassabian were excited to or one line [of law].” begin construction of Charlotte Crossings last October. The original zoning plans

The Charlotte News • January 23, 2020 • 7

Food Shelf News Susan Ohanian

Arlene Lewis and Fr. Gerald Ragis.

Thank you to Anonymous!

Not surprisingly, people have different opinions about the snowy days of January.

“If I had my way, I’d remove January from the calendar altogether and have an extra July instead.” Roald Dahl “That grand old poem called Winter is round again without any connivance of mine.” Henry David Thoreau “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand.” Edith Sitwell In these cold, wintry months, the Food Shelf has felt the strong touch of many warm, friendly hands. We are happy to report that December ended and January began with many generous gifts. And so we start off the harsh cold of the New Year with a warm, loud shout of “Thank you!” to the friendly hands and hearts of our community.

February 1– August 23, 2020

Thank you to Mary Burns for the wonderful mittens, and to Horsford Gardens and Nursery for encouraging donations from those who took wreaths.

Creature Comfort

Thank you for financial contributions from John and Christy Hagios at the Berry Patch, the Shelburne/Charlotte Garden Club, Valerie Graham with Vermont Community Foundation, Salem Engineering, Anne Castle, the Co-op.

ANIMALS IN THE HOUSE

Thank you to Janine McDonald, Teena and Richard Flood, Ben and Nan Mason, David and Marilyn Perrin, Chuck and Liz DesLauriers, Sharon Weaver, Elizabeth Poulson, DVM, Walter Gates, Elizabeth Archangeli, William and Karen Bruett, Chris Trapeni and Carolyn Siccama, Barry and Susan Cluff, Tim and Mary Volk, Joseph and Jennifer Dickerman, Karol Josselyn, Toni and Robert Monsey, Christopher and Susanne Davis.

Karen Doris, in honor of Maj Eisinger; Renee, Jodi, Amber, and Caryn from Barber and Waxman Family Law Associates, in honor of Pat and Neal Rodar; Roberta Wood, in memory of Remo and Donna Pizzagalli; Jeffrey and Martha Small, for Dr. Frank and Elaine Ittleman; Elizabeth Bassett and John Pane in memory of Jane H. Stevens; Hugh Jr. and Leslie Lewis, in memory of Cowboy and

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And thank you to all the people who came out early on that cold December morning to fill the holiday boxes: Diane Cote, Sandy Arnell, Laura Iglehart, John Lavigne, Stephanie Wells, Carol Chenevert, Jon andWolfie Davis, Holly Rochefort, Beth Hartman, Liz DesLauriers, Sue Hall, Charlie and Sarah Buchwald, Louise McCarren, Marcia Vogler, Karen and Bill Doris, Nancy Bloch, Cindy Tyler, Ken Oboz, the Donegan family, the Robinson family, Tracey Beaudin and Toby Tyler.

Important upcoming distribution dates at the Charlotte Congregational Church Wednesday, Feb. 12, Feb. 26: 5 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 13, Feb 27: 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Financial assistance As a reminder, the Food Shelf has funds available for emergency assistance with fuel and electric bills. You may contact Pat Rodar at 425-3083 if you need assistance.

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

For emergency food call John 425-3130.

For emergency assistance (electricity, fuel) call Pat at 425-3083.

Donations The Charlotte Food Shelf Inc. is a nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. Our organization is run by volunteers, and all donations made to the Food Shelf go directly for nutritious food and/or assistance to our local neighbors in Charlotte and North Ferrisburgh.

Should you wish to honor someone with a donation, a special acknowledgement will be sent to that person.

Checks may be mailed to Charlotte Food Shelf and Assistance, PO Box 83, Charlotte, Vermont 05445 Donated food drop-off locations All nonperishable food donations may be dropped off at the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (main entrance) or at the Food Shelf during the distribution mornings. Please check the expiration date. We request that all fresh foods be dropped off at the Food Shelf before the Wednesday distribution hours or before 7:30 a.m. on the Thursday distribution mornings.

The Charlotte Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry. Distribution days and times are posted on bulletin boards in the Charlotte Congregational Church Hall, at the Charlotte Library and at the Charlotte Senior Center. You may also call the Food Shelf number (425-3252) for a recording of the distribution times.

8 • January 23, 2020 • The Charlotte News

Library News Margaret Woodruff

Activity of all kinds continue at the library.

If you’ve stopped in lately, no doubt you’ve noticed the work taking place in the current library space. This includes: • • • •

Upgrade of lighting with new LED bulbs Installation of heat pumps and removal of old furnaces Enclosure of the former library entrance Transfer of shelving to accommodate upcoming renovations

We continue to be grateful for your tolerance of the dust and your patience with the change in spaces. We plan to remain open throughout the construction process except for a few days when demolition of current library areas requires us to close. Stay tuned for details about this as well as the date on which we get to move into the new library space.

Programs for Children Story times begin again on January 7 Baby & Family Time, Tuesdays @ 9 a.m.

Join us for music, stories and play time with babies and toddlers.

Preschool Story Time,Tuesdays @ 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts for children ages 3 to 5.

Kindergarten-First Grade After School Story Time, Tuesdays @ 2:15 p.m. Registration required.

Programs for Adults & Families Vermont to the 10th Power Sunday, January 26, 2 to 4 p.m.

Join us at the Charlotte Grange for a community conversation about “the potential for a more strategic 10thAmendment-based approach to policy development and public engagement – call it state-level activism, Vermont to the Tenth Power – to shield this state from the worst of Washington’s difficulties, to provide the example and impetus for federal progress, to learn from other states as they exercise the same rights and to strengthen Vermonters’ capacity to determine their shared fate.”

This notion, outlined in Stephen Kiernan’s essay of the same name, forms the basis for our discussion, which the author will be facilitate. Co-sponsored by the Charlotte Grange, the Charlotte Library and The Charlotte News. The Charlotte Grange is located at 2858 Spear Street in East Charlotte. iPad for Beginners, Monday, January 27 @ 10 a.m.

Learn the basics of Apple iPad in this handson class at the Charlotte Senior Center.

We will cover home screen navigation, basic gestures, how-to connect to WiFi, common settings and how to find and install apps. There will be time for practice and questions. Please bring your iPad, preferably

updated to the latest iOS. This program is free, but registration is required. Please call the Charlotte Senior Center to sign up.

Winter Short Stories Book Group, Wednesdays @ 10 a.m.

January 29 – February 19 Explore winter with favorite authors as we read short stories that highlight this frosty season. We’ll read from classical favorites and some new authors as well.

Selections available at the Charlotte Library circulation desk. Currently scheduled: Jan. 29: “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway and Feb. 5: “The Lady with the Pet Dog” by Anton Chekhov. This series takes place at the Charlotte Senior Center; please call the senior center to register.

Permaculture in Action, February 1 through March 14 Under the guidance of local landscape architect Jim Donovan and permaculture educator Karen Tuininga, participants will learn basic landscaping design skills and use them along with holistic permaculture principles to develop an overall site plan and planting plan for enhancing educational opportunities in the library’s immediate outdoor space (including a restored wetland on the east side). Working individually and as a group in several sessions during February and March, participants will gain practical skills for themselves and also make a meaningful contribution to the library expansion project for community benefit. No prior experience is required, but familiarity with permaculture principles and native plants will be helpful. Dates: Saturday mornings 8:30 – 12:30, Feb 1, 8 and March 14; evenings 7 – 9, Feb 13, 17, 20, 24, March 2 and 5. Contact Margaret Woodruff (425-3864 or margaret@ charlottepubliclibrary.org) for details and to register (deadline Jan. 30). Sponsored by the Seed Library and Friends of Charlotte Library. No fee. Continuing education credit may be available.

Swap Seeds & Stories, Monday, February 3 @ 7 p.m.

Bring any heirloom vegetable (or herb) seeds you have available to share with others including the Seed Library, and we’ll have a swap! Just make sure the seeds are

clean and clearly labeled with variety name, year grown and your name. They can be seeds you saved yourself (hopefully a few from the 2019 Seed Library!), or they can be organically grown commercial heirloom vegetable or herb seeds that are not more than about four years old that you don’t need for your own garden. We’ll have small envelopes for people to package up a few of your beauties to take home. We’ll also have 2020 seed catalogues to browse and discuss. Even if you don’t have seeds to contribute, come anyway because we’ll also be swapping stories! Tell us especially about your favorite heirloom vegetables and why you grow them. Pass on tips and cautions to fellow gardeners so they too can be successful growing them. This is a fun opportunity to learn from each other and get a practical start on our 2020 gardens.

Registration is helpful, but not required; to register go to https://bit.ly/2TpgiWG

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reach us on the web at charlottepubliclibrary.org Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/charlottelibraryvt Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @CharlotteVTLib

TIPS for Tuning In, Thursday, February 6 @ 7 p.m.

Join local childhood education faculty for an insightful, hands-on workshop. This 1.5hour workshop will provide research-based parenting techniques focused on building resilience for all children, including those who have experienced adverse childhood experience (trauma). This will be a handson workshop where you will learn three concrete strategies that you can practice at home with your children. Participants will also leave a list of resources.

Also coming in February Community soup supper, Candidates Night and local author features.

For more information about these and all our library programs and activities, visit our website, charlottepubliclibrary.org.

Charlotte Library contact information Margaret Woodruff, director Cheryl Sloan, youth services librarian Susanna Kahn, tech services librarian Hours Mondays & Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Library Expansion Updates • The library driveway and original entrance are permanently closed.

• Patrons may enter the library via the library porch door, either from the north entrance (sidewalk under construction) or across the Town Green.

• The book drop box will be located in front of Town Hall.

Please stop there to return all materials when library is closed for the day.

• A pick-up table will be set up inside Town Hall. We are happy to put books and other items there for you to pick up.

Just call to let us know what you are looking for and we will have it ready for you.

• Please contact the library with any questions.

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The Charlotte News • January 23, 2020 • 9

Schools CVSD awarded a grant toward the purchase of electric buses The Champlain Valley School District has been selected to be a partner in the Agency of Natural Resources Electric School and Transit Bus Pilot Program!

The announcement reads: “Champlain Valley stood out in both your level of support for and engagement around this pilot and our confidence in your capacity to be a great Project Partner in deploying electric buses.”

At an event announcing the grant recipients on December 19, CVU student and Environmental Action Club (ENACT) member, Ethan Lisle from Charlotte, spoke on behalf of CVSD. The Commissioner from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Emily Boedecker, presented the grant award to Ethan. Superintendent Pinckney and COO Jeanne Jensen were present as well. CVSD is one of three Vermont school districts that are recipients of this grant.

On Town Meeting Day, voters will see a ballot article for our share of the cost of two electric buses (our share is the

equivalent of two diesel buses, with the grant making up the substantial difference.) The purchase of two school buses is proposed as part of the continual replacement cycle to ensure that buses in our fleet are no older than 15 years. The average age of our buses is 8 years. If approved, the electric buses will be based at the Allen Brook School in Williston.

The Champlain Valley School District community prides itself on being a leader in sustainable practices. This opportunity allows us to not only transport students more safely and efficiently, but to make a concrete example of living up to our values. We are excited to take such an important role in helping Vermont reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. We hope to see the electric buses rolling through CVSD next fall.

Superintendent Elaine Pinckney, COO Jeanne Jensen, CVU student Ethan Lisle, who is from Charlotte.

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10 • January 23, 2020 • The Charlotte News

Outdoors

Winter survival, or not!

Elizabeth Bassett Short of getting on an airplane, how do we cope with winter? Crank up the woodstove, invest in a therapy light, strap on winter traction devices….? Critters have some remarkable strategies. Read on!

Surviving winter (without a wood stove) How do animals survive the rigors of a northern winter? Some become dormant or hibernate; many birds and butterflies migrate; others simply persevere, searching for food and shelter in the snow, a stonewall or your compost heap.

Warm-blooded mammals have little temperature flexibility. They must maintain a narrow range of body temperature in extraordinary swings of outdoor weather. Few animals actually hibernate, a deep, long-lasting sleep in which the body temperature lowers and heart rate plummets. Bats, the jumping mouse, and the woodchuck are among true hibernators.

Come spring, the animals’ heartbeats accelerate and their body temperatures rise until they become alert again.

Dormant animals are more active, sleeping and waking intermittently, in burrows, tree cavities, caves and other shelters from wind and cold. On warm days they may venture out in search of food. Black bears are dormant. Raccoons, skunks and chipmunks also may experience some lowering of body temperature but not to the degree of the hibernators.

The majority of local mammals do what too many humans do: they accumulate an extra layer of fat and muddle through. Deer grow hollow hairs to retain additional body heat. Fur coats thicken. Snowshoe hares and weasels turn white for camouflage against the snow. Grouse grow comblike bristles on their toes that serve as snowshoes while extra fur serves a similar purpose for the snowshoe hare.

What becomes of pond dwellers? Unable to regulate their body temperatures, coldblooded animals slow down, their activities and metabolism stopping as they slumber through the cold with minimal needs. They generally survive if they are not encased in solid ice. Protected beneath the ice in water that never freezes, these creatures are insulated from temperatures that may plunge below zero.

Amphibians, such as frogs and toads, may sleep through winter on land or lay eggs that will hatch in the spring whether or not they survive.

Steve Faccio, a scientist at the Vermont Center on Ecostudies, attached radiosignaling tags to salamanders. (If there is a video of this I want to see it!) With a radio receiver and antenna, Faccio was able to monitor salamanders’ movements and locations. Following the “pinging” sound, Faccio crawled on hands and knees until he pinpointed the exact location. But there was no visible salamander! However, beneath the leaf litter and rotting logs a series of narrow, branching tunnels held the prize; Faccio moved just a few leaves and there was the salamander, peering out from a tunnel opening!

“

The majority of local mammals do what too many humans do: they accumulate an extra layer of fat and muddle through.

”

As fall temperatures plunged so did the salamanders, seeking more vertical tunnels leading deeper underground.

By November Faccio had lost the radio signals, which travel only two or three feet, as the salamanders had descended below the frost line to escape from winter. As salamanders cannot dig, they use shrew, mouse and chipmunk tunnels for refuge.

Tunnels are so crucial to them that Faccio could predict areas in the forest that would be inhabited by the salamanders simply by the density of mammal tunnels. With no small mammals, salamanders were not to be found!

Come spring salamanders will crawl to vernal pools, like the one that our team monitors at Raven Ridge. Even before the last ice has melted, salamanders, as well as frogs, will lay jelly-like masses of fertilized eggs as a new generation is launched.

Winter confinement suits beavers; they can sometimes be heard chatting in the lodge while they groom each other’s fur with special waterproofing oil. Their lodge is a platform of sticks and saplings covered with a dome-shaped mound. A carpet of shredded plants allows water to drain through the floor. Underwater entrances keep the beavers’ home safe from predators. Winter food rafts, leafy branches anchored to the pond bottom, are also protected by water and ice.

Climate change dilemmas In the fall weasels and snowshoe hares trade their summer brown and red pelts for winter white. Thicker than their summer fur, seasonal cloaks not only keep them warm but also provide camouflage against predator and prey in the snow.

But what if there is no snow?

Unfortunately for such critters, transformation of their winter fur is triggered not by temperature but by diminishing hours of daylight. If winter is warm or snow-free, white animals with an extra-warm coat may overheat and be more vulnerable to predators. They may also be more visible to their prey in a brown and gray landscape. Neither adaptation enhances survival of the species.

The State of Vermont also depends on winter. Winter sports participants—those who ski, board, snowmobile, ice skate— contribute to the financial well-being of our state coffers. For that reason alone Vermont needs a real winter!

The Charlotte News • January 23, 2020 • 11

Sports Edd Merritt

A true basketball team of the decade

The Free Press’s women’s basketball team of the decade that recently listed individual players is somewhat of a misnomer, when in fact a true team of the decade is the Redhawk women’s basketball team under the tutelage of Ute Otley. Their recent win over Burr & Burton brought their record this season to 9 – 0. One need only look at the individual scoring for each game to realize that CVU’s effort spreads fairly evenly across the team.

The Free Press’s team highlighted three former CVU players: Laurel Jaunich (2012-16), Emily Kinneston (2010-2014) and Sadie Otley (2012-2016). All three continued their basketball careers—Jaunich at Navy, Otley at Tufts and Kinneston at American University. Current team member Catherine Gilwee earned honorable mention.

The Free Press followed with a men’s team of the decade on which Walker Storey earned honorable mention. He continues in his third season at St. Michael’s College.

Cochran’s uphill tops off Nordic Tour de Chittenden

Three races in five days are incorporated in the Nordic skiing Tour de Chittenden, each race being its own entity—a freestyle sprint, a 5-kilometer race and a hill climb.

According to a Jan. 16 Free Press article, the idea for the tour was formulated by Redhawk coach Sarah Strack and her colleague from Colchester during the 2013 state championships. “We were like, hey, we

Team members are (left to right) Gavin Schaaf, Ester Cuneo, Emma Strack, and Gus Lunde, a senior from Charlotte. Photo by Karyn Lunde

could do this,” Strack said. This is the sixth year of the Tour.

Champlain Valley Union High School junior William Murphy threw down his opponent and placed second in his weight class at the Michael J. Baker classic at Essex High School this weekend. Photo by Jennifer Olson

A second CVU team of Nigel Wormser, Finnigan Mittelstadt, Isabelle Mittelstadt and Skylar Heininger placed fourth.

Sadie Holmes.

Nordic mixed medley relay team takes first

The CVU women did very well in the three races. In the classic race at Camp Ethan Allen they were the leading team ahead of second place Mt. Mansfield by 20 points.

In the final race, the hill climb at Cochran’s, CVU came in first again with five skiers placing in the top 10—Esther Cuneo, Finn Mittelstadt, Emma Strack, Emma Crum and

In a race at Ethan Allen Training Center on Jan. 18, CVU’s Nordic mixed medley relay team, which included Gavin Schaaf, Esther Cuneo, Emma Strack and Gus Lunde, took top honors. In addition to placing first, the winners also took home pies, compliments of the MMU Nordic team, host of the event.

CVU grapplers begin among the top 10

After the first day of the Michael J. Baker Wrestling Classic at Essex, CVU wrestlers joined Essex to represent the two Vermont teams among the top 10.

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Tunes to Tune Into Indulgent distraction through music helps navigate tough times John Moses Greetings from Los Angeles!

I’m sorry to say it’s been too long. Whether you’re an avid fan or casual reader of this column, perhaps you noticed my absence in December. Long story short: I proposed to my girlfriend at the beginning of the month (she said yes!) but then, soon after, she fell down a treacherous well (she said noooooooooooooooo!) where she now resides.

Everyone is okay—she has plenty of water and I’m able to send down food and clothes.

She spends much of her time painting by candlelight, which I’ve now been able to use as the artwork for my segments.

However, despite my fiancé’s creative spark and enduring spirit, the nature of our relationship has changed and we’re now trying to coordinate a subterranean wedding ceremony. It’s been a very long six weeks, but we’re hanging in there as the fire department finds a ladder long enough to save the day. I’ll keep you updated. ___________________________ One way to navigate tough times is to focus on routine, and now that 2020 has fully kicked in, I find myself grounded in my schedule.

Wake up, shower, go to work, cook, clean, repeat; it’s the same old thing. Despite taking comfort in a sense of structure, I’ve yearned to deviate from the norm, to find a source of distraction that’s engaging and fun rather than

merely utilitarian. Maybe that means going to the record store more often? Hitting the beach (although I most assuredly will burn to a crisp)? Trying some new restaurants? Frankly, I owe it to myself—and perhaps you do too.

score: futuristic orchestral elements interacting with fast-moving urban pallets. Go see the movie and check out the soundtrack – there wasn’t anything else like it in 2019.

Lucky for us, it’s award season here in LA which gives us the perfect excuse to get wrapped up in something outside of ourselves—and the perfect jumping off point to start talking about some new music.

There were a TON of fantastic movies this year, many deserving of honor and recognition, but one film was criminally snubbed in the Oscar nominations: Uncut Gems, the newest pedal-to-the-metal thriller from the New York City-based Safdie brothers. The movie follows Adam Sandler as a jeweler and gambling addict in New York’s diamond district, placing bets and dodging debt-collectors at breakneck speed.

Sandler’s performance is his most compelling and gripping to date, allowing co-stars Idina Menzel and Lakeith Stanfield to shine alongside Hollywood newcomers Julia Fox and Kevin Garnett (of Boston Celtics fame).

While the casting, pace and pressure of Uncut Gems steal the show, the unsung hero of the film is Daniel Lopatin, whose soundtrack underscores the movie’s overarching anxiety with a mixture of drunken implied rhythms and synthed-out serenity. Fans of the stranger side of electronic music might recognize Lopatin’s moniker, Oneohtrix Point Never, whose work is celebrated as leading the charge in introducing avant-garde music to new audiences. He also worked on the

Welcome to

Illustration of “FIBS” album cover by Alison Rosenfeld.

Safdie’s previous film, Good Time, providing pulsing John Carpenter-esque drive to accompany the equally manic visuals.

Lopatin’s soundtrack for Uncut Gems further builds on his own sonic universe while propelling him into an uncharted limelight.

Many critics have described the score as bombastic and intense, although I found that it balanced the chaos of the film. The height of Sandler’s character’s inexplicable behavior is often met with calming sustains and swirling, warm tones. Dreamlike musical phrasing, speaking for the characters when they can’t find the right words, bolsters rare moments of contemplation and minimalism in the movie.

Three cues in particular, “The Bet Hits”, “Windows” and the film’s title track, best summarize the dynamic nature of Lopatin’s

On the topic of scores, Anna Meredith, the artist behind the soundtrack for 2018’s indie film darling Eighth Grade, released her fourth full-length solo album FIBS toward the latter half of last year. Much like Meredith’s previous releases, FIBS brilliantly articulates complex composition through electronic sensibilities; the record finds an intersection between the windy indie rock stylings of Broadcast, the playfully mountainous works of Sufjan Stevens, and with colorful renditions of Terry Riley. Her music remains high-art yet readily accessible to newcomers.

I recommend tracks “Unfurl,” “Ribbons,” or “Killjoy” as a starting point—three tracks compositionally adventurous yet still rooted in familiar structures tonalities. After getting comfortable with Meredith’s sound, give some of the wilder cuts on the record a spin. My personal favorites are “Sawbones” and “Divining,” both of which play with unexpected time signatures, builds, and bright peaks at their most climactic moments.

Did we get off track? We were talking about treating ourselves to indulgent distractions.

Naturally, I take deep-rooted pleasure in searching for music, especially when I stumble onto something relatively new, untouched and, often, tastefully unpolished. Enter La Timpa, see TUNES page 15

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14 • January 23, 2020 • The Charlotte News

Health Matters Who benefits from regular exercise? Everyone, young and old will help reduce risk of injury by providing blood flow to your muscles and moving your body in the same way you move during exercise and sports.

Katherine Spencer We all know that exercise is good for us, and if you’re like most people, you’ve probably made a New Year’s resolution to do more of it. Unfortunately, this is one of the most challenging resolutions for most of us to keep.

Some examples of dynamic, or moving, stretches include pulling your knees to your chest or butt kicks while walking (check out this video: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Qy9p20R-0jc). Do static stretches, not moving but holding a muscle in a tensioned position for a period of time, after your workout; stretch each major muscle group for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat twice for maximum benefit. Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility. Include balance exercises in your routine; one easy way to do this is to stand on one leg while brushing your teeth.

Physical activity is vital in improving health as well as lowering the risk for many disorders, including diabetes, stroke, cancer and heart problems. We also know that physical activity benefits brain health and reduces fall-related injuries, as well as improves how people feel, function and sleep.

Who can benefit from a regular exercise routine? Everyone, from children as young as three to adolescents, adults and older adults, including women during pregnancy and the postpartum period and adults with chronic health conditions and disabilities.

Just get started While the benefits of regular exercise for everyone, young or old, are widespread, it can be challenging for many people to fit exercise into their busy lives. Getting started is the hardest part, but once you get into the swing of things it truly becomes much easier.

OK, here’s how to exercise more The American College of Sports Medicine recommends adults ages 18 – 65 complete a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular exercise each week.

Cardiovascular exercise simply means performing an activity that increases your heart rate. You can choose from many options, including walking, running, bicycling and rowing.

An accurate way of determining whether you are achieving moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise is to use a heart rate monitor such as a Fitbit or similar product. Don’t have any fancy equipment? No worries! You can you use the simple Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale (RPE).

Like the pain scale most of us are familiar with, you can rate your level of exertion by using a 0 – 10 scale. Think of zero as at rest and not physically exerting yourself and 10 as you are working so hard it feels almost impossible to continue as you would be out of breath, unable to talk and unable to maintain the activity for more than a very short time.

Moderate intensity is working at a 4 – 6 on this scale, causing heavy breathing but being able to hold a short conversation. You are still somewhat comfortable, but the activity you are performing becomes noticeably more challenging the longer you do it. Vigorous intensity is working at a 7 – 8. At this level you will be borderline uncomfortable and short of breath, but you can still speak a sentence.

I recommend spreading aerobic activity throughout the week. One way to achieve this is to do 30 minutes of moderate or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise five days a week. Additional health benefits are gained by engaging in physical activity beyond the equivalent of 300 minutes (five hours) of moderate-intensity physical activity a week.

Photos contributed

Remember, too, to move more and sit less throughout the day, and some physical activity is better than none. Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderateto-vigorous physical activity gain health benefits.

Guidelines for older adults The guidelines for adults also apply to older adults, but for older adults, there’s more to consider.

Older adults should do multicomponent physical activity that includes balance training as well as aerobic and musclestrengthening activities. Older adults should determine their level of effort for physical activity relative to their level of fitness.

People with chronic conditions should understand whether and how their conditions affect their ability to do regular physical activity safely. When a person cannot do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week because of age or disability, they should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow. Consulting your health care provider before engaging in physical activity is recommended.

Stay (or get) strong. Lift those weights In addition to regular cardiovascular exercise, on two or more days a week all adults, older and younger, should also do muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity that involve all major muscle groups. Strength training differs from aerobic exercise as it specializes in the use of resistance to induce muscular contraction, which builds strength and endurance, increases the size of skeletal muscles and the density of bones and—an added benefit— develops better body mechanics thereby

reducing your risk of falls and injury.

Many people are under the impression that activities such as walking, running or cycling are enough to check off the lower-extremity strength box. Don’t be fooled; those exercises are typically not enough to build true muscular strength.

What will build strength is resistance training using dumbbells, weight machines or resistance bands, body weight exercises such as pushups and crunches, and Pilates.

Stay flexible For all ages, incorporating flexibility exercises into your routine will improve range of motion around your joints.

Performing a dynamic warmup pre-workout

If you are unsure whether exercise is safe for you, check with your health care provider for pre-exercise screening. Once you have been cleared for exercise, a physical therapist—a movement specialist in health care—can get you started.

And you don’t necessarily have to join an athletic club, either. Ask your physical therapist how to start and maintain an exercise program in the comfort of your own home.

Please visit health.gov/paguidelines/secondedition/pdf/PAG_ExecutiveSummary.pdf to learn more about detail about established guidelines for preschool-age children.

Katherine Spencer holds a doctorate in physical therapy and is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. She works at Dee PT in Shelburne and can be reached at katherinespencer@ deept.com. She lives in South Burlington.

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The Charlotte News • January 23, 2020 • 15

Charlotte Senior Center

SENIOR CENTER MENUS they can be used at participating restaurants on designated days and times. They are a great way to get out with friends and have a meal for very little (a $5 donation—which does not include a tip). It can give you some variety or a chance to try something new.

More than one ticket can be purchased at a time, they are not transferrable, and they are good until 9/30/20. Stop by the Senior Center to purchase, or to speak with Pat Long about the program details when she is here.

Thurs., 2/13, from 12:30–3:30 p.m., Creating Handmade Books In this three-hour workshop, learn how to make a simple hand-sewn book and also an accordion book. Bring items to collage for the creation of fabulous books with imagery and words. Fee $35, includes materials.

Preregistration required.

Carolyn Kulik

SENIOR CENTER DIRECTOR

The best way to succeed is to have a specific Intent, a clear Vision, a plan of Action, and the ability to maintain Clarity. Those are the Four Pillars of Success. It never fails!” ~ Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free ________ Being able to see into a crystal ball would be lovely, but one of the fun things about putting the schedule together at the Senior Center is a certain degree of unpredictability. Some course offerings can take off—and others just do not get enough signups up to run. A case of the former is Basic Cartooning that has gotten an excellent response. I thought it might not generate much interest, but I decided to offer it anyhow. It is really exciting to see people willing to try something quite a bit out of the ordinary.

Another pleasant surprise is EssentricsTM – a new exercise course that is now full.

Everyone has been so enthusiastic that it will be offered on two different mornings (Wed. and Fri.) in the spring, although there will be a fee for it in this coming season.

Upcoming Courses & Events Fri., 1/13, from 12:30- 3:30, Unique Impressions In this three-hour workshop, enjoy the process of printmaking without a press by using super-sensitive gelli plates. Each print will be one of a kind! These prints can be

further included in mixed media work or used as cards—or as pages for a handmade book. You will also have the opportunity to design your own personal “stamp,” which then can be added as an identifying symbol to your works. Fee $35, includes materials.

Preregistration required.

Mon., 1/27, from 10:00-–11:30, iPad for Beginners.

This one-day hands-on class will cover home-screen navigation, basic gestures, connecting to WiFi, common settings, and finding and installing apps—with time for practice and questions. Please bring your iPad, preferably updated to the latest iOS. No fee. Registration is required.

Wed., 1/29, from 10–11 a.m., Short Stories for Winter Dates: Wed. 1/29-2/19. Library Director Margaret Woodruff will lead the four-part discussion at the Senior Center. Possible readings are pieces by Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Twain and Chekov; your suggestions are invited. Registration required.

No fee. Reading packets available at the Charlotte Library.

Sun., 2/2, from 2–3:30 p.m., The Circle of Life and Native American Belief Systems Don Stevens, current chief of the Nulhegan Abenaki tribe, will speak about the Circle of Life and its connection to Native American belief systems. No fee. No registration.

Mon., 2/7, from 10:30–11:30 a.m., Age Well Universal Restaurant Tickets Sorry, the tickets are not really universal, but

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Health Event A friendly reminder that our Blood Drive is Thurs., 2/6, from 2–7 p.m. If you’ve never been here, it’s very comfortable and features genial hosts and great snacks. To volunteer to donate, please call the Red Cross at 1-800733-2767 or go to redcrossblood.org. ___________ WEDNESDAY Afternoon – Free Events at 1 p.m. No registration 1/29: First Aid Basics ~ A Review with John Snow In this introduction to first aid, participants will learn a number of basic skills as well as a simple process for determining what might be wrong with a patient and how to provide appropriate assistance. Included will be information about several common medical emergencies and injury types. No previous training is necessary, and all are welcome.

[Please note that this is not a certification class.]

2/5: Secrets of Mt. Philo with Judy Chaves The history of Mt Philo, Vermont’s first state park, is as remarkable as the view from its summit. Come learn about this gem in our backyard: why it is the way it is and where evidence of its history lies hidden in plain sight—through slides, historic maps, turn-of-the-20th century descriptions of the mountain, and even poetry.

2/12: More Paths to Wellness ~ with a panel of four professionals Take this opportunity to learn about other paths to wellness from the four very experienced and well-trained panel members who will introduce their special fields briefly, with time for your questions. Panel members are Emelia Brogna, doctor of physical therapy; Mischul Brownstone, guild certified Feldenkrais® teacher; Tina D’Amato, doctor of osteopathy; and Liesje Smith, certified RolferTM. Art News The lovely January Art Exhibit: “Challenge Quilts ~ Black & White Plus One” continues until 1/31. The February Art Exhibit is 2020 Hindsight: A 25-year Retrospective of Barbara Waters’ Artistic Explorations. Her work includes abstract personal reflections and nature-inspired works in oil, acrylic, gouache, graphite and collage, as well as collagraph and monotype prints. The 12-panel oil “Lifeline” honors the emergence of life from the void, its dance through time and disappearance back into the void. Don’t miss this one—and be sure to check on viewing times. All are invited to the Artist’s Reception on Sat., 2/8, from 1:30-3:30. _________

Suggested donation for all meals: $5

Monday Munch

11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

No reservations required.

January 27

Cuban picadillo over rice & black beans Greens Oatmeal cookie apple crisp

February 3

Braised cabbage, sausage & white bean soup Salad Pumpkin cake w/Earl Grey cream cheese frosting Courtesy of Philo Ridge

Wednesday Lunch All diners eat at noon.

Reservations required.

January 29

Moroccan chicken stew Surprise dessert

February 5

Pesto tortellini w/chicken & artichokes Homemade birthday cake & ice cream

Thursday – Gents Breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Reservations required.

Jan. 23 & Feb. 13 Menu and topic - TBA

Winter Weather Closings When the weather is iffy, remember that the Senior Center follows the school closures of Champlain Valley School District (CVSD).

Closings are announced on local TV and radio stations, at CVSDVT.org, as well as on our website, CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org and phone message.

The best times to see art in Jan. & Feb. Mon. & Wed. at noon, Thurs. after 12:30 (except 2/6), Fri. after 12:30 Please call the Center during the week

to check on Sunday availability.

Do visit our website, CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org, for more details on course listings, events and menus. If you have questions, would like to register or ask about volunteering, please call 425-6345 or stop by M-F from 9-4.

We are at 212 Ferry Rd., Charlotte, right across from the post office.

The Senior Center’s mission is to serve those 50 and up. Residents from other communities are always welcome.

There are no membership fees.

Stop in and say hello. See you soon! _______________

Charlotte Senior Center 802-425-6345

16 • January 23, 2020 • The Charlotte News

TUNES

continued from page 12

a Canadian artist by way of Nigeria who specializes in music for the late night. Equal Amounts Afraid, La Timpa’s latest record, was quietly released in the dying days of December while critics were putting together their yearend lists.

Much of La Timpa’s art derives from his upbringing; his sound finds solace in life’s quieter moments. Growing up surrounded by farmland and ample free time, his do-ityourself endeavors derived from an elixir of boredom, long days and a desire to create.

The result feels pure and honest—stripped back Thom Yorke-esque vocals cut across instrumentals drawing on African drum patterns and modernized stratus-shaped soundscapes. Check out “Rattle Shake”, which finds an underlying robustness in its percussive simplicity and earnest vocal delivery.

Equal Amounts Afraid is perhaps best digested alone and on your own terms. Perhaps the best musical self-discovers should be first heard this way.

In case these songs find themselves just a hair out of orbit, I highly recommend the latest singles from Thundercat and Australian sound-wizard Tame Impala, Steve Lacey’s funk-covered new cut “Black Qualls,” or “Checkin’ My Colonies,” a fantastic and unexpected tune from legendary big-band bohemian visionaries Kid Creole and the Coconuts.

In case these songs find themselves just a hair out of orbit, I highly recommend the latest single from Australian sound-wizard Tame Impala, Thundercat’s funk-covered new cut “Black Qualls” or “Checkin’ My Colonies,” a fantastic and unexpected tune from legendary big-band Bohemian visionaries Kid Creole and the Coconuts.

Signing off, John Moses To hear the music go to: charlottenewsvt.org/category/living/

Classifieds Reach your friends and neighbors for only $12 per issue. (Payment must be sent before issue date.) Please limit your ad to 35 words or fewer and send it to The Charlotte News Classifieds, P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 or email ads@thecharlottenews.org.

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