The Charlotte News | December 6, 2019

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Charlotte News Thursday, December 6, 2019 | Volume LXII Number 11

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Charlotte News

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Vol. 62, no.11

December 6, 2019

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

Shopping

Local doctor provides hurricane relief in the Bahamas

Chea Waters Evans

As far as holiday activities go, I’m aging and can’t hit the eggnog as hard as I used to, and I’ve been banned by my family from singing “All I Want For Christmas is You” ever again, both with and without interpretive dancing, so all I have left to do is go shopping. Here’s Part One of my useful annual shopping guide, which will allow you to take care of all of your gifting needs without leaving town, and I get to put the loca in local.

Spear’s Store never fails to delight. I bought a pair of sunglasses there this summer and the cashier was pleasantly surprised. “I didn’t even know we sold sunglasses,” she said. Not only do they have those, they have soap from Our Own Candle Company. One of the scents is Lavender, with which I’m familiar, and the other available scent is Butt Naked (not making this up, I swear), which could be delightful, but could also go terribly wrong. At $4.99 each, it’s worth it for research purposes alone.

East Charlotte Tractor Parade calendars are available for $15, as well as various other fun kinds of Tractor Parade merch like baby onesies, adult T-shirts and little wooden toy tractors. The shirts make good gifts for out-of-town family members who moved and left us here to freeze to death and reminds them of the good times they’re missing.

There are stocking stuffers everywhere at Spear’s—Kinco thermal cold-weather work gloves for only $22.99, a handmadein-Vermont (don’t know who he is, but the sign says, Made by Floyd) ice-fishing jig for $6, assorted bandanas for $2.49, and

Chea Waters Evans

Photo by Chea Waters Evans

Method Organics CBD dog treats, made in Middlebury, but not by Floyd, for $30 a bag. That last one seems like a lot of money, but if you’re the kind of person who has a stocking for your dog, you’re not going to flinch at 30 bucks for treats.

Spear’s Store also stocks a hefty supply of pipes and other items that people used to have to pretend they were using for tobacco. There’s a little glass one that looks like a dragon—dare I say, Puff the Magic Dragon?—and another glass pipe that looks like a frightened pickle with eyes.

There is, as always, a lovely and diverse selection of beer, wine and champagne, as well as some fun canned wines, which five years ago were apparently considered low-end but are now fancy. Roseé Water is adorably packaged, and there is also see SHOPPING page 6

Selectboard wraps up budget reviews, hears from committees Juliann Phelps

The Nov. 25 Selectboard meeting featured a shorter agenda, with members Carrie Spear and Fritz Tegatz absent. The remaining three members heard from various town committees on budget requests, solar RFPs and appointments.

FY21 budget reviews The Selectboard heard from representatives for the Charlotte Senior Center, the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge Oversight Committee and the Cemetery Commission.

Jenny Cole of the Park and Wildlife Refuge Committee requested a reduction in budget of $15,000 (down $1,650 from the previous year), citing the completion of several park projects and less than anticipated costs for the “Get to Know Your Park Day.” Victoria Zulkoski of the Cemetery Com-

mission requested a reduction in budget of $10,750, saying headstone repair is the commission’s top priority. Carl Herzog of the Charlotte Senior Center requested an operating budget of $128,537, up $15,207 from this year, due to maintenance and repair projects. He listed siding repair, replacement of an underground oil tank, carpet cleaning, and septic tank and air duct clean outs.

The board also discussed other Senior Center capital improvement projects, including the addition of heat pumps, replacing the roof, and replacing the air conditioning unit, a requested total of $117,000. Chair Matt Krasnow said the improvement and repair reserve fund was reserved for town buildings, and Town Administrator Dean Bloch said separate articles have been used for new buildings or equipment. see SELECTBOARD page 7

Sleeping on the porch of a hurricanebattered house with no electricity felt luxurious to Dr. Jean AnderssonSwayze—it was an upgrade from the previous nights she spent camping on the ground in a shanty town on Abaco, an island in the Bahamas that was suffering the effects of Hurricane Dorian.

Andersson-Swayze was there as part of a medical rescue team led by Heart to Heart International; she made two trips this fall, one in the direct aftermath of the hurricane, and another in early November.

The washed-out home was a blessing, Andersson-Swayze said, because the porch was protected from the elements with a roof, and as she went to sleep and when she woke up in the morning, she could hear the sound of the waves from her oceanfront roost. The house, though badly damaged, was prime real estate on the water, and its owners generously allowed medical staff to sleep there for both of their relief trips.

“It makes you appreciate your warm cozy bed,” Andersson-Swayze said—a bed she appreciated even more after seeing what the Bahamian people were experiencing after Dorian. Conditions on Abaco are still dire, she said.

This was apparent as soon as AnderssonSwayze stepped off her flight in the airport.

“We were met by a crowd of people waiting to leave the island who had been waiting for several days…they were desperate to leave [the island]. So, we basically started providing care right after we got off the plane.”

Along with the rest of her eight-member team of physicians and support volunteers, Andersson-Swayze traveled around the shanty areas of the island as part of a mobile medical unit, helping people both with infections or critical care issues— like a man who had fallen off a roof in the midst of repairing a building—as well as maintenance care for conditions like blood

The mobile clinic out of the physician’s truck at “The Farm,” a Haitian shanty town.

Taken with patient’s permission. Photo contributed.

pressure and diabetes.

The shanty town, which had a mostly Haitian population, was pretty bleak, she said. “The people are service people…and work very hard for very little money,” she said. Because the Haitian community on Abaco is largely undocumented, people suffering with medical issues didn’t seek help for fear of being deported and sent to Haiti, a country on the brink of civil war, and one that many had never visited in their lives. The situation there is “much like migrant workers in the U.S.,” Andersson-Swayze said.

In her regular life, Andersson-Swayze is a family care physician with Middlebury Family Health. She also regularly takes service trips to areas impacted by diseases or natural disasters. She made a trip to Sierra Leone to combat Ebola in 2015, and has flown to provide relief after hurricanes Dorian, Harvey, Maria, and Michael over the past decade. She has also performed humanitarian medical care in Haiti, and for Greece refugees and Bangladesh Rohingya. She said she is also see HURRICANE page 4

2 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Town Planning Commission pivots to a reactive approach to Act 143 Vice Chair proposes performance standards for accessory on-farm businesses

The Charlotte News Mission Statement The mission of The Charlotte News is to inform our readers about current events, issues and topics, and to serve as a forum for the free exchange of views of town residents and community volunteer organizations on matters related to Charlotte and the lives of its residents.

Juliann Phelps During the Nov. 21 Planning Commission meeting, the commission again took up three recurring topics: Act 143 as applied to land use regulations, boundaries in the East Charlotte village and updates to driveway standards.

Chair Peter Joslin opened discussion on Act 143 recapping previous considerations: whether to amend the land use regulations to include a site plan review for accessory on-farm businesses; what would trigger a site plan review; a farm registry; how to handle the requirement that more than 50 percent of sold products be produced on the farm; and “a number of suggestions by folks at Philo Ridge Farm—many were changes to language in the Town Plan that spoke to promoting and carrying out the benefits of Act 143,” said Joslin.

Vice Chair Charlie Pughe proposed an idea not discussed previously: amending the performance standards section in the land use regulations, referencing chapter 3, section 3.12, to include a set of performance criteria for permitted accessory on-farm businesses. “You don’t have to come in for a site plan review, but if there is a complaint, we have a way to go and address the problem.”

Planning Commission member James Faulkner talks with Doug Moses of Bullrock Corporation about his application and proposed building design. Photo by Juliann Phelps

regulation on the front end; we are trying to create a way for the town to react.” He proposed to draft the section and circulate it to the commission and interested members of the public, including Philo Ridge Farm and Clark Hinsdale III. Joslin agreed and requested the draft be available to discuss at the Dec. 19 meeting.

East Charlotte village

Peter Swift from Philo Ridge Farm agreed, “From my opinion it sounds reasonable.”

Landowner Clark Hinsdale III agreed, “It’s a good direction to go, there are standards for evaluating complaints as well as a roadmap.”

The East Charlotte village boundary discussion recapped minor boundary changes suggested at the Nov. 7 meeting and continued discussions on housing density, including affordable and senior housing, as well as septic. Hinsdale said, “Ferrisburgh is looking at allowing market-rate homes of 1,800 square feet or less to receive a density bonus.” He raised the oft-mentioned topic of water and septic, saying, “You could potentially do a small-scale water system and drill less into the aquifer.” He noted, “Without providing a public right of way for utilities, nothing would make sense anyway.”

Planning Commission member James Faulkner asked, “Is there a way to determine whether an accessory on-farm business was actually on a farm? … What do we do about it? Let them do it until somebody complains?” Pughe responded, “We are not trying to create an additional level of

Pughe asked if the commission was still considering changing lot size in the village commercial district from five acres, noting a smaller residential lot would have impacts on setbacks, road frontages and utilities.

Joslin agreed and said for the next meeting the commission would “look at the final

map, review if we change the density from five acres to either two or one, and adjust the land use regulations to allow for utilities under the roads (in the village).”

Other business Town Planner Daryl Arminius provided examples of driveway standards from the neighboring towns of Shelburne, Hinesburg and Richmond. Arminius provided the information to assist in the update of the 1997 “Recommended Standards for Developments and Homes” document.

The commission briefly reviewed the submissions and will review and compare standards for a single driveway; the topic will be discussed at the next meeting.

The Planning Commission heard from Doug Moses of Bullrock Corporation, for a sketch plan review for a proposed 6,500-squarefoot building at 735 Ferry Road, which, according to Moses, would “house seven commercial warehouse bays and office space for a landscaper” who is interested in leasing the property. He described the building as “agricultural looking” and indicated it would shield the proposed contractor yard and solar field. After brief questions, the commission closed the sketch plan review (PC-19-193SK Bullrock-Moses).

The commission also heard from landowner Robert Bloch on a sketch plan review for a possible subdivision amendment. Bloch requested modification to two lots on Whalley Road to make the lots less irregular.

The commission motioned to continue sketch plan review (PC-19-194-SK Bloch).

The commission then conducted site visits to both properties on Saturday, Nov. 23.

The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for December 19.

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Publisher: Vince Crockenberg Editorial Staff Managing Editor: Anna Cyr (anna@thecharlottenews.org) News Editor: Chea Waters Evans (chea@thecharlottenews.org) Contributing Editor: Edd Merritt Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Vince Crockenberg Proofreaders: Edd Merritt, Mike & Janet Yantachka Business Staff Ad manager: Elizabeth Langfeldt (ads@thecharlottenews.org) Bookkeeper: Susan Jones (billing@thecharlottenews.org) Board Members President: Vince Crockenberg (vince@thecharlottenews.org) Treasurer: Ted leBlanc (treasurer@thecharlottenews.org) Board members: Bob Bloch, Gay Regan, Tom Tiller, Dave Quickel, John Quinney, Lane Morrison, Jack Fairweather, Christina Asquith, Claudia Marshall, John Hammer (emeritus) Website: thecharlottenews.org Subscription Information The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all Charlotte residences. Subscriptions are available for first-class delivery at $40 per calendar year.

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ON THE COVER Decking the Halls. See the story on page 19.

Photo by Joan Weed

The Charlotte News • December 6, 2019 • 3

Commentary Let’s eliminate the Board of Listers and instead appoint an assessor Betsy Tegatz I am writing this as the chair of the Board of Listers and one who is familiar with the trend of more and more elected positions remaining unfilled. The board would like to propose that the town adopt a provision to eliminate the Board of Listers and allow the appointment of an assessor for the tax year 2020 going forward.

Like you, we appreciate the democratic process of elections for municipal offices; unfortunately, it has become unsustainable in the listers’ office. The job has evolved a great deal in the past few years and requires someone who is preferably experienced in assessing—or at least possesses the skill set to learn the many responsibilities involved with maintaining and managing the town’s grand list.

In addition to finding a qualified person to take the lead in the listers’ office, it is becoming increasingly challenging to find residents willing to run and fill the remaining seats on the board. This problem is not unique to Charlotte and has been an issue with many towns. Consequently, the state has provided an option for towns to appoint an assessor by having the town approve an article on Town Meeting Day via Australian ballot (see sidebar). The

appointed assessor would do the same job as the primary lister and little, if anything, will change.

Since it is conceivable that the entire board could be vacant by 2021 (no current board members, myself included, are seeking reelection), we are strongly encouraging the community to consider this option.

It combines the best of both worlds by allowing citizens to apply for the job if they wish but also enables the town to find the best applicant for the position ensuring a seamless transition.

The New England Municipal Resource Center will remain the town’s appraiser and will keep doing quadrant inspections, building permits and participate in the annual grievance process. This allows for continued safeguards to maintain equity, as well as a professional resource for the newly appointed assessor.

This item will be discussed at the Dec. 9 Selectboard meeting. I welcome questions before the meeting or during the scheduled agenda time on Dec. 9. I can be contacted by email at Lister@townofcharlotte.com or by phone at 425-3855, ext. 3.

Appointed assessors have the same responsibility as a Board of Listers. He or she will carry out all property assessment

responsibilities, set the grand list, and hear grievances. Also, his or her decisions are appealable to the Board of civil authority.

17 V.S.A. § 2651c (b)(1).

Towns and cities can adopt a charter provision to eliminate the office of Lister and allow the appointment of an assessor. Last session, under Act 21, the Vermont Legislature gave municipalities another option to replace the Board of Listers with a “professionally qualified assessor” without adopting a charter. To do so, a town must approve an article at the annual town meeting to eliminate the office. A vote to eliminate the office of Lister will remain in place until a municipality votes otherwise. Forty-five days later—or once the Selectboard appoints an assessor, whichever comes first—the term of any existing elected Listers will end. An appointed assessor can be a contractor or an employee of the municipality and need not be a resident of the town. When a municipality’s charter requires the election or appointment of Listers, it must continue to do so until the charter amendment process is used to take advantage of this new statutory authority. 17 V.S.A. § 2651c.

To the Editor Kudos to Philo Ridge I don’t pretend to understand the hurdles one must jump to open a business in Charlotte, but Tad Cooke’s description of the inspections, permits and licenses required to open Philo Ridge Farm (Charlotte News, Nov. 14, 2019) was an eye opener. I am writing to point out just one benefit to our community for which Philo Ridge should be given credit. Once a month Philo Ridge supplies the food for our Monday Munch at the Senior Center.

Not only do people who work at Philo Ridge volunteer their time to serve the food, they offer to come in whenever we might need their help on other Mondays.

“Just give us a call” is their cheerful message.

Susan Ohanian

Email your news & photos to: news@ thecharlottenews.org

4 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Youth hunter's first buck

HURRICANE continued from page

1

There are numerous ways people can help in the Bahamas, Andersson-Swayze said.

After she wrote a Front Porch Forum post asking for donations and help, several Charlotters with specific skills approached her and are making tentative plans to go down and help; carpenters and builders are much needed.

The less-skilled in the art of building can contribute in other ways, the easiest and most effective being in the form of donations, Andersson-Swayze said. She suggests Heart to Heart International or The Bahamas Disaster Relief Fund, which was set up by the Bahamian Government.

She also mentioned World Central

Kitchen—they provided hot meals to both those suffering from the effects of the hurricane and the volunteers. “Somehow they were able to get their delicious food to us on Treasure Cay,” she said.

“I highly recommend this group, and they have a volunteer program if anyone is interested.”

Another relief suggestion seems a little too easy: “If you are looking for a good reason to take a beach vacation, it is important to know that many areas of the Bahamas, including Nassau, were completely unaffected by Dorian,” she said, “and taking a vacation there will help the local economy.”

Twelve-year-old Gabriel Merrill from Charlotte with his first buck, shot in Charlotte by his home this season.

Photo by Ethan Merrill

Email your news and photos to news@thecharlottenews.org

S C H E D U L E • JUN 1–AUG 31, 2019

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More than 250 people sheltered in this clinic during the storm; it eventually became the Heart to Heart International base on Treasure Cay.

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The Charlotte News • December 6, 2019 • 5

Around Town Congratulations

CCS musicians Sawyer Carr, Owen Deale and Taryn Martin Smith performed in the District III Jazz Festival last month and the following CVU musicians will participate in the District III Music Festival held at their school January 31 and February 1: Hadley Auster, Tabitha Bastress¸ Morgan Keach, Kate Kogut, Claire Sigmon, Kate Silverman and Hannah Stein.

Lily Kate Keach’s poem, “Little Girl” was featured in the Young Writers Project in the November 29 Burlington Free Press. Lily wrote about her childhood slipping away, saying what she did and enjoyed as a child and the fact that that child is almost gone now, being replaced by a new she. She says “goodbye to the little girl who used to be me.”

Above: Dr. Andersson-Swayze gave tetanus shots at a shelter in Nassau. Taken with patient’s permission.

Dorian’s destruction on Treasure Cay All photos contributed

Patricia O’Donnell’s firm, Heritage Landscapes, which she founded in 1987, received the “Landscape Architecture Firm Award” presented by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in San Diego last month. The award recognizes Heritage’s large body of work which addresses landscapes of historic significance. Heritage architects have completed over 500 projects nationally and internationally, including four World Heritage sites and 44 National Historic Landmarks. They have won 89 professional awards as well. The award is the highest honor that the American Society of Landscape Architects bestows. Its recipients are recognized for their influence on the professional practice of landscape architecture.

Grey Aiken, who starts and tends the fires in Charlotte’s Philo Ridge Farm, was featured in the November 13 Seven Days for using nature’s resources to keep the building cozy during the cold season. “The fireplace draws people together,” he says. “It provides warmth and aesthetics and creates great

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conversation.” He also likes the noise, the crackling of the wood.

Leith Tonino, who is quoted in Seven Days’ “Winter Preview” issue, says that his birth on Christmas left him with “winter flowing in his blood” and “forming the very marrow of my bones.” He goes on to provide literary quotes from a number of authors about the virtues of the coolest season.

Alex Bunten, former editor of The Charlotte News, completed his first year as special projects manager for the Burlington Business Association. Alex has been working with the city to improve parking and transportation dynamics.

Obituaries Karen Newman of South Burlington died on November 13 after fighting breast cancer. She was 58 years old. She spent many summers at the family’s camp on the lake in Charlotte. She is survived by her parents, who now split their time between Florida and Charlotte. Karen accomplished a life-long goal by winning her National Age Group Aquathlon championships in 2018 despite her cancer diagnosis. She excelled at a number of endurance sports over the course of her life, racing many places here and abroad. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Healing Winds Vermont, 240 Battery Street, Burlington, VT 05401 or to the Cancer Support Foundation at cpsfvt.org/ donate.html.

Leslie L. Hunt passed away November 9 at the age of 73. Her surviving family includes her daughter Elizabeth Ann Hunt and son-in-law, Jesse Moore, of Charlotte. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Fletcher Free Library in Burlington online at fletcherfree.org/donate or by check to the Friends of FFL, in care of Gale Batsimm, Development Manager, at 235 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401.

6 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News

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.

Saturday, December 7

Charlotte Central School Holiday Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 408 Hinesburg Rd., Charlotte. A great lineup of amazing vendors and crafters! There will also be food, coffee from Paradiso Farm, spirit wear and raffle baskets. You’ll find two gyms filled with talent—we invite you to come and shop local! Books, jewelry, skin care, essential oils, woodwork, art, health tonic, pottery, knitwear, clothing, decor, holiday ornaments and much, much more.

There will be something for everyone on your list. We will also have a kids craft area where kids can participate in a take-home activity.

Sunday, December 8

The Hinesburg Artist Series annual holiday concerts, 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at St Jude Church in Hinesburg.

Rufus C. Patrick will conduct the South County Chorus, In Accord and the Hinesburg Artist Series Orchestra in a performance of traditional and contemporary holiday music and a carol sing-along. Please bring a nonperishable food item for the Hinesburg Food Shelf. Visit the Hinesburg Artist Series Facebook page or Hinesburgartistseries.org.

Sunday, December 15

41st Charlotte Historical Society Open House Christmas Party from 1PM - 4PM at The Charlotte Museum on Church Hill Road. All are welcome, refreshments provided, gingerbread tree for kids, and please dress warm. Hope to see you there.

Charlotte Library Art Event & Sneak Peek, 2 to 4 p.m.

An art event showcasing local Charlotte artists who have generously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds toward completion of the ongoing capital campaign. Shop locally for the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family (or for yourself!) while supporting the library. The sale includes paintings, ceramics, greeting cards and crafts for all tastes and all budgets! Come and enjoy a peek at the library addition as it grows to fit all that we offer to the community. Contact: Charlotte Library, 425-3864.

Town

SHOPPING continued from page

to kill.

1

Flora tiki wine spritzers and other canned drinking treats like beer, which is never a bad idea, even if you’re gluten-free: Spear’s has Glutenberg gluten-free beer.

They can also make custom gift baskets with all or some of the above attractively packaged.

For your keto-diet friends, head to Fat Cow Farm on Spear Street, where you can pick up super-locally raised sausage, beef, holiday turkeys and more. I think if you love someone, you can give them a wrapped pile of meat, and they will love you back. Carb-lovers can hit Backdoor Bread on Charlotte-Hinesburg Road, which bakes and serves organic, whole-grain, house-milled breads from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. The raisin bread is so good, it tastes like there’s already butter on it, and when you butter it, it’s like it’s double-buttered, which is the best way to be.

Philo Ridge Farm sells feet. Frozen chicken feet and pigs feet are available, and they’re under ten dollars, and it will definitely be a fun alternative for your child’s teacher, who is probably sick of gift cards to Starbucks.

The farm also has a beautiful selection of pickled cucumbers, giardiniera peppers, dilly beans and other preserved veggies that make a good hostess gift or hors d’oeuvres spread.

There are beautiful beeswax candles with dried flowers from the farm in them, adorable stoneware mugs with a big blue rooster on them and fancy-looking instant coffee packs.

I love a sea turtle as much as the next gal, but a paper straw makes me want to remove my teeth and fling them at the wall, so I’m excited to try the Hay! Straws, which are straws actually made of straw, are compostable, and won’t disintegrate the second you take a sip.

Horsford’s nursery and garden center has way more than wreaths and trees and garlands, although they do have all of those things. If you don’t think you need a little purple hedgehog planter, you are so wrong. At only $14.50, you can afford to buy his friends, too: yellow giraffe, royal blue pig, teal fox, orange elephant.

Throw a succulent in each and you have a whole zoo that’s very difficult

Speaking of killing, I saw my friend after I visited Horsford’s and I was showing her my phone with all the photos I took, and I said, “Look at all the murder weapons they have!” I’m not a gardener, but she is, so she explained that, while they do look like they’d come in handy in a homicidal pinch, they’re actually really nice gardening tools. And then she backed away slowly.

One of my favorite collections at Horsford’s are the delicate blue and white vases that look like sea urchins. They’re made from kalonite deposits located in the northern province of Thailand, and the colors are chic and soft, and in prices that range from $15 to $50, they’re affordable. They also have salt and pepper shakers.

The garden shop also has paper vase wraps that can turn any container into a floral surprise, as well as Christmas tree ornaments in all shapes—little wooden deer, paper penguins, more hedgehogs and adorable acorn fairies for only $8 that look like they spring right from under a woodland mushroom.

There are also glittery glass clip-on mushrooms that, at $3 each, are super groovy, man.

Please join me in the next issue for more shopping, and if you have a good tip about someone I should include, let me know at chea@thecharlottenews. org.

Photos by Chea Waters Evans

The Charlotte News • December 6, 2019 • 7

Town Repair Café fixes things and strengthens bonds Ruah Swennerfelt As can be seen by these photos, what a fun-filled day all had at the recent repair café. Eighteen “fixers” and 71 “fixees” gathered in the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry to share skills, see a wide variety of items repaired, fill up on soups, salads and desserts, and contribute to the Charlotte Food Shelf.

Transition Town (TT) Charlotte has now hosted five repair cafes. TT is a world-wide movement with a goal of strengthening community ties, helping people move away from a throwaway culture and keeping items out of the landfill. Some people came with precious family heirlooms, hoping someone could carefully fix them.

Some came with clothing needing new zippers or sweaters that had holes.

Many came with kitchen knives or garden tools needing sharpening.

In addition to going home with a fixed item, some went home with a new skill after watching and learning from the fixers. From watches and electronics to lamps and much more, it was great to see fixers collaborating on a challenging item and the happy

SELECTBOARD continued from page 1 Energy Committee and library solar RFP John Quinney of the Energy Committed presented the results of the request for proposal (RFP) for solar panels on the library roof. The two proposals, from Norwich Solar Technologies and Green Lantern Solar, were presented in a comparison chart. Quinney said Green Lantern Solar was “logistically easier” and “took the RFP more seriously.” He requested, and the board approved, entering into discussions with the Green Lantern Solar. In addition to providing the proposed net metering agreement at the Dec. 16 meeting, the motion included a configuration of the panels, an opt-out provision and a 25-year cash flow analysis for the library and other town buildings.

Other business

Vince Crockenberg and fixer Louis Cox. Photos contributed

faces as people walked out with their repaired items.

At the end of the day we had lots of food items and $523 to give to the Food Shelf! A successful day overall.

Thank you, Charlotte!

Above: Jim Hyde, right, gets assistance in trying to fix an appliance.

Below: Lots of food items and $523 to give to the Food Shelf!

Photos contributed

The board approved a Better Roads grant application for rock lining and erosion control on Prindle Road. The grant would fund 80 percent of the estimated $25,000 project cost, with the town funding the remaining 20 percent.

The board was also briefed by Town Administrator Dean Bloch on two estimates of repairs for the Seguin Covered Bridge on Roscoe Road and the bridge over the Laplatte River on Dorset Street. The damage occurred during the Halloween

storm, and the $65,000 estimate to repair both bridges is anticipated to be covered

by FEMA disaster relief funds.

The board approved the appointments of Larry Sommers and William Regan to the Trails Committee for terms ending April 30, 2021.

In Town Office business, the board approved, on the recommendation of computer services company TechGroup, the replacement of five computer workstations to enhance network cyber security.

The Selectboard also discussed its upcoming schedule, budget and articles for Town Meeting. Bloch said he “preferred to have everything wrapped up for the budget and the warning for Town Meeting on Jan. 13 (meeting).”

He also mentioned that, while the Selectboard is responsible for approving the proposed town wastewater ordinances, “A petition could be submitted which would trigger a town vote.” Bloch and Krasnow discussed the timing of the process in relation to potentially warning the article for Town Meeting Day. According to Bloch, the petitioner would have 44 days to submit a petition once the ordinances are passed, and the town-wide vote would have to occur within 60 days of receiving the petition.

The next Selectboard meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9.

8 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Library News Wrapping Up a Good Read Wednesday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of gift shopping and good cheer as Charlotte Library staff come to the Charlotte Senior Center to share their favorite reads for the season. Refreshments served. Book copies available for purchase thanks to the Flying Pig Bookstore. Co-sponsored with the Charlotte Senior Center, this program takes place at the Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road.

Margaret Woodruff DIRECTOR Greetings from the Charlotte Library!

Things have been busy here inside and out. We are so grateful for your patience as we navigate new details of the library construction project each week. We would like to thank the Public Library Association for the grant of seven new laptops to the library technology collection through the PLA DigitalLead Project. These new machines will allow us to streamline tech classes as well as make resources and internet access available to more Charlotters.

Better Together Book Club: Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win Wednesday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m. Our December 2019 Better Together book selection is “an exciting, insightful novel about what happens when a woman wants it all— political power, a happy marriage, and happiness—but isn’t sure just how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it.” We chose a fiction book for the hectic holiday season, and, although it is an “easier read,” it covers so many topics related to motherhood, marriage, careers and more. Copies available at the library circulation desk.

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Library Program Information

On-Going Programs

Activities for Children Dec. 9-13: Computer Science Education Week. Join us to celebrate with an Hour of Code™ after-school program, ageappropriate story time read-alouds, a readalong, and a book display.

See details below.

Baby & Family Time Tuesdays at 9 a.m. Join us for music, stories and play time with babies and toddlers.

Code Your Hero!

Monday, Dec. 9 at 3:15 p.m.

Celebrate Hour of Code™ with students all over the world! Learn, build and create with code through a hands-on project. This year we’ll “Code Your Hero” to celebrate doing good by coding the everyday heroes who make a difference in our community.

Beginners encouraged! 3rd grade and up.

Registration required.

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

Program is full—contact the library to get on the waitlist.

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

Lo c at e d i n th e

December Read-Along Wednesdays, Dec. 4-18 at 3:15 p.m.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a fictional “case file” put together by a group of 6th-grade students who want to know if their classmate Dwight has somehow tapped into the Force with his origami finger puppet of Yoda. It looks like an ordinary finger puppet, but every time a student asks it a question, it gives them great advice that doesn’t sound like something Dwight could come up with on his own. Could Origami Yoda be real? Grades 3 and up. Registration required. Stop at the library to pick up a copy of the book.

Coding Club is Back!

Thursdays at 3:15 p.m. Design and program your own video games using code and computer science. Learn important gaming concepts while building racing games, mazes and other fun games. Some previous experience with Scratch is helpful but not required. 4th grade & up. Space is limited, sign up today!

of Shelburne

Programs for Adults & Families

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Pop-Up Book Party Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friends of the Charlotte Library will host the pop-up book sale at the Charlotte Central School Holiday Market. These crafted collectors’ items range from fun 3-D nursery rhyme collections to intricate paper artwork. Great gift possibilities for all ages!

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Charlotte Library Art Event & Sneak Peek Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 to 4 p.m. Please join us at the Charlotte Library to celebrate the progress of the addition! Come and enjoy a peek at the new library expansion as it grows to fit all of the wonderful programs, books, collections, and workspaces that we offer to the community. We are excited to announce a small, but tasteful, art event featuring local Charlotte artists who have generously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their work. The funds raised from this event will help toward completion of the ongoing capital campaign. We are 90 percent of the way toward our goal of $600,000, and we need your help! Come shop locally for the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family (or for yourself!) while supporting

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Mystery Book Group: American By Day Monday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. She knew it was a weird place. She’d heard the stories, seen the movies, read the books. But now police Chief Inspector Sigrid Ødegård has to leave her native Norway and actually go there, to that land across the Atlantic where her missing brother is implicated in the mysterious death of a prominent AfricanAmerican academic. Copies available at library circulation desk.

New Collectio Has Arrived

Library Book Discussion: Lafayette in the Somewhat United States Thursday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Lafayette in the Somewhat United States is a humorous and insightful portrait of the famed Frenchman, the impact he had on our young country and his ongoing relationship with some of the instrumental Americans of the time, including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and many more. Copies available at the library circulation desk.

Shop Local !

the library. Included in the sale are original paintings, ceramics, greeting cards and crafts for all tastes and all budgets! If you have any questions about this event, please contact the library at 425-3864 or the committee members.

Coming in January: Gaia’s Garden permaculture book discussion, keeping your kids digitally safe, potluck supper and more!

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

The Charlotte Library closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, and will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, through Thursday, Dec. 26. We reopen at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27.

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.

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

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

Reach us on the web: charlottepubliclibrary.org.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/charlottelibraryvt.

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @CharlotteVTLib Unless otherwise warned, the Charlotte Library Board of Trustees meets the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Library minutes and agendas available on the library website.

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 (new sidewalk) or across the Town Green.

• The book drop box is now located in front of Town Hall. Please stop there to return all materials when library is closed for the day.

• A pick-up table has been 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!

4/27/

The Charlotte News • December 6, 2019 • 9

10 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Town

Climate Solutions Forum coming to Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg

SCHIP has announced its autumn 2019 grant awards.

SCHIP (Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg Interfaith Project) has announced its autumn 2019 grant awards. Recent monies of over $15,000 were awarded to 12 nonprofits in our towns that met the criteria of serving the people of our communities in a variety of ways.

Senator Chris Pearson and Representatives Mike Yantachka, Jessica Brumsted and Kate Webb invite you to a forum at the Charlotte Senior Center on Monday, Dec. 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., to discuss how Vermont can act on climate change in the coming legislative session. They invite you to join them to learn more about important climate policies like the Global Warming Solutions Act and a 100 percent renewable energy standard and to find out what you can do during the coming legislative session to help get meaningful climate legislation passed.

The Vermont Climate Solutions Caucus consists of more than 60 members of the Vermont General Assembly from both the House and the Senate who are committed to creating state policies that will take

meaningful steps to address the climate change crisis. Members have been working together this summer with businesses, environmental groups, government agencies and other stakeholders to come up with concrete ideas on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while growing Vermont’s economy and helping Vermonters save money. A series of climate policy discussions are being held all over the state to bring more Vermonters into the conversation about what steps the state should take to best address the climate crisis.

The recipients for this cycle included the Charlotte Grange #398, Champlain Housing Trust, Champlain Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), Charlotte Food Shelf, Color Our World (COW), Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS), Hinesburg Community Resource Center, Shelburne United Methodist Church, St. Catherine of Sienna Parish, Untwisted, Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and the Charlotte Congregational Church.

These awards are made possible as a result of SCHIP’s mission to raise funds through the sale of donated, gently used clothing, household items, accessories, art and collectibles at its resale shop in the distinctive yellow building on Route 7 in Shelburne next to the town offices. Since the first grants given in April 2005, more than $715,000 has been distributed.

SCHIP accepts grant applications twice a year. The deadlines are April 15 and October 15 of each year. The maximum grant size is $3,000. Application forms are available on the “Contacts” page at schipstreasure.org.

As a member of our communities, you too are an intimate part of our mission.

Come shop, donate, volunteer and help us continue to meet our objectives for the future. For more information on grant recipients or the organization, please visit our website (schipstreasure.org) or our Facebook page (SCHIP’s Treasure Resale Shop) or call the shop for volunteer or donation inquiries at 985-3595.

Our participating faith communities are All Souls Interfaith Gathering, Shelburne; Ascension Lutheran Church, South Burlington; Charlotte Congregational Church; Hinesburg United Church; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, Charlotte; Shelburne United Methodist Church; St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Shelburne; St. Jude Catholic Church, Hinesburg; Trinity Episcopal Church, Shelburne; and Vermont Zen Center, Shelburne.

The forum is co-sponsored by the Charlotte Energy Committee.

For more information contact Rep. Mike Yantachka (802-233-5238) or Rep. Jessica Brumsted (802-233-2120).

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST AND GET THE LATEST TOWN NEWS ONCE A WEEK! SIGN UP ON OUR WEBSITE

CharlotteNewsVT.org

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The Charlotte News • December 6, 2019 • 11

Town

Holiday market at CCS has lots of local vendors Chea Waters Evans The Charlotte Central School PTO Holiday Market is back this weekend, on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Along with vendors with everything from food to art, they will also have a free kids craft area where kids can participate in a take-home activity.

Sarah Ringler, who is on the board of the CCS PTO, said, “We have over 45 vendors this year with over half being from Charlotte. Great turnout!” Charlotte vendors run the gamut of holiday experiences— beauty and skincare items from Rodan & Fields and Beautycounter will be on hand, knitted items from CCS teacher Kris Gerson, home items from interior design firm The Gilded Elephant, Elli Parr jewelry, and other local artists and craftspeople including Jonathan Hart, Katie Carleton and Judy Devitt.

The Charlotte Library is selling pop-up books, with proceeds to benefit the library.

Several booths will be run by children. Maggie Wilson will feature her paintings, Lucia Hackerman has homemade soap and local honey, and Abigail Harkness, as part of her Grad Challenge program, will sell greeting cards of pediatric artwork, with all profits going to the hospital’s “Art from the Heart” program.

Ava and Hadley Ringler created glazed ornaments, and Story Holmes, Odie Kallock and Ethan Mazur are selling candle holders, Santas and rock sculptures.

Photos contributed

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12 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News

School

On a cold, rainy November night, CVU students sleep out to support homeless youth Matthew Pawlowski and Caroline Slack COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE

For about 55 students and a handful of adults at Champlain Valley Union High School, the night of Nov. 21 is one that will likely stay with them for a long time.

As the sunset lit up the evening sky, students pitched about 20 tents on the cold, soggy ground behind the school, preparing to brave the night in solidarity for homeless youth. “Every day, we go to school, we go home, we go to bed,” said Brooke Smith, a junior participating in the Spectrum sleep-out for the second year in a row. “We take for granted the comforts we have. If anything, tonight’s a wakeup call for those of us that have the choice to sleep out tonight, because for some, that choice has been made for them.”

As the sun sets and the temperature begins to drop, Champlain Valley Union High School students prepare their tents for the night beside their school. The weather took a turn for the cold and wet later, with rain soaking the campsite for part of the night.

Photo by Mia Brumsted

Junior Claire Goldman was taking part for the first time. “I don’t think people realize [homelessness] is all around us. This issue is almost hidden in Vermont,” she said.

The Spectrum sleep-out fundraiser supports Spectrum Youth and Family Services in Burlington, a nonprofit that serves at-risk youth ages 12 to 26 and their families by providing for basic needs such as housing, mentoring, job-skills and counseling.

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Senior Mia Brumsted, who has organized the sleep-outs for the past three years, said the experience is an opportunity to, for one evening, step into the shoes of what homeless youth must endure every day, even if it means being uncomfortable.

“I think it’s great that we’re doing this so close to Thanksgiving,” Brumsted said to the group as they gathered for the night.

“Because after tonight, we’re all going to realize a little bit more of what this lifestyle is actually like and recognize the things that we take for granted.”

When morning came, students broke camp and headed into school for the day. “Some

More than 50 students, a handful of adults and two dogs took part in the CVU Spectrum Sleep Out on Nov. 21.

Courtesy photo

people have to do this every day for years, and that’s their reality. Recognizing that is important,” Smith said. Senior Chandlee Crawford said that sleeping out even one night in the cold rain helped him put himself “in other people’s shoes.”

Fundraising around the sleep-out also gave students a chance to talk with friends and family about an issue many might not have paid attention to before. “I’m here to raise awareness for the fact that some people have to do this every day,” Crawford said.

Spectrum Executive Director Mark Redmond attended the CVU event to share the message of Spectrum’s work. He commended Brumstead for her leadership and CVU for getting behind the issue.

Like the Penguin Plunge each winter for Vermont Special Olympics, Redmond said he thinks the sleep-out events have taken root at CVU. “I think it’ll be a tradition.

They have an activist student body,” he said.

Spectrum began sleep-out fundraisers about eight years ago, and the effort has grown each year with supporters organizing events around the region, mostly in the springtime, Redmond said. Brumsted said this week that the CVU event had surpassed its

CVU senior Mia Brumsted and Mark Redmond, executive director of Spectrum Family and Youth Services, at the Nov. 21 overnight sleep-out to raise awareness of youth homelessness. Photo by Caroline Slack

$5,000 fundraising goal with $7,200 collected so far. Its online donation site remains open with a new goal of $10,000.

Learn more about Spectrum and support the CVU fundraiser at tinyurl.com/ CVUSpectrum.

Community News Service is a collaboration with the University of Vermont’s Reporting & Documentary Storytelling program.

The Charlotte News • December 6, 2019 • 13

School

Budgeting for special education discussed at November school board meeting cannot be found in the special education budget, discussions will focus on where savings might be found in the general education budget.

Nancy Richardson The CVSD Board meeting on Nov. 19 focused on a discussion of special education budgeting and spending estimates for 2021. Director of Student Support Services Meghan Roy and Chief Operating Officer Jeanne Jensen led the discussion on the factors involved in making budgeting decisions.

Special education budget forecasting is conducted in a changing environment that has a number of moving targets.

They include the number of students entering the school system with needs, the uncertainty of increasing health care costs for staff, the need for programs that will provide services on site, and the continuing community health and social service issues that impact the school system. These budget projections are accordingly made in an atmosphere of uncertainty.

One of the elements of budget forecasting is the effort by the district to provide more oversight and planning for special education services. Looking at the entire special education system across schools will increase the capacity of the school district to provide equitable on-site services for students. The provision of services on site will result in significant cost saving but does require the addition of highly trained personnel. The ATLAS program (Accomplished Teaching, Learning and Schools) put out by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards was cited as an example of

a program that has the potential for saving significant costs and enhancing the inclusion of students in their home schools.

The current projections indicate a shortfall of $250,000 in the special education budget for FY 2021. This reflects an expected increase in personnel health care costs of 13 percent and the enrollment of more students with intensive needs. The district is in the second round of budget discussion in conversations with building special education directors, and there will be a third round in December. If savings

Superintendent Elaine Pinckney made the point that the special education system is not a separate system but is closely aligned with regular education. Students in special education go in and out of regular classrooms and have access to the regular curriculum, and students not in the special education system receive a number of services through the building support systems aligned with special education.

The goal of the board and the district is to ensure that there is equitable provision of services across all schools for all students.

The budgeting process will be simplified next year when a new block grant funding system will be implemented through Act 173.

14 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Books

The most powerful reads of 2019 Genevieve Trono

characters with depth, and this book was no different.

I enjoyed the women empowerment in The Giver of Stars and learning more about the history of the Packhorse Library in rural Kentucky that helped bring books to everyone. I absolutely loved learning the history of the traveling library and also how it also gave women the ability to discover their own identities in a time and place when this wasn’t the social norm.

Know My Name by Chanel Miller While I knew she was a great writer from reading her victim-impact statement when she was known for so many years as “Emily Doe,” I was blown away by this book. Miller’s voice is strong and her writing is filled with details, reflection, humility and even hope.

To Have and to Hold

by Molly Millwood

I loved how poignantly she shared what it’s like to deal with private grief while at the same time needing to move forward with daily life. I loved learning about her amazingly supportive family and her ability to see the good in people—like the men who stepped in to help the night of her attack.

While she speaks only for herself, she is also speaking for a generation, and I can’t recommend this one highly enough.

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes I have always loved Jojo Moyes’s writing and was interested to read a book by her in this historical fiction genre. Moyes has a gift for developing

Motherhood is the hardest and most wonderful thing I have ever done. While I am lucky to have had many conversations with people in my personal life, I have never read anything that explains the complexities of motherhood and marriage in such a profound manner as this book does.

The highs and lows of parenthood, the immense love and also the quest to reclaim ourselves as women and partners when our lives will never be the same are so real and valid.

To Have and to Hold spoke to me on many levels. Millwood’s ability to write with both her voice as a professional and her voice as a mother was perfectly balanced.

The story is relatable and real, and I can’t stop thinking about it long after finishing it.

Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson

A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum

Beyond the Point is narrated by three women who come to West Point to play basketball. We follow Dani, Hannah and Avery over the course of seven years through their introduction to West Point and as they navigate early adulthood. The writing is beautiful and makes you just want to keep reading. I was fully immersed in the lives of these three women.

This story follows three generations of Palestinian women who live in Brooklyn and their struggle to break the mold that generations prior have set before them.

We are lucky to live in a country where it’s easy for us to advocate and vocalize opinions, but it is easy to forget how many people still live in oppression.

The aspects of military life were powerful and a great reminder for me as a civilian of the sacrifices made by many thousands of women and men who serve our country every single day. While this was a powerful part of this book, the story really is about their interpersonal lives. The characters were flawed and real. Gibson did an amazing job speaking to their strengths and resilience as individuals and also weaving their stories together. I loved learning about their pasts and how they played a part in both who they are and who they are yet to become.

The story is a journey of their relationships with themselves and with each other.

There are aspects of love, loss, discomfort, growth and forgiveness. As someone who does not know a lot about military life, I learned so much about cadet life in an academy.

A Woman is No Man is heartbreaking, and Rum’s writing gives a voice to the many women who are still struggling to find their own. This was an eye-opening read for me and a powerful reminder of how hard it can be to break the cycles that have been set in families and communities for generations.

This story challenged me and opened my eyes to how important it is to remember where someone has come from because it makes a part of who they are today.

It is never too late to change, but sometimes the discomfort can cause this to be a much harder road than any of us might originally anticipate. This book is a thoughtful and honest portrayal of a family and the power of self-compassion and perseverance. I know this book will stick with me for years to come.

Hinesburg, VT Homeowner Recommends Bristol Electronics Before we met the great folks at Bristol Electronics, we initially made contact with one of the ‘popular’ solar installers here in Vermont. You may know them. When we finally decided to move on, a recommendation from a neighbor to contact Bristol Electronics caught our attention.

From the moment the Bristol Electronics technician stepped foot on our property and then proceeded to spend three hours looking over our property and answering our questions, I knew these folks were different from the rest. The second site visit to review options sealed it for us. By the time the company owner left, nearly eight hours had been invested in us. No empty promises. No hard sell. Just straightforward, down-to-earth conversation about the best approach. It was really enjoyable to talk to the staff and everyone was so personally engaging. It is an added benefit that Bristol Electronics handles the entire installation from A to Z. No subcontractors to deal with. No multiple layers of staff to get lost among.

If you are looking for a local Vermont business that will treat you like a member of their family AND perform a professional installation, look no further than Bristol Electronics.

Shannon & Kate Kelly – Hinesburg, VT

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The Charlotte News • December 6, 2019 • 15

Vermont Wildlife Who makes decisions about Vermont’s wildlife?

Claudia Mucklow

“The wildlife and its habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will.”

—Theodore Roosevelt The Vermont Wildlife Coalition (VWC) announces publication of the second issue of the annual Review of Legislative Action on Wildlife. This review of the 2019–20 session identifies who makes decisions about wildlife in Vermont, how those decisions are made, and what decisions have been made or avoided.

It reports on wildliferelated bills before the Vermont Legislature in the past year. It provides brief summaries of relevant bills, describes committee and legislative actions on those bills, denotes their final status at end of session and, where available, provides legislators’ voting records. The review also includes summaries of specific petitions to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board.

The review’s purpose is to promote transparent government, educate Vermonters about pressing wildlife issues and promote public participation in the effort to protect wildlife into the future. The VWC also hopes to promote exchanges between legislators and their constituents on wildliferelated issues.

Publication of the review reflects the rapidly changing status of wildlife in the 21st century. Although Vermonters clearly place high value on wildlife, many are not aware of the issues facing wildlife or assume that the government will find solutions.

The fact is that wild species face major challenges and those will intensify in the years ahead. Wildlife management

is a political process reflecting different viewpoints that must be acknowledged and reconciled. Public involvement is key to ensuring protection, but clarity about who is making decisions and how those decisions are made is essential.

Jane Hoffman, a member of the VWC steering committee, states, “An educated, engaged public is going to be crucial to support wildlife in weathering the decades ahead. Political support must happen if we are to muster the research and conservation effort, habitat protection and continued appreciation of wildlife necessary to ensure protection for our diverse species. VWC is pleased to present the Review as a contribution towards those goals.”

The Vermont Wildlife Coalition is a statewide, grassroots, all-volunteer organization. Its mission is to ensure a vibrant and protected future for Vermont’s wildlife species through wildlife-centered public education and political action. Members include scientists, wildlife watchers, farmers, hikers, hunters, birders, anglers, etc. Recognizing the intrinsic value of wildlife, all share an interest in promoting humane, sciencebased wildlife regulations and conservation strategies and the use of diversified and public funding for wildlife programming.

A copy of the Review of Legislative Action on Wildlife is available at vtwildlifecoalition.org. The VWC invites interested Vermonters to contact them at info@vtwildlifecoalition.org to get on the organization’s mailing list. Additional information about VWC is available at vtwildlifecoalition.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/wildlifeadvocatesvt.

16 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Cooking

KidsCookVT share their cooking creations KidsCookVT had fun making calzones and cookies together a few weeks ago at the Charlotte Congregational Church. The food was delivered to the Janet S. Must Family Room Parent Child-Center in Burlington where the meal was served to new American mothers and their children during a family playgroup. The cookies

were delivered to the Charlotte Food Shelf.

KidsCookVT Mission: Engage children to make a positive difference in their communities through the creation, cooking and sharing of meals. To learn more, go to kidscookvt.org.

Photos contributed

Ricotta Spinach Calzones Recipe is from America’s Test Kitchen “The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook” Yield: 24 •

10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

•

8 ounces ricotta cheese

•

4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

•

1 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated

•

1 tablespoons olive oil

•

1 large egg, lightly beaten with 4 tablespoons water (egg wash)

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6 large egg yolks

•

1 teaspoons garlic powder

•

1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano

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1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

•

1 teaspoons salt

•

1 lb. pizza dough

​Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.

2. Combine spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, oil, egg yolks, garlic powder, oregano, pepper flakes and salt in a large bowl.

3. Place dough on lightly floured surface and divide into 24 even pieces.

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4. With a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each piece into a 7-inch round on a piece of parchment paper.

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6. Brush the edges with the egg wash and then fold the other half of the dough circle over spinach mixture, leaving the bottom ½-inch border uncovered.

7. Press edges of dough together and pinch with fingers to seal.

8. With a sharp knife, cut 5 steam vents in top of calzones and brush tops with remaining egg wash.

9. Transfer calzones onto parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes, brush with any remaining egg wash and sprinkle with grated parmesan, then bake for another 7 minutes.

10. Move to wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes before serving

The Charlotte News • December 6, 2019 • 17

Outdoors

The best things in life…are not necessarily things Elizabeth Bassett Celebrate the holidays with gifts of the outdoors.

Grippers Safety first! Grippers, creepers—call them what you will. Every Vermonter should own at least one pair for staying upright on icy surfaces; a pair of grippers is always less costly than a broken wrist or hip!

New and old products flood the market: STABILicers, Yaktrax, ICETRAX, MICROSpikes and Icebugs. Icebugs, with lugs embedded in the sole of a shoe or boot, are made in Sweden—a place that knows something about winter: “Icebug makes shoes that save the world from slipping!”

Snowshoes When there’s almost no snow or a fresh dump, snowshoes are a salvation. If you can walk you can snowshoe; stay toasty, burn up to 1,000 calories per hour, and go almost anywhere. Float over deep snow, scale steep slopes, and stride over stumps and rocks.

Snowshoes come in many shapes and sizes and a good pair can last a lifetime.

Variables include bindings, materials, size and style, with or without crampons. Basic plastic models for kids start at $30, and

new adult snowshoes can be found for about $100. Look for used ones at swaps.

Downhill skiing and riding Even in this era of consolidation there are a handful of deals for the mountains.

Sugarbush still offers $30 Thursdays, except on holidays, at Mt. Ellen. A SugarDirect Card costs $99 and allows 50-percent savings on midweek and 20-percent reduction on weekends and holidays. Buy a Bash Badge at Smugglers—prices vary by age—and pay $30 per day for lift tickets and $20 for a half day. Bolton offers a $29 ticket for non-peak Mondays, and an adult weekday ticket at the Middlebury Snow Bowl is $40.

Ice skating If you are still skating in granny’s handme-downs, take note: Ice skates have changed. New models are warmer and offer more ankle support. Some use a latching system in place of long, cold and wet laces. Or consider Nordic skating, a bit like cross-country skiing on ice. Everything you need to know about Nordic skating, including safety, equipment, and ice conditions, is at nordicskaters.org.

Cross-country skiing Cross-country skiing is a life-long sport, gentle on the joints and as rigorous, or not, as you choose. Nordic season pass holders

Welcome to

Photo from facebook.com/Skatecharlotte

Charlotte ice rink.

at 21 participating areas get one free day of skiing at each. Participants include Bolton, Catamount, Sleepy Hollow, Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe and Rickert. Camel’s Hump Nordic in Huntington is a membersupported nonprofit. A day “membership” is $10. Camelshumpskiers.org.

Don’t forget those in need: Charlotte Food Shelf & Assistance Some of our neighbors struggle to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table, gas in the car and heat in the radiators. No gift wrap required. Give as generously as you can. P.O. Box 83, Charlotte 05445. see OUTDOORS page 23

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18 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News face painting.

Towards the end, the Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg Rotary invites folks to ll have a head to the Little League field next to Penar will the Fire Station for the annual Rotary every week, we just love the ood ven- GolfChea Ball Waters Drop Evans and a chance to tells winme prizes flowers,” she said, but the pleasure is hers, verything depending on where the numbered balls too. “It’s been great both ways,” she said.

Lovely flower arrangements accompany rgers and land.

Proceeds fund just love doing it…I just love going and each meal at the Charlottefrom Seniorticket Center. sales “Ihelp picking the flowers out, and picking the g animals Mary Rotary’s Lovejoy, themany womanprojects responsible for through the year. theme, and it works for them and it works these pops of sunshine, essential now that ects, and for me.”

Flowers Lovejoy brings joy to Senior Center through flowers the weather is so glum, has been creating them weekly for over two years.

Accompanied by her trusty assistant, Jim, who is also her husband, Mary picks out flowers every week from Trader Joe’s and brings them to the Senior Center; while she fills the vases, Jim volunteers and washes dishes. She said she’s the creative one in the couple, and he’s happy to do the washing up both at the Senior Center and at home, while she prefers to make an artistic mess.

A former commercial artist who worked in

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Mary said she bases her selections around the seasons. Though she doesn’t have a favorite flower, she said mums are always a good choice because they’re hardy, and the arrangements need to last the whole week.

The flowers come out of the Senior Center’s budget, and the cost comes out to about $25 a week. She has a stash of vases at the center that she will occasionally swap out, though right now she prefers some glass turquoise ones that she said go well with the brightly colored flowers.

: call 985-3091 Washington, D.C., Mary went to interior A mother of one and grandmother of three, design school and dedicated her creative Mary, who is 78, said that though she advertising@shelburnenews.com impulses to painting for many years. “That

was hesitant at first to make such a big takes a lot of time and work,” she said, commitment—a weekly job can be a lot— but the flowers are a perfect outlet. “This she eventually realized that it was bringing is kind of quick and simple, and it makes more purpose to her life.

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The week-long bait drop is a cooperative effort between Vermont and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to stop the spread of the potentially fatal To advertise your business contact disease. ads@TheCharlotteNews.org Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the Landscape / Lawncare brain that infects mammals. It is most often PLEASANT VALLEY, INC. seen in raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats,

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So far this year, 23 animals in Vermont have tested positive for rabies, and 14 of those have been raccoons.

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Gardening Decking the halls…and the front door…and the mantle…

Joan Weed Deck the halls! That’s what we hear as the winter solstice and holidays approach.

In Vermont, natural greens, berries and cones are the norm. It’s amazing how expensive these “found” objects can be.

One way around this, if you don’t own your own meadows and woodlands is to plant the supplies for upcoming holidays.

Granted, it’s too late for this year, but gardeners are always looking forward.

Cast your eyes around and see what is interesting right now in the fields, neighbors’ gardens and roadsides. I’d like to offer some ideas for winter interest for decorating or just viewing from your windows.

For greens, the basis of many decorations, I suggest conifers if you have room for trees. Balsam, pine, spruce, yew, arbor vitae and juniper are a start. Now that hardy boxwoods are more common, these make great fillers for wreaths and arrangements. I have grown some that are developed for our zones called “Green Velvet” and “Green Mountain.”

There are others introduced since my purchases.

The leaves are not leathery like the Southern boxwoods.

We need the brightness in the dark midwinter.

Another personal favorite of mine is Ilex merservae (holly). Although we are on the limits of their growth zone, mine have thrived. In colder micro-climates, give shelter such as close to the house. Male and female plants are needed to produce berries that beautifully accent the deep green leaves. Ilex verticillata, a deciduous native holly, produces bunches of scarlet berries on twigs. You will see these from the car windows as you can’t miss them in the winter landscape.

Another berry is gray and rarer here: Myrica pennsylvanica or bayberry. It is

hardy in zones 3-4 and requires no special soil and in fact is forgiving of sand and salt. It rarely needs pruning so should be clipped selectively.

Photos by Joan Weed

Cornus alba or cornus sericea, redtwigged dogwood, has spiked red branches, but only on its newest wood.

Thus it needs pruning every few years to renew the color. These twigs make lovely accents in your decorations as well as in your landscape.

If you are not one to “decorate” by trimming your plants, you may still enjoy the season’s beauty by planting for winter interest. The aforementioned greens, berries and branches are a beginning, but consider grasses left for spring cutting to fill the gaps in the garden. Other seed heads from astilbe, cone flowers, browneyed Susan, iris, etc., look nice against a snowy background.

I’d like to emphasize not taking greens from property you do not own. Over the years this has made certain plants that are green in winter very scarce. When purchasing material, ask about its origins.

Grow your own to be absolutely sure.

I look forward to seeing the wreaths on entry doors no matter what your tradition for the coming holidays. We need the brightness in the dark midwinter. Happy holidays!

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20 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Health Matters

Boost your health: Take a deep breath Laurel Lakey

We tend to take breathing for granted.

Without having to think about it, we are constantly replenishing our oxygen supply and ridding ourselves of carbon dioxide.

Although breathing can take place without conscious effort, you can also consciously improve the quality of your breathing. This can have a surprisingly significant impact on your health in a number of ways, from increasing your oxygen supply and improving your core strength to reducing stress and promoting self-awareness.

Oxygen is critical for life. We can survive several days without food but only several minutes without oxygen. Oxygen is necessary for the creation of energy, which is needed for all of our cells to function and carry out their various tasks. We need oxygen to move, talk, think and for all of our organs to function. It also cleanses our body of toxins and boosts our immune system.

Unfortunately, most people “chest breathe,” breathing only into the top third of their lungs, which does not deliver the optimal

Send Us Your Charlotte News! news@ thecharlottenews.org

amount of oxygen to their body. Take a moment and notice your own breathing pattern. Does only your chest move when you inhale, or do your chest and belly move together? If only your chest moves, you are not taking your fullest breath. Chest breathing uses only approximately 20 percent of your lung capacity. In order for your lungs to fill all the way up, delivering the highest intake of oxygen, your belly needs to balloon outward as you inhale, which allows the lower lobes of the lung to fill.

The ability to “belly breathe” is dependent upon a muscle called the diaphragm, a large and dome-shaped muscle that sits underneath the lungs and resembles a parachute.

When it contracts, it presses downward, pushing the belly outward and creating space for the lower lungs to expand. As it relaxes, the belly retracts and the lungs deflate. Difficulty with belly breathing may indicate that the diaphragm is weak and not contracting properly.

The diaphragm muscle is important not only for breathing and optimal oxygen intake, but it also makes up a component of our core muscular strength. An under-utilized diaphragm may indicate a weakened core, which can contribute to a number of

musculoskeletal ailments. Improving your awareness of your diaphragm and exercising it through focused belly breathing will not only improve your oxygen intake but will also support a more integrated and better functioning core.

In addition to the physiological and musculoskeletal benefits of using your diaphragm, belly breathing can also have a positive impact on your emotional and mental state. When you find yourself in a stressful situation, the phrase “stop and take a deep breath” can be more helpful than you might realize. Short and shallow chest breathing has a tendency to trigger our sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s response to a perceived threat and activates our “fight or flight” response. Deep belly breathing, on the other hand, triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” function. The next time you find yourself overwhelmed, stop and try to take some full belly breaths and notice if you are better able to respond to whatever overwhelming circumstance you may be encountering.

Focused breathing is also a great tool for improving self-awareness and promoting mindfulness. It can be a quick and simple

way to check in with yourself throughout the day and observe your thoughts and feelings. For example, it is easy to walk through your day carrying a level of fatigue, anxiety, apprehension or any other challenging feeling, and not be truly aware that it is there. When we stop and take a few deep breaths, we invite the opportunity for self-observation and can make better choices to address whatever feeling we may be carrying around that was otherwise unobserved.

Belly breathing is highly effective, requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere. If you find it difficult to do, try this trick. Lay on your back with your knees bent and feet flat. Place a light object such as a paper cup or small stuffed animal on your belly. As you breathe in, try to push the object upward with your stomach.

As you breathe out, bring the object back down toward the floor. It may not come immediately, but keep trying. The benefits are abundant and well worth the effort.

Laurel Lakey is a physical therapist assistant at Dee Physical Therapy in Shelburne.

She lives in Charlotte.

OutTakes Get the U.S. out of Vermont Edd Merritt 200th anniversary of Vermont joining the U.S., UVM professor of political science Frank Bryan traveled the state’s countryside and debated secession at seven town-hall meetings. All seven towns voted in favor of it. _________________ Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town And people let me be just what I want to be Got nothing against a big town Still hayseed enough to say Look who’s in the big town But my bed is in a small town . . .

“Small Town” – John Mellencamp So, in my last OutTake I looked back over my three-quarters of a century of life at some of what I remembered as the worldly happenings that occurred in that time.

try to foresee how we in Vermont might be living if this thing called the United States were no longer our political entity. Yeah, man, I’m talking secession, New England the beautiful, Trump Towers across the national border. We should not, however, need a wall to separate us—maybe a drainage ditch or not the “Great” but still the “Pretty Good” Lake Champlain would serve the purpose.

You may recall that one of our Charlotte neighbors, the late Thomas Naylor, proposed this idea 15 years ago in a written piece titled The Vermont Manifesto. Naylor, a retired economics professor from Duke University who had grown up in Mississippi in what he called a family of inveterate racists, suggested that an independent Republic of Vermont and any other interested New England states secede from the U.S. and establish itself as just that, a republic of its own, smaller but better than the empire that

Well, now I want to peer into the future,

flows from sea to shining sea.

Vermont tested independence in the late 18th century when it removed itself from the British Empire but did not become part of the United States. Its constitution was the first in America to outlaw slavery. Ironically, a number of the secessionist opponents during the Obama years believed that secession was an ultra right-wing movement. They said Texas nationalists were an example of those who wanted to become part of the land of cotton along with a following of those who believed that southern confederacy was not a bad way to live—blond-haired and blue-eyed denizens of what it takes to make whatever entity we’re part of “great again.” Knowing that Thomas had been a southerner, they assumed he was conservative in his racial views.

However, in an article in the American Prospect six years ago, Christopher Ketchum see OUTTAKES page 23

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The Charlotte News • December 6, 2019 • 21

Sports Edd Merritt

Winter sports prepare for the season CVU winter sports began their preparations for the regular season by playing a number of scrimmages to get teams and bodies in order.

The regular season begins later this month.

Meanwhile, fall sports finished things off with selection of all-league teams and an allstar game between North and South football teams. The South’s senior all-stars topped the North 47-9 at Castleton University’s Wolk Field. Middlebury’s Ian Ploof started the Southerners off on the right foot with two touchdowns following fumble recoveries.

Laurel Jaunich ventures home to face UVM Charlotter and CVU graduate Laurel Jaunich came back to Patrick Gymnasium as a basketball player for the Naval Academy.

Showing her skills early, she scored Navy’s first five points. She added six more and played strong defense with a block and a steal plus seven rebounds. The Cats, however, poured on the offense for a 20-point second quarter to outlast Navy for a 64-56 win.

Redhawk women fall just short of a second trip to the nationals CVU’s cross-country women runners took state and New England titles this fall but fell just short in last weekend’s team competition for a berth in the national tournament to be run in San Diego next week. The team finished third in the determination based on qualifying rounds, one place short of making the trip to the West Coast. Alicia Veronneau and Alice Larson paced the Hawks as they sought an invitation.

Field hockey all-stars The Vermont coaches named their all-star field hockey teams late last month. They included a good number of Redhawks.

Maggie Warren made the Twin-State senior

all-star team as well as the Metro Division first team. She was joined on that selection by her teammates Hailey Chase, Flynn Hall and Clara MacFaden. Lena Ashooh and Mackenzie Marcus are on the second team, and Janie Hardy and Sophia Stevens received honorable mention.

Coaches’ football all-stars Despite a losing record, CVU placed a number of players on the state coaches’ offensive and defensive all-star football rosters. Charlotte running back Seth Boffa and offensive linemen Zach Gamelin and Clayton Thorpe on the offense, with Gamelin and Thorpe also on defense. Kicker Matthew Trifaro made first team in his category. The second team included wide receiver Ryan Anderson, who also was named second-team punt returner, and defenders Cole Zuwallack, Ryan Canty and Eric Pockette. Quarterback Maxwell Destito received honorable mention, as did linebacker Shane Gorman and punter McLain Jipner.

CVU men face off against the Lions from Canada.

Coaches’ soccer all-stars We will begin with the women Vermont State Coaches’ Association (VSCA) all-staters.

Five Redhawks made the team: Catherine Gilwee, Jess Klein, Olivia Morton, Josie Pecor and Olivia Zubarik. The same five were named first-team Metro Division allstars, with Josie honored as “Player of the Year” and coach Stan Williams as “Coach of the Year.” The second-team selections included Maryn Askew, Quinn Boardman, Gillian Magnier, Shelby Statton and Dylan Walker. Edie Wright received honorable mention.

On the men’s side of the VSCA, the Redhawks did equally well. Jami Lashua, Jonah Roberts, Jack Sinopoli, Erik Stolen and Cullen Swett were Division I and Metro Division all-stars. Jacob Allaire, Asa Lawson, Sam Johnson and James Schmidt received honorable mention.

The Cougar-Hawk women celebrate a goal.

Photos by Al Frey

CVU rowers triumph at Icebreaker regatta The CVU-A boat and CVU-C boat both claimed first place trophies at the Icebreaker: Northeast Regional Youth Open-Water Rowing Championships held on Saturday, November 23, in Boston Harbor. CVU’s A boat, several of them members of the CVU-B boat that won the intermediate sprints event in their division last year, posted the fastest time in the intermediate nautical mile to take first place in that event.

In a moment of drama, CVU-A was also announced as the winner of the intermediate sprints event, although a mix-up had occurred and CVU-A ended up with second place honors while the South Burlington crew was awarded first place.

CVU-A boat rowers are Wiley Simard, Charlotte; Aidan Palmer, Williston; Anna McGrade, Charlotte; Tony Nguyen, Williston; Duncan McGrade, Charlotte; Stuart Robinson, Charlotte; coxed by Kat Nelsen, St. George. The intermediate CVU-B team placed 10th in the sprints, and sixth in the nautical mile.

In the Novice Division sprints, CVU-C boat placed first, followed by CVU-A in second and CVU-B in fifth place. CVU-C rowers are Lucas Barton, Hinesburg; Geo

DeBrosse, Hinesburg; Julia Cichoskikelly, Hinesburg; April Palmer, Williston; Sydney Johnston, Shelburne; Olivia Fransisco, Williston; coxed by CVU alumna Megan Rogers, Shelburne. In the Novice distance challenge, CVU-C finished fifth, CVU-A finished eighth and CVU-B finished ninth.

CVU rowing is coached by Helen MacAndrews, assisted by Greer Krembs.

“Greer and I are so incredibly proud of our whole team. We have had a pretty incredible season. Not only was it the largest crew in the 15 years of CVU rowing, but we also had the most new rowers starting out this season,” said Coach MacAndrews. With such commitment and depth on the team, the future looks bright for CVU rowing.

The Icebreaker championship draws teams from New York City, New Haven, Avery Point, Boston Harbor, Cape Cod, Plymouth, Westport, Lake Champlain, and Maine’s mid-coast, Rockland, North Haven and Vinalhaven. The sport of open water rowing is based on the maritime tradition of lifesaving crews, and teams still row in wooden pilot gigs. Pilot gigs are actively raced in Europe today and are part of many youth and adult rowing programs around the United States.

Winning CVU teams display their trophies in Boston on November 23.

Photo contributed

22 • December 6, 2019 • The Charlotte News

SENIOR CENTER MENUS Suggested donation for all meals: $5

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December 9

Carolyn Kulik

SENIOR CENTER DIRECTOR

“It is December, and nobody asked if I was ready.” ~ Sarah Kay “I heard a bird sing in the dark of December.

A magical thing. And sweet to remember.

We are nearer to Spring than we were in September. I heard a bird sing in the dark of December.” ~ Oliver Herford ___________ Yes, we are deep into the December night— and getting up before the sun has never been one of my favorite things to do. But I keep reminding myself that the Winter Solstice is getting closer and closer. And then, just as winter really begins, we get back into lengthening days. In the meantime, I manage the dark mornings with a strand of those tiny, multi-colored Christmas tree lights around my kitchen window—until March.

The old and the new In today’s issue you can find the Winter Schedule, a bit delayed due to the Charlotte News’ publication schedule. There are nine new classes or workshops and nine totally new Wednesday events. No need to worry about signing up; most of the new courses are planned for January because of the holiday season. (This is not counting courses that are returning and/or events that have been offered in the past.)

Until then, our extensive choice of exercise courses is ongoing and can be joined at any time. You are also welcome to come to one class at no charge and see if it’s right for you. Choose from Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga, Pilates, Pilates Plus, Strength Maintenance, T’ai Chi for Beginners and T’ai Chi for Advanced Students. Some of them have no fees, but most do.

Starting in December Friday morning, 12/20, at 9:30, begins a new exercise course called Introduction to EssentricsTM. It provides a full-body,

Turkey soup w/ squash Salad Homemade dessert

weight-free workout through a dynamic combination of stretching and strengthening.

You can find it on YouTube; it is described in books entitled Aging Backwards, and it is also known as classical stretch. No fee for this introductory series of nine classes.

December 16

Welcome Chef Roland from The Old Lantern!

Wednesday Lunch All diners eat at noon.

Reservations required.

On Tuesday, 12/10, at 2:15, the winter edition of the French Conversation Group for intermediate speakers will be informal and self-directed— with no fee. Be assured that Alysse Anton, our popular French instructor, will be back in March to resume her regular classes.

Starting in January In the new year, there are five new courses: Traditional Rug Hooking for Beginners (1/14), Writing Your Life Story (1/17), Basic Cartooning (1/22), Unique Impressions (1/31) and Creating Handmade Books (2/13). Courtesy of our Charlotte Library friends, there are also returning workshops on iPad for Beginners and iPhone for Beginners, as well as a four-part discussion group on Short Stories for Winter.

Two other returning variations are Watercolor in Winter (1/7) and AcrylicsIntuitive Painting (1/9). And on Sunday, 2/2, at 2 p.m., Don Stevens, chief of the Nulhegan Abenaki Tribe, will be back to present The Circle of Life and Native American Spirituality.

There is still more to mention—but no room. Please take a look at the Winter Schedule—and make notes. (There will be a test.)

Wednesday Afternoon Events at 1 p.m.

12/11: Wrapping Up a Good Read with Library Director Margaret Woodruff Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of gift shopping and good cheer as Charlotte Library staff

Purchase with your local mortgage professional!

December 11

Chicken cacciatore Panettone bread pudding

December 18

Toutiere (meat pie) Pineapple salsa Holiday cookies Photos by Carolyn Kulik

come to CSC to share their favorite reads for the season. Refreshments served. Book copies available for purchase thanks to the Flying Pig Bookstore.

12/18: “I’ll See You in My Dreams”—A musical performance The Nells, a local trio, will perform classics from the 30s and beyond: “Sentimental Journey,” “All of Me,” “Moonlight in Vermont” and more, along with some Christmas songs! The Nells are Ted LeBlanc, Mike Walker (both Charlotters) and Patti Shannon. All share in the singing and play a variety of stringed instruments.

A bit later in the day, also on Wednesday, 12/18, from 2:30-3:45 p.m., join Jill Abilock for a resumption of Mindfulness Meditation. “You can’t always change what you experience in life, but you can change how you experience it.

Mindfulness Meditation provides tools that help change how you experience things, increasing fulfillment and happiness, and reducing stress.” There is no fee and no registration required. Walk-ins are welcome.

These classes are usually twice a month, with the next one on 1/15.

Health Events A quick reminder that our Blood Drive is Thursday, 12/12, from 2 to 7 p.m. If you’ve never been here, it’s very comfortable—with friendly hosts and great snacks.

The following week is our Foot Clinic on Wednesday,12/18, although you do need to be preregistered. The Blood Pressure Clinic on the same day at 11:30 is open to walkins, however.

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On Sunday, 12/15, from 1-3 p.m. is ShapeNote Singing in the Great Room. This traditional a cappella, four-part harmony has been called “full-body, shout-it-out singing.”

And the more voices shouting, the better.

Songbooks are provided. Stop by to listen or sing, and leave whenever you wish. No fee.

1-802-877-2721

nbmvt.com 1-877-508-8455 NMLS #403372

For December and January the new art exhibit is “Challenge Quilts ~ Black & White Plus One.” These are the responses to the challenge put to the Champlain Valley Quilters to use only three colors. There are

Thursday Gents Breakfast 7:00–9:00 a.m. Reservations required.

December 12 Menu and Topic - TBA (Keep up to date on Menus at our website, CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org, and on Front Porch Forum, as they sometimes change.)

nearly two dozen entries and the ribbon winners of the contest will be indicated. Put this one on your calendar, and be sure to give yourself enough time to stroll around the Great Room viewing these interesting pieces.

Winter weather closings When there is iffy weather, 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. [Please note that the Senior Center does not close during school vacations.] ~ The best times to see the ART EXHIBIT in Dec. ~ Mon. & Wed. at noon, Tues. after 12:30, Thurs. after 12:30 (except 12/12), 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 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 Road, 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

The Charlotte News • December 6, 2019 • 23

OUTDOORS continued from page

17

Shop locally For every $100 spent in local independently owned stores, $69 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you shop at a national chain only $43 stays local. Spend it online and nothing comes home!

The Local First Vermont coupon book costs $15 and offers significant discounts at local businesses. A program of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, the coupon book is good for one year, from September 2019 through August 2020, and is available from participating merchants or online at vbsr.org.

Outdoor nonprofits Give the gift of financial support or of your time. Many worthy nonprofits enhance our outdoors, including Charlotte Land Trust, Charlotte’s Town Link Trail, Vermont Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Green Mountain Club, Local Motion, Lake Champlain Committee and Lake Champlain Land Trust. No gift wrapping needed!

Shameless commerce division Two important young men in my life promote the outdoors in ways worthy of consideration for your gift-giving dollars.

Former neighbor and friend Leath Tonino has written two collections of essays, one about Vermont, The Animal One Thousand

OUTTAKES continued from page

20

quoted author and historian Morris Berman, who was optimistic about Vermonters reinventing the notion of secession. Berman said, “I’m a historian. I look at what’s possible. Reinventing secession would not be a mere political revolt, not simply a regional separation, but also, and probably more important, a revolt against the economy of empire, a move toward economic independence.”

“Capitalism is eating itself alive,” he says.

But, “as the system unravels you have all these little flowering buds appear.” Viewing our state/nation as a “flowering bud” would likely appeal to a number of Vermonters.

Although in his recent book Fear (Simon and Schuster, 2018), Bob Woodward does not mention secession as a viable alternative to our current political climate, which he detests, he does focus heavily on our current sour economic climate that favors the top echelons and leaves the middle and lower classes struggling.

On the 200th anniversary of Vermont joining the U.S., UVM professor of political science

Miles Long, and the recently published The West Will Swallow You. By turns observant, keen, funny and sometimes out-of-yourmind-crazy-but-always-thoughtful, Leath’s writing informs and entertains as it poses big questions about humans and their intersection with the natural world. Extra points for identifying local characters in both volumes! Both are available at the Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne.

Our son-in-law Travis Titus has started a new business, Titus Adventure Company, which might be of interest to Colorado-bound travelers: 4WD-vehicles and outdoor gear rental, ski boxes, tents, bike racks, camping gear, coolers and more. Fly into Denver where you’ll be picked up in a 4x4 vehicle for off-road exploration: camping, fishing, hunting or back-country skiing. Bonus: You might include a camping meal pack, prepared by our daughter Victoria! Tacrentals.com.

Get outdoors with those you love!

In his 2005 book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, child advocacy expert Richard Louv connects the rise in obesity, attentiondeficit disorder and depression to a lack of nature and the outdoors in young lives. A cohort of children is coming of age with little experience in nature. If you remember chasing tadpoles, whittling swords, searching for jack-in-the-pulpits and, yes, getting poison ivy, make sure to share that joy with a child in the coming year.

May your generosity bring joy this holiday season.

Frank Bryan traveled the state’s countryside and debated secession at seven town-hall meetings. All seven towns voted in favor of it. Bryan noted that the only concern seemed to be defense. But, he said, being on the Canadian border, “Who the hell is gonna bother us?”

Naylor felt it was important to get beyond both ends of the political spectrum, left as well as right, who are “all about bigness and power—big government, big business. . . about owning, possessing, controlling and manipulating money, people, material wealth.”

Naylor was ahead of his time. But time may well have caught up with us. The T-shirt that says “U.S. Out of Vermont” holds meaning today. According to Ketcham, it does not promote revolution. It is more like divorce.

Author and environmentalist Bill McKibben says whether secession gains traction “depends to some degree on what happens with Trump—on whether he turns out to be normally bad or abnormally bad.”

That determination is now up to us. Build a bridge to Switzerland where we could learn about neutrality.

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Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue logs treated, transported by this EMS unit

contact) 6:45 p.m. Intercept

October fire calls in Charlotte (14 total) 10/02: Motor vehicle accident with no injuries.

10/03: Gas leak (natural gas or LPG) 10/06: Search for lost person, other 10/12: Smoke detector activation due to malfunction 10/13: Medical assist, assist EMS crew 10/14: Smoke detector activation due to malfunction

10/06

6:46 p.m. Canceled on scene (no patient contact)

10/07

3:59 p.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit

10/08

6:39 a.m. Intercept

12:21 p.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit 10/11

12:25 a.m. Intercept

10/12

10:16 p.m. Standby– No services or support provided

10/13

6:33 p.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit

10/14

12:39 a.m. Standby– No services or support provided

3:06 a.m. Standby–No services or support provided

10/14: Gas leak (natural gas or LPG)

10/15

10/19: CO detector activation due to malfunction

10/16

4:59 p.m. Patient dead at scene–Resuscitation attempted (without transport)

10/17

3:33 p.m. Canceled (prior to arrival at scene)

10/27: Alarm system activation, no fire–unintentional

10/18

10/27: Smoke scare, odor of smoke

6:32 a.m. Canceled on scene (no patient contact)

7:40 p.m. Intercept

10/28: Passenger vehicle fire

10/19

10/21: Smoke detector activation due to malfunction 10/22: Water evacuation

10/30: Smoke detector activation, no fire–unintentional October rescue calls in October 10/01 12:19 a.m. Patient refused evaluation/care (without transport) 3:55 a.m. Patient evaluated, no treatment/transport required

10:26 p.m. Canceled (prior to arrival at scene) 10/03

7:00 a.m. Canceled on scene (no patient

10:42 a.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit 10/26

12:11 a.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit

3:29 p.m. Canceled on scene (no patient contact) 10/27

1:56 p.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit

10/27

7:09 a.m. Intercept

8:59 p.m. Standby–Public safety, fire or ems operational support 10/29

10:29 p.m. Standby– No services or support provided

10/30

12:47 p.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit

10/31

2:18 p.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit

10:51 a.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit

2:29 p.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit 7:13 a.m. Canceled on scene (no patient contact) 10/20

3:09 p.m. Intercept

5:12 p.m. Patient treated, transported by this ems unit 10/21

1:51 p.m. Patient treated, transported by this EMS unit

2:06 p.m. Canceled (transferred to mutual aid) 10/21

12:07 a.m. Patient

U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 05482 PERMIT NO. 9

4:36 p.m. Canceled on scene (no patient contact)

9:50 a.m. Standby-No services or support provided

presorted standard

10/02

4:23 p.m. Patient treated, released (per protocol)

10/22