The Charlotte News | February 7, 2018

The

Volume lX Number 15 | WedNesday, February 7, 2018

Charlotte News Charlotte’s award-winning community newspaper

Mentor of the Year!

Gov. Phil Scott, left, with Vermont’s Mentor of the Year, Jim Hyde.

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page 1

Maplefields goes before GMP Sends Out CVSD FAQs On Zoning Board Refunds Upcoming Budget page 1 page 3 page 9

CharlotteNewsVT.org

Vol. 60, no. 15 February 7, 2018

Charlotte News

The

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

Zoning Board of Adjustment plays to a large audience Edd Merritt CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

There was standing room only on January 24 in Town Hall as the Zoning Board of Adjustment interviewed representatives of the group proposing to build a Maplefields convenience store at the corner of Route 7 and Church Hill and Ferry roads. The property, owned

by Charlotter Bid Spear, has remained vacant for several years.

Last September R. L. Vallee, owner of R. L. Vallee, Inc. and its Maplefields stores, appeared before the Planning Commission for a sketch plan review of the plan for building one of his stores there. A significantly large group of Charlotte residents later responded with a letter outlining their concerns about what the plan (as presented) would do to the town character in what they believe to be an important area of our community.

The letter stated that, while they were not against commercial development, they did not want it to detract from the rest of Charlotte.

The ZBA heard the developer’s ideas for building a restaurant, gas station and produce market in a way the designers

felt would maintain the existing character of the town. Board Chair Frank Tenney and others asked for clarification of various items, as local engineer Dave Marshall and individuals from the various firms involved described what had come forward following the sketchplan hearing. Otto Hansen from R. L Vallee joined Marshall in presenting the company’s case to the board.

The developer’s representatives covered five general standards of conditional-use review. They talked about how they felt their design would not negatively impact the town or, in particular, the immediate surrounding neighborhood. They described the developer’s thoughts about tying the design into that which currently exists and pointed to stores in Middlebury and Johnson as examples of how they had done that elsewhere. The “My Fresh Cafè” Middlebury store was created out of an existing older structure, and the Johnson Maplefields, they felt, fit into the surrounding community well (It is interesting that both those stores are in college towns, and quite likely maintaining the college tone influenced their design in some way.)

Proposed Maplefields design at site on Route 7 and Church Hill Road.

Photo contributed The impact on transportation and traffic was another factor. The designers felt that transportation along Route 7 would stay at roughly the same level. The store would not add to it dramatically other than to be a delivery point for store items. The area for cars dropping off bus passengers would remain as it is, with no

added long-term parking. However, the developer has not yet received the results of a VTrans traffic study.

A fourth factor is designing the store to follow the bylaws in effect to be in compliance with the Town Plan, and a

see MAPLEFILEDS page 13

Jim Hyde voted Mentor of the Year Charlotter Jim Hyde was recently was voted Comcast Vermont Mentor of the year for 2018. A retired college professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, Jim decided that he did not want to give up working with students and helping them learn, so he looked for a program in which he could put skills that he had used over the years to younger students’ benefit. Four years ago he discovered Charlotte Central School’s “Connecting Youth” mentoring program through its director, Wendy Bratt.

Wendy invited him to join, and Jim soon found himself spending one day a week with a 7th grader named Sam who loved math but, at the same time, was a bit reserved. Jim’s mentoring took forms of creative activities that would not normally be found in school classrooms. These were things such as the development of mechanical sculptures, designing and building an intricate miniature sailboat and creating computer-aided-design (CAD) drawings. To lighten things up they periodically shifted into a game mode, hitting ping-pong balls back and forth.

As Sam moved on to CVU, Jim kept up his mentoring activities, and he took on another CCS student, Noah. Sam

and Jim continue on as members of the CVU advisory board. Jim says that the program helped bring those interested in mentoring back into an elementary and secondary school environment after having been many years away from it. He says he has been able to see “many of the wonderful things that are currently going

on in schools that were never a part of our past experience.”

He believes every kid can benefit from having a mentor. The source of learning, he feels, comes in many ways and shapes, and the mentoring process helps to acknowledge its presence outside the classroom.

From left to right: CVU Mentor Marsha Drake, Taylor Mossey, CY CVU Coordinator Krista Sisson, Devyn Sprano, Sam Zinner, Mentor of the Year Jim Hyde.

Photo contributed

Legislature 3 • Around Town 4 • Senior Center News 14

Why I nominated Jim Wendy Bratt CCS MENTORING COORDINATOR

I nominated Jim after a great

deal of deliberation. For five years I have chosen not to nominate anyone because all of the mentors in our Charlotte program are incredibly dedicated mentors who give so much with their presence at our school.

Yet this year I recognized how much Jim has influenced Connecting Youth at CCS—not only through his four years mentoring at CCS, but also his commitment to support us in the start-up of the Connecting Youth mentoring program at the high school. We started that work three years ago with one year of committee meetings to look at the viability and wisdom of expanding the program from middle school into the high school. Jim and his 8th grade mentee (now in 10th) said yes when

see MENTOR page 13

2 • February 7, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Opinion A More Practical Approach A response to Rep. Yantachka’s “Practical Approach to Pricing Carbon Pollution” In the January 24 issue of The Charlotte News, Representative Mike Yantachka described a legislative proposal to reduce fossil fuel use in heating and transportation by taxing carbon emissions, with the revenue generated returning to Vermonters in the form of rebates on their electric bills. The following is offered in rebuttal.

Over the past seven decades, Vermont has steadily transitioned from a selfreliant, hard working population of farmers and small business owners to a mecca of benefit seekers, many of whom have migrated here from other states or other countries because of the very generous entitlement programs offered

by Vermont. While altruism is laudable in theory, if it’s not abused, the grim reality is that the burden for such programs falls on a shrinking population of taxpayers in our state. While promoting dependency, Vermont’s politicians will add an additional onerous burden of taxation on our shoulders. Predictably, taxation to date has resulted in a business-unfriendly environment and a drain on the younger generation of Vermonters, who are forced to seek meaningful job opportunities in other parts of our country.

And now, rather than trying to create a more business-friendly environment in our state, Rep. Mike Yantachka and his colleagues in Montpelier are trying to seize on the debatable role of mankind in what may be another period of global warming in the eons of temperature swings on our Earth. Yantachka now crusades for an onerous progressive tax on fossil fuels.

Yes, little Vermont, in which vehicular traffic emits in 10 days no more carbon than does traffic in greater Boston in one day, is now going to be the poster child for “control” of carbon emission and its questionable role in global warming.

Oh, but Rep. Yantachka reassures us that the money which the state garners from the progressive fossil fuel taxes, having been sequestered as a “special fund,” will come back to the electricity consumers as rebates on their electric bills. Come on, Rep. Yantachka, et al, you know full well that there’ll be no lock on that box, and Vermont’s burgeoning entitlements will ultimately drain this slush fund. Moreover, as Vermonters are forced to become more

dependent on electricity, who’s going to reign in the then- monopolistic electrical industry’s annual rate increases for electrical consumption? Certainly not the Legislature, which is creating this cancer!

So, onward with solar tracking, the latest infatuation with alternative energy sources. But, are we really being objective, as consumers, or simply marching with the pied piper? Vermont Yankee’s nuclear power plant was shut down because of concerns about possible radioactive leakage. Yet, to date, no concern has been voiced about the very significant toxic wastes created by the solar tracking industry and their products.

California, as the leading producer of solar panels in this country, creates hundreds of millions of pounds of toxic wastes related to this industry. These wastes are composed of the carcinogenic element cadmium and the neurotoxic agent lead. Hazardous waste facilities in California are unable to handle all of this material, forcing the manufacturers to truck millions of pounds of contaminated sludge and toxic water to remote facilities as far east as Rhode Island. Would you like a hazardous waste dump in your backyard?

No, but it’s OK as long as someone else has to deal with the problem? And what happens down the road? The average life span of a solar panel is said to be 20 years.

Do you want lead and cadmium leaking onto your roof as the panels corrode, or into barren fields where acre upon acre of these unsightly creations defile our landscape?

And so it would be best for Rep. Yantachka and others of his ilk in Montpelier to be more introspective as to how their stifling fossil-fuel tax proposal will affect Vermont homes and industries and the composition of Vermont’s population. Do we want simply to wear the crown of the Dependency State, or do we wish to become a thriving, industry-friendly state that retains its home grown talent? We can plant trees to reduce carbon dioxide levels and bolster atmospheric oxygen, while continuing research on cleaner fossil fuel emissions.

Is that not the most “Practical Approach to (Controlling Rather than) Pricing Carbon Pollution”?

P. Brian Machanic M.S., M.D. (Representative Yantachka will host an informational forum on this topic at the Charlotte Senior Center on Monday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m.)

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ESSEX plan for pricing carbon pollution will do more harm than good Mike Yantachka’s article “A Practical Approach to Pricing Carbon Pollution” in the January 24 issue of The Charlotte News gave me good insight into the ESSEX plan for pricing carbon pollution.

Unfortunately, as described, the plan has serious shortcomings, will do little to reduce carbon emissions and fails a costbenefit analysis.

Addressing benefits first, a 40-cent per gallon increase in the price of gasoline or heating oil will hardly affect consumption at all. As documented by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the price elasticity of demand for gasoline is very low. A 15-percent increase in the price of gasoline (or heating oil) does not lead to a 15-percent reduction in demand (think 1-percent). After all, consumers need viable alternatives, and how many are going to trade in their cars for electric vehicles or replace their home heating systems for 40-cents per gallon savings?

Certainly for $4 a gallon you’d get plenty of action, but that’s not going to happen.

The reduction in carbon emissions from the ESSEX plan will be miniscule.

Now let’s look at the cost side of the plan, and contrary to what the article implies, there is a real cost. Petroleum provides about three-fifths of the total energy consumed in Vermont, mostly for transportation and heating. As pointed out in the article, the tax will raise about $240 million per year after eight years. A large part of this income will come from taxing commuters, service people and delivery people dependent on automotive transportation. These are the working people of Vermont, the bedrock of our economy and the people already bearing much of the burden of the state income tax. Retired people such as myself, or joyriding teenagers, are not going to pay most of this tax.

Finally, let’s examine where the carbon tax money will be spent: on rebates to electric utility customers.

The logic of this is a bit difficult to grasp, considering that the state supports (through our electric bills) an energy efficiency program geared to reducing electricity consumption. Lowering the price of electricity will most likely have the opposite effect, perhaps encouraging us to crank up the air conditioner?

Furthermore, the plan proposes to allocate the residential rebates based on location and income, a perfect opportunity for the Legislature to get involved in all sorts of mischief!

Yes, something needs to be done about carbon emissions, and a global carbon tax may be a viable solution, but the ESSEX plan is likely to do more harm than good to Vermont’s economy.

Carl Herzog, Charlotte

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

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

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

Editorial Staff news@thecharlottenews.org Contributing Editor: Edd Merritt Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Vince Crockenberg, Edd Merritt, Mike & Janet Yantachka Layout Manager: Anna Cyr Staff writer: Keith Morrill Archives: Liz Fotouhi Business Staff ads@thecharlottenews.org / 343-0279 Ad manager: Monica Marshall Business manager: Jessica Lucia Board Members President: Vince Crockenberg Secretaries: Rick Detwiler, Carol Hanley Treasurer: Patrice Machavern Board members: Rachel Allard, Bob Bloch, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli 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. Want a subscription?

Please send a check payable to The Charlotte News, P.O. Box 251 Charlotte, VT 05445.

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Copyright © 2018 The Charlotte News, Inc. Printed in Burlington, Vermont, by Gannet Publishing Services Member of the New England Newspaper and Press Association and the Vermont Press Association.

The Charlotte News • February 7, 2018 • 3

Opinion Report from the Legislature Vision reflects values The president’s State of the Union address is a tradition of our democracy that allows the head of the executive branch of the Mike Yantachka government to express his vision CONTRIBUTOR for America. It usually addresses a broad range of issues at a high level and is short on detail. Whether or not you agree with what is said, at least you get a pretty good idea of where the speaker is coming from. This got me thinking about my own communications, so I thought I’d try to deliver my own vision of what I try to accomplish as I serve as your representative in Montpelier.

Let me start by saying that, as wonderful as Vermont is, we all want to help make our state a better place to live, work and play. We want Vermont to be affordable, not just for those at the top of the income

bracket but for everyone. Every family should have the opportunity to thrive, to be able to earn a living wage. While our minimum wage is above average, I believe that it should continue to rise gradually over time until it becomes a livable wage.

Likewise, no employee should have to worry about losing their pay or even their job if they have to take time off to care for a sick child or elderly parent. That is why I voted for paid family leave last year, a bill that is awaiting action in the Senate.

For those who are stuck in low wage jobs, we need to continue to increase access to training, career and technical education so that every Vermonter has a fair shot at success.

We have a great education system, but the cost of education continues to place a heavy burden on property taxes. With the additional demands placed on our schools from addiction, mental illness and poverty, great public schools in all our communities are more important than ever in giving all children a bright future.

During this session we are proposing

a system of education funding that is simpler, still progressive and still subject to local control, and that will significantly reduce property tax burdens. Nor can we forget about the need to support pre-K and post high school educational opportunities.

Another core value is healthy families in healthy communities. The costs of health insurance and housing are the biggest challenges faced by many Vermonters.

While Republicans in Washington are dismantling the Affordable Care Act and cutting funding for Medicare and Medicaid we need to make health insurance more affordable and ensure that Vermonters have access to treatment, without barriers, for drug addiction and mental health. A key to maintaining individual health is affordable housing.

We need to support affordable housing development in downtowns and in village centers that also provides access to jobs, shopping and public transportation.

Finally, we need a healthy environment.

We can’t put off efforts to clean our

Green Mountain Power returning $6 M in federal tax savings to its customers Reduction will start in February bill cycle

In a filing last week with the Vermont Public Utility Commission, Green Mountain Power is seeking to lower bills for customers by $6 million. The benefit comes from federal tax law changes that reduce GMP’s corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. This change will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2018, the start of GMP’s new rate year. The reduction will be applied starting in the February bill cycle and will be returned monthly throughout 2018 as a bill credit.

“After the federal tax plan passed, GMP pledged to return 100 percent of the tax benefit to customers, and today’s letter sets in motion our plan to reduce rates to provide those savings to our customers immediately,” said President and CEO Mary Powell. “Keeping energy costs low and stable is a key focus at GMP, and this decrease will help offset increased cost pressures in other areas outside of our control, such as regional transmission costs.”

This rate reduction will also help offset the rate increase that took effect in January. GMP customers will continue to see the benefits of the new, lower tax rate for as long as these rates are in effect because they will be reflected in future proposed energy rates. GMP is set to file its next rate case in April.

lakes and streams. We have to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which has become a major contributor to climate change. Extreme weather events as well as adverse health effects, Lyme disease, algae blooms, heat waves, and extreme cold are the result. We can’t afford to do nothing, These are some of the values that frame my work in the Legislature. I hope that my work will lead to a better Vermont for us and for our children and grandchildren.

I’ll end by reminding you that I will be hosting an informational forum at the Charlotte Senior Center on Monday.

February 12, at 7 p.m. on the topic of pricing carbon pollution. I hope to see you there.

As always, I can be reached by phone (802-233-5238) or by email (myantachka. dfa@gmail.com).

The

Charlotte News

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4 • February 7, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Around Town Congratulations:

to Stuart Robinson and his classmates from CVU who participated in the Penguin Plunge last Saturday and raised money for the Special Olympics. CVU raised $50,000 this year, the most by any school. The air temperature skirted in the low teens, and the water temperature was just above 30 degrees at the King Street Dock. This plunge marked the 27th year.

Robinson was quoted on the WCAX News, saying, “It was unbelievable. It’s kind of like a life-changing experience to me.” to Mike Trombley of Charlotte who recently joined Coldwell Banker Hickok and Boardman, Realty Group as a realtor.

Mike previously owned Advance Music.

As the major musical outlet in Burlington, he developed its slogan, “It’s All About the Music.” Now, he says, “It’s All About the Home.”

to Bonnie and Gernet Smith of Charlotte on the birth of their daughter Lolita Anne Smith on December 5.

CVU boys (left) and girls (above) take the “plunge” on Saturday, February 3.

Photos by Al Frey Mike Trombley

Photo contributed

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The Charlotte News • February 7, 2018 • 5

Meet the Candidates Night

On Town Meeting Day, vote “Yes” on the proposed Town Plan On January 22, 2018, the Charlotte Selectboard approved putting the new Town Plan to a vote on Town Meeting Day, March 6, 2018. Previous articles have discussed the details and process of this rewrite, but what exactly is a town plan anyway? What purpose does it serve? Are town plans necessary?

The Town Plan is the foundation; it outlines the past, present and provides the vital framework for the future. It plays an important role in the health and well-being of a town and its residents and encompasses all landuse decision making, environment concerns, infrastructure, economy and attracting new residents. It outlines the key issues facing a town: where it’s going or not going, meeting goals, or not; protecting vital assets, or not. It provides the context that enables connecting the smaller decisions to the big picture, avoiding the short-term in favor of the future of the community as a whole.

Town Plans also enable towns to qualify for state and federal programs, planning grants, state designation programs, tax credits, facilities funding and affordable housing funds. Town Plans are broad in scope, therefore they are often the impetus for studies and initiatives to address specific issues (think: Charlotte’s wastewater reserves, East Charlotte Village Study, energy compliance). Without a Town Plan there are no land-use regulations, zoning regulations or subdivision regulations. Eighty-two percent of Vermont municipalities have Town Plans.

As stated in the Vermont Municipal Plan manual, “Planning for economic development, housing needs, infrastructure, and environmental health are fundamental responsibilities of Vermont’s municipalities. In many ways, local planning is like retirement planning — many of us avoid charting a roadmap for our retirement future because it’s overwhelming and easy to postpone.

However, shelving important decisions that radically influence our future doesn’t solve the problem, it makes it worse.”

After over seven years of numerous meetings, community discussions and focus groups, committee input, personnel changes at the staff level and on the commission, two hearings by the Planning Commission and two by the Selectboard, Charlotters will be asked to exercise their right to vote on the Town Plan on Town Meeting Day. It is our whole-hearted recommendation to vote “YES” for this new Town plan. Here are a few reasons why.

Mark your calendars. Once again, the Charlotte Grange will sponsor “Meet the Candidates Night.” Please join us for conversation and refreshments with the candidates on the Charlotte Town Meeting ballot, on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center.

• The current Town Plan expires March 5, 2018.

• The Energy section has been updated to be consistent with the most recent state statute.

• An overview of Act 174 (new state statute) is included and will be enhanced in a future amendment.

This will give the Town “substantial deference” in the siting process of alternative energy projects.

• It includes language specific to Act 171 (new state statute). This speaks to encouraging management of forest lands to improve forest blocks and habitat connectors and encourage the use of locally grown forest products.

• The Economic Development section has been updated to stimulate the local economy.

• It has been simplified and streamlined.

• The maps have been standardized and are easier to use.

• The new format is easier to update.

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With an approved Town Plan, the Planning Commission will continue its work on over 30 items from the “Implementation List” in the plan. Some of these initiatives include moving forward with the East Charlotte Village project, updates/amendments to the landuse regulations, evaluating district boundaries, and applying for Village designation districts. These will be prioritized so that we can begin to act upon them. The Town Plan is a “living” document, intended to be updated and amended as necessary to remain Jewelry & Gifts current and encompass changes as the town evolves. shelburnebay plaza • 2989 shelburne rd • 985.9909 We would not be where we are today alittlesomethingvt.com • next to the Shelburne Meat Market without the dogged perseverance shelburnebay plaza • 2989 shelburne rd • 985.9909 and commitment of Jeff McDonald, 8H-alittlesomething012418.indd 1 1/23/18 3:49 PM alittlesomethingvt.com • next to the Shelburne Meat Market the retired chair of the Planning Commission. His long tenure on the commission, most as chair, played an important role in8H-alittlesomething012418.indd making Charlotte 1 1/23/18 what it is today! With a “YES” vote, we are well positioned to move forward.

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• Article 11, Town Plan “vote yes” • Foundation for Town Planning • Required for future town initiatives, grants, and land-use regulation updates • Living document that is the baseline for regular updates • Represents significant inputs from town committees, commissions and residents • Complies with State regulations and statutes From the Planning Commission

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6 • February 7, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Town

Food Shelf News Kerrie Pughe CONTRIBUTOR

Thank you Thank you to the following for your recent support: Charlotte Organic COOP and Anne Castle, Charlotte Congregational Church, Karol Jane Josselyn, Charles and Liz DesLauriers, Susan and Robbie Hall, Sharon Richards and Doug Weaver, Lori Racha and Damon Silverman for the donation on behalf of their daughters Kate and Chloe Silverman in honor of their teachers at Charlotte Central School. Thank you to Eileen and George of Horsford’s Nursery for the many years of providing wreaths and donations. Thank you to Charles and Julia Russell, Henri Proutt, Andrew Prescott, Laura Cahners-Ford, Deborah Cook, Tim and Mary Volk, Ben and Anne Mason. Thank you to David and Cecily Robbins, as well as Anne Marie Plant, in honor of Patty Naritomi’s birthday. Thank you to Stuart Bennett and Pati Naritomi, and to Ed Amidon and Louise McCarren.

Quarterly Report October: 25 families served for a total of 85 individuals November: 22 families served for a total of 80 individuals December: 32 families served for a total of 101 individuals Welcome to new volunteers Anne Marie Angriola and Kelly Stockwell! We are looking forward to volunteering with you.

Wish List Granola bars, kid-healthy cereal, crackers, popcorn, pudding cups, trail mix, spaghetti sauce, shelf parmesan cheese, vegetable, beef and chicken noodle soups.

Thank you!

Donations We are a volunteer organization so all donations you make to the Food Shelf go directly for food and assistance to our local neighbors in need. Thank you so much for considering donating today. Checks may be mailed to Charlotte Food Shelf & Assistance, P.O. Box 83, Charlotte, VT 05445.

Donated food drop-off locations All nonperishable food donations may be dropped off at the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (main entrance) or at the Food Shelf during the distribution mornings. We request that all fresh foods be dropped off at the Food Shelf before the Wednesday distribution hours or before 7:30 a.m. on the Thursday distribution mornings.

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

New Facebook Page “Like” us at our new Facebook page Charlotte Community Food Shelf and Assistance to see photos and get updates on all the Food Shelf activities.

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

For emergency food call John 425-3130.

For emergency assistance (electricity, fuel) call Cindi at 425-3234.

For more information call Karen at 4253252.

Important Upcoming 2018 Charlotte Food Shelf Distribution Dates Wednesdays, Feb. 7 and 21, 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursdays, Feb. 8 and 22, 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Wednesdays, March 7 and 21, 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursdays, March 8 and 22, 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Champ Camp

P SIGN-U1 L I R P A

Our vision is to follow the lead of our campers and use our own passions, creativity and teacher experiences to create an engaging and rich experience.

Champ Camp is open to those entering 1st-4th grades.

Location: Charlotte Central School Monday-Friday: 9:00am-3:00pm $325/week 3 Sessions to choose from June 25th-29th, July 9th-20th & July 30th-August 10th • Art projects of many kinds • Structured outdoor activities • Writing and performing • And More! $75 deposit due by March 1st, 2018

Please contact us with any questions: Beth Rowntree or Emiko Bennett at: Champcamp802@gmail.com

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m. Learn About Libby. Borrowing audiobooks and ebooks is easier than ever with Libby, a new app. Please bring your smart phone or device.

Wednesdays, from Feb. 7, 3:15 p.m.

Junior Chess Club. For students grade 2 to 12, with any skill level. Learn the game and improve your strategies with help from mentor Ajat Teriyal. No club February 28.

News

Share the Love.

“Book talk” is a favorite part of library work, offering recommendations and learning about new titles from library friends and patrons. We welcome suggestions for new book purchases.

Drop us an email or leave a message at the circulation desk.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we also invite you to “adopt an author” for those works you would love to see on library shelves. This program allows the library to acquire all the new titles published by your chosen author. When a new title becomes available, you are placed first in the hold queue. As a sponsor, you reimburse the library for the cost of the book, which is usually 25-45 percent off the cover price!

Ask at the circulation desk for more information or call us at 425-3864.

Thursdays, Feb. 8, 15 & 22, 3:15 p.m.

T.H.I.N.K. Tank. Tinker, Hatch (your plan), Investigate, (E)Nvision & Know!

From Altoid flashlights to pasta bridges, take on a new tech challenge each week. Grade 4 and up.

Fridays, Feb. 9, 16 & 23, 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Story Time. A weekly adventure with stories, experiments and snacks! Ages 3-5.

Sunday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m. “Open Sesame” Film & Discussion. Our seed library’s kick-off for the season. Learn how our simple efforts save our food system!

Wednesdays, Feb. 14, 21 & 28, 10:30 a.m. OR 7 p.m. Writings of Wendell Berry. Explore the writings of this agricultural sage and champion of our local landscapes. Morning session meets at the Charlotte Senior Center, evening session at Charlotte Library.

Here’s what’s happening at the library in February:

Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. B.Y.O. Book Club: Bring your most recent read to share and discuss candidates for upcoming sessions. Facilitator Colleen Boyce leads our conversation.

Mondays, Feb. 12 & 19, 12 p.m.

Library Lineup @ Monday Munch at Charlotte Senior Center. Get answers to tech questions, download a book or sign up for a library card. Plan a museum visit and more!

Sunday, Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m. Library Sunday Supper: Explore Your Roots, from the pantry or family tree. Bring your good company and a dish to share.

We provide bread, salad and dessert.

Co-hosted with Charlotte Grange.

Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13 & 20, 9 to 10 a.m. Baby Time @ the Library! Join us to chat, sing songs and read to baby.

Friday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. Burlington Songwriters Sessions. Enjoy an evening of original and community music with Joni AvRutick, Mike Leach & Ron Lawrence.

Mondays, Feb. 5 & 12, 3:15 p.m.

TinkerBelles. A new season of STEAM activities! Create a movie, learn sign language, visit with a vet. Grades 3-5.

Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13 & 20, 2:15 p.m.

Story Explorations. Stories and crafts for kindergartners & 1st graders.

Monday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. Mystery Book Group: The Last Detective

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The Charlotte News • February 7, 2018 • 7

Town

Into the Woods: American Beech Profile Ethan Tapper COUNTY FORESTER

Among foresters, American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is a common source of consternation. It is often considered a lowvalue, low-quality “weed,” outcompeting other tree species and taking over the forest’s understory. Some foresters interested in maintaining diversity, increasing forest health and growing more commercial tree species have adopted special practices just to avoid regenerating beech, including treating cut beech stumps with herbicide.

To the layperson, this may seem a little extreme. Healthy beech trees are beautiful, with smooth gray “elephant skin” bark.

A grove of large beech trees has a high, arching canopy, casting green-tinged light on everything below. Beechnuts are also a valuable source of food for wildlife, prized by black bear, turkey and deer, among many others. The wood, while not much good for lumber, is decent firewood.

So what’s the problem?

Beech was dominant in Vermont’s presettlement forests, comprising about 40 percent of the trees across New England.

It is “shade-tolerant,” meaning that it can grow under dense canopies with very little light. Shade-tolerant trees dominate undisturbed forests over time; they grow in the understory, waiting for less-tolerant species to decline, at which point they take over. The pre-settlement forests of Vermont experienced major disturbances infrequently (by modern standards), which created great conditions for growing beech and other shade-tolerant species such as hemlock and red spruce.

About 80 percent of Vermont’s forests were cleared for agriculture in the early-tomid 1800s, eliminating much of our oldgrowth beech. When this agricultural land was abandoned and allowed to succeed to forest, conditions favored fast-growing, shade-intolerant tree species, such as white pine, white birch and aspen.

In 1920, just as much of Vermont was beginning to revert back to forest, a new threat to beech was discovered in Nova Scotia. Beech bark disease (BBD), also known as the “beech blight,” quickly spread throughout Vermont. BBD is a disease “complex,” the combination of an exotic scale insect and two species of fungi in the genus Neonectria. It manifests itself in the bark of beech trees, which becomes mottled with black lesions and bumps.

Most infected beech trees can still reach a reproductive age but are killed by the disease before they become very large or old. Beech are thought to be able to live for 400-600 years, but today I rarely see one older than 60 to 80. While some beech trees show resistance to BBD, maintaining relatively smooth bark, they are uncommon.

When beech trees are stressed (as they are when they have BBD) their root systems produce sprouts, and so the understories of forests with BBD-infected beech are often dominated by a near-monoculture of beech saplings. These sprouts are equipped with an established root system, allowing them to outcompete young trees of other species,

and are genetically identical to the parent tree, making them equally susceptible to BBD. As if that weren’t enough, beech is one of a white-tailed deer’s least favorite foods; due to over-browsing by deer in many areas of Vermont, other tree species get eaten, but beech is left alone.

All of these factors explain why beech is branded a “weed.” In many forests the presence of beech means a less healthy, diverse understory and overstory, both dominated by a species which is diseased, low-value and skilled at sprouting, good at outcompeting young trees of other species but unable to grow into healthy, mature trees.

Vermont’s forests have endured a number of exotic pests and pathogens since European settlement: the American chestnut blight, Dutch elm disease, butternut canker, blister rust, the approaching hemlock wooly adelgid and emerald ash borer. The list goes on. In each of these examples, a pest or pathogen introduced by humans leads to the loss of a tree species or the fundamental alteration of its behavior.

These changes reverberate throughout our forested ecosystems, causing unpredictable problems for our native flora and fauna.

For these reasons, our long-term goal should be to reestablish beech as a healthy part of our forests. While BBD-infected beech trees may be cut, encourage the growth of BBD-resistant beech trees wherever they are found. This can be done by allowing any healthy, smooth-barked beech trees to continue to grow, and even by thinning around them. With good management, and given enough time, I think we stand a chance of reestablishing beech as a healthy piece of our forested ecosystems.

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Black bears often climb beech to eat their nutritious beechnuts. This beech tree shows bear claw marks from repeated Photo Contributed Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County climbing. forester. He can be reached at ethan. tapper@vermont.gov, by phone at (802) 585-9099, or at his office at 111 West Street, Essex Junction.

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8 • February 7, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Town Yellow iris control in Thorp Brook and Lower Lewis Creek

By Krista Hoffsis LEWIS CREEK ASSOCIATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus), with its striking yellow flowers, provides a colorful addition to the Vermont landscape—and a threat to our priority natural communities. In recent years, it has gained a foothold in many Lake Champlain wetlands and small streams that drain directly into the lake. Both are priority natural communities, as documented by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Natural Heritage Program. The Lewis Creek Association, in partnership with Lake Champlain Basin Program and Habitat Restoration Solutions, began studying this problem in 2015. Control efforts were initiated in 2016 for lower Lewis Creek and this past summer for Thorp Brook.

This year’s control work builds upon two seasons of studying and mapping iris infestation, threat and spread, and validating control methods in the lower reaches of Thorp Brook. Lower Thorp Brook is a diverse, beaver-influenced corridor and serves as the primary iris seed source for the wetlands at its confluence with Lake Champlain. These wetlands are considered state waters, comprising a 53-acre matrix of wetland natural communities, whose value has been acknowledged by, among others, experts at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and The Nature Conservancy.

The lake-influenced lower reaches of Lewis Creek contain important floodplain forests, buttonbush swamps and a range of state significant emergent communities. Some lands are state-

owned (e.g., the Little Otter Wildlife Management Area), others are private.

While the extent and nature of the infestation is understood and mapped, a mutually agreeable management approach is needed to begin addressing this growing infestation in an ecologically significant area of high public value.

Iris clump growth rates have been observed to double from season to season (2015-17). Iris will raise elevations of wetlands over time, effectively eliminating emerging plant communities. In addition to disrupting natural riparian communities in Thorp Brook, these iris clumps serve as the primary seed source for Thorp/ Kimball wetlands.

This past summer, an invasive-species management plan was developed for Thorp Brook. Iris clumps were identified in early summer by Habitat Restoration Solutions and a team of volunteers. With landowner permission, clumps were treated with foliar herbicide in the fall, yielding 90 percent control. In lower Lewis Creek, property management options were identified by reaching out to landowners and technical experts. This project initiated a broader discussion in Lewis Creek about taking care of this valuable natural asset. Thank you to the landowners along Thorp Brook and Lewis Creek for participating in this important work.

Krista Hoffsis is the program coordinator for the Lewis Creek Association. This project was funded by an agreement awarded by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin

Bob Hyams of Habitat Restoration Solutions manually removes yellow iris flowers to prevent seed formation.

Photo contributed Program. The viewpoints expressed here do not necessarily represent those of NEIWPCC, the LCBP Steering Committee, or GLFC, nor does mention

of trade names, commercial products, or causes constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

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The Charlotte News • February 7, 2018 • 9

Education Apply Now for the Early Education Program The Charlotte-Hinesburg Early Education Program is now accepting applications for a random peer lottery drawing for the 2018–2019 school year.

Charlotte and Hinesburg children who will be age 3 or older by September 1, 2018, but not yet 5 years old, are eligible to enter the lottery for our programs.

If you are interested in your child being considered for the program please contact Candi LaFreniere at 802-482-2106 or e-mail at clafreniere@cvsdvt.org.

Deadline for lottery applications is February 9.

CVSD FAQs about the upcoming budget vote CVSD Board of Directors In response to input about the budget, we have developed the following list of questions and answers. You are also invited to check out our web page at cvsdvt.org/budget or email us at CVSDboard@cvsdvt.org.

Budget Q: How will my local school budget be voted on now that we are consolidated?

A: The funding for all schools is now combined on a single ballot question, which residents will vote on by Australian ballot at their local polling places. On Tuesday, March 6, voters will be asked to approve one budget for all public schooling in the Champlain Valley School District (CVSD): Charlotte, St. George, Williston, Shelburne and Hinesburg.

Voted ballots will be brought to a central location and co-mingled (all town ballots mixed together) prior to being counted.

Q: What are the CVSD Board’s budget goals?

A: The board identified two fiscal goals. The first goal was to meet the governor’s challenge and limit budget growth to 2.5 percent. The second goal was to meet our own fiscal objective of limiting a budget increase to 2.3 percent. In addition, we also set objectives for a coordinated system to ensure equity of resources across schools, provide for innovative learning and support academic success for all students. Community input aligns with our objectives to maintain essential programming, follow state guidelines for class sizes, maintain local school cultures, and identifies efficiencies due to consolidation.

Q: How much is the proposed budget increasing by and why?

A: The proposed budget is increasing by 2.3 percent this year. A portion of that (1.1 percent of the 2.3 percent) is for debt service of construction projects. All other spending covers increases of goods and services, such as energy costs and contractually obligated salary increases. These increases are partially offset by reductions in the cost of health care premiums, supplies, legal and auditing costs and insurance.

Q: Has consolidation saved the district money?

A: In our second year as a merged system we estimate savings of $187,000 due to

consolidation, for a total of $220,000 over the first two years. These early savings are mostly administrative, with larger savings projected as we begin to implement other systems changes.

Renovation and maintenance Q: How will bond votes for construction and renovation be done now that we are consolidated?

A: All bonds will be voted on by residents of all towns in the Champlain Valley School District, with costs shared by residents of the entire district.

Q: How will renovation projects be approached now that we are one district?

A: We are still working on developing systems.

However, we anticipate developing a longterm capital plan with priorities independent of location.

Q: How are the facilities being managed now that we are one district?

A: The management of our physical plant is an area where consolidation is having a significant impact. This fall we reorganized the operations and maintenance management team, reducing administration and bringing in needed technical staff. Our licensed professionals can now be shared across campuses and used where their skills are most needed.

Q: How are you planning to meet the deferred maintenance needs of all six buildings?

A: We are creating a long-term maintenance plan that will help us meet, in an organized, sustainable way, both immediate needs and the needs we can predict. The CVSD board is committed to maintaining our buildings efficiently and effectively in order to prevent costly repairs.

Budget-related meetings Q: Are there upcoming budget related meetings where I can learn more?

A: Yes. All meetings are open to the public and most are recorded on RETN.org.

Quick overview of budget: Thursday, Feb. 8, 8:15 a.m. at Williston Central School dining room Sponsored by Williston Families as Partners (FAP) Learn more Thursday Feb. 15th (Note date change from the 8th at.11am, Charlotte Senior Center. Find us online at cvsdvt.org.

A whale of a tale and other Baja discoveries Elizabeth Bassett Women groan at the thought of giving birth to an 11- or 12-pound baby.

Imagine a gray whale calf, weighing at birth 1,100 pounds and 15 feet long.

Ouch! Gray whale mothers produce rich milk, 50 percent fat, and a nursing calf can gain several pounds an hour and up to 200 pounds in a day, while swimming the entire time.

On a recent afternoon in Baja California, we trailed, at a safe distance, a mother gray whale and her young calf. They swam slowly and surfaced frequently to breathe. An adult can dive for up to five minutes, but a calf must breathe more frequently. Adults may host hundreds of pounds of barnacles that appear as yellow-orange splotches on their mottled gray and white skin.

When a calf is born the mother whale’s barnacles release larvae, some of which settle onto the calf for life. The calf will soon sport its own barnacle crust.

Mother whales scarcely eat during their migration to and from warm waters where they give birth. Between swimming and nursing, the mothers may lose up to a quarter of their total body weight, which is about 45 tons, before returning to the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the north to feed. Perhaps this is why gray whale females outweigh their male counterparts by several tons. (“Honey, do I look fat beneath these barnacles?”)

When a gray whale calf is several months old the real dangers await as mother and baby attempt to swim from Baja California to the Bering Sea, the longest known mammal migration.

The pair leave the protected waters of the nursery to swim north, hugging the Pacific coastline. Orca or killer whales travel in family groups of a half dozen or more. They can gang up on a calf, attempting to hold it underwater until it drowns. A mother’s best defense is to thrash her enormous (and heavy) tail to drive the Orcas away. Then she and her calf dive deep and swim as fast as they can in hopes of out-swimming the Orcas.

This January the whales were late in

arriving along the coast of Baja. The ocean water is warmer than usual, so the mothers were slow to arrive in the safe southern waters for birthing. Water temperatures notwithstanding, the seasons change and instinct will soon impel mother and calf to begin their long migration north. By March or April they will start their swim to northern Alaska, whether or not the calf is strong enough to withstand predation.

Meanwhile, back on land…

The Sonoran desert of Baja bristles with cacti. In order to survive in such a hot, dry place, where it may not rain for years at a time, cacti have many adaptations. Waxy or resinous coatings minimize evaporation, as do thorns and tiny leaves. Spines and hairs, which break up the sun’s rays, may replace leaves entirely. In the absence of leaves some cacti photosynthesize along stems and branches. During dry periods deciduous cacti shed leaves and then regrow them quickly when rain falls.

All cacti have inner structural supports, including wooden rods or staves, which allow the plant to expand quickly when water is available. By shrinking their vertical ribs some cacti can sustain a 60-70 percent loss of their water mass, persevering for several years without rainfall. To capitalize on scarce rainfall, cacti often have huge root systems close to the surface. While cacti grow in the driest of deserts, they also thrive in jungles and mountains, along coastlines and on grassy plains.

And in the air…

Ever heard of klepto-parasitism? Frigate birds are large sea birds that have evolved with long and delicate wings that can span eight feet while the bird’s total weight is only 3.5 pounds. They have lost their ability to dive into the water to catch fish, as crashing into the waves would shatter their bones. The solution: frigate birds follow pelicans, ospreys, gulls and other fish-eating birds and snatch prey from their beaks! This makes for some dramatic mid-air action!

Katie Manges

10 • February 7, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Education Preventing sexual violence: A student’s perspective Ryan Trus

CVU STUDENT ACT MEMBER

The Student Awareness Curriculum & Training (ACT) committee revolves around the principle of preventing sexual violence through a cultural shift at Champlain Valley Union High School.

The formation of Student ACT began with the two founding members, Chiara Antonioli and Walter Braun, reaching out to trusted faculty about both the prevalence of this issue and the change they wanted to see within the school.

From there, a select 14 students were

We hope to see a positive shift in our community where sexual violence is recognized and no longer perpetuated or tolerated. brought together to create the Student ACT Committee.

The first step for Student ACT was having the members receive training on sexual violence. For this, all 14 members

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of Student ACT came into CVU on a Saturday and Sunday for a total of 12 hours. Covering a wide array of topics, the training consisted of both education and also discussion surrounding the foundation of sexual violence, forms of sexual violence, and how to react to and support survivors of sexual violence.

Sexual violence is defined as a sexual act committed against someone without that person’s freely given consent.

This is a very broad and encompassing definition. The types of sexual violence include, but are not limited to, unwanted sexual contact, sexual exploitation, voyeurism, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape.

Using the knowledge we gained from the training, Student ACT hopes to create a long-lasting change in our culture originating from the student body itself.

As a committee we are currently taking steps toward having the members of ACT speak in 9th grade health classes. This is an important next step for ingraining a change in our culture. Instead of simply being given all the information through notes and presentations, the 9th graders will be able to have open conversations with their older peers. Having these open conversations with older peers is what we hope will help enforce the understanding that sexual violence is indeed an issue in our community, what sexual violence looks like through the eyes of students rather than a dictionary, and how to intervene in an attempt to create a positive cultural change.

We hope to apply the same technique of open communication to the athletic community at CVU. Athletics— through such activities as initiations and hazing and in team locker rooms— has traditionally been an area where sexual violence is either accepted or not recognized. The Athletic Leadership Council (ALC) and captains training are where we hope to begin this effort.

Both ALC and captains training are CVU programs in which leaders from all sports teams meet once a week to discuss the role of leaders on sports teams and what that looks like in terms of behavior. Similar to the 9th grade health class, the end result of Student ACT’s efforts in athletics will be an open conversation surrounding this issue, team leaders setting behavioral standards, and maintaining a zero tolerance for sexual violence in all athletic environments.

Awareness and open discussion about sexual violence in our community is our main priority as Student ACT. We are playing our role in starting this through poster campaigns, guest speakers and awareness events during sexual violence awareness month (April). We hope to see a positive shift in our community where sexual violence is recognized and no longer perpetuated or tolerated.

The 14 members of Student ACT: Seniors: Chiara Antonioli, Cooper Birdsall, Walter Braun, Anna Cornish, Brigham Francis, Weller Henderson, Lydia Maitland, Iris Mann, Ryan Trus and Olivia Voth; Juniors: Aidan Johnson, Zoe Prue, Eve Wilson and Prince Yodishembo.

Founding faculty members are Chris Smith, Lacey Richards, Vanessa Harman, Tim Trevithik and Rahn Fleming.

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The Charlotte News • February 7, 2018 • 11

Jack’s eulogy Bradley Carleton Like the dog in John Irving’s Hotel New Hampshire named “Sorrow” who follows his protagonists, I have learned, having had to put several dogs to sleep, “Sorrow” follows us for a long time.

Last week my wife and I had to put down our handsome yellow Lab, Jack.

Now I know that this is something that all of us who welcome these spirits into our lives are cursed to perform or witness at least a few times in our lifespan. But the truth of the matter is that, unlike other events that we survive, it does not get easier.

Jack came to us from a rescue situation, and my intention had been to train him to be another well-disciplined hunting dog. I had big plans for him.

He would become a “Master Hunter” in a few years with the Lake Champlain Retriever Club. We would wake every morning at dawn to throw duck-scented bumpers in the back field. I would watch him take hand and whistle signals from 200 yards away. He was to be my partner in the duck blind, confidently retrieving waterfowl in adverse circumstances with genuine enthusiasm.

He had a big, square, blocky head that “squinched” when you held it. His eyebrows would twitch from side to side and up and down depending on certain magic words like “Go” or “Ride.”

I thought my heart would break when

Jack showed no interest in actually retrieving anything. He wouldn’t even go in the water unless he “felt like it.” Who has ever heard of a Labrador retriever that didn’t want to swim?

Instead of hunting, retrieving, swimming and doing Lab-like activities, like chasing birds or harassing the cats, Jack chose to treat all our critters with genuine affection. He would lick the bunny’s head until it was soaked with slobber-love. He would walk the chickens down the hill to the coop in the backyard and sniff their behinds, making sure that each of them retired to their proper nest.

Clearly, he was not to be the dog of my dreams. But over time, he became the dog our family needed. He guarded the house and became my wife’s dream dog.

As of this writing his passing is only three days old, and the void is tangible in our house and in our hearts. Everyone misses him. Even the bunny runs to the side of her cage and stomps her feet when he doesn’t come in the door.

As a hunter I have witnessed a lot of death in my 59 years, and although there is a significant difference between a domestic pet and a wild animal, I recognize that we are all still brothers and sisters under the “Great Star Nation “above us. And there is grief and gratitude in every relationship. For me the lessons I’ve learned from Jack will become a part of me.

Photo by Bradley Carleton

Jack He taught me many things, but among them, the one I accept as the greatest challenge is to learn to appreciate every spirit for what it shares with me. If I eliminate my expectations of what I want, I will always feel blessed by what I receive.

Jack did have one strong Lab trait, and in his honor, tomorrow I will go out to the horse pasture and roll in the manure and feel the sun on my face.

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

12 • February 7, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Sports Edd’s Sports Report Dillon Machavern starts the year on a winning note

Charlotte racecar driver Dillon Machavern began where he left off last season, which is in the winner’s circle of the BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway. Dillon and co-driver Spencer Pumpelly led for 45 laps and crossed the finish line 7.1 seconds ahead of the second-place duo. This was significant because a pit stop and driver change on the 83rd lap dropped them from second place to eighteenth. The remainder of the field hit the pits as well, and having taken over at the wheel, Dillon brought his car back to the point and won the race on the final lap.

Dillon said afterward that they need to get the points now, early in the season, because “come Sebring, come MidOhio, it’s going to be much, much more of a fight” when the competition gets “some miles and some turning under them.”

CVU’s Nordic skiers hit several slopes

CVU and Colchester high schools sponsored this winter’s Tour de Chittenden Stage Race by running five Nordic events over three different race courses. They skate sprinted at Colchester, ran classic distance races at Ethan Allen Training Center in Jericho and did an uphill climb at Cochran’s Hill in Richmond. Both Redhawk men and women finished among the top ten schools as a team, and a number of individual skiers were near the front in their races. Charlotters who skied well were Gus Lunde, Jack Boynton, Matthew and Andrew Silverman, Skyler Heininger and Aaron McNally for the men.

Emma Strack won top honors for CVU women, and Charlotte’s Sadie Holmes ran among the top 30 finishers.

Nordic coach, Sarah Strack, said that her teams are young—only three seniors and nine juniors among the 46 members—with over half of the racers new to the sport. The coaches, however, are pleased with the team’s progress.

Redhawk gymnasts tumble and vault over

Spencer Pumpelly, left and Dillon Machavern, right celebrate their victory.

Photo by Michael L. Levitt, LAT Images

Galloping Ghosts, Wolves and Highlanders

In a dual match against Randolph and a three-team match against South Burlington and Harwood Union, CVU gymnasts dominated each event in both matches, winning the top three places in

vault, bars and floor exercises and Jam Guibardo was the All-Around winner against Randolph. South Burlington and Harwood saw a similar pattern in the scores in their match. This time, however, the Guibardos, Jam and Tali, were second and third All-Around with a Wolf in first place.

CVU gymnasts compete in the floor exercise.

Photo by Al Frey

The Charlotte News • February 7, 2018 • 13

MAPLEFIELDS

continued from page 1

The Goldenwinged Warbler Erika MacPherson The golden-winged warbler (GWWA) is an early-successional species whose songs have captivated many. Vermont is currently the only New England state that hosts a population of these unique and beautiful birds, which require a special habitat of sparse trees and shrubs, with an understory of grasses and forbs, all adjacent to a forested area.

In addition golden-wings are groundnesting birds and prefer hardwood rather than softwood trees.

According to Audubon Vermont, however, golden-wing populations are declining throughout all of their range as early-successional habitats revert to forest and are lost to human development. This includes areas in Central and South America where the warblers migrate to during winter months. These areas are becoming despoiled as land continues to be cleared for production of palm oil, cattle grazing and sun-grown coffee. On a local level, Audubon Vermont is currently working with The Nature Conservancy and Vermont Fish and Wildlife to protect and create the warblers’ habitat through land preservation and/or managing overgrown areas to make them more hospitable to the golden-winged warbler.

The Golden-Winged Warbler (GWWA) Working Group, a national partnership working to protect this species and keep it from being listed as federally endangered, has identified the southern Lake Champlain Valley as a conservation focal area for its work.

Based on breeding bird survey data, and according to Audubon Vermont, golden-wing populations have declined on average 3.4 percent per year in the United States over the last 37 years of monitoring. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, there has been a drop of 66 percent since the 1960s. These declines are shown in the loss of the species from areas that have supported the golden-winged warbler for at least the last hundred years.

Audubon Vermont aims to continue, and begin, conversations with local land trusts and conservation commissions in order to push efforts forward to protect the habitats of the GWWA. Their best management practices benefit other species as well (for example, the bobcat). Audubon would like to assist land trusts in acquiring properties to be protected and is currently using habitat maps to identify and prioritize properties for future protection.

Audubon Vermont, the Charlotte Land Trust and the Charlotte Conservation

see WARBLER page 15

fifth factor is to have a design that uses renewable energy.

The variety, placement and impact of exterior lighting was discussed. A neighboring youth asked that the light from the store not disturb his sleep, and community members asked whether it might be wise not to keep the store open 24 hours and reduce the likelihood of disturbing the neighbors after a certain hour in the evening. The developers said they would take that into consideration.

The meaning of the terms “local produce” received a good deal of discussion. Several in the audience said that it was used in Charlotte to mean produce that is grown in town, whereas elsewhere it pointed to items grown in a wider radius. They wanted to see a market of hometown items if the store was to remain true to Charlotte.

The Land Use Regulations also require three specific standards: 1.) conformance with the Town Plan 2.) consideration of any additional restrictions 3.) meeting performance standards.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet on February 14 at which time it will have made arrangements to schedule a date for a continuance of the hearing in a venue that can accommodate a large audience.

The R. L. Vallee representatives plan to adapt their proposal in light of what they heard from the Zoning Board and suggestions from audience members at this first session of the board’s review.

Outside view of Maplefields in Johnson, with gas pump canopy

Staff photo

My fresh Café, with overhead menus and touchscreen ordering stations. Staff photo

MENTOR

continued from page 1 I asked them to be on that committee, and they never missed a meeting (one and a half hours every two weeks, starting at 7:30 a.m!). Jim has continued on the advisory board at the high school.

It’s a treat, pleasure and honor to have his support, especially to see him “get” the magnitude and ripple effect of this simple form of volunteerism, which, at its root, is all about supporting, developing and seeing the importance, impact, power and strength of relationships between adults and young people, particularly at this time.

One of our tag lines at Connecting Youth is “Be Someone Who Matters to

Someone Who Matters.” To me, that says it all—about Jim and about all the dedicated mentors at our schools.

About Mobius

Mobius, a regional mentoring umbrella agency, was founded in 2003, to provide support to mentoring programs by helping to expand mentoring opportunities, recruiting and supporting new volunteers, and raising awareness of the cause. In 2012, programs, funders and representatives from Mobius worked collaboratively on a plan to transition Mobius into serving a statewide role, and in 2013, Mobius, Vermont’s Mentoring Partnership was born.

As part of Mobius’s annual celebration

of Vermont Mentoring Month each January, Comcast sponsors the Vermont Mentor of the Year Award. In presenting Hyde with this year’s award, Daniel Glanville, vice president of government, regulatory and community affairs for Comcast’s Western New England region, said, “Comcast believes strongly in the power of mentoring and is dedicated to giving back to the communities where our customers and employees live and work.

We’re excited to sponsor the Vermont Mentor of the Year Award for a third year and to partner with Mobius to highlight a few of the many dedicated individuals in Vermont who are making a difference in their communities by serving as a youth mentor.”

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14 • February 7, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Senior Center News CVSD 2018-2019 budget information session Members of the Champlain Valley School District school board will be at the Center on Thursday, Feb.15, 11:00 a.m. to explain the details of and answer questions about the district school budget that we will vote on in March. This will be an informal meeting in the café.

Blood Drive, Thursday, Feb. 8, from 2–7 p.m.

The Senior Center is a comfortable place to make your much-needed blood donation. We have a reputation for serving great snacks, so make sure you have this date on your calendar.

Resources @ Monday Munch Learn what the Charlotte Library has to offer. Tech Librarian Susanna Kahn will be available in the foyer on Feb. 12 and Feb. 19 from noon to 1 p.m. to answer your tech questions, show you how to download an audiobook, register you for a library card, describe which museums you can visit with a library museum pass, check a

book out to you and more!

Upcoming programs

Book discussion—Wendell Berry: Standing For What He Stands On. The first session of this three-part program led

by Charlotte Library Director Margaret Woodruff meets on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 10:30 a.m. “Wendell Berry is not a prophet. He doesn’t claim to see the future.

He’s not crazy about the present, either.

But at 83, America’s beloved farmerphilosopher still has plenty to say about how our disregard for the past points us in a destructive direction.” Discuss the writings of Berry that champion “the plight of fragile rural economies and the importance of sustainable agriculture.”

Copies of reading selections are available at the Senior Center and at the library. This series is offered in conjunction with the Charlotte Library. Please call to register so we’ll know you’re coming. This group also meets on Feb. 21 and Feb. 28.

Wednesday afternoon programs showcase the variety of interests we find in

The Five-minute workout Ginger Lambert

PERSONAL TRAINER

Cabin fever have you in its grip?

Welcome to the five-minute workout.

Do it for 10 minutes and you can count it toward the 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine.

As with any exercise program make sure you have your doctor’s okay to begin. Put on some lively music, set a timer for five minutes and hit start.

Begin by walking in place while swinging your arms front to back. After a minute or so begin a modified jumping jack by swinging your arms across your chest while you step side to side. For standing crunches, bring opposite knee

to opposite elbow, alternating sides.

Next up, toy soldiers for a minute and then speed skaters to finish up. Before you know it five minutes have passed and you wonder why you haven’t thought of this before.

In the Tuesday “Fitness at Any Age” classes at the Senior Center, you learn lots of exercises that can easily be incorporated into a home workout.

Studies show that even a minute of high-intensity exercise can have benefits.

Ginger Lambert is a personal trainer and fitness instructor. Check out her website gingerlambert.com for information on fitness boot camp classes for any level.

our community. Drop in to hear about the experiences of our presenters—no need to register.

The program on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. is Journey With the Clemmons Family. Jack and Lydia will talk about their honeymoon travel adventures in the 1950s and will include some videos. Daughter Lydia will also talk about the Green Book, used by many African Americans (not her parents, though) to travel around the U.S. safely. The Green Book listed places that allowed African Americans to use the toilet, eat and sleep during a time when racial segregation was legal.

Visit La Reunion and Namibia the following week on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. Join Carl and Carlanne Herzog as they share the highlights of their recent visit to the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion and the southwest African former German colony of Namibia. From tropical forests to volcanoes to desert sand dunes to African wildlife, this photo journey covers a lot of territory and gives insight to two locations largely unknown to and infrequently visited by Americans.

Seniors cook!

The Men’s Breakfast group meets twice a month—the next meeting is Thursday, Feb. 8, 7:30–9 a.m. Join the group for breakfast and conversation. Please call the Center to let us know you’re coming.

Suggestion donation: $5.

Wednesday Luncheons: Sit down at noon to enjoy special senior lunches on Wednesdays. Make your reservation by calling the Center at 425-6345. Suggested donation: $5.

Monday Munch: Drop in from 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. on Mondays when local cooks’ menus feature homemade soup (or chef’s choice), salad, bread and dessert.

Suggested donation: $5.

SENIOR CENTER MENU Monday Munch (served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.)

Monday, Feb. 12 Beef & cabbage soup Green salad Homemade dessert Monday, Feb. 19 Split pea & barley soup Beets & orange salad Hot cross buns Wednesday Lunch (all diners eat at noon) Wednesday, Feb. 14 Beef Bourguignon Valentine cookies Ice cream Wednesday, Feb. 21 Moroccan chicken stew Malpe walnut tart

February at exhibit

You may recognize Rik Carlson from the Little Garden Market. His show, Boystoystoo and an Emerald City Retrospective, includes his automotive and scenic photography along with a retrospective presentation of Emerald City’s celebrated archives. Rik is a photographer, author, web designer and filmmaker.

Continuing classes

Free ongoing classes include Bridge, Mah Jong, Spanish Conversation, Strength Maintenance, T’ai Chi Practice and Friday Morning Art Group. Check the town website, charlottevt.org, or at the Senior Center for more information.

Enroll in the following classes by stopping by or calling the Center (4256345): Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga, Yuan T’ai Chi Chuan, Fitness at Any Age, Pilates and Moving Better/Living Better through Dance.

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The Charlotte News • February 7, 2018 • 15

Community Events Feb. 7

Chinese New Year celebration & open house. Celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Dog at Lake Champlain Waldorf School in Shelburne at its Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a morning filled with crafts, a dragon parade and delicious food at this festival especially for kids ages four to ten and their families. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Turtle Lane Campus, 359 Turtle Lane, Shelburne.

Feb. 20

Meet The Candidates Night. Please join us for conversation and refreshments with the candidates on the Charlotte Town Meeting ballot. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center on Ferry Road.

Sponsored by the Charlotte Grange.

WARBLER

continued from page 13

game comprised of four to seven players per side. The program is free and open to all interested youth regardless of town of residence or experience. More information and the required waiver are available at: https://tinyurl.com/CVUFlagFootball2018.

Ongoing

The Rotary Club of Charlotte-ShelburneHinesburg meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30 in the Parish Hall behind Trinity Episcopal Church in Shelburne.

The meetings, which end promptly at 8:30, include social gathering, an amiable group and a 25-30 minute speaker on a variety of subjects that span broad areas of interest. The premise of the Rotary movement is “Service Above Self” and is both local and international in its reach.

Members live or work in the three towns.

See: charlotteshelburnerotary.org.

Commission are scheduling a meeting to discuss how together they can move efforts forward to ensure a stable future for the golden-winged warbler in surrounding areas. The broader public can also weigh in by reaching out to local lawmakers.

Audubon Vermont has an alert system, which anyone can sign up for. This will allow someone to get the latest news on proposals that impact birds and to weigh in on the merits of those proposals. In addition, one can purchase Habitat Stamp money, which is managed and allocated

by VT Fish and Wildlife. The proceeds from these purchases benefit surrounding conservation efforts.

If you are a landowner who believes your property might be or could become breeding and nesting grounds for the golden-winged warbler, you might be eligible for funding from VT Fish and Wildlife. If approved, your land could be managed for specific efforts or for a particular species. Please contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife for more information.

Erika MacPherson is a board member of the Charlotte Conservation Commission.

The commission meets the fourth Tuesday of the month. All are welcome.

Accepting Patien

Patrick Kearney, MS experienced provide care for adults and c February 15 is Vermont Writes Day Classifieds accepting Accepting Newnew patien Patients Family Health Cente

Patrick Kearney, PA-C practice of Evergr Accepting New Patients Along Same Day Appointments Available Health. with A Feb. – March

Free Flag Football Program at CVU - FlagFootball@CVU is a pick-up style football program for boys and girls in grades 2 through 7. Sessions will be held every Sunday in February and March from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the CVU gym. Coached by Redhawks football players and supervised

by CVU football coaches, participants will play in a noncontact indoor football

YWP’s Annual Day of Writing for just seven minutes is now in its ninth year. Vermont Writes Day is an annual tradition started

by Young Writers Project to honor writing and to recognize its importance in school, work and life. Each year, about 100 schools across Vermont take just seven minutes out of their day to write to seven special writing prompts created by Young Writers Project.

Throughout the day, students, teachers and principals will participate in the seven-minute writing exercise. Schools or individual classes may choose any seven minutes during the day, so times will vary. Check with local schools about the timing of their event. Find out more at youngwritersproject.org/vtwrites18.

Evergreen Family Health

Webby’s Art Studio is offered every Saturday in February (excluding Feb. 10), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come create!

Specialized art activities for all ages, inspired by temporary and permanent exhibitions. Webby’s Art Studio activities are offered at the Shelburne Museum in the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education classroom. Free with admission.

Reach your friends and neighbors for only $7 per issue. (Payment must be Patrick Kearney, MS, PA-C is ansent before issue date.) Please limit experienced provider of primary your ad to 35 words or fewer and send care for adults and children. Heitisto The Charlotte News Classifieds, accepting new patients at Charlotte P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 or Family Health Center, a partner email ads@thecharlottenews.org.

Patrick Kearney, PA-C practice of Evergreen Family Patrick Kearney, PA-C Same Day Appointments Available Health.

Along with Andrea Regan, Happy New Year from L A FAY E T T E Call 425-5121 to schedule an appointment PA I N T I N G! Winter is a great time up your living space and Charlotte to Familyfreshen Health Center Evergreen Family Health 527 Ferry Road 28 Park Avenue we are currently offering our lowest Patrick Kearney, MS, PA-CWilliston, is anVT 05495 experienced provider of primary Charlotte, VT 05445 rates.

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www.evergreenhealth.org P.O. Box 32 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT

gdarling@gmavt.net

Golden-Winged warbler Photo by Jeff Nadler

Comprehensive family care as it should be Charlotte Family Health Center 527 Ferry Road Charlotte, VT 05445 425-2781 www.charlottefamilyhealth.com

Evergreen Family Health 28 Park Avenue Williston, VT 05495 878-1008 www.evergreenhealth.org

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