The Charlotte News | June 27, 2018

Charlotte’s award-winning community newspaper

The

Charlotte News Wednesday, June 247, 2018 | Volume lX number 25

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Charlotte News

The

Vol. 60, no.25 June 27, 2018

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

Books galore and good food at annual Charlotte Library book sale

A puzzle at the intersection … which way to turn??

Charlotter Jim Dickerson has a vision for the Spears property

Photo by Shanley Hinge

Friends of The Charlotte Library The upcoming Charlotte Library book sale offers everyone a great opportunity to stock up on year-round reading material.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday, July 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the usual tent (thanks to Vermont Tent) on the Town Green. The July sale, begun by the Friends of the Charlotte Library in 1998, has become a Charlotte tradition. Proceeds from the sale help support Charlotte Library programs and expand the library’s collection.

Readers will discover high quality, inexpensive books—from cookbooks to mysteries, do-it-yourself manuals to gardening books, parenting guides to current novels, and everything in between. And

Jacqueline Flynn “Let’s make this last night count.” – Finnegan Mittlestadt Last Thursday, the gymnasium of CCS was once again filled with families and friends to celebrate the graduating class of 2018. The room was illuminated by a beautiful 2018 sign filling the front wall, each number decorated in the flavor of a different season.

“Tonight is not only a time to celebrate your accomplishments, but reflect on your learnings,” Principal Jen Roth said as she gave the opening welcome alongside her coprincipal, Stephanie Sumner. Their speeches we accompanied by sentiments from the teachers, describing memories and traits of their students and offering bits of advice, too.

As they spoke, it was clear that this class of 38 Charlotters was a tight-knit family and yet full of individual characters.

“If there is one thing that I learned

there’s always a terrific selection of books for the younger set, from picture books to juvenile series to young adult fiction.

Browse for books and enjoy hanging out on the green. Snacks and lunch will again be available from food vendors that include Farmers and Foragers, Luiza’s Homemade with Love Pierogies, Northern Bayou’s Cold Brew Coffee and Miss Weinerz Donuts, Gusto Gelato and Dragonfly Maple Lemonade.

Check at the library for information on donating books for the sale. Book donations will be accepted at the library during open hours through Friday, July 6.

Then plan to gather up some excellent reading for summer (and beyond) at the book sale tent on the town green on Sunday, July 8.

Jim Dickerson and Melissa O’Brien For some time Charlotte citizens have watched and pondered the future of the gas station property located at the Route 7 intersection. Seemingly stuck in limbo, to date, the corner still lies idle. The property is uniquely located at a spot that is recharged with new visitors from the ferry traffic every half hour and also receives a steady flow of Route 7 travelers. The most recent plans to re-establish a filling station and expanded convenience store were withdrawn after much local rancor and regulatory hurdles.

Many in town have lamented the loss of a spot to refuel, get a tune-up, buy winter tires and in the summer grab a burger

and cremee with the kids at Uncle Sam’s.

The question is often posed, “Why can’t someone just make it happen again”? There is no short answer, of course. One may also wonder why local farmers, working dawn to dusk, can barely break even or why Vermont Life, a one-time icon of the bucolic Vermont lifestyle, has tanked. Fullday lift tickets to ski in our beautiful Green Mountains are no longer ten bucks; road maps are in our phones, and social media connections are the new “normal.” It’s a reality: things change.

The Spear family, longtime residents dating back to the early years of this town, are at a point where it is time to sell this see

SPEAR page 17

CCS graduates class of 38 from this group, it’s that they value relationships. They all know what it means to be a valued friend and role model,” said Sumner.

After their welcome, the lights dimmed and the CCS staff sang “Good Riddance (Time of your Life)” to send off the graduates.

CVSD board member Jeff Martin introduced the student, Finnegan Mittelstadt, the speaker for the night.

She didn’t seem fazed by the room full of people watching as she took the podium and described some of her favorite memories from the last eight years, eliciting laughs from the crowd.

But it was perhaps her final message that best summed up her speech: “We will all in our own ways channel the lessons we have learned and succeed in adapting to change. So, let’s make this last night Finnegan Mittlestadt speaking to peers at the CCS graduation. count when we know change is in our Photo by Jacqueline Flynn future.”

Congratulations, CCS class of 2018!

2 • June 27, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Editorial Melissa O’Brien NEWS EDITOR

It’s funny how we always think that summer is going to be a nice, slow time of year and then the season is upon us and everyone is running in ten directions and even though the days are really long it feels like there’s never enough time to do everything. Through the long, cold winter we yearn for the reprieve of summer days and then it arrives and we’re running ourselves ragged doing so much.

In recent weeks I have stepped back from my usual routine to do some things I don’t usually take the time for: a trip to California to experience a hospice organization there; a week at Fordham, where I lived in the dorm, ate in the dining hall and sat in a classroom all day, every day; a brief trip to Martha’s Vineyard to officiate at the memorial service of a dear friend’s dad.

To be sure, all of these things are, in one way or another, related to the vocations of my life. But each one of them took me away from the usual march of my days for a time.

This is the gift of summer: the time to step away, to look at things from a different angle, to experience the world in a new way. The days are really long, the world is bursting with growth, with bounty. It’s deeply inspirational.

This issue of our newspaper brings a variety of new visions to you. Jim Dickerson offers for us a hopeful, thoughtful vision for the Spear’s property on Route 7. More than one enterprise in town is coming up with new, creative and collaborative ways to answer the questions of feeding the hungry in our communities.

Here behind the scenes at the paper we are imagining new ways to build community and to fund this beloved enterprise. We have just moved through graduation season and launched a whole crop of young folks into their new endeavors and enterprises. Take a gander over to the Young Charlotters section and marvel at

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 experiences of its residents.

News editor, Melissa O’Brien takes The News with her on the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.

Photo contributed by Melissa O’Brien

the creative vision of our young men and women who are out in the world doing truly magnificent things.

Enjoy the many hours of these long and languid days. Give yourself the gift of doing something out of the box of your own life. Travel well, wherever you may be going, if only into your own backyard for a quiet afternoon of gardening or reading.

Take us with you when you go. As I always say to anyone I know who is venturing off somewhere: “Enjoy the journey, soak it all up, then bring back good stories.”

Happy summer, friends and neighbors.

The Charlotte News needs an advertising manager.

Vermont’s oldest nonprofit community newspaper is looking for someone who would like to work in the community, with dedicated and interesting colleagues, while also having the ability to maintain a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities: Print and digital advertising sales and occasional ad design.

Maintaining contact and building relationships with existing and potential advertisers.

Working with managing editor to place ads into the layout of the paper and onto the website.

Requirements: Newspaper print sales experience, with experience in selling online advertising strongly preferred.

Creative experience in ad design.

Competency in InDesign, Photoshop, Excel and Word.

Compensation: Part time W-2 position, pay based on commission on of paid sales.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume by July 9 to rickdetwiler2@gmail.com.

News from The News Monica Marshall, our advertising manager, is leaving the paper after this week’s issue. She has been our ad manager for the past three years and before that did a similar stint for us between 2002 and 2005. She is leaving to become the managing director of the Mahana Magic Foundation, a nonprofit based in Burlington, whose mission is to offer support to children coping with the fear and anxiety of having parents or loved ones with cancer.

All of us at The News have been impressed with Monica’s steadfast dedication to the well-being of the paper and her hard work—and good humor—in helping us put it out every two weeks.

We wish her the very best in her new endeavor.

Over the next month or so, while we search for a new ad manager, managing editor Anna Cyr will continue to work with our advertisers. She can be reached at both anna@thecharlottenews.org and ads@thecharlottenews.org. _______________________________ We can’t do this without you. With the publication of our next issue, on July 11, The News will celebrate our diamond jubilee birthday, marking 60 years of continuous publication as The Voice of the Town. In order to keep the paper coming to you free, we need your help. With advertising revenue slipping all over the country for small papers like ours, and with costs—especially newsprint—rising, your contributions are more important than ever. Please take a few minutes now to make your tax-deductible contribution to the Friends of The Charlotte News, either by mailing a check to PO Box 211, Charlotte, VT, or by donating on our website, charlottenewsvt.org. Thanks.

Letters and Commentaries Consistent with our mission The Charlotte News publishes letters to the editor and commentaries from our readers. All letters and commentaries are subject to review and approval by the news editor of the paper and to the following rules and standards: • Letters to the editor and commentaries should be emailed to news@thecharlottenews.org as attachments in .doc format. All letters and commentaries must contain the writer’s full name and town of residence and, for proofing purposes only, include the writer’s phone number.

• Letters should not exceed 300 words, commentaries 750 words.

• All published letters and commentaries will include the writer’s name and town of residence.

• All submissions are subject to editing for clarity, factual accuracy, tone and length.

• The news editor makes the final determination whether a letter or commentary will be published as submitted, returned for rewriting, or rejected.

Publisher: Vince Crockenberg Editorial Staff News Editor: Melissa O’Brien (melissa@thecharlottenews.org) Managing Editor: Anna Cyr (anna@thecharlottenews.org) Contributing Editor: Edd Merritt Interns: Jacqueline Flynn and Morgan Magoon Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Vince Crockenberg Proofreaders: Edd Merritt, Mike & Janet Yantachka Archives: Liz Fotouhi Business Staff ads@thecharlottenews.org Ad manager: Anna Cyr (ads@thecharlottenews.org) Bookkeeper: Jessica Lucia Board Members President: Vince Crockenberg (vince@thecharlottenews.org) Secretaries: Rick Detwiler, Carol Hanley Treasurer: Patrice Machavern (treasurer@thecharlottenews.org) Board members: Rachel Allard, Bob Bloch, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli 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.

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

Postmaster/Send address changes to: The Charlotte News P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 Telephone: 425-4949 Circulation: 3,000 copies per issue.

Copyright © 2018 The Charlotte News, Inc. Member of the New England Newspaper and Press Association and the Vermont Press Association.

ON THE COVER: Wolfie Davis (L) and Chris Haigney (R) 5th Green at Kwiniaska GC playing in Gonzo’s Junior Golf Camp at Kwiniaska. By Steve Gonsalves

The Charlotte News • June 27, 2018 • 3

Around Town Congratulations:

to Elizabeth Aube Kozachek and her husband, Joe, who celebrated their first wedding anniversary on June 17. Elizabeth is the daughter of Patti and Mark Aube of Charlotte. to Jada Bean who, as a member of the Vermont Youth Dancers, performed “Castle on the Hill, a Tale of King Arthur” at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe last Friday. The dancers are based in Jericho and, according to a Free Press article on June 15, perform to a unique blend of hip-hop music. Through proceeds from its performance, VYD is working in conjunction with King Arthur Flour. to raise money for Hunger Free Vermont.

Sympathy:

to family and friends of Alan Curtis of Colchester who passed away June 10 at the age of 92. One of his three daughters, Dale Dalton, is a resident of Charlotte. to family and friends of Edward J. McGarghan, Jr. who passed away June 18 at the age of 83. His surviving family includes son Kevin and Kevin’s wife, Sarah, of Charlotte. to family and friends of John L. Williams of South Burlington who passed away June 22 at the age of 83. John was a long-time member of the Charlotte-ShelburneHinesburg Rotary. His surviving family includes his second wife Linda’s daughter, Jill Spell, and her husband, Adam, of Charlotte. The family asks that those wishing to make donations in his memory consider giving to the Berta Pi-Sunyer Williams Endowed Professorship at the University of Vermont or to VNA Hospice and Palliative Care.

Town Bite

Charlotte’s Matt Sulva has produced a podcast, “Beyond Blueprint,” that is now available at beyondblueprintpodcast.

com and for downloading on iPhones using Apple’s podcast app. Matt has been working with his 2009 CVU classmates Tyler Hawkins and John Moses to put it together. Tyler designed the podcast’s logo and website. John, through his Los Angeles-based record label, Youngbloods, is providing the music that accompanies several episodes Matt says the mission of “Beyond Blueprint” is to produce a series of episodes in which he introduces a “central philosophical thought or claim, with a goal of understanding, clarifying, and expanding on that central thought by delving into unique stories and individuals in Matt Sulva history. In turn, by navigating through this process, we take time to understand how what we’ve learned can give us meaningful perspective into areas of our own lives today, John Moses through our own experiences.”

Two episodes are currently available for download.

Episode Zero serves as a primer for the show. Episode 01 begins a three-part series illuminating Tyler Hawkins the thought of French philosopher Voltaire; Part 1 begins the series by exploring the life of New York Yankee baseball legend, Lou Gehrig.

Matt plans to release hour-long episodes once every two months.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Chittenden South Supervisory Union, Charlotte Central School intends to destroy the special education records of all students who exited from any special education program during the 2012-2013 school year that were developed to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) at Charlotte Central School. This notice is in compliance with Federal, State and local policies.

A parent, legal guardian or student (18 years old or older) may request records prior to destruction by contacting the Student Support Services Office at 4256677 by July 31, 2018. If no student, parent or guardian responds to this public notice prior to or by July 31, 2018, the school district will assume consent to destroy the entire record specific to the student. You will be required to produce identification or provide verification data to acquire these records.

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Lake Champlain Waldorf School graduates 16

Photo contributed Lindsay Francescutti Surrounded by family, friends and teachers, 16 students graduated from Lake Champlain Waldorf School on June 9 in a heartfelt, tradition-filled ceremony.

The ceremony began with a welcome by two members of the rising senior class, who promised to always save room for them in the class’s favorite hangout spot, Ms. Sonn’s office. Commencement speaker Danielle “Dro” Drogalis, who teaches science and math, gave a warm and insightful acknowledgement of the senior class. The students then accepted their diplomas and roses from their class sponsor and teacher, Tyler Macdonald, and teacher Pamela Sonn. Songs and poetry, arranged and performed by the seniors, were woven throughout the ceremony as a final artistic presentation to the community. One song “Home,”

by Jade Castrinos and Alex Ebert, was accompanied by two student violinists.

“After attending the graduation, I felt like I got to know each of the students

and got a strong sense of the depth of learning and powerful relationships that were formed throughout the class’s time together,” one attendee observed.

The students walked off the stage with confidence, compassion and wisdom that will serve them wherever they go next.

Members of this class were accepted to 34 different colleges and universities, including Bates, Clark University, Connecticut College, Cornell, Endicott, Oberlin, Skidmore and University of Vermont.

Congratulations to the Lake Champlain Waldorf School Class of 2018 graduates: Alison Campbell Simonds, Amara Lily Krag, Avery Valleau McLean, Colin M. Netzel, Cullin A. McGregor, Eliza Lyndon Cadwell, Elliott James Rice, Felix Cesar Blanchard, Hannah Sophrina Webster, Lark Griggs Thompson, Leyi Zhang, Lillian Suzanne Espenshade, Malachy Lynwood Snow, Mateo Neziah Morelli, Simon Vargas and Stella Rose Davitian Johnson.

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4 • June 27, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Town Charlotte Girl Scouts attended Scout Day at the Great Escape

Charlotte Girl Scout Troop #30066 attended Scout Day at the Great Escape in New York on June 9. While there they participated in various activities such as scavenger hunts, tie-dyeing, making SWAPS and enjoying the rides. However, the most memorable part of the day, perhaps, was the Cardboard Regatta Boat Race. The troop spent many hours designing and building our two boats, the Unicorn Express #1 and #2, along with some costumes for a little added fun.

We transported our boats from Charlotte to New York, and at race time we lined our boats up along the shore of the wave pool at the Great Escape with various other entries designed by Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops from all over.

When the whistle blew the girls gave it their all to paddle those boats across the water. Although we did not win the race, we were very proud to receive the first place Judges Choice Award for best design, which was presented to us by the New York National Guard. It was a very fun and challenging end to this year’s scouting adventures.

Elizabeth Pillard Joins the Snelling Center for Government’s Early Childhood Leadership Institute The Snelling Center for Government is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Pillard of Charlotte has been accepted into the Early Childhood Leadership Institute Class of 2018. Pillard is currently a licensed clinical social worker at the Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families in Burlington.

She joins 24 other leaders from across the state in an intensive program that attracts participants from a diverse range of early childhood and family serving organizations.

As an initiative of the 2014 Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant, the Class of 2018 embarked on their leadership journey in May and will meet for a total of 12 seminar days between now and October. Associates will deepen understanding of themselves and their impact on others, share knowledge and understanding of early childhood issues, and strengthen habits of curiosity, inquiry, Elizabeth Pillard Photo contributed listening, authenticity and reflection.

Through this experience, associates will strengthen their ability to participate To learn more about the Early in efforts to improve early childhood Childhood Leadership Institute and the work in Vermont. This year marks the Snelling Center’s other professional fourth year of the Early Childhood development programs, visit Leadership Institute. Upon completion snellingcenter.org. or contact Suzanne of the program in October, Pillard will Trahey at suzanne@snellingcenter.org or join a professional network of 100 ECLI 802-859-3090. graduates who are making a difference in Vermont.

Email your news stories to

news@ thecharlottenews.org

82 Ballards Corner Road, Hinesburg • (802)482-3155

The Charlotte News • June 27, 2018 • 5

Town Nicole Conley On behalf of the Recreation Department, I would like to give a big thanks to all of our volunteer coaches this spring. We had over 130 participants involved in one or more of our spring programs. Many of our recreation programs would not be possible without the help of our volunteer parents. Please join me in thanking the following volunteers: Annie and Ross Montgomery, Lars Cartwright, Josh Bagnato, Chris Kogut, Rowan Beck, Ray Gilliam, Adam Buchwald, John Hagios, Jim McEnaney, Jeff Albertson, Colleen Boyce, Amy Janetti, Emily and Bill Kallock, Michaela Grubbs, Sarah Ringler and Laura Pacheco.

Kids Cook Vermont is a summer camp that gives back Morgan Magoon Rachel Stein, Adele Holock and Deirdre Holmes are excited to be launching the Kids Cook VT summer camp next month.

Two one-week camps will run from July 30 to August 3 and then from August 6 to 10. Their hope is to engage about 10 to 12 children each week.

The Kids Cook campers will be growing food at Charlotte Central School and at the Charlotte Congregational Church.

They will harvest the food they grow and then use it for cooking meals and snacks that will go to the Charlotte Food Shelf and other organizations addressing food insecurity. During the first half of each day the kids will cook, and during the other half there will be activities like crafts and hiking.

Rachel Stein explained that the idea for the camp grew from the kids cooking program at the Charlotte Congregational Church, in which kids baked goods and provided food to the food shelf. Stein and Adele Holoch took over that program, and now they run it out of the church kitchen

once a month and serve the food at the Salvation Army. The women felt that they wanted to take the idea to another level and thus was born the Kids Cook Vermont summer camp.

Stein hopes that the camp will make the kids feel empowered and show them that anyone can do good work. “It shows them that it’s easy to help their neighbors,” she said. “And too, if children can learn what to do with food at a young age, they can feed themselves for a lifetime.”

According to the Vermont Food Bank, one in four people in Vermont struggles with hunger issues. “The kids will be using their skills to connect to a larger social justice message,” Stein said. To that end, the group has partnered with the Salvation Army, COTS, Champlain Housing Trust, Hunger Free Vermont and Gardener’s Supply “Garden to Give” campaign. Stein, Holoch and Holmes believe the camp will strengthen community connections between the school, with its garden project, the church, the food shelf and the Recreation Department. It’s a win, all the way around.

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6 • June 27, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Town

Summer lunch, year-round partners Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article for the The Charlotte News called “Light Shall Rise,” where I mentioned some initiatives in our area that seek to alleviate hunger. Since I wrote that article, a new partnership to provide summer lunch assistance in Charlotte has developed, and I want to take a few sentences here to tell and celebrate this story.

For a few years, Cheryl Sloan, the youth services librarian at the Charlotte Library, worked with Elizabeth Skypeck, the chef at Charlotte Central School, to offer some type of summer lunch program to assist families when school was not in session. Despite their hard work, complications prevented the program from launching through the school. In the summer of 2017, Cheryl, with support from Library Director Margaret Woodruff, decided to provide lunch bags with shelfstable items at the library. A donation from a community member made it possible to purchase some nonperishable food, which was put into bags and placed in the entryway to the library for children, youth and families to take as needed (and they did!).

As summer 2018 approached, Margaret reached out to me at the Charlotte Congregational Church, and together we devised a plan to expand this program in Charlotte and East Charlotte.

Our next step was to reach out to Spear’s Corner Store owner Carrie Spear, who quickly agreed to partner with us by providing space in her store for summer lunch bags. She also agreed to receive vouchers for a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread to supplement the food in the bags. As the end of school approached, we received donations from the wider community that we expect will pay all our expenses through the summer. On Monday, June18, we went live, and the

bags (complete with coupons for a free book at the library) and vouchers were made available at the library, church and store, where they will remain available until school begins again.

As I tell this story, I am so grateful for the vision and energy of Elizabeth from the school and Cheryl and Margaret from the library. I am grateful to Carrie for making it possible to extend our reach into East Charlotte and to provide some perishable foods. I am thankful to the people of Charlotte Congregational Church for their willingness, once again, to put their faith into action. I am energized by those throughout the community who donated so generously to this effort and who have made it possible financially. It fills me with hope to be part of a community that was willing to quickly, generously and energetically partner together to provide care and nourishment for our neighbors. We did not need a summer lunch committee. No agendas were set, no minutes were taken, no forms were filled out. All we needed to build the common good through summer lunches was a willingness to acknowledge the need in our community, a vision, a few relationships and a community that cares.

When that all came together…look at what was possible!

Going forward, other needs will certainly present themselves. The good news, though, is that the simple summer lunch model is repeatable. Our relationships are numerous. Our neighbors are generous and caring. Our community is strong. And when the time comes, I have no doubt that we can, and will, partner again to meet the needs that come.

Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen is the senior pastor at the Charlotte Congregational Church (charlotteucc.org). He can be contacted by phone at 425-3176 (x11) and by email at rev.kemg@gmail.com.

PLANTS RO CKS ER P L A WAT NTS

RO CKS WAT E R PLANTS RO CKS ER P L AW NAT TS

RO CKS W AT E R

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Food Shelf Susan Ohanian Thank you, donors!

We celebrate a communityspirited reaching out to embrace those who may need a little boost.

This month, a special thank you to Teresa Meyer, Margaret Berlin, Mary Volk, Lili Ruane, and the Carmel Hill Fund, Friends of the Charlotte Library and library staff, and a host of anonymous donors.

Thank you to Salvation Farms for including us in its mission to build increased resilience in Vermont’s food system through agricultural surplus management.

Summer lunch help for families Beginning the week of June 17 and running through the summer, the Charlotte Library, A coupon, good for a free book from the Spear’s Corner Store and the Charlotte Congregational Church Charlotte Library, is included with bag lunch items. Bags are available at the library, (403 Church Hill Rd.) are partnering together to provide store and church for families to take. lunch assistance for families with Photo by Susan Ohanian children and youth. Bags with lunch items will be available discreetly at the library, store and Financial assistance church for families to take. A coupon, As a reminder, the Food Shelf has some good for a free book, is included. funds available for emergency assistance Readers of all ages can use this at the with fuel and electric bills. You may Charlotte Library to choose a book to contact Cindi at 425-3234 if you need keep. Vouchers will also be available at assistance. all three locations—good for a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread from Spear’s Donations Corner Store.

The Food Shelf is a volunteer A warm thank you for the generous organization, and all donations go donations we have received from the directly for food and/or assistance to our wider community to make this program local neighbors in need of assistance. possible. Enough has come in already Checks may be mailed to Charlotte to fund the anticipated costs of the food Food Shelf & Assistance, P.O. Box 83, portion of the program for the whole Charlotte, VT 05445. Thank you. summer! What an amazing community we live in, and how good it is to be Donated food drop-off locations partners together in caring for one All nonperishable food donations another. may be dropped off at the Charlotte If you have questions, please contact Library,t he Charlotte Congregational Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen at 802-425Church vestry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel 3176 x11.

Church (main entrance) or at the Food At Church Hill we love Shelf during the distribution mornings. toBake combine plants, rocks and for Good We request that all fresh foods be

On Thursday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to dropped off at the Food Shelf before the water in ways that transform 1:30 p.m., the Charlotte Library will host distribution hours or before home Hill and inspire At Church we love Wednesday Atyour Church lovefor Hill its second annualwe Bake Good event.

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Participants on the lower level of the Charlotte transform home superior clientyour relationships. your andandinspire will get a sample tohome take home, the Congregational Church vestry. andofinspire how you will go to the rest the baked bounty Distribution days/times are also posted We'd loveFood to hear about how you live.

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Wednesdays, July 11 and to 25: hear 5 to 7 p.m.

We'd love about Thursdays, July 12 and 26: 7:30 to 9 a.m.

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about your project.

The Charlotte News • June 27, 2018 • 7

Charlotte Library News Margaret Woodruff LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Upcoming at the Library

Acce P

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Summer story time:

BOOK SALE!

Reading fun at Adam’s Berry Farm.

Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 9:30 a.m. Meet us at the farm for a summer of berries, great stories, gardening and busy activities. All ages are welcome.

Sunday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rock out at preschool story time, Fridays, June 29-July 27 at 10:30 a.m. Drop in for stories, songs and crafts. For ages 3-5.

Reading rocks: Mondays, July 9, 16 & 23 at 10:30 a.m. Discover all things “rock” from rockets, rock music and geology, the study of rocks! For grades 3 & up.

Summer of numbers. Can doing math in the summer be fun? Yes, with the Summer of Numbers and a daily math problem.

Just pick up a constellation chart and star stickers to track your progress. For all ages.

Adult interest July book group at Charlotte Senior Center. Serve It Forth by M.F.K. Fisher.

MONDAYS, July 9, 16 & 23 at 10:30 a.m.

The first series of essays by the famed food writer takes readers on an animated journey through culinary history. You’ll be ready for lunch! Please call the Senior Center to register, 425-6345.

Tech time at the library: Wednesdays in July, 10 a.m. to noon. Want to download a book or learn a language online? Need a little help with your smartphone? Drop in and get some personalized help with our Tech Librarian.

Join us on the Town Green for summer book shopping & delicious local lunch fare

Charlotte Library Board of Trustees: Katharine Cohen, Nan Mason, Danielle Conlon Menk, Jonathan Silverman and Robert Smith. _______________________ Charlotte Library 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.

Patrick Kearney, PA-C

Hammock-Nappers Book Club: A Book a Month! Hop in your hammock for the second year of our laidback book group!

You can pick up copies of our monthly selections and then settle in for a leisurely read. July: The 19th Wife by David

Reach us on the web at charlottepubliclibrary.org.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/charlottelibraryvt.

Follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @CharlotteVTLib

Patrick Ke experienc care for ad accepting n Family He

practice Same DayHealth.

Appointmen Al Book donations gratefully accepted June 20 – July 6 during library hours

Ebershoff. August: As Lie is to Grin by Simeon Marsalis. Join us on Facebook at Charlotte Library Hammock Nappers Book Group!

Andrea Regan, MD

Andrea Regan, MD has been serving the Charlotte and surrounding communities as a board-certified physician for over 13 years. She grew up in Hinesburg and graduated from UVM Medical School in 2005. Dr. Regan has a special interest in adolescent and women’s health and is accepting new patients at Charlotte Family Health Center.

Call 425-5121 to schedule an We welcome patients of all ages.

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8 • June 27, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Young Charlotters

Nate McChesney

Jordan Cannon Jackie Flynn At 19 years old, young Charlotter Jordan Cannon is already on her third trip to Turkey. She is there on a fellowship with the American Research Institute, based out of Boğaziçi University in Istanbul. Jordan is with 12 other Americans studying the Turkish language and becoming fully immersed in the local culture.

Cannon grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Vermont Commons and now is working on a double major in history and Middle Eastern studies at Columbia University. But her interest in Turkish started about four years ago, in high school.

“I started learning Turkish in 2014 when I got a scholarship from the state department that sent me to Ankara for two months,” said Cannon. After that first trip, she was hooked. But it wasn’t until she got to Columbia University that she could continue working on her Turkish.

Although she is still studying for her undergraduate degree, Cannon is currently among professors, master’s students and researchers in her program but doesn’t seem phased by her older colleagues. “I definitely feel comfortable with everyday things in Turkish, especially since I’ve lived with host families twice now,” Cannon said.

During her first two trips to Ankara, Cannon stayed with the same host family, who had two daughters close to her age.

“It was nice because it was like I had two Turkish sisters. I stayed with them again last summer, unofficially, but a lot had changed over three years.”

Her voice was filled with excitement as she described the buzz of the city and the

Young Charlotters is a column in which we will profile the lives of young men and women who spent some of their growing-up years in Charlotte. Our summer interns, Morgan Magoon and Jackie Flynn, will be sharing stories of Charlotters in their 20s and 30s and the good works they are engaged in out in the world now.

If you have a suggestion, a son or daughter whose story we could share, please email us at melissa@thecharlottenews.org.

Jordan Cannon (L) with her friend Hazel.

Photo contributed differences between Ankara and Istanbul.

Having been in Istanbul for only a few days, she said she still has a lot to learn about the city, but one of her favorite things so far has been all the cats that roam about her campus and come into the classrooms and greet her in the hallway.

Cannon will be on this fellowship until August but already has plans to return to Turkey for a fourth time. She intends to return next year during the second semester to continue her studies. “I love it here and love the people. It really does feel like home,” she said.

But it isn’t actually anything in Turkey that keeps Cannon going back. “Actually I have to say it’s my Turkish professor at Columbia that has been really great,” she explained. “I think it was those moments drinking tea and reading Turkish literature that make me love studying the language and keep me wanting to return to this place.”

Nate McChesney didn’t always live in Charlotte, but he is glad that he moved here when he was about seven years old.

Nate has fond childhood memories of going to Uncle Sam’s to get ice cream, especially the tradition of walking there with his friends on the last day of school. He loved being outside and participating in outdoor activities when he was younger. “Of course, I loved hanging out by the lake and watching the sunset over the water.

I also enjoyed rollerblading at the old train station. In my high school years, I loved playing hockey at the CCS ice rink, especially at night with the lights Nate McChesney on.”

Photo contributed Nate’s older brother, Sam, goes to Sierra Nevada College in Lake Tahoe, and his younger sister, Coco, will be in engineering outside of the college setting. eighth grade at CCS this year.

Nate loves living in Montana. “I really Skiing has been a big part of Nate’s love how big Montana is,” he said. “It’s life. He’s grateful that there was a skivery similar to Vermont in terms of people and-ride program at CCS; he always had and activities, and Bozeman is a lot like a great time skiing at Bolton at night with Burlington. However, everything is on a his friends. He and his family had a condo larger scale: big sky, big mountains, big in Stowe, and over the years he learned rivers, expansive landscape.” every inch of that mountain. It was his Nate’s appreciation of Montana has love of skiing and the mountains that made him realize how much he loves drew him to Montana, where he’s now a Charlotte. “Growing up in Charlotte rising junior at Montana State University was great; I’m very lucky to have had in Bozeman, studying mechanical the opportunity to live in such beautiful engineering. place with the mountains and the lake.

“The engineering program is great While I’ve been loving my time in because it provides all the opportunities Montana, I would not be surprised to and connections any student needs to find myself living back in Vermont in the be successful after graduation,” he says. future because of all the great people, the “Basically if you can make it through, beautiful landscape and the towns like you’ll get a job. But that’s can be a pretty Charlotte.” big ‘if’ for a lot of people.”

Nate doesn’t have a specific “dream job” for himself, post-graduation, but he is looking forward to learning more about

Bill Pinney Morgan Magoon “I’m definitely biased because I grew up here, but Charlotte is hands-down one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been,” says Bill Pinney. “Whether in the fields, on the lake, or in the forests there is so much nature to see and explore” It’s clear that Bill enjoys the outdoors.

His favorite place in Charlotte is the woods that surround his house, where he so often played as a child. These days Bill enjoys hiking and biking when he’s at home.

Bill’s dad, William Pinney, is a ferry captain and his mom, Debbie Pinney, owns Lake View Accounting. Bill also

has a sister, Johanna, who works as an art conservation technician in Kansas City.

Another reason Bill loves Charlotte is the sense of community one finds here.

“I think the small town perspective is something that has been very important to my life. I grew up in a very tight-knit community where being a good neighbor, and indeed, a good person, really mattered.”

Bill attended Champlain Valley Union High School. He was the class president during his senior year and a member of the rowing team.

Recently Bill was involved in helping to run an “escape the room” group in Massachusetts. The group, called Next Haunt, builds a haunted house every year;

people go in as groups of six and have 30 minutes to solve all the puzzles inside in order to escape. This summer Bill is interning with a cancer immunology startup called Torque Therapeutics.

Bill just finished his sophomore year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he is majoring in bioengineering.

At school, Bill works for the Lodish Lab of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and for the Ploegh Lab of Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School. After he graduates, he plans to attend graduate school and then get a job in which he will be involved in developing the next generation of medical treatments.

Bill Pinney.

Photo contributed

The Charlotte News • June 27, 2018 • 9

Accidental Pastor

40th Army Band, music and barbeque in Hinesburg July 2

Zero

The deadline for this issue happened to fall on the seven-year anniversary of my sobriety.

I kind of hate that word, and Melissa O’Brien it’s been so NEWS EDITOR long now that it’s not that big of a deal anymore, but I do think about it each year. The first year anniversary was kind of funny because I went to the Inn at Shelburne Farms to have a celebratory dinner and the waitress brought me a real mojito when I ordered a “fake” one. I panicked, thinking I needed to start the whole process over again, that year of sobriety had been erased with that one sip, which was silly, and I soldiered on.

Seven years ago I was hitting the bottom of the trough in my life, and not surprisingly the brand of drinking I was doing at the time wasn’t helping matters at all. I was a jerk — a lousy wife, a lousy mother, a lousy human being.

Though I did not deserve it in the least, Good Fortune shone her light on me, and the very person I needed arrived at the very moment I needed him: an old friend from my childhood who had been sober almost 20 years gently took me by the hand and guided me back to the land of the living. And I’ve been there ever since.

Drinking-wise, anyway. We’ll save the other stuff for another day.

Some of you know this already, but I will tell you that being a nondrinker in a drinking world is hard. Sometimes, when I’m around a bunch of people drinking great wine I want some, too. There’s the fabulous glassware, the terrific label, the smell. One would think, given the many mornings I woke up feeling like the inside of a 16-year-old boy’s sneaker, that the smell of wine would make me gag, would elicit all kinds of dark visions, but it doesn’t. The manufacturers and the purveyors and the drinkers all make drinking wine and other kinds of booze seem like lots of fun.

It’s weird, the sobriety thing. And so a few months ago I started to wonder if maybe seven years was enough. I wondered if I had traveled far enough from who I was back then that it would be OK, that I could have a glass of wine and enjoy it with my steak and be done.

Or maybe a Dark & Stormy. God, I loved that drink; it reminds me of every great beach trip I ever took. I loved Guinness, too. Come to think of it, I liked all the drinks that tasted a little like dirt, kind of earthy.

I started thinking that maybe I would re-integrate drinking into my life. And so when I was at Fordham taking a very intense pastoral counseling skills class a few weeks ago, I chose to talk about drinking in my afternoon practice triad so that two of my classmates could help me work through the To Drink or Not to

“

If you were at the edge of the cliff once, and then you worked very hard to step away from the edge of the cliff, why would you do something that might move you back in that direction?

”

Drink question.

It happened that that morning our professor had talked about using a cost/ benefit analysis to determine if one should make a certain decision or not. So in the afternoon my friends and I applied it to my situation.

This is how many benefits I could come up with when we considered the possibility of reintroducing alcohol to my life: zero.

“If you were at the edge of the cliff once, and then you worked very hard to step away from the edge of the cliff, why would you do something that might move you back in that direction?” asked my very wise friend Moussa.

Excellent point.

That was it—that was all it took.

Seven years is a long time to sustain something in this life. I feel good about it, my kids feel good about it. I say it all the time and I believe it to be true: I have yet to see alcohol make anyone a better person. I have only ever seen it wreak havoc, ruin lives, decimate relationships, harm innocent bystanders and turn perfectly good human beings into jerks.

My mom’s dad drank himself into the grave when he was 27. She remembers running around at his funeral; she was three years old at the time. Her mother’s heart was irrevocably broken and she too died young, of breast cancer.

There are so many good reasons not to drink; it would take me all day to name them. And now, thanks to Ye Olde Cost/ Benefit Analysis and a couple of wise classmates, it’s perfectly clear to me that there are, indeed, zero reasons to go back to the edge of that cliff. Amen.

Photo contributed

Tom Drew As part of Hinesburg’s 2018 July 4th «Old Home Week» celebrations, Monday evening, July 2, from 5:30 to 8:30, the place to be is behind Hinesburg Community School.

After over four years of trying, I was finally successful in booking the highly sought after 40th Army Band to perform in Hinesburg. More on them later.

To help make this a “must see” event, Dee PT has stepped up to host a community barbecue before and during the concert. You can enjoy great music, socialize as a community, fill yourselves up with food right off the grill and, at the same time, raise money for a worthy cause. Mike Dee, along with his 25 employees, has generously offered to serve up some delicious eats and to donate all proceeds to the Hinesburg Community Resource Center.

Now for a little bio of the 40th Army Band, which was organized way back in 1907 in Brattleboro. During World War II, that band served with the 43rd division in the South Pacific and distinguished itself in both its musical and combat abilities. The unit received campaign streamers for participating in the battle of Luxon. After the war the band was briefly recognized as the 43rd division before coming by its present title in 1947 in Rutland.

The band has been stationed in various locations in Vermont over the years but currently calls home its state-of-the-art facilities in the Green Mountain Armory at Camp Johnson in Colchester. The band occasionally ventures beyond Vermont’s borders for special training and performance missions. In 1979 and 1985 the unit performed at the request of Vermont’s congressional delegation in D.C., entertaining visitors on the steps of the Capitol and on the Ellipse in front of the White House.

In May of 1990 they were invited to

play at the International Alpini Reunion Festival in Verona, Italy. As the only band representing the United States, the 40th Army Band led the festival parade before an audience of over a million spectators, the president of Italy and many government officials. The band thrilled the crowd with the “National Emblem March.”

The 40th Army Band is one of the Vermont National Guard’s “Quick Reaction Force” teams. The unit was activated in May 2011 for Operation Waterlog and transported first responders and citizens through the high water areas during the floods that impacted Barre, Vermont. Also that same year, they were activated to assist with the Tropical Storm Irene response efforts. Those 11 days were spent helping out in West Weathersfield, Quechee, West Hartland, Northfield and Moretown.

As you can tell, these folks do more than just make music. The band members pursue varied civilian occupations, including careers in the fields of technology, law, medicine, sales, construction, education and government public service. Members of this 30-piece unit hail from all over Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

In addition to performing in concerts and parades all across Vermont, the band had the honor of performing at the arrival ceremonies for the president of Macedonia in 2009 and the president of Senegal in 2010 and 2014. They have twice played the national anthem for the Red Sox at Fenway, as well as for a NASCAR race in Loudon, New Hampshire. When first lady Michelle Obama visited Vermont, she received a musical welcome from the band.

Arrive early for the barbecue getting choice seats and enjoy Matt Francis and friends from the bluegrass band Something with Strings starting at 5:30.

See ya all there!

10 • June 27, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Leavitty

Cancer conversations 101

As I mentioned in a previous article, I am being treated for early-stage breast cancer.

While I’m on a break between Josie Leavitt chemotherapy and radiation, I wanted to share a few insights for folks who might have friends or loved ones who share a new cancer diagnosis with them. The range of responses is vast and spans the gamut from tears, anger, avoidance, etc. But there are few things that are really not helpful for a cancer patient.

Cancer patients need room to express what’s going on with them. Cancer is very personal. Telling someone I have cancer opens a door for a discussion about me.

I am trusting you with this very personal information, and I want to share it with you. I don’t want to hear about your third cousin who died from the disease. No cancer patient wants to hear about people who have died from cancer. We just don’t.

The natural human instinct is to make connections, but in this case, connections aren’t as important as creating space to share personal fears about this new diagnosis. A simple hug and a sincere “How are you doing?” is really all that is needed.

When you have cancer you’re often being judged on how you do cancer. I have had relative strangers come up to me in the coffee shop after seeing my bald

head and say things like, “You should be doing the ketogenic diet,” or “You should consider medical marijuana,” “You shouldn’t have coffee.” Here’s a suggestion, let’s not start sentences with you should.

Telling folks that I needed chemo also brought on a whole new world of oversharing. One person said to me, “My best friend’s intestines almost exploded her first round.” Okay, just to be clear, this never, ever needs to be said, ever. Or, “My uncle stopped breathing because of an allergic reaction.” Again, no.

Cancer patients read. Our doctors tell us which of the myriad of chemo side effects might befall us. and these are plenty scary enough. Please don’t add to the terror. If you’re still upset by the truly horrific things that happened to your friends, talk to someone about it, but don’t talk to a cancer patient.

People try to be encouraging by saying things like, “You’ll be fine.” Well, you actually don’t know that. Saying that shuts the door for me sharing of my fears that maybe I won’t. I totally understand the impulse; we don’t like talking about scary health things or the possibility of the death of someone we love, but cancer patients need space to talk honestly about their fears of the big scary stuff. It’s also up to us to find the right people to talk to about this. And that might not be you.

But you might well be the person who can cook the only thing I can eat.

Sunny Side Up

Past, present, future

Memories.

How do we catalog them, hold on to them, use them? Last week, I found myself wishing I had taken Carrie Fenn my 10th grade English teacher’s advice and kept a journal every day, jotting down moments that seemed as though they’d be forever embedded in my brain. Of course, we lose those moments, and now, in my mid-50s, I can look at photographs and think, “Wow, I don’t remember that.” Things have happened in my life that I wish I had access to, not necessarily the events themselves but the feelings I had when they occurred. But if I did have access to those moments, journaled and saved in dusty notebooks, what would I actually do with them?

The digital age has changed the necessity to preserve our moments through memory. Every selfie, every tweet, every post is forever preserved in mega data centers. But where is the value, for the average person, in keeping all this stuff? Our thoughts, comments, everyday tidbits no longer fade away into the past—there’s a record out there somewhere of that quinoa salad I had for lunch that I just had to show my friends, my grandson’s ice cream-covered face, my daughter’s new rescue dog.

I’m realizing that our ability to store or save memories doesn’t increase their meaning or value. There are wonderful things that happen each day, small

and insignificant but special; large and momentous but sad; all sorts of emotions tied into the elements of our daily lives. When I think about what I would want from a chronicle of all my life’s quilt squares, I am not sure what purpose it would serve. Memories tie us to our past, keep us connected to things that went before. They can motivate and inspire us, but do they need to be dead accurate to do so?

Ultimately, what’s more important— our lives as they actually happened or our memory of them? The memories that sustain aren’t always the ones we want, and our ability to retain events as they actually occurred is proven to be easily manipulated. The past is fluid.

Granted, relying on memory alone can get us into trouble—many a marital spat has arisen from the different ways a couple remembers the same incident.

My husband and I have reached an age now when we accept that both of our memories are suspect, so we shrug our shoulders and move on.

Our lives are ultimately made up of just two things: the past and the future, the present being so fleeting by its very nature that it hardly exists at all. As I ponder the idea of having the past in my hand, easily accessible, would I really want it—and would having the past motivate and inspire my future? I think that looking back on things that are saved in my brain, however dubious, is enough. What inspires me is the here and now, the thought of the future, the excitement and drudgery to come.

It’s an amazing, beautiful, perfect day—I am looking forward to what it brings.

The Charlotte News • June 27, 2018 • 11

Sports ‘Tis the time for honors, all-stars and “twin states” Let’s begin with the “Makea-Wish All Star Twin State Ice Hockey Classic” Edd Merritt scheduled for June 30 at Gutterson Fieldhouse. (If you were to put that title on jerseys, it would probably require front, back and socks.)

The women’s squad includes members of the combined Mount Mansfield/ CVU Cougar Hawks plus goalie Arielle DeSmet of Charlotte who attends the North American Hockey Academy in Stowe. Cougar Hawks are forwards Lydia Maitland and Jacqueline Ryan.

From hockey to baseball, thanks in measure to CVU’s Liam Reiner and Jacob Bortnick the Vermont all-star baseball team swept its Twin-State doubleheader from New Hampshire last Saturday by scores of 8-1 and 10-3. The games were played at the Maxfield Sports Complex in White River Junction. Liam was one of six “Green Mountain” pitchers in the opening game, which was the first one to be decided by

more than a single run since the Classic was revived in 2015. The six throwers allowed only one hit in the opener, while he and Jacob also contributed offensively to Vermont’s 18 runs over the course of the day.

It may be cynical to say that the reason Vermont lost the Twin-State Lacrosse Byrne Cup to New Hampshire on Saturday is because there were no CVU players on the team. Yes, that would be the Vermont State Champion Redhawks. As a result, the Granite State came out on top 19-7.

The women’s LAX team, however, had CVU star Lydia Maitland at midfield, and as a result they came closer to victory, losing by only 7 goals, 17-10. Burr and Burton’s Shayla Heekin led Vermont scorers with 4 markers – all in the second half.

Field hockey was well in the hands of Vermont, as the women beat New Hampshire 4-1 last Friday at UVM’s Moulton Winder Field. CVU all-around athlete Lydia Maitland was the lone Redhawk on the team. However, she helped secure the win by assisting on a goal in the last 10 minutes of the game, feeding a wellaimed cross pass to South Burlington’s

Natalie Durieux, Gatorade girls soccer player of the year.

Photo by Al Frey

Division I coaches’ all-star Will Barun hits the net against BFA to help CVU to the state championship.

Emma Liebegott who finished it off in the net.

Other CVU all-stars this spring Redhawks appeared on the all-star lists on many spring sports – some selected by state coaches, others by national organizations. Two women stand out individually. Soccer star Natalie Durieux was named the Gatorade girls soccer player of the year and a Free Press selection of 2017-18 athletes who left their mark.

She joins Jessie Wilhite from 1998-99 and Emily Milbank from 2006-2007 as Gatorade awardees. The honor goes to athletes who have demonstrated academic achievement and high character both on and off the field. Natalie has volunteered with Special Olympics and with youth soccer programs in the area. She was also picked as a member of the All New England team and starred on CVU’s women’s lacrosse team. She will enter UVM in the fall where she hopes to join the Cats’ soccer squad.

The second standout woman athlete is Lydia Maitland, who played three sports during her four years at CVU. She earned this year’s Burlington Free Press designation as “Athlete of the Year.” As a field hockey player this year she scored 11 goals and added 11 assists to propel CVU to the state championship game for the third time in the last four years. Last winter she led the combined CVU/MMU hockey team with 16 goals and nine assists, and in the spring she scored 45 goals and assisted nine times to lead the Hawks to their first

Photo by Al Frey

title game in lacrosse. Like her compatriot Natalie, she plans to attend UVM in the fall. However, she aims at field hockey as her sport of choice.

More honorees The men’s side of the ledger contains a number of CVU athletes as well. The Coaches’ All-League Baseball team starts with Redhawk mentor Tim Albertson as “Coach of the Year.” The Metro Division first team has Liam Reiner pitching, Jacob Bortnick catching and Aidan Johnson at third base. The second team names Kyle Rivers as a pitcher and Jonah Roberts in the outfield. In case that is not enough, Jacob Murphy and Tyler Skaflestad gain honorable mention.

Moving to lacrosse, US Lacrosse picked two Redhawks for All-American status: Walter Braun and Ryan Trus. Sam Comai earned a spot as a VLCA Green and Gold Outstanding Player. The coaches’ Division I first team has Will Braun on attack, his brother Walter at midfield along with Sam Comai and Ryan Trus on defense.

The second team adds Sam Sturim to the midfield and Shane Boehmeke to defense.

Among women, Gabbie Moreno was named to the Metro Division first team in softball at second base, and Kiley McClure was a second team catcher. Kristy Carlson, Mary Titus, Paige Niarchos and Josie Sinopolo earned honorable mention.

12 • June 27, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Conservation Currents

Bobolinks in Vermont

Mary Van Vleck Bobolinks in Vermont, and specifically in Charlotte and Shelburne, seem to have gotten off to a good start this spring.

Bicycling along Lake Road this spring, I heard many bobolinks calling, as they were busy establishing and protecting their territories and finding mates. If one recognizes the bobolink song, now found readily on the internet, and if one is familiar with their courtship flights over our local fields, the birds are relatively easy to locate. They are truly conspicuous, as they flutter in place, about 10 to 40 feet above the grass, while singing, advertising their presence as loudly as they can, in order to attract a mate and to declare their territory to other bobolinks, whom they wish to keep away from their nesting site.

Bobolinks are found primarily in tall grasslands, uncut hayfields, meadows and prairies, and in the fall they can be found in marshes and other wetlands. They are robin-sized songbirds, with large flat heads, short necks and short tails, members of the blackbird family (Icteridae), along with orioles, meadowlarks, cowbirds and the familiar red-winged blackbird. Its scientific name is Dolichonyx oryzivorus, a spelling challenge, for sure. Similar to the redwinged blackbird, the female bobolink is the only parent to sit on the nest, though both males and females are active bringing food to the nestlings (and incidentally, both the males and females copulate with other bobolinks, so that in any one nest, the babies might have different fathers, and the male’s progeny are raised by females in other nests; this is true also of the redwingeds). Both females have gray-brown, striped plumage, though the bobolink’s plumge is less dark and not so boldly striped as the red-winged’s.

In both species the males are mostly black with brightly colored patches that can be raised or lowered at will. Duing the breeding season, the male bobolink is entirely black on the front, with a white rump, white shoulder streaks and a bright

Photos by Dave Inman (L) and Flicker user “Mike’s birds” (R)

“

With chemical fertilizers and longer growing seasons, farmers can now cut three crops of hay per year. The shorter time between cuts is not long enough for the bobolinks to build a nest, lay eggs and raise their young to the fledgling stage.

”

yellow patch on the nape of the neck. Both species have conical, pointed beaks for crunching seeds and gathering insects and arachnids. The male bobolink, like the male red-winged, is the flamboyant one: he sits high in the grasses or a nearby high tree or power line, singing his bubbly song as loudly as he can. The male is the bird we are likely to see and to admire, while the female usually lurks lower down, hidden by the grass, though she pops up into the

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People who know and love bobolinks have worked hard for decades to protect these delightful birds. Originally native to the grasslands farther west, they came east (along with the much less welcome cowbird) as the great Eastern forests were cut and replaced by farms with pastures and hayfields, where they raise their young. In the earlier times, when the pace of life was slower and the primry fertilizer was manure from the farmer’s own animals, farmers cut their hay twice a year, and the birds nested in the fields between cuttings. But more recently, with chemical fertilizers and longer growing seasons, farmers can now cut three crops of hay per year. The shorter time between cuts is not long enough for the bobolinks to build a nest, lay eggs and raise their young to the fledgling stage.

Subsequently, the populations of these birds went into steep decline.

The Bobolink Project was started in order to protect this bird, supported

by Audubon Vermont, MassAudubon, Audubon Connecticut and with considerable help from Dr. Allan Strong of UVM. This group has worked with farmers throughout New England, educating them about bobolinks that need at least six weeks of time between cuttings so they can raise their young successfully. They enouraged farmers to cut only twice rather than three times during the season, reimbursing them by the acre for fields not cut a third time, thanks to donors to the Bobolink Project. This past year, according to the Vermont Audubon website (vt.audubon. org/conservation/bobolink-project) the project worked with 15 Vermont farmers to manage 600 acres of grasslands for these grassland nesters, which allowed at least 229 pairs of birds to raise 639 babies to the fledgling stage. That number, greater than what was observed in previous seasons, may explain why I heard so many bobolink songs along Lake Road in May. One of the best places to observe bobolinks is the field opposite the Inn at Shelburne Farms; that field is managed and the grass cut on a schedule that has allowed the bobolinks to flourish there for many years (shelburnefarms.org/blog/thesurvival-of-grassland-birds) The grass is cut once in June and then allowed to grow until late August, allowing ample time for the birds to raise their young after the initial cut. As you walk along the road in front of the inn, look over the field for one or more birds hovering in the air, usually singing its babbling, tinkling song. Of course, you can see much more accurately with a pair of binoculars, and familiarity with the song will confirm that the bird you hear is the bobolink.

Several internet sites offer information about bobolinks with an abundance of photographs, videos and recordings that record the male singing and his remarkable flight, as well as the females’ skulking behavior among the grasses. The Cornell University website, All About Birds at allaboutbirds.org/guide/bobolink/overview, is especially helpful. There are buttons labeled “Listen” and “Sounds,” where you can see photographs and videos, as well as listen to several recordings of the males in song.

It is a true joy to see and hear the bobolinks. I hope that the next time you go by a field of tall grass with a moment to spare, you’ll have a pair of binoculars handy and some familiarity with the song.

Mary Van Vleck is a member of the Charlotte Conservation Commission.

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The Charlotte News • June 27, 2018 • 13

Outdoors

Bits of Good News Elizabeth Bassett

Foxes Are there bunnies in your garden this summer? In our neighborhood at least one family of foxes seems to be keeping the bunny population in check. Several recent evenings we have spotted as many as three kits scampering about. Morning walks to the strawberry patch have revealed heaps of feathers, fur and bones, as well as ropes of intestines strewn across the yard. But the lettuce crop remains robust!

Bats If you picked up The Charlotte News and paged immediately to the Out-Doors column, you will be able to attend the Bat Monitoring Workshop at Rokeby on Wednesday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m.

(Rain date: June 28). Citizen scientists are instrumental in counting and monitoring these important insect-devouring mammals.

In recent years brown bats have succumbed in large numbers to the fungal disease, white-nose syndrome. Bats may be recovering in our area, and monitoring will help to confirm their increasing numbers.

Eagles, loons and peregrines Bald eagles are making a healthy comeback in Vermont, and we live in a sweet spot for viewing them.

The use of DDT and other predations eliminated eagles from the state by the 1940s. Between 2004 and 2006 Vermont re-introduced eagles, releasing 29 into Addison County. Ten years ago there were no breeding pairs in the state, but by the end of the 2017 season, 21 territorial pairs had successfully fledged 35 young. Bald

eagles nest along the Connecticut, Lamoille and Winooski Rivers, but the largest population nests between the Champlain Bridge and Shelburne Point on Lake Champlain.

After years of population decline the common loon and the peregrine falcon have recovered in Vermont enough to be removed from the state endangered species list. The 2017 season saw 93 newly fledged loons and 63 peregrines. Many popular hiking trails have detours or closures until August 1 to allow peregrine young to leave the nest, which are usually built on rock ledges.

Turtles Turtles are out and about in the spring and early summer. They sun on logs and rocky outcroppings and slip into the water as boaters approach. An annual visitor to our home, a large snapping turtle from

a pond across busy Mt. Philo Road has left telltale marks in recent days: crushed foliage and holes in the driveway and perennial garden. Most years she lays her eggs in the warmth of our gravel drive.

Snapping turtles lay an average of between 20 and 50 eggs, sometimes as many as 80.

Once she has deposited and buried them the female strolls back across Mt. Philo Road, leaving her potential progeny to bake in the summer sun until late August.

Temperature of incubation influences the sex of the survivors. (Predators will consume an estimated 75 to 90 percent of eggs.) With any luck, late August will bring a parade of snapping babies taking their chances as they cross the road to return to their mother’s pond.

Fireflies Deep grass is a-flicker these evenings

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with the courtship of fireflies. While frogs and birds fill our nights and early mornings with song, fireflies flash their lights to attract mates. Males and females of the same species identify each other with a series of flashes that signal availability.

Signals include color of light, length and number of flashes, interval between flashes and time of night during which they go a courtin’. Enjoy the show!

Outings Founded in 1977, the Vermont Land Trust recently published an atlas of conserved land in the state. Two thousand VLT projects protect about 10 percent of Vermont, more than 578,000 acres of forestland and farmland. Some of these properties were conserved with the intention of providing recreational opportunities, and 25 of them are in Chittenden County. A sampling includes Centennial Woods adjacent to UVM; Bolton Quarry, cliffs, and Nordic and backcountry ski terrain in Bolton; in Charlotte segments of the Town Link Trail, Little League Ballfield, the Burns property, Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge (Demeter) and Raven Ridge; and in Hinesburg the Russell Family Farm and the LaPlatte Headwaters Town Forest. The list goes on to include resources in Jericho, Underhill, Burlington, South Burlington, Milton, Richmond and Williston. vlt.org Happy summer in the outdoors!

14 • June 27, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Sacred Hunter Bradley Carleton Sometimes, when life is particularly challenging and I feel consumed by troubles—bills to pay, family squabbles, an illness with my loved ones, the loss of a job or comparing myself to others—I need to step back and get outside for a fresh perspective. And once in a while the universe conspires to throw all of these at me at once. Such has been the last few months. But I have learned from getting outside and embracing nature that there are lessons to be learned with each challenge.

In boarding school back in 1975, one of my teachers led us on a deer hunt in the Green Mountain National Forest in southern Vermont. I was directed to walk across the cow pasture and, when entering the woods, start climbing the hill in the dark. As I entered the woods, I stumbled on a branch twisted all over the ground. At the thump of my body hitting the ground, I heard, for the first time in my life, a loud snort and then a crashing sound. I had never heard a deer snort before, so, yes, at 15 years old I got scared. What if this beast charged me? I held my loaded .30-30 and pointed it in the direction of the sound.

After a few minutes, standing there in the dark, I found the courage to continue up the hill.

I hiked for about an hour and slowly the light began filtering through the trees.

I sat down and closed my eyes at the base of a big maple. When I awoke an hour had passed, and I thought I ought to get going toward our appointed spot for lunch.

Southeast. I reached into my pocket to retrieve the compass and found nothing. It must have fallen out when I tripped over the branch in the dark. I looked around.

Everything looked different in the light.

Nothing looked familiar. I realized I was

Lost and found lost. I had no idea which way to turn and walk. Fear began to grip my adolescent mind.

I took a moment and sat down next to a small trickle of a stream that appeared to be coming from a spring just a few yards away.

I started to do something that I had sworn to never do again because it had let me down when I asked to be a first-string quarterback in Pennsylvania; I prayed. I prayed not to the God that Deer camp stream and Spring turkey 2018. seemed to let me down but to the worship the same God, but I think that this tiny trickle of water and its serene dripdeity comes in many forms, all of which drip-dripping. I leaned over and scooped are the divine speaking to us in a small up a clasped handful of the pure mountain quiet voice. water and drank it, quenching a strong So this spring, when I lost my job, thirst brought on by fear. my dog, Jack, my Maine Coon cat, The thought came to me from out of the Willoughby, almost my wife due to illness, spring, an aquatic revelation: follow the and had gotten so far behind in my bills trickle. The trickle will turn into a stream. that I may have even lost a friend to whom The stream will turn into a creek; a creek I owed money, I returned to the God of my will find its way downhill to a river. And understanding, the Great Spirit. I spent a towns full of people, people who need considerable amount of time in the early water, will live along that river. A town spring woods, and once again, although it with people who can help me. I followed was a different kind of feeling, I recognized that stream, which became the creek which that I was lost. Not in the physical sense led me to the Deerfield River, and I found but in my spiritual and emotional life. I sat myself outside the town of Wilmington, at the base of a big oak and started to fall where my search party had met me at dusk. asleep.

I was safe. I was found.

I was awakened by a loud gobble a Some folks say that we should all

Photo by Bradley Carleton couple hundred yards away. We spoke to each other for what seemed like an eternity, and after about an hour he marched into sight. I harvested him with one clean shot and started the long walk home. As I crossed a small stream, I realized that at 59 years of age, I had finally found my way home, blessed with the “Give Away Bird,” a nice 22-pound wild turkey.

I may find myself lost again at some point in the future, but now I know how to navigate with faith and an understanding that, as a part of the universe, I am never really lost.

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.

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The Charlotte News • June 27, 2018 • 15

Health Matters

Add this to your worry agenda: Recreational water use Jim Hyde How about this as a conversation starter or pick up line: When was the last time you peed while swimming? We’ve all likely done it, but who will admit it? According to a recent report from the Water Quality Council, 27 percent of adults surveyed (likely a major underestimate) admitted having urinated in a swimming pool. It got me thinking. Once you get over the implicit “yuck factor,” how serious a problem is this? With summer here it seems prudent to review the risks associated with recreational water use.

You might wonder why you should care.

After all, relatively few of us in Vermont either own or have access to swimming pools. And if we are active swimmers, we likely swim in lakes, ponds or streams.

But consider the following: 1) We travel.

Whether for work or vacation we might well find ourselves or our children at a hotel pool, hot tub or even a water park.

2) We exercise. Some people utilize pools at the ‘Y’ or at health clubs for exercise or physical therapy, especially during the winter months. 3) Also, some people may have pools of their own or more likely use small inflatable pools in the summer months for children and grandchildren.

The risks associated with enclosed systems such as pools and spas Urine itself is sterile and a highly unlikely source for transmission of disease.

However, urine in higher quantities in pools and spas can combine with chlorine, which is often added as a disinfectant, thereby reducing the amount of free chlorine available as a disinfectant. In addition, it can combine to produce secondary compounds that can cause eye and skin irritation. As a yardstick, consider this: A recent Canadian study found that one 220,000-gallon pool (about one-third of the size of an Olympic pool) contained an estimated 75 liters of urine. Using a biochemical marker for urine excretion, the same researchers tested 250 samples from 31 pools across Canada; all of them tested positive.

However, the real risks in pools and spas are humans who bring with them bacteria, parasites and viruses. These pathogens are introduced when people swim after experiencing bouts of diarrheal illness. Or the risk may come from allowing children with dirty diapers to swim, or fail to shower before entering a pool or spa. It turns out that even pools and spas that have been treated correctly with chlorine (or bromine) can provide a route of transmission.

Consider some recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC). From 2000 to 2014, 493 outbreaks associated with treated recreational water use were reported from 46 states, resulting in 27,219 cases and eight deaths. Fifty-eight percent of the confirmed cases were caused by a parasite called cryptosporidium (crypto), which causes diarrhea, 16 percent by Legionella (Legionnaire’s disease, a serious flu-like illness) and 13 percent by Pseudomonas, a bacteria causing swimmer’s “itch” and swimmer’s ear. Hotels, motels and inns were the most frequent setting for these

“

As a yardstick, consider this: A recent Canadian study found that one 220,000-gallon pool (about onethird of the size of an Olympic pool) contained an estimated 75 liters of urine.

”

cases.

Treatment of the water with free chlorine and bromine provides the primary barrier to the transmission of these disease agents (pathogens). Chlorine and bromine are very effective at controlling Legionella and Pseudomonas; however, crypto has been shown to be extremely chlorine tolerant and can survive up to seven days after water treatment. When crypto is introduced into the water by a child’s dirty diaper or from an adult swimming after a recent case of diarrhea, it is likely to persist.

Subsequently, there’s a very good chance that, even with an inadvertent ingestion of a small amount water by mouth, that disease transmission will take place. Crypto has the ability to make otherwise healthy kids and adults seriously ill for weeks.

The CDC’s most recent data (2013-2014) show that most of the reported cases occur at hotels, motels and inns (32 percent), although health clubs, water parks, public swimming pools, and college and private swimming pools also reported outbreaks.

A word of caution about these data. They clearly reflect under-reporting of actual outbreaks, especially from private pools

Kids under the shower in water park are likely ingesting some of the water.

and spas. They tend to under report data from smaller states, like Vermont, with less extensive formal reporting systems. All of which means that we may be seeing the tip of the iceberg.

What to do The first most obvious and important thing is to make sure these pathogens are kept out of the water. A second objective is to make sure that the people responsible for the places you swim follow rigorous water treatment guidelines. The CDC provides extensive guidelines for pool and spa operators as well as users, the essence of which can be summarized as follows: First, check the pool or spa. If it’s a hotel, motel or public facility make sure that a current inspection report has been posted and is up to date. If it’s a home or public facility you should also do the following: a) make sure the drain at the deep end is visible (not clouded over), b) make sure the drain covers at the bottom are present and secured, and c) feel the sides of the pool or hot tub and make sure they don’t feel “slimy,” an indication that the pool is not being properly maintained.

Second, everyone should shower before entering a pool. If you’ve had diarrhea, the CDC recommends not swimming for

Photos by Jim Hyde

at least two weeks in order to protect other swimmers. If you have a baby or toddler, change diapers frequently at a place a considerable distance from the pool.

Third, it seems obvious but avoid getting water in your mouth, whether in pools, spas or water parks. Remember this water is simply being recycled, most likely without clean fresh water being added. Plant an image in your mind of drinking out of a child’s wading pool.

Finally, if you become ill with a gastrointestinal illness, swimmers itch or flu following use of one of these facilities, see your doctor, but also be sure to report it to your local health agent. No one owning or operating a pool or spa wants to make people sick. Reporting is the best way to alert operators so that corrective measures can be taken.

Here in Vermont we swim, camp, canoe, sail and fish predominantly in lakes, ponds and streams that are vulnerable to some of the same sorts of contamination and risks that threaten us in indoor pools and spas.

In my next column I will explore some of those issues. In the meantime, try my conversation starter and see where it leads.

Jim Hyde is a professor emeritus of public health at the Tufts University School of Medicine. He lives in Charlotte.

16 • June 27, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Real Estate

A strong real estate market in Charlotte still historically low, under 5 percent for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

If you have questions and would like to know more, please reach out to me.

Nancy Jenkins is the managing broker and co-founder of Nancy Jenkins Real Estate.

Nancy Jenkins REALTOR

®

The real estate market remains strong in Charlotte and the Greater Burlington area. Zillow estimates that homes sold more quickly in 2017 than ever before, and 2018 is on pace to beat 2017. In the period from January through May there have been 48 more homes pending and closed in Chittenden County than in the same period during 2017. One segment of our market that has great potential is the luxury market. The average price for a home in Chittenden County at the end of 2017 was $364,000. There is a shortage of homes in the range below $400,000. Over that level there is greater inventory and choice in homes.

The housing statistics for Charlotte show a split market. That means that one segment of the market is a seller’s market and the other a buyer’s market.

In Charlotte from June 16, 2017 to June 15, 2018, 47 homes sold with an average sale price of $594,796. Eleven homes were sold for under $400,000, while 16 homes closed between $400,000 and $500,000. The upper range of the market saw 15 homes closed in the $400,000+ range, 13 homes closed from $500,000 to

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$1,000,000, and seven homes closed over $1,000,000.

Currently in Charlotte only four homes are available today under $400,000, while 33 homes are available over $400,000. At the upper end, eight homes are available ranging in price from $1.35 million to $4.5 million.

So, what does this mean for you?

The hot demand for starter and trade-

up homes means you can sell your home for the best value and more quickly if your home is under $400,000. The greater inventory at the higher end means you have much better choices and options at the higher end. This is called a move-up market and is the perfect time to take advantage of the current split market. If trading up is in your future, now is a great time. The interest rates have risen but are

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May 29 Remo and Donna Pizzagalli to Kenneth P. and Linda T. Murphy Smith, 81.64 acres with dwelling, 1445 Ethan Allen Highway, $1,075,000.

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June 18 Andrea S. Harvey revocable trust to Christopher Ritcey and Kristina Harff, 23.14 acres with dwelling, 199 Inn Road, $1,000,000.

The Charlotte News • June 27, 2018 • 17

SPEAR

continued from page 1

unique corner property. Town resident Jim Dickerson recently proposed a potential project that may offer a viable solution to the dilemma of “which way to turn?”

Dickerson’s vision includes a mixeduse facility which would serve to benefit the town and local area. The Charlotte Arts and Cultural Center is a concept that would utilize and retrofit the existing structures on the property. The gas station structure would become a combination gallery, Uncle Sam’s Cafe and a venue for various after-hours uses ranging from classes and meetings as well as other uses including culural emphasis on all things from fly fishing to Native American history of the Champlain Valley. The interior would be designed with the ability to easily “morph” into an open area allowing for a multitude of options.

The southern building would be divided into a group of individual studio spaces for uses ranging from woodworking, sculpture, pottery, painting, metal work, glass-making and more. These spaces could be rented and provide a walk through viewing area for

visitors to watch the artists at work.

Dickerson’s vision doesn’t end there: “A summer use would include a Sunday outdoor market featuring food, art and antiques, and other visitor friendly exhibits and events. This would operate in a manner not to conflict with the nearby Shelburne Saturday market.”

“All of this is open to discussion and tweaking in the future,” Jim says. “I am hopeful that interested Charlotters may step forward to explore possibilities that may lie ahead.” Dickerson envisions this project as a non-profit entity with income streams from artist space rentals, a leased cafe business and income from gallery commission sales and affordable small event fees.

Dickerson is aware that the property may go under contract at any time, but he intends to take steps forward in pursuit of this plan. The next step, if the concept continues to pass muster, will be a breakdown of potential costs in all categories so a budget can be established.

Dickerson says that he has no intentions to request taxpayer support for this endeavor and that funding sources will be explored in other directions. “Support from a broad

range of townspeople is likely the only way this project will be possible, and I look forward to hearing from members of this community,” he says. “This is our town and we can do better.”

The fuel tanks have been removed from

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An open and informal meeting will be announced soon, and Jim looks forward to feedback from all.

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18 • June 27, 2018 • The Charlotte News

Charlotte Senior Center News Carolyn Kulik SENIOR CENTER DIRECTOR

As John Steinbeck wrote in Travels with Charlie, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” And sweet it is, indeed. Although now is a great time to be out and about, do take a look at what is happening at the Senior Center. You might just want to squeeze something into your active schedule.

Hurry, today (June 27) is your last chance to sign up for the AARP Driver Safety Class that takes place on Thursday, June 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This classroom defensive driving course, specifically designed for drivers aged 50 and over, may enable you to receive an auto insurance discount. Among other things covered are important issues that affect older drivers, such as physical changes and limitations, as well as the effects of medication on the motorist. Registration is necessary. Fee is $20 ($15 AARP for members), payable to AARP and collected at the beginning of class.

In July Following the practical iPhone workshop series, the Senior Center’s collaboration with the Charlotte Library continues into July. (There should be a tunnel connecting our two buildings.)

The July Book Group, with Director Margaret Woodruff, will read and discuss Serve It Forth by M.F.K. Fisher on Monday mornings, 10:30–11:30 at the Senior Center. Dates are 7/9, 7/16, 7/23. This first series of essays by the famed food writer takes readers on a journey through culinary history, beginning with the honey-loving Greeks and the immoderate Romans. Copies will be available at the Senior Center and the Charlotte Library. Registration is necessary; no fee. Don’t wait to get started.

Due to student and instructor enthusiasm, Lynn Cummings has extended her Watercolors Gone Wild! course to one more date: Tuesday, July 10, 8:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. The new

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”

John Steinbeck, Travels with Charlie

subtitle is “Still Life Collage.” It’s really special when the teacher is having as much fun as the students. Cost is $40.

Call or stop by to register.

The Charlotte Senior Center, Charlotte Library and King Arthur Flour are teaming up to offer Bake for Good.

This baking event will be hosted at the Senior Center’s café by the Library’s Margaret Woodruff and Susanna Kahn, on Thursday, July 19, from 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Seniors and kids will bake rolls together and donate part of what they make to the Senior Center and the community Food Shelf. After sampling some of their own baked goods, participants will go home with a recipe booklet, dough scraper and new baking skills. Lunch will be provided, and no experience is necessary. Sign up individually or with your grand-friend!

For seniors of all ages and kids age 9 and up. Registration required by July 6.

Maximum is 20. No fee.

Give some thought to signing up for the visit to the Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department on Wednesday, July 18, 10:30 a.m. If it’s been a few decades since you stepped inside a fire department, the trucks are still big and red, and the gear is cool and heavy. Learn about procedures for fire and rescue.

Meet at the Senior Center to walk over to the CVFD. Don’t hesitate; maximum is 12. No fee. (You get a chance to feel like a kid again—but this is intended for seniors.)

Coming to the Senior Center’s Great

SENIOR CENTER MENUS Monday Munch 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

No reservations required.

July 2 Taco salad Cornbread Cherry walnut squares July 9 “Antipasta” antipasto pasta salad, Green salad Cookies & “banana dolphins”

Wednesday Lunch All diners eat at noon.

Reservations required.

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July 12 Menu and Topic TBA

Suggested donation for all meals: $5 Room is A Performance of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, on Friday, July 27, at 1 p.m. The Hour-Glass Youth Theatre is back to put on another summer production. The play follows a young woman and her best friend as they flee a society in ruins from a government run on wealth and an imbalance of power. The world outside reveals a vast beauty that may be able to heal the chaos—a sort of dystopian Robin Hood tale. Registration required. No fee.

This season’s first Boat Trip with Al and Nancy Martin set sail on a perfect June day. It’s amazing that this is the 17th year that the Martins have generously devoted their time and spacious trawler to give lucky seniors (50+) a wonderful day on the water. Dream Day on Lake Champlain has a short waiting list for July 12, and a few spots are open for Thursday, Aug. 16, and Sept. 13. These all-day (9:40 a.m.– 4 p.m.) trips are very popular, so please sign up for only one.

There is no charge for these excursions except for your meal. Registration is required.

Continuing on water are the Kayaking Trips for Women with two trips in July (13 & 27), two in August (10 & 24), and two more in September (14 & 28).

These trips are for active women who share a love for exploring our many local lakes, ponds and rivers. For destination information and to register your interest, please respond by email directly to Susan Hyde at susanfosterhyde@gmail.com.

Paddlers need to provide their own boats for all trips (except on 8/24). Sign up for one or any number of them. No fee.

Another outdoors option is birding.

There are two more Birding Expeditions with Hank Kaestner this summer, and the next ones are July 18 and August 15. There is no fee, but be sure to call to register for one or both. We meet at the Center at 8:50 a.m. and carpool together to the location Hank has carefully

scouted. Good views are guaranteed through Hank’s “Oh my God” telescope.

Hank’s passion for the subject is both infectious and informative.

All About Art The June Group Art Show is extended to July 6, and the new one will go up on July 7. Because the group show includes five artists, it fills the Great Room and gives it the feel of a museum (Louvre perhaps?).

The July Art Show will be Diane Bell’s watercolors. She says, “The landscape offers limitless possibilities, and the ever-changing light offers me much inspiration—along with the challenges associated with the medium.” The artist’s reception is Sunday, July 8, from 3–5 p.m.

Viewing Art Shows: The Center is utilized for many classes and events, and the best times to see the art shows are Tuesdays after 2:30, Wednesdays after 3, and Thursdays and Fridays after 12:30.

Call the Center during the week to check on availability on Sundays.

Ongoing classes Our ongoing exercise classes for all ability levels—as well as mindfulness, art and writers groups, and other activities— can be joined at any time. Many are free, and for those that do have a fee, there is the choice of paying for each class when you come or, if you wish, for the remainder of the multiclass session.

(You can access the schedule online at CharlotteVT.org, or call if you have any questions.)

Once you stop by, you will find the Senior Center to be a hard place to resist. And if you don’t see what you’re hoping to find, by all means make a suggestion.

See you soon.

Happy Fourth of July! Please note the Senior Center is closed for the holiday.

The Charlotte News • June 27, 2018 • 19

Calendar of Events Wednesday, June 27 Amy Siskind, author of the bestseller The List: A Week-by-Week Reckoning of Trump’s First Year, speaks from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Shelburne Vineyard, 6308 Shelburne Road, about how we defend our democracy against daily assaults on marginalized communities, women and all of us. An author interview and audience-led discussion will be moderated

by Terri Hallenbeck, The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for this outdoor event. This event is co-sponsored by the Shelburne Democrats, Burlington Democrats, Charlotte Democrats, Chittenden County Democrats, the Vermont Democratic Party and The Flying Pig Bookstore. The book will be available for purchase at the event.

Wednesday, July 4 VSO Summer Festival Tour: Gifts of Nature, 7:30 p.m. at the Shelburne Museum, Shelburne. This summer the VSO celebrates the gifts of nature through music, with guest conductor Sarah Hicks.

Experience musically depicted majestic rivers, verdant fields, gardens in bloom and the clear night sky, along with an extraterrestrial visitor reminding us to keep our sense of wonder at the bounty that surrounds us! Enjoy pyrotechnics not just during the concert finale but also courtesy of naturally gifted 22-yearold violin virtuoso Rubén Rengel, fresh from his recent first-place award at the prestigious Sphinx Competition. Tickets and more information are available at vso. org.

Ongoing Tours of the historic Clemmons Farm Barn House and exhibits, Saturdays beginning June 30, 10-11:30 a.m. Jackson Clemmons designed the Barn House, restoring and combining two farm buildings from the early 19th century to create what is now transitioning into a space for the community to celebrate African American art, culture and heritage. A work of art itself, the Barn House houses posters from the National Museum of African American History and Culture, a superb collection of African Art from Jack and Lydia’s travels in Africa, including a selection of West African textiles, Clemmons Family photographs and stories over the generations, and creative works by Charlotte environmental artist Nancy Winship Milliken. For more information on the tours and to purchase tickets go to https://tinyurl.com/ybn5e7xn.

First aid and CPR courses. As part of our Heartsafe Community designation, Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue will offer CPR and first aid classes, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the fire station on the following dates: Thursday, July 12: CPR; Thursday, July 19: First aid.

Registration and additional information can be found at cvfrs.com under the Community Outreach tab and on the Facebook page under Events.

Birds, bees and butterflies in the land of milk and honey: An exhibition of art and poetry. On display through July 8 at the Jackson Gallery located in the lower level of Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.

Klara Calitri is a prolific artist whose work in multiple media has included painting, monotype prints, ceramics, sculpture and more. Along with several works by Klara Calitri, the exhibit includes paintings, photographs, mixed media and cards by Rachel Elion Baird, Susan Humphrey, Lisa Calitri, Patty LeBon Herb, Sarah Wesson, Deanna Shapiro, Karla Van Vliet, Molly Hawley, Yinglei Zhang and Phoebe Stone. Poems have been contributed by Rachel Elion Baird, Lisa Calitri, Ann Cooper, Susan Jefts, Patricia LeBon Herb, Kathleen McKinley Harris, Thea CalitriMartin, Deanna Shapiro, Karla Van Vliet and Nancy Means Wright. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 9 to 5 and an hour before any public events in the building. For further information call 802382-9222 or go to townhalltheater.org.

Burlington Edible History Tour. History never tasted so good. Over a 1.5-mile walk, the tour will take you back in time to connect the history of Burlington’s early ethnic groups to their food traditions.

Enjoy a French-Canadian tourtière and a Mediterranean dessert, along with three other food samples, while hearing stories of 12 immigrant groups that built Burlington.

Tours run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 1–4:15 p.m., June 14 through October 13. Tickets must be purchased in advance through Seven Days Tickets via its website at sevendaystickets. com or through the tour’s website at burlingtonediblehistory.com. The tour donates 10 percent of profits to New Farms for New Americans, AALV. Webby’s Art Studio is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come create! Specialized art activities for all ages, inspired by temporary and permanent exhibitions. Studio activities are offered in the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education classroom. Free with admission. Shelburne Museum, 6000 Shelburne Road, 985-3346; info@ shelburnemuseum.org.

Classifieds Reach your friends and neighbors for only $7 per issue.

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

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING If you’re looking for quality painting with regular or low voc paints and reasonable rates with 35 years of experience call John McCaffrey at 802-999-0963, 802338-1331 or 802-877-2172.

Mt. Philo Inn-A unique hotel with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and private road to Mt. Philo. 1800 sq. ft. 3-bedroom suites with 2 bathrooms and a complete kitchen. By the day, week and month. Privacy, space, tranquility. Bigger on the inside.

MtPhiloInn.com, 425-3335.

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PAINTERS WANTED Local, experienced company with guaranteed inside work for a seasoned finish painter.

Exterior painting positions available also. Salary is top end for this area. Year-round work for the most qualified.

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The

Charlotte News

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July 11

Experienced Millwork Finisher Rutland County based high end custom millwork company is looking for an experienced finisher. This is not an entry level position, a minimum of 5 years’ experience with spray finishing lacquer, paint, and glaze is required. Our ideal applicant will have the ability to match colors, develop colors, understand production timelines, communicate effectively with the team, and abide by safety procedures required by OSHA. Additional requirements include; ability to work overtime as needed, ability to lift minimum of 50lbs, valid driver’s license.

If you are a highly motivated individual interested in joining a team oriented company that offers a competitive compensation package, please email your resume to millwork.applicant@gmail.com.

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