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Charlotte News Wednesday, december 12, 2018 | Volume lXI number 12
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Charlotte News
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Vol. 61, no.12
December 12, 2018
Vermont’s oldest nonprofit community newspaper, bringing you local news and views since 1958
Q &A with Carolinne and Dylan Griffen of State14
Photo by Dylan Griffen
Melissa O’Brien Carolinne and Dylan Griffen are a husband and wife creative team whose current endeavor (one of them), State14, is housed at the corner of Hinesburg and Church Hill roads in Charlotte. News editor Melissa O’Brien took some time recently to talk with them about their work, their transition from New York to Vermont and the folks who inspire them. Tell us a little about yourselves, where you grew up, etc. Carolinne: I am the first Americanborn on either side of my family. My parents immigrated from Sweden and Lebanon in the early seventies when the war in Lebanon was just breaking out. My dad got an internship in medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital in Newark, New Jersey—that’s where I was born. I was raised in Ridgewood, a community just outside of New York City. Basically, I’m a Jersey girl from a multicultural home. I went to UVM for undergrad, then moved to New York City in 2001 for graduate school, where I met Dylan. Dylan was born in Austin, Texas, and grew up in various parts of the Lonestar State. He was raised by his mother, who was a singer/songwriter, and his grandparents, who were fourth generation Texans. He moved to New York City in 1999 to pursue his photography career. What did it look like when the fates conspired and brought you together? We met in front of Botanica, a bar on Houston Street in Manhattan, on Dylan’s 34th birthday. A mutual friend of ours asked me to go with her to his party. Dylan was leaving the next day for a photography trip to India. We met again about a year later at a dinner party, and the timing was just right. While we were dating, I brought Dylan to Vermont,
thinking (hoping!) that he’d love it. My hunch was right. Soon after, he purchased land in the Champlain Valley, and we were married a year later at the local Grange Hall. It took four more years until we would finally build a house and move up full time with our two babies and a dog named Sneakers. Dylan: Nikon or Canon? Canon Carolinne: Pencil and paper or keyboard? Ideally, pencil and paper. But the keyboard always wins. There are 50 states in the union; why Vermont? Vermont was the one place in the U.S. that felt most like home to my Swedish mother. As a kid, I remember driving up every winter to ski at various mountains throughout the state. In high school, I attended Bread and Puppet with friends. It was such an incredible spectacle that aligned with my personal beliefs and politics. It was also my first time seeing Vermont in the summer, and it struck me as one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I was called to live here. Down the line, Dylan and I decided we wanted a new chapter for our lives. We wanted to raise our kids closer to nature, in a tightly knit community, and Vermont was our first choice. It’s a special place. How have you found it to be, living here in the Champlain Valley? People gush all the time about life here in Vermont, but it’s not always easy; sometimes folks arrive here with a very romantic notion about what it’s going to be. How has the transition been for you two? see
STATE 14 page 8
Local artist goes national Julia Beerworth Charlotte resident Justin Panigutti is a gifted singer-songwriter who recently signed on to Blue Raven Artist Management, a national booking agency that features acts such as Blue Oyster Cult, Arlo Guthrie and Blood Sweat and Tears. It has been a welcomed change for the skilled musician and allows him to transition to his future job of just “showing up and rocking.” He admits that what he was doing in the past for his own music simply wasn’t cutting it. “With more competent help comes larger venues and larger range, increasing touring distances in 2019 around New Justin Panigutti Courtesy photo England and ultimately the national market completely.” and beyond,” he says. This is a real game So what brought the soulful singer changer for Panigutti, but it was no easy back into spotlight? Panigutti was asked feat. to play at a wedding, which motivated In 2014, Panigutti was a finalist in the musician to put a band together for the Advance Music Singer Songwriter the event. The setlist for the wedding was competition where he swept the crowd chock full of Van Morrison covers and away with a song about a working proved a success on all fronts. construction man doing the best he can, called “Singing for Today.” While Panigutti “The wedding left me thinking. Maybe now is the time to start this Van Morrison proved a captivating force in the music Tribute Band thing, as people have always scene, his lifestyle choices kept him in the told me I sound like Van.” And just like shadows of local stardom. that, Panigutti started a Van tribute band, “I like to say I cheated on my longterm love (music) with an actual romantic love and for a time stopped playing music see ARTIST page 9
Santa and his elves visit Charlotte Fire and Rescue
Children of all ages lined up to visit with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 8. Laughter, smiles and Christmas wishes were shared with everyone who attended. See more photos on our website. Photo by Chea Waters Evans
2 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
Letter From The Editor
What remains
We held our end-of-the-year board meeting the other day and it was a lively gettogether. We talked about the changes we’ve seen this Melissa O’Brien year and of our NEWS EDITOR hopes for 2019. We talked about financials, but that’s not my domain. The treasure here for me is in the human participation in the creation of this paper, and those numbers don’t lie: 167 different writers and 68 photographers contributed to this newspaper this year. With a little fewer than 4,000 people living in our town, I would say those numbers are really impressive. And they’re increasing. I’ve been back here at the paper for about 10 months now, and we have grown, not only in terms of contributors but in staffing as well—this at a time when small town newspapers are disappearing. To say that I am proud is an understatement. There are two things in particular of which I’m proud. The first is the participation of the kids at CCS with our weekly Journalism Club meetings. I had no idea when I made this suggestion to my friend, Stephanie Sumner, one of the principals at the school, how it would be
Gonna find out who’s naughty or nice ….
Vince Crockenberg, publisher, on behalf of the board and staff of The Charlotte News If you enjoy the stories and the news we publish in each issue of The Charlotte News—and we are, accordingly, on your “nice” list—your financial gift to the paper will ensure that we continue to provide for your reading pleasure in 2019. All contributions—and we welcome them in any amount—are tax-deductible. Donate online at charlottenewsvt.org/donate-to-thecharlotte-news, or send a check made out to The Friends of The Charlotte News, PO Box 211, Charlotte, VT 05445. Thank you. From all of us at The News to all of you, happy holidays and a happy New Year. We take our annual break at the end of December, so we’ll see you again on January 9, 2019.
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received. We started meeting in October, and the group continues to grow with about 20 students currently involved. More good news: Kids care about newspapers! The other is our intern program. We lost the mighty Alice Outwater this year, the heart behind the program, but it will live on in her absence. Here’s why, in the words from a recent letter to me from one of our recent summer interns, Charlotter and Texas Christian University student Jackie Flynn: I hope all is well. I just got back last night from D.C. where I presented my research on the water crisis in South Africa at the Pulitzer Center! The whole weekend was incredible. Not only did I get to present my work, but I met the other fellows who went all over the world working on different projects. They also brought in high profile journalists for panels and events. It was absolutely amazing to hear from them! I even got to sit next to Marvin Kalb at dinner. He gave me a lot of advice and insight on where he thinks journalism is going right now. It was so motivating and very exciting! I wanted to reach out to you because I kept thinking of how thankful I am to have worked for The Charlotte News this summer. I brought up several stories I worked on when talking with people, and it was really exciting to have had that experience working for my hometown newspaper. I learned a lot, and I wish I could’ve done more or had longer there. So I wanted to say thank you one more
time. Overall, this weekend definitely solidified for me that journalism is what I want to do. Though I’ve barely just started, I feel incredibly fortunate for the experiences I’ve been a part of so far, especially with The Charlotte News. We are doing such good things here at The News: strengthening the bonds of community; introducing our kids to the purpose and meaning of journalism, to the love of reporting, of getting and sharing the story; giving our young adults an opportunity to practice journalism on a very local level. Though disconnected often by busy and increasingly technology-focused lives, we seek to stay bonded, by our history here in this magnificent place and by the stories we share here today. We are gardeners and farmers and cooks and parents and grandparents. We are retired and we have babies; we run businesses from our homes and travel each day to offices. We are skiers and hikers and boaters and runners and cyclists; we love our pets and our privacy. We are musicians, artists, builders. We volunteer our time for the fire department and the Selectboard and the Cemetery Commission. We are so very different and so very alike at the same time. We all hold hopes for our time here in this community. Mine is that this newspaper remains. Best wishes for a happy and healthy start to 2019!
Petitions for Town/School Officers March 5, 2019, Charlotte Town Meeting
Petitions for town offices (with the current incumbents listed) that will be up for election on Town Meeting Day on March 5, 2019, are now available at the Town Clerk’s office; the completed petitions are due back in the clerk’s office by Monday, January 28, 2019. The petitions must have at least 30 valid signatures of voters in town. A voter can sign only one petition for each office unless more than one nomination for that office is to be made, in which case the voter can sign as many petitions as there are nominations to be made. The following offices will be voted on March 5, 2019: Auditor (3-year term) . ............................................ Peter Trono (Incumbent) Cemetery commissioner (3-year term)........... Victoria Zulkoski (Incumbent) Cemetery commissioner (2 years remaining of 3 year-term)............... Vacant Charlotte library trustee (5-year term).........Jonathan Silverman (Incumbent) Delinquent tax collector (1-year term).................Mary A. Mead (Incumbent) Lister (3-year term)............................................. Bruno Murphy (Incumbent) Moderator - town (1-year term)......................... Charles Russell (Incumbent) Road commissioner (1-year term)......................Hugh Lewis Jr. (Incumbent) Selectboard (2-year term)..................................... Frank Tenney (Incumbent) Selectboard (3-year term)................................... Lane Morrison (Incumbent) Town agent (1-year term).................................... Bruno Murphy (Incumbent) Town grand juror (1-year term).................................. Allen Ash (Incumbent) Trustee of public funds (3-year term)................................................... Vacant
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. 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 Managing Editor: Anna Cyr (anna@thecharlottenews.org) News Editor: Melissa O’Brien (melissa@thecharlottenews.org) Contributing Editor: Edd Merritt Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Vince Crockenberg Proofreaders: Edd Merritt, Mike & Janet Yantachka Archives: Liz Fotouhi Contributing Photographers: Lee Krohn and Ramiro Garay Business Staff Ad manager: Elizabeth Langfeldt ads@thecharlottenews.org Bookkeeper: Jessica Lucia Board Members President: Vince Crockenberg (vince@thecharlottenews.org) Vice President: Rick Detwiler Treasurer: Patrice Machavern (treasurer@thecharlottenews.org) Board members: Bob Bloch, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli, Tom Tiller 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: 2,100 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: Winter at All Souls Interfaith Gathering
Photo by Mariko Middleton
The Charlotte News • December 12, 2018 • 3
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4 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
Around Town Sympathy
Edd Merritt Congratulations to Courtney and Benjamin Krahn of Cornwall on the birth of their son, Callum, on November 30 in Middlebury. Courtney is the daughter of Robert Giknis and Laura St. George of Charlotte. to Susan Ohanian whose letter to the editor appeared in the “Opinion Section” of the New York Times on December 2. Responding to regular columnist Maureen Dowd’s “moving piece on her (father) Poppy,” Susan wrote about her own father, saying that he was the son of a failed New Mexico cattleman, and as such he stayed out of school every other year in order to earn money to support his family. He became a reliable gravedigger and was offered a full-time job as a cemetery manager. Susan says, however, that he refused because he felt he should finish high school. Susan’s letter shows how journalism can contribute to readers’ understanding of the range and intimacy of individuals’ personal histories.
The
is extended to family and friends of Joan Olson who passed away at the Arbors in Shelburne November 27 at the age of 79. Joan and her family lived in Charlotte for 31 years beginning in 1972. Her husband, James, survives her along with two sons and a daughter whose families are spread across the country. Her family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 300 Cornerstone Drive #130, Williston, VT 05495. is extended to family and friends of Jeanne T. Ladue who passed away at Wake Robin in Shelburne on November 8 at the age of 90. Her surviving family includes her daughter, Jan Sudbay, and Jan’s husband, Larry, of Charlotte. The family asks that those wishing to make memorial donations in her name consider doing so to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Drive, Memphis, TN 38105.
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Happy Holidays Charlotte!
Report From The Legislature 2019 Legislative Preview As I watched the funeral services of our 41st president, George H.W. Bush, this past week, I was moved by the remembrance of Mike Yantachka how this president STATE REP. served our country. He was a man who believed that the purpose of government is to serve the people, to help people. His presidency, as his life, was characterized by a concern for others and a desire to help anyone who needed help. We as a nation thank him for his service and his example. Each of us serving in elected office does so based on the values we hold. As I begin my fifth term serving my community of Charlotte and the southwest corner of Hinesburg, I am grateful for the opportunity and hope that the work I have done and will continue to do will reflect values that make Vermont a better place. Vermont families should be able to earn a livable wage, should have access to affordable basic health care and should live in a healthy environment. We should be able to provide a good education for our kids that will prepare them to become productive members of society, whether they go on to higher education or become skilled workers. We should be willing to help those who need extra help in coping with their disabilities or who have taken a wrong turn in life and need help in recovering. We also have to look beyond the present and take steps that will help prevent dangerous climatic changes that threaten to change life, not only for our children and grandchildren but for all life on earth. Several bills were passed by the Legislature this past year that would raise the minimum wage, allow employees to take time off for family crises and protect employees and communities from
toxic exposures to industrial chemicals. Unfortunately, they did not become law. These bills are being prioritized for passage in the coming session. Several years ago we passed legislation to clean up our lakes and rivers. A source of sustainable funding for this effort was not included, however. The poor water quality issues we have been experiencing with algae blooms have had an impact on Vermont’s economy, on the health of people and animals, and on Vermont’s reputation as a great place to visit for recreation. The phosphorous load in Lake Champlain and other lakes and ponds has built up over decades, and it will take decades to remediate. Existing funds are running out, and it is up to the incoming Legislature to find a sustainable source of funding to continue the cleanup effort over a long period of time. Climate change is one of the most important policy areas that I will be working on in 2019. The Department of Environmental Conservation issued its report on Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) this summer that showed our emissions to be 16 percent higher than 1990 levels, primarily due to transportation and heating. Our goal had been to reduce emissions to 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2021 and 50 percent below by 2028. Clearly, we are going in the wrong direction. The Legislature commissioned the Joint Fiscal Office to fund a study on how best to reduce GHGs, including the costs, benefits and impacts on Vermonters. This report will be submitted to the Legislature in January, and we will develop legislation to start reducing our dependence on fossil fuels for transportation and heating based on those recommendations. As the legislative session progresses I will again keep you informed through the articles I write. I welcome your emails (myantachka.dfa@gmail.com), phone calls (802-233-5238) or in-person contacts. This article and others can be found at my website MikeYantachka.com.
From our entire team, we thank you for all of your support this year
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The Charlotte News • December 12, 2018 • 5
Town Results of Town Recreation Commission beach survey Bill Fraser-Harris The Recreation Beach Survey has been circulating on Front Porch Forum for the last two weeks, and the results are in. Thanks to everyone who responded to the survey—over 225 returns. The results were presented to the Selectboard and interpreted on Nov. 26. Everyone recognizes the gem we have in 20+ acres of prime lakefront, with good swimming, eye-popping views and serene sunsets. The overwhelming consensus was to leave the beach as an area of unspoiled natural beauty. The primary drivers of visits to the beach were swimming, relaxation, time with family or friends, and playground with kids, closely followed by events such as the Mozart Concerts and Beach Party. The graphs show intention and usage, with the more unstructured activities taking precedence over the sporting activities. The existing bathhouse facilities condition was considered fair to good, while cleanliness was considered good. Upon instruction from the Selectboard and before spending any tax dollars, Charlotte Recreation Director Nicole Conley and I interviewed four landscape architect firms. Each was excited at the prospect of creating a master plan for the beach park and had immediate ideas, like an instructional boardwalk over the wetland, a walking trail, a playground that incorporated some of the natural landscape and woodlands and relocating the car park farther back from the prime waterfront viewshed.
The survey results and comments indicate an overall satisfaction with the beach and its present facilities and suggest that facilitating more activities may not be warranted at this time, while upgrading existing facilities and allowing for more community events, like the Mozart Concerts, would be welcomed. The beach park is perceived as a place of unstructured relaxation, picnicking and lake access/swimming with friends and family. After some questions the Selectboard decided to use Distinctive Landscaping for any design and plan-drawing services going forward, with input from the survey and ongoing public engagement under the supervision of the Recreation Commission. The survey also indicates a strong commitment to upgrading the playground, which should proceed without delay. If there are any community members who might wish to be directly involved with this playground process, please let me know at billandeva@gmavt.net. The meeting of the Recreation Commission was on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, and we will present a more definitive plan to the Selectboard on Dec. 17. All are welcome. The Recreation Committee is committed to an open process of beach property management with access for all. Bill Fraser-Harris chairs the Charlotte Recreation Commission.
The graph above indicates how people perceived they might use the facilities.
The graph above indicates present usage of facilities.
Email your news and phtos to news@ thecharlottenews.org
6 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
Town Selectboard considers beach survey, food waste and proposed Fire and Rescue budget Juliann Phelps A full agenda dominated the Nov. 26 Selectboard meeting, beginning with a 4 p.m. site visit for a Highway Access Permit and an executive session interviewing two applicants for minutestaker. Carol Miklos was selected, and a motion passed to draw up a contract offering employment through the fiscal year. Miklos’ first day of work is Jan 1, 2019. The Recreation Commission presented results from the Town Beach survey, published in The Charlotte News and on Front Porch Forum. Over 200 respondents participated in the survey, answering questions about facility usage, frequency and reasons for visiting. The presentation concluded with the Selectboard recommending the Recreation Commission further analyze the written survey comments, provide a summary and work with local landscape company Distinctive Landscaping to come up with concepts for the December Selectboard meeting. Public comment included concerns about access to the waterfront for kayaks, traffic, speed limits, grant-writing opportunities for enhancing handicap access, and extending the survey into the summer to include beach attendees. Other notable business included selecting Reliant Electric Works’ bid to provide the Town Hall and Senior
Center with generators and reappointing Ken Spencer and Kim Findlay as GreenUp Day Co-Coordinators for 2019. Charlotte Library Director Margaret Woodruff and Charlotte representative to the Chittenden Solid Waste District, Abby Foulk, presented two agenda items for consideration and approval: matching funds to support a grant application to CSWD for portable waste stations for events, which was subsequently approved, and consideration of a budget line item in the FY20 budget for food waste collection. The proposed budget item supports the upcoming Act 148 requirement that households separate organics from waste by 2020. The Selectboard recommended Ms. Foulk and Town Manager Dean Bloch collect additional information and represent their findings on location options, costs to build a containment area, consideration of site soil and water quality. Charlotte Fire and Rescue presented the Selectboard with financial information for the FY20
“
budget. Business Operations Manager Patrice Machavern presented a narrative that noted, “Of the 50 budgeted expense line items, 65% are level funded or reduced.” Tom Cosinuke, president of the corporate board of CVFRS, said increases were due to rising payroll and healthcare costs. The FY20 proposed operating budget presented was $782,600, a $1,000 decrease (0.14%) from FY19. The majority of the discussion that followed centered on the capital fund reserve projection. Even with a proposed annual town appropriation of $120,000, CVFRS is projecting a reserve deficit beginning in FY21 and requested input from the Selectboard on this and future capital investments. Mr. Cosinuke asked, “What is a sustainable surplus for capital spending?” The projection included investments in equipment, including protective gear for Rescue, replacement of the 2006 ambulance in FY20, replacement of the 1993 tanker in FY22, a placeholder for replacement of the 2014 ambulance in FY24, and a revised replacement date for the 2004 Seagrave pumper to FY24. The Selectboard suggested adding some line items to correct calculations, and
Fire and Rescue asks, “What is a sustainable surplus for capital spending?
”
the CVFRS team offered to take a fresh look at projecting cost and refining the approach a bit further. The agenda item “Donation of trail easement along Town Link Trail” resulted in a lengthy discussion. Trails Committee Co-Chair Laurie Thompson explained that a landowner on Greenbush Road is interested in donating land, and Ms. Thompson requested the town attorney to review the current easement donation form so that it could be used for the future. The Selectboard asked Ms. Thompson if this was an opportunity to revise the document, proposing to expand the easement language to include a flexibility provision to be able to move the easement “in case the trail has to wind around something,” such as high-value trees along State Park Road discovered during trail construction. There was some concern from Ms. Thompson about the willingness of property owners to donate easements for the trail, as well as the length of time involved in the process of getting easements. After the discussion, no motion was made and the Selectboard asked Ms. Thompson to consider including expanding the easement language to include a flexibility provision. Final agenda items included updates on employee performance reviews and the emergency plumbing repair at the Charlotte Senior Center, which included a discussion about what is considered an emergency repair according to town policy.
Charlotte Planning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda Thursday, December 20, 2018, Charlotte Town Hall 7 p.m. Public meeting call to order: Approval of regular agenda, public comment period, review of the previous Planning Commission meeting minutes, consent agenda 7:05 Accessory “On-Farm” Business discussion: Presentation by Zoning Administrator of legal opinion related to initial “Guidance” from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, & Markets. 7:25 PC-18-151-SK Hinsdale – Continuation of the sketch plan review for Hinsdale property located at 1824 Hinesburg Road (owned by Hinsdale) to determine potential development density and possible transfer of development rights. Project information is available at: https://is.gd/CAPkof 8:05 East Charlotte Village District (ECV) boundary & Charlotte Land Use Regulations (LUR): Review proposed changes, updates, and comments for the “Proposed Amendments to the Charlotte Land Use Regulations.” To review the current list of proposed changes, please visit: https://is.gd/ nmxdyd. To view the 2010 “East Charlotte Village Planning Project” document, please visit: https://is.gd/EGupHF. 9:00 Other business, upcoming agenda, adjourn All times are approximate. Reasonable accommodations shall be provided upon request to ensure this meeting is accessible to all individuals regardless of disability. Planning Commissioners: Peter Joslin (Chair), Charlie Pughe (Vice Chair), Marty Illick, Gerald Bouchard, Dick Eastman, David Kenyon and Shawn Coyle Staff: Daryl Benoit, Town Planner; Kathy Furr, Recording Secretary
The Charlotte News • December 12, 2018 • 7
Town Charlotter joins lobby groups in D.C.
A new Charlotte champion swamp white oak is crowned
Catherine with Leahy’s senior adviser for Health, Education and Human Services, Kathryn Toomajian. Courtesy photo
Catherine Bock The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) a faith-based lobby group on Capitol Hill, holds an annual meeting in Washington, DC every November. Friends from across the country travel to Washington to attend the gathering, which includes a day of lobby training and a day of lobbying. I was among the over 400 people who attended and visited their members of Congress on Friday, November 30, to lobby for a fair farm bill. The specific question that was addressed was the House bill that has a one-month time limit for SNAP recipients (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to find work if they lose their job. The Senate farm bill allows three months and was a truly bipartisan bill passed by a vote of 86 to 11. FCNL staff members as well as citizens from most states were asking their representatives to support a House bill that mirrors the Senate bill. We visited the offices of Patrick Leahy,
Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, who all agreed that limiting SNAP, America’s most effective anti-hunger program, does not help people find jobs and will have disastrous consequences for poor families. They said they would continue to speak up and vote for programs that help people get out of poverty. There has not yet been a final vote on the farm bill, though it was supposed to be decided by December 7. FCNL supports citizen advocacy teams, training them and keeping them updated on policy changes in DC. It is a nonpartisan organization that works by building respectful relationships with our government representatives. I’ve been a member of the Burlington advocacy team for three years, working on criminal justice reform, Pentagon funding and prevention of war with North Korea. Three years ago there were only 10 teams. Now there are 97 with 1,600 advocates throughout the United States. For more information on the Friends Committee, go to fcnl.org.
The new champion swamp white oak, which resides in the woods on the south side of Thompson’s Point Road opposite Black Willow Road, measures 166 inches in girth at breast height. It displaces the previous champ at Ten Stones, which measures 160 inches. Pictured from left are Alexa Mucklow Beal, Sharon Beal, Johnny Beal and Deputy Tree Warden Sue Smith. Photo by Vince Crockenberg
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George & Pam Darling P.O. Box 32 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT gdarling@gmavt.net
8 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
STATE 14
continued from page 1
We moved from a 900-square-foot apartment in a crowded city to 10 pristine acres. We are very attached to our land, the fresh air, our growing garden...we have a sweet little school and kind neighbors. But yes, it’s not always been easy. Transitioning, workwise, took some time to figure out. It was our indoctrination into living our dream…those first few years made us more resilient as people and stronger as a couple. I know you have children; how are they enjoying their new life here? They love it. Vermont is an amazing place to raise children. Our kids have got it pretty good. What do you miss about New York? All the things one might expect: the glorious food, the cultural diversity, the museums, the insane creativity, and style everywhere you look. I miss pedestrian life and the anonymity of living in New York—there’s a freedom in that. Folks who drive by the building on the corner of Church Hill and Hinesburg roads are probably wondering about the mysterious and lovely sign for State 14. What’s going on in there? It serves as a place outside of our home to do work—our photography,
writing and meetings. It’s a surprisingly busy intersection, so we figured it couldn’t hurt to put up signage and gain a little visibility for the project. Our children have had some very successful lemonade stands there in the summer months. How did the collaboration with Hotel Vermont come about? Our friend Malcolm Buick, who use to live in Burlington but whom we met in New York, was doing some design work for the hotel. Malcolm introduced Hans van Wees, the general manager of the hotel, to our site. There is a trend these days for businesses to enhance their brands with editorial content. It was a natural fit. We created a printed piece for the Hotel’s 5th anniversary in May. We then produced a second piece for fall/winter, which the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing also helped sponsor. There are plans for a Spring/Summer 2019 issue. Hans has been a true champion of our project, along with Lauren Sanderson. They’re stellar people and are doing great work telling the Vermont story through interesting events and meaningful collaborations at the hotel. What other writers/photographers are you working with? Ben Hewitt has been our partner since day one. He’s a terrific writer, and
as a Vermonter he brings a perspective that’s extremely valuable to the overall project. Photography wise, Nathanael Asaro is an incredible talent, and he’s been such an asset to State14. We’ve also worked with Corey Hendrickson, Caleb Kenna, Matt Kiedaisch and more. Our regular writing partners include Jessica Lewis Stevens, Brett Ann Stanciu, Liz Courtney, Tim Patterson and Eric Hodet. Keith Morrill is our copy editor. This truly is a collaborative project, and that’s the best part about State14 for us. How are you sniffing out the stories you’re creating? They are falling in our laps! People sometimes ask us what we’ll do when we run out of stories…I guess, the logic being that Vermont is a small state with only so many people, etc. But the stories are inexhaustible. There are so many fascinating people and places, so much history and possibility. You just have to open your eyes and reach out. If you pay attention, there’s always a story to tell. Whom do you look to for creative inspiration? To be in a room with people like Duncan Johnson, or Eben Markowski, to read the essays by Jessica Lewis Stevens, or to walk around Fable Farm during an apple harvest…that’s inspiring
to us. We’re energized by experiences we have living here and by meeting kind, creative people who are up to interesting things. Some say we are living in dire times, that the world is in terrible shape, that we humans have made a mess of things. As artists, what do you feel your role is in counterbalancing that? Yeah, there’s a lot that keeps us up at night—climate anxiety, gun violence, our iPhones. If by sharing stories we can be a part of connecting people to one another and shine a light on the beauty we see in our corner of this world, then maybe we are doing a little bit of good. Like most people these days you have a lot going on: careers, projects, kids. What kinds of things do you like to do when you get time to be together, just the two of you? We like to go on walks together. Usually, it’s a morning hike up Mount Philo after dropping the kids off at school. Dylan was reading to me from a David Sedaris book last night while I was knitting…the wood stove was going. I’d like to do more of that. Dream vacation? Vietnam or Japan with the whole family. But our kids are vying for Harry Potter World.
The Charlotte News • December 12, 2018 • 9
Town ARTIST
It’s all downhill from here
continued from page 1
CCS Ski and Ride program director and all-around magnificent human, Michael Krasnow, stands with the tools of the trade on the first morning of the 2018-19 season. Every Tuesday for five weeks students head to Bolton Valley to learn to ski or ride (if they are new to the sport), and to enjoy time on the mountain with friends. Students in grades K-8 participate and chaperones join to accompany those in K-2nd grade. Krasnow is in his 25th year of running the program. Photo by Melissa O’Brien
Into The Mystic, or ITM. He booked a one-off night at Nectar’s, which became the start of a “wild ride that shows no signs of letting up.” While playing with ITM as band leader was confidence boosting, Panigutti longed to write and play his own music. In 2017, the Justin Panigutti Band (JPB) was born and took on the style of “American Rock n’ Soul.” The artist lineup for JPB and ITM is essentially the same, which allows his original music to be featured alongside ITM. There have been some recent changes in the ITM band members, as the previous ones were not able to perform on the road. “It’s always hard to transition from an original team to a new team, as the original will be sorely missed, but with new relationships comes new opportunities, and my vision sees nothing but great things to come in the future!” Members of both bands include Dan Rahilly (lead guitar), Chris Doncaster (bass) and Micah Carbonneau (drums). Mike Fried has been the long-term pianist for ITM, but Panigutti also uses subs for some gigs. Avery Cooper (Avery Cooper Quartet) is ITM’s alto saxophone and section leader. Currently, Matt Dolliver is playing tenor saxophone. Panigutti feels that both bands are now “road ready and blissfully capable.” Having this newly acquired booking agency will help to facilitate the band’s marketing and publicity potential. For
Charlotte earns bench through plastic recycling efforts Melissa O’Brien In April Charlotter Ken Spencer signed on for the Trex Recycling Challenge, in which a community is encouraged to collect “more than 500 pounds of plastic refuse in a six-month span” or roughly 40,500 plastic bags (this included grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, wood pellet bags, zip lock and other re-sealable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, salt bags and cereal bags). Collection bins were placed at Spear’s
Corner Store, the Old Brick, the Charlotte Senior Center and the Charlotte Library. When the six-month window closed in September Charlotte was a winner: “We collected about 100 pounds a month,” said Spencer, “so it was fairly easy for us to earn the bench.” The high-performance composite bench will be placed at the Brick Store. Spencer plans to continue collections with the goal of earning a second bench in March. “People seem to like the service and have been good about bringing their plastics, so we’ll keep the bins where they are and
continue this form of recycling,” he says.
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those who have not had the fortune of hearing Panigutti sing, his voice is energizing and can be characterized as a strong blend of blues and rock. You can catch Panigutti with Into The Mystic on Dec. 21 at the Higher Ground Ballroom. This performance will feature some of the deepest cuts from Van Morrison’s catalogue. Although Panigutti’s journey may have been challenging at times, it continues to be worth the while. “Between the fun I get to have, as well as the band, performing his [Morrison’s] songs live coupled with the audience’s response makes for an unexpected wild ride I am really enjoying. This bird has finally come to roost.” For more information, check out justinpaniguttimusic.com. Julia Beerworth is a high school teacher at Vergennes Union High School and a local singer songwriter with The Beerworth Sisters.
Email your news & photos to news@ thecharlottenews.org
10 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
Charlotte Library News Library receives funding to develop youth coding programs The Charlotte Library announced yesterday that it has received $500 from the American Library Association (ALA) to help plan and implement coding activities during Computer Science Education (CS Ed) Week 2018 (December 3-9) and beyond. The Charlotte Library is one of 250 school and public libraries around the country to receive this microfunding from Libraries Ready to Code, an initiative of the American Library Association sponsored by Google. “Libraries are the cornerstones of our communities,” said Google program manager Nicky Rigg. “We are proud to include the Charlotte Library in our CS Ed Week activities this year. We hope these libraries will join the growing number of libraries excited to offer CS programs that help youth create, problem solve and develop the confidence and skills to succeed in their future careers.” “ALA is pleased to provide microfunding to the Charlotte Library and other Ready to Code libraries,” said ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo. “We hope this microfunding will not only generate enthusiasm for CS Ed Week, but spark year-round programming to develop critical thinking and digital skills youth can draw on over a lifetime.”
Margaret Woodruff
Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. Men’s Book Group Debut. Library “gentlemen” friends: Do you enjoy reading? Historical novels? Biographies? Mystery? Nonfiction? Would you enjoy sharing perspectives and wonders with others about such books at our own Charlotte Library? If so consider joining a lively, informal once-a-month gathering, a book group for men, to address issues raised in books chosen by participants. The first book chosen by Jonathan Silverman will be The Contact Surgeon by Dan O’Brian. Copies of the book and a sign-up sheet are available at the library.
DIRECTOR
Library wins National Grant for Public Health Programs. The National Network of Libraries of Medicine–New England Region awarded over $12,000 to the Charlotte Library for the promotion of public health resources and programs. “Supporting a Healthy Community from Head to Toe” is two-topic set of programs to promote healthy communities. The initial programs are part of a planned ongoing series aimed at addressing the issues of mental health and health impacts of climate change in our communities. Programs will take place in February and April at the Charlotte Library and our grant-partner library, the CarpenterCarse Library in Hinesburg. Upcoming at the library Wednesday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. Wrapping Up a Good Read. Library staff bring their top ideas for the holiday season in this rapid-review session. From mysteries to early readers, biography to bestsellers, you’ll get a brief synopsis and a chance to look through book selections for every reader on your list. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of gift shopping and good cheer. Refreshments served. Book copies available for purchase thanks to the Flying Pig Bookstore. This program takes place at the Charlotte Senior Center. Monday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. Mystery Book Group: Death in Tuscany. Described as “part mystery, part wine tutorial and part romp through Tuscany’s beautiful countryside,” this novel weaves the story of a grandfather’s mysterious death with a homecoming to Italy. Copies are available at the circulation desk. Friday, Dec. 28, at 10:30 a.m.: LEGO Drop-in. Stop by the library for some LEGO fun. We’ll have our sets out for free play and LEGO books on hand
to spark your creativity. For all ages. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult.
Stay tuned for details on Puerto Rico potluck, wintertime plantings and breakout edu!
Pick up a good book in January! We have three new book discussion programs beginning in the New Year.
Wintertime at the library Snow boots are out and snow shovels primed. Now that cold weather is here to stay, we wanted to remind you of wintertime procedures.
Mondays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 10 a.m. Walking Each Other Home Book Discussion. Taken from Ram Dass’ quote, “We are all just walking each other home,” this book shows us “how death gives us an unparalleled opening to cultivate gratitude, compassion, mindfulness, and an abiding joy in the simple beauty of living.” Poet and hospice activist Pam MacPherson facilitates our conversations. Copies of the book available at the Charlotte Library; meet at the Senior Center. Thursdays, Jan. 10, 24 and Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. Surviving the Future. Join Transition Town Charlotte and the Charlotte Library for a look into the future where the arts and community engagement in fun becomes an essential element to a healthy community. David Fleming’s engaging book shows that it is not only desirable but actually the only system with a realistic claim to longevity. With friendliness, humor and charm, Surviving the Future plucks this vision out of our daydreams and shows us how to make it real. Copies available at the Charlotte Library.
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Snow days: The library does not follow the school district snow-day schedule. Library staff will plan to open any day unless travel is unsafe. Please call the library on snowy days to make sure we’re here! Coughs and sneezes: Please feel free to use the hand sanitizer and tissues provided at the circulation desk and throughout the library to protect yourself from stray germs. Early closing: On those days when the weather catches up with us, the library may close ahead of scheduled closing time. Please call ahead to make sure we’re open. Safe travels: Please keep in mind your own safety, and feel free to call if you’re held up returning materials. Charlotte Library information Charlotte Library Board of Trustees: Katharine Cohen, Nan Mason, Danielle Conlon Menk, Jonathan Silverman and Robert Smith. Next Library board meeting: Thursday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. Margaret Woodruff, director Cheryl Sloan, youth services librarian Susanna Kahn, tech services librarian Hours Mondays and Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reach us on the web at charlottepubliclibrary.org. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/charlottelibraryvt. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @CharlotteVTLib.
The Charlotte News • December 12, 2018 • 11
Town Meet Anthony Korda, CVFRS Advanced EMT Tom Cosinuke
in Hancock, Vermont. In 2013 he moved to Vergennes EMT, and he started with CVFRS in 2017.
Tony, the youngest of four children, was born in West Hollywood, California, the son of Murray and Joan Korda. Murray was a highly accomplished violinist and orchestra director. His Monsignor Strings (50 violins) was a favorite of Governor and then President Ronald Reagan. Tony was raised with the influence of both Hungarian and Italian cultures. As a youngster, Tony recalls an incident where a homeless man was thrown out of the Hamburger Haven restaurant while attempting to purchase a meal. Tony and his sister, during the interaction, saw the man’s poor medical condition; they bought the lunch, called the police who came and in turn called for ambulance support. Tony remembers vividly the professional approach with kindness shown to the homeless man. An impression was made. Tony’s family moved to Vermont when he was 13. The family chose Vermont for a better environment for children. They chose Orwell where Tony would attend school before graduating from
We are lucky to have Tony at the Charlotte station since he is a consistent presence and brings a positive attitude to every shift! Some quick facts about Tony:
Anthony Korda and wife, Kathy. Courtesy photo
Middlebury Union High School. Tony’s mom ran a B&B and an antique shop and the family also had their home on the 300 acres that they farmed. In high school Tony played football and tennis and helped out in the antique store or on the farm. In high school, sports were OK for Tony, but more importantly, he met and was hugely influenced by a school nurse named Beulah Magoon. Beulah also worked for Middlebury EMS. Tony began working with Middlebury EMS in 1985.
Through Beulah’s influence Tony began to take first aid, CPR and EMT courses while in high school. After graduating, Tony went on to earn a degree from Champlain College. Directly after graduating from college Tony met Kathy Zimmerman, fell in love, married and started a family. Today Kathy and Tony have two grown and successful boys, Alex, age 26, and Kyle, age 22. Tony continued to run the family antique business and B&B while working in Vergennes as a volunteer EMT. In 2000 he undertook the advanced emergency medical technician curriculum and successfully became an AEMT. In 2009, after the businesses were sold, Tony became an AEMT at Valley Rescue
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Favorite meal: Beef stroganoff
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Favorite musician: Billy Joel
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Last concert: Metallica
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Favorite spot from travels: Historic Philadelphia
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Favorite movie: Dead Poets Society
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Favorite author: J.D. Salinger
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Most proud of: His family and his 26-year marriage (so far)
Tom Cosinuke is the corporate president of CVFRS.
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12 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
set with the same cranberry red cloth as every other year. A small toy of some sort stood at each of our places, but I could hardly wait for the sugar frosted flakes. It wasn’t until after breakfast, however, when Dad slipped into the living room ahead of us and turned on the tree lights that we took in the full effect of Christmas Day. When my father slid open the heavy glass-paned pocket doors to the living room we saw the lighted By Molly McClaskey tree and gifts beneath it for the first time. My parents were practiced in creating surprise; it was y brother would awaken me, a Christmas stocking part of the DNA of our Christmases, as predictable dangling from his hand. “Molly, look,” he would as syrup on pancakes. say, pointing at the doorknob. With sleep still in We weren’t big on the Santa story because we my eyes I saw my red wool stocking filled to the brim with knew our parents trimmed the tree with friends and wrapped surprises and a stuffed bear poking out from the neighbors and filled our stockings on Christmas Eve top. My sisters soon sleepily drifted into my room holding night once we had gone upstairs to bed. None the their stockings. In a pajama-clad huddle on my still-warm less, a mysterious and wonderful thing happened bed, sitting in a nest of blankets, we unwrapped each small when we left the living room on Christmas Eve parcel. night, where the regal, unadorned forest tree proudly We showed one another our treasures: wooden puzzles stood, and awoke to its dazzling, decorated elegance. that we could rarely reassemble, hair ribbons, diminutive No matter how young or old we were, it seemed like books of folk tales or jokes, wind-up toys, dice games, a bit of magic had taken place. Jacks, and tiny dolls, trucks or wild animals the size of a Christmas started in earnest on Christmas Eve match box. As we tunneled deeper we came upon chocolate when lights throughout the house were turned off Santas in colorful foil, candy canes and Marza Pan until and candles were lit. In the glow, my three siblings we reached the tangerine and nuts in the toe. This is how and I gathered with Mom and Dad in front of a Christmas day began each year of my childhood. blazing fire. Seated near the fireplace, Dad read the While we played with gadgets and games and tried on Christmas story from an enormous and dilapidated new striped socks, Mom and Dad were downstairs putting family Bible that came off the shelf on this one night fresh pine greens and mini breakfast cereal boxes on the each year. I loved the sound of his voice, calm and dining room table. (We only had sugared cereal in our house a bit serious, a tonic that poured soothingly over us on Christmas morning.) Eventually we would leave my bed, and wrapped us in stillness. Every year he wiped strewn with shiny papers and bits of tape and ribbon, to away tears as he read. I thought they were drops of get dressed for the day. The first one dressed ran to the happiness for this time together, for the way love top step and hollered down the stairs, “Are you ready?” was palpable; that’s how it felt to me any way. Some years we had to sit on the landing until we got the No one had to tell the four of us that this was an “OK” to descend. Then we raced to the bottom and into important time. We could feel it, “all was calm, all the dining room. It smelled of balsam, and the table was
A FAMILY CHRISTMAS
Will, 2 years old, listening to his Opa read the Christmas Story from the family Bible on Christmas Eve 1989.
All was calm, all was bright
M
was bright.” I held visions of Gabriel, the archangel, and the three kings in my head when I went to bed. In my own way, at age six or seven, I understood the connection between the story my father read and our own living Christmas story. I imagined the people in the Bible story celebrating a special baby’s birth with gifts and following a bright star to a stable where he slept. I liked the idea of camping in a barn snuggled with animals and following a star to find a sweet baby. I thought we were celebrating our family’s births on Christmas Eve, just as the town’s people and wise men had for baby Jesus. I thought the story Dad read was tender and beautiful though the words were not as important to me as the feeling they conjured in me while we listened to him read in the flickering firelight with our hearts wide open. I was swept up in something powerful on this night that happened the same way every year. When the story ended, one by one Dad handed us our stockings, youngest first. For several years I stood on a stool to hang my stocking beneath the fireplace mantel. Charlie followed, then Meg, and Pat was last. My mother and father made our stockings, each with a small stuffed mouse sewn to the
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The Charlotte News • December 12, 2018 • 13
year to trim the tree with the grown-ups. I remember the first year I hung five or six ornaments and, years later, when at last I was allowed to stay up for the whole evening. After our family time by the fire and once we were all old enough, Christmas Eve became a full-on carol sing and tree-trimming party. Ornaments had their own mystique in our house. Along with the tradition of finding a new ornament on the tree, there were also ornamentnotes. Our tree was hung with over a hundred ornaments, so finding a new one among Left to right: Molly, Charley, Meg and them required perseverance. It Pat. Hanging stockings 1958. Mom decorating the tree became an involved game of Christmas Eve 1974. searching and clue giving. Ornaments have been toe. They were a practical size for the passed down from my father’s numerous small gifts that were tightly packed inside. grandparents; others were from his childhood. Some One year, my father made my mother a new, fancy were so old the paint had worn off and you could see stocking. Unlike the accommodating shape of ours, it into the globe itself. More times than not, a tiny roll was an elf’s leg and foot. While an artistic masterpiece, of paper was visible within, and we speculated about it was difficult to stuff and didn’t hold much. I thought what was written upon it. ours were much better and felt sorry for my mom. We Each Christmas, my parents bought one new could see Dad intended it to be extra special, and he ornament for the tree and continued the tradition tied little bundles to the outside of it to make up for its of note-writing that came to us through several odd shape. McClaskey generations. My parents wrote a short The following year my mother made a special note to one of us and then dated, rolled and inserted it stocking for my father. It was a large winter boot; through the top of the new ornament to read at some maybe she intended it to look like Santa’s. In contrast future time, perhaps by an entirely new generation, and to the delicate shape and shiny fabrics on her own only when and if the bulb fell and broke. At times a stocking, Mom made Dad’s with corduroy and felt. glass bulb was dropped while decorating the tree or got It was large and sturdy, a size numerous items like knocked down by our curious cat or a wagging dog, screwdrivers, work gloves, duct tape, flashlights, giving us the chance to uncover the mystery inside: to batteries, socks, light bulbs and wrenches could fit in whom was it written, who wrote it, and what did it say. with ease. To this day several antique bulbs hang on our tree with Once the stockings were hung my dad read, “Twas notes inside. They could bear dates from the 1800s. the Night Before Christmas,” which we had all The year our tree was pulled down by three memorized, and we kids went upstairs to bed. Then, a mischievous chocolate lab puppies, glass ornaments holiday ruckus began downstairs. shattered on the slate floor, and Will and Emily thought Our neighbors and family friends arrived to decorate they had hit the jackpot. They each found several notes the tree while we were presumably asleep. Too excited written to them among the shards of colorful glass to drift off, I often heard people arrive. Decorating scattered across the floor. They innovated on the notethe tree was a rite of passage for the four of us. As we writing tradition by adding paper to the already tiny grew up, we were invited to stay up a bit longer each notes addressed to them, writing their own messages to
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a family member, and sliding the notes into glass balls for someone else to discover. Ornament-note-writing has endured in our immediate family as have other traditions stemming from my father’s German-Irish heritage. To this day, Will and Emily, 31 and 28, claim stockings are the best part of Christmas. And now Sage and August open a stocking with all of us on Christmas morning. Instead of stockings hung from bedroom doorknobs, they are found hanging from the dining room chairs as everyone wakes up and fetches a cup of coffee. I make popovers and egg casseroles full of leftover turkey stuffing for brunch, and we sit around the table talking, taking turns opening stocking gifts, and eating. I know perfect moments are rare in one’s life, but sitting around the table eating popovers on Christmas morning is surely one of them. It’s so simple, so perfectly joyful. Later in the day we gather around the tree, as we did in my childhood, and give one another gifts. The Christmas Day feast has become a collaborative Christmas Eve culinary cacophony of cooking, eating and toasting to our lucky lives and love. Last year Sage toasted to candy canes. Christmas traditions have knit McClaskey family fabric together for generations and are part of my growing-up story. I am the youngest of four and, unlike my siblings, I clung to the times our family was together, doing things in solidarity, especially on Christmas Eve. I still hold fast to family, and always will. My effort to keep these and other traditions alive for my children and grandchildren originates in the deep feeling of comfort and connectedness they brought me. I want them to experience the sense of magic and wonder I felt as a child and continue to savor now. When I was young, I remember wishing the feeling of Christmas Eve would linger; I wished I could carry it with me night after night, month after month. In many ways it did take hold. At unexpected times in my life a strong sense of awe, gratitude and love sweep over me just like the profound peace and family pulse I was fortunate to feel as a child on Christmas Eve nights. Our traditions will outlast me and continue to thread generations together note by note, stocking by stocking. The Christmas Eve spirit of my childhood I yearned to hold onto does live within and endures night after night, year after year; one just needs to notice.
14 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
Food Shelf News Susan Ohanian We wish Happy Holidays to the generous Charlotte community. Fitting for the season, our list of special thanks is long. Thank you to Wolf Den Scout Pack 607 Shelburne/Charlotte for homemade candy, cookies and the great laughs provided by their hand-written jokes that were added to Thanksgiving gift boxes. Thank you to students Julia, Will and Matthew Lollis and Wendy Bratt for baking biscuits, cookies and muffins and also for decorating all the Thanksgiving boxes that were made up from scratch at the Food Shelf. Thanks to Food Shelf shoppers and to coordinator Peggy Sharpe, who were busy gathering needed items to give each box a personal touch. Friday morning, Nov. 16, was a big wet snow event, and a grateful thank you to all the volunteers who made it over to the Charlotte Congregational Church hall to organize in preparation of the holiday box pick up: Pat Rodar, Kerrie Pughe, Susie Therrien, Nanci Bloch, Elaine Ittleman, Holly Rochefort and John Lavigne. Some made it a family project: Diane and Emile Cote, Nina and Ken Oboz, Ron and Waverly Purdum, Janet and Gary Landrigan, Cindy and Toby Tyler, Bill and Karen Doris, and mom and daughter teams Liz and Noelle DesLauriers and Kelly and Hadley Stockwell. Thanks to Suzanne Ferland for all the breads and cookies— and for keeping the coffee bar going for the volunteers. Thanks to Gregg Banse for delivering fresh baked bread. Thank you for the generous home kitchens at this busy time of year. All the baked items of sweets, cookies and pies provided by the Front Porch Bakers for the Thanksgiving boxes were greatly appreciated. A really big thank you to Charlotte Central School teachers, students, parents and CCS Holiday Basket coordinator Kris Gerson for completing gift boxes early in anticipation of the winter storm that closed the school: 12 dinner boxes filled to the top with everything to make delicious fare to go with the donated turkeys from the Charlotte/Shelburne Rotary. The CCS
Home-baked goodies for the Thanksgiving boxes and non-perishables donated at Repair Cafe.
boxes were decorated with fall colors and topped with long-legged turkey tabletop center pieces. With Thanksgiving box distribution and the Repair Café in full swing, the Congregational Church was a beehive of activity on Nov. 17. Transition Town Charlotte organized the Repair Cafe, with the Charlotte Grange, the Charlotte Library and the Charlotte Congregational Church as co-sponsors. Thank you to chief organizer Ruah Swennerfelt and to all the fixer volunteers for making possible the large donation of nonperishable food and $224. Although there was no charge for “the fixing,” donations of non-perishables or money to the Charlotte Food Shelf were suggested—and accepted with gratitude. Special thanks for financial support go to Hugh and Leslie Lewis, in memory of Cowboy and Arline Lewis and Father Gerald Ragis; to the Mittelstadt family, in honor of neighbor and Food Shelf baking coordinator Holly Rochefort; to Louise McCarren, in honor of Hazel Ware and another donation in honor of her sister Mollie Moroney’s birthday. Thank you to Jeffery Berkowitz and Kristen Wright, Jonathan Hayden, Diane and Peter Rosenfeld, Linda Hamilton, Susan and James Hyde, Merilyn Burrington, Charles and Liz DesLauriers, Anne Castle, Meredith and Peter Moses, Laura Cahners-Ford, Evan Metropoulos, Colleen Armstrong, Waitsfield ChamplainValley Telecom, and Nancy Wood (who sends a wish for a Merry Christmas to all the
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volunteers). Thank you to our anonymous Santa for his tradition of purchasing movie tickets for all the children. Thank you to the Burlington Meals on Wheels for the grant to continue its mission of providing healthy food to our most vulnerable community friends. Thank you to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and Charlotte Congregational Church members for their purchases of holiday food items and for all the Giving Tree gifts so beautifully wrapped for the children. Thank you to Ruth St George, Colleen Armstrong, Denise and Bob Danyow, Kelly Stockwell, Diane and Emile Cote, the Richards family, the Tierney family, Ann Marie Plank, Eileen Curtis, the Bernier family, Sue Haman, Rosemary Cartulero, Celia Cazayoux and Kathy Gallagher for your support to the children. Thank you to the Charlotte/Shelburne Rotary for the Hams for the Holiday, an ongoing tradition since the inception of the Charlotte Food Shelf. Anyone in the holiday baking mood? Maybe you’re making some cookies for Santa? We would love it if you would bake a bit extra and share it with our Hunger is Hard, Baking is Easy program at the Food Shelf. We will be putting holiday boxes together on Dec. 13, so donations by Wednesday, Dec. 12, would be greatly appreciated. These can be dropped off directly at the Congregational Church or at 86 Spear Street in the box on the front porch. If you have any questions or concerns about what to bake, please contact Holly Rochefort at hwcoolboots@ gmail.com. Important Distribution Dates Holiday Gift Box set up by volunteers: Friday, Dec. 14, 8 a.m. Holiday Gift Box Pick-Up: Saturday, Dec. 15, 8:30-10:30 a.m. January distribution Wednesday, Jan. 9, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, 7:30-9 a.m.
Photo by Susan Ohanian
Financial Assistance As a reminder, the Food Shelf has some funds available for emergency assistance with fuel and electric bills. You may contact Cindi at 425-3234 if you need assistance. We are available to all community residents. Privacy is very important and respected in our mission of neighbor helping neighbor. For emergency food call John 425-3130. For emergency assistance (electricity, fuel) call Cindi at 425-3234. For more information call Karen at 4253252. Donations We are a volunteer organization so all donations you make to the Food Shelf go directly for food and/or assistance to our local neighbors in need. Should you wish to honor someone with a donation, a special acknowledgement will be sent to that person. Checks may be mailed to Charlotte Food Shelf & Assistance, P.O. Box 83, Charlotte, VT 05445. Thank you. Donated food drop-off locations All nonperishable food donations may be dropped off at the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (main entrance) or at the Food Shelf during the distribution mornings. Please check food expiration dates. We request that all fresh foods be dropped off at the Food Shelf before the Wednesday distribution hours or before 7:30 a.m. on the Thursday distribution mornings. The Charlotte Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry. Distribution days/times are posted on bulletin boards in the Charlotte Congregational Church Hall, at the Charlotte Library and at the Charlotte Senior Center. You may also call the Food Shelf number (425-3252) for a recording of the distribution times.
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The Charlotte News • December 12, 2018 • 15
Charlotte Selectboard draft agenda Monday, December 17, 2018, at the Charlotte Town Hall Agenda Is Subject to Change—Check agenda posted on charlottevt.org on Friday, December14 for final agenda All times are approximate. Reasonable accommodation shall be provided upon request to ensure this meeting is accessible to all individuals regardless of disability. 4 p.m. 5:00 5:45 6:00 7:00 7:01 7:05 7:15 8:20 8:40 8:45 8:50 8:55 9:00
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Site visit: 6851 Spear Street (just west of Partridge Lane), for highway access permit application by Charles Stearns Estate Town Beach planning Thompson’s Point Wastewater Disposal System FY20 budget Renew contract for SJW Docks, LLC (Steve Williams), System Operator Renew contract for Civil Engineering Associates, System Engineer Proposed Library addition Adjustments to the agenda Public Comment Estate of Charles Stearns—application for Highway Access Permit (HAP-18-11) at 6851 Spear Street FY20 budget review Articles for Town Meeting Memorandum of Understanding with Vermont Crime Information Center for fingerprint supported record checks Minutes: Dec. 10, 2018 Selectboard updates Approve warrants to pay bills Adjournment
Members: Matthew Krasnow, Lane Morrison, Carrie Spear, Fritz Tegatz, Frank Tenney Town administrator: Dean Bloch. Minute taker: Kathy Furr Next meetings: January 14 and January 28
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16 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
Sacred Hunter This is it. Right here. Start drilling. Bradley Carleton Thirty years ago a man named Ralph Learned, of Colchester, taught my friend Ozzie and me how to ice fish. We were enthusiastic novices and wanted to learn everything we could from him. Ralph was a commercial fisherman and bought and sold hundreds of pounds of yellow perch every weekend that there was ice. We were just getting started and had precious little equipment: a couple of hand-carved wooden handlines, some braided nylon ice line and a few silvery flashers. We added large Peaqua hooks about a foot below the flasher and put iridescent live minnows called fatheads on the hook so that they would swim around under the ice of Mallets Bay. I had an old Jeep CJ-7 whose floorboard had rotted out, and we installed a sheet-metal door on hinges in its place, so we could drive out on the ice and, with the heater running, jig through the floorboard door. We kept a big pickle bucket in the back seat and tossed the fish in it when we caught them. Sometimes we would fill a half bucket or so. This would bring great pride because we could drive them back to Ralph’s place, and he would instruct us on how to clean them into “crispy tails”—two pieces of meat on each side of the backbone and the tail still attached. We would fry them up in vegetable oil with flour, corn meal, salt and pepper batter and eat them late into the night, laughing and cajoling and telling stories about the one that got away.
Doug and a bluegill fish. The central theme of this new obsession was the enthusiasm and joy it brought us to pull something live out from underneath a frozen lake. The thump of the jig in our hands, the pull of the fish and the gorgeous amber color with seven stripes on each of the yellowbellies. Now, some 30-odd years
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later, I am witnessing a new convert and his boundless enthusiasm as he learns the sport, with all new equipment but still with the same old techniques— minus the floorless Jeep. My dear friend, Doug Hartwell of Vergennes, has been bitten and I fear is developing serious case of piscatorial fever. Doug is an engineer and seems to be capable of just about anything that can be diagrammed or fabricated using design technology. His first year of ice fishing was full of frustration. He would ask a lot of questions and soak up technical information like the proverbial sponge, but he just couldn’t yet grasp the “right time/right place/
right condition” format. He thought that if there are fish down there (and there always were) and if he presented them with the right lure/bibbit/minnow, that of course they should bite! His enthusiasm and desire to get it right carried him through that first year, and his failures to catch a lot of fish just threw gasoline on the fire in his belly to learn this sport. He acquired equipment at a slow pace, preferring to repair other fishermen’s castoffs and use his engineering genius to modify the pieces into more serviceable weapons. And he never stopped asking questions. One day, after a particularly frustrating attempt, he broke down and asked, “Why? What am I missing? Is it the equipment, the technique, the locations, the weather, the barometric pressure, the color of the bibbits (tiny teardrop shaped lures)…what the heck is it?” To which I shared the piece of wisdom that Ralph Learned told me when I asked the same question; “Yes. It’s all those things—all at the same time—and more than any of those it’s art, not science that catches fish.” And to this day I believe that to participate in the great cycle of life one has to meet all the prerequisites of technique and skill, but, most important, we have to allow ourselves to listen to the inner voice that guides us to where the fish are. As we walk across the frozen surface, we watch our depth charts on our iPhones and notice that the sun is still low on the horizon, the clouds are building in from the northwest, and the barometer is dropping. With all this knowledge it still largely depends on what “feels right.” We take two more steps and the feeling that we are a part of all of this wonder washes over us. “This is it. Right here. Start drilling.” 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 • December 12, 2018 • 17
Schools Friends of the Library participated in the CCS Holiday Fair
Mentoring youth at Charlotte Central School Becky Day The Charlotte Central School is currently seeking adults from the community who would be interested in mentoring a 5th or 6th grader at our school. The program is school based and asks mentors to meet with a student for one hour a week. The schedule can be flexible Mondays through Fridays, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 2:35 p.m. The Champlain Valley School District has a thriving program for youth in our schools called Connecting Youth. The mission of Connecting Youth Mentoring is to support youth in achieving their potential through close personal and supportive relationships with caring adults. All students can benefit from a mentoring relationship. Research findings from across the country tell us
Nan Mason, Carol Clay and Beth Merritt with the Friends of the Charlotte Library display of pop-up books for sale at the CCS Holiday fair. Stacy Fraser
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that mentoring gives young people the building blocks they need to navigate adolescence and lead healthy, productive lives. Through the mentoring process a child will have enhanced self-esteem and confidence and the ability to make positive choices with regard to substance use. The adult mentor builds a trusting relationship with the student, which creates a stronger sense of community. Our mentors at CCS report that the gratification of watching a child grow socially and emotionally is unequaled in any other volunteer program. They look forward to being greeted by a smiling face and spending time each week with the students. We hope to have new mentors start in January 2019. If you are interested please contact Becky Day, mentoring coordinator at CCS, by email at rday@ cvsdvt.org or by phone at 802-355-2870.
18 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
The Writers Corner
Some thoughts about Silent Night at 200
Bob Mesaros Two hundred years ago this Christmas Eve, the beloved Christmas carol “Silent Night” was sung for the first time in St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria, a small village northwest of Salzburg. Try to imagine the scene: a snowy night, a cold church lit by candles, a congregation of poor farmers and laborers in the middle of a severe economic depression, the lingering smell of incense from the mass. The silence is broken by the sound of a guitar followed by two voices singing in harmony and then joined by a small choir. A simple beginning for a carol that would symbolize Christmas for millions over two centuries. There are many versions of how “Silent Night” was created, but the common thread is that it was first created in 1816 as a poem written by 26-year-old Fr. Joseph Mohr, who was serving as an assistant priest at a church in Lungau, Austria. The poem was most likely written as Mohr’s way of consoling his congregation during the hard times following the collapse of the local salt mining industry at the end of the Napoleonic wars in 1815. Two years would pass before the poem would be set to music. In 1817, Fr. Mohr was transferred to serve as an assistant priest in the newly established parish of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf. It was here that he met a 31-year-old schoolteacher, Franz Xavier Gruber, who was also organist at St. Nicholas. The two would work closely for the next few years. Early on the afternoon of December 24, 1818, Fr, Mohr approached Gruber at his schoolhouse with the poem he had written in 1816 and asked him to set it to music to perform that night. Fr. Mohr told Gruber that he wanted a simple setting that could be sung in twopart harmony with guitar accompaniment during that evening’s Christmas Mass. So
“
All of us who celebrate Christmas have happy and bittersweet memories associated with “Silent Night”. This Christmas, try to remember the happy ones and the good times.
”
Gruber worked that afternoon at his desk in the schoolhouse and quickly set the poem to music. Mohr was pleased with the results, and that evening the song was performed for the first time with Gruber singing bass and Mohr singing tenor and playing the guitar. The church choir also took part. According to Gruber, the song was met with “general approval by all,” though he would later characterize the melody as merely “a simple composition.” Unfortunately, the original manuscript written on that Christmas Eve of 1818 was lost. In the early 1900s St. Nicholas Church was demolished after a fire, but a small ““Silent Night” Chapel” now stands on the site. We all have memories associated with “Silent Night”. I have some I’d like to share with you. The first takes place in 1956. I was nine years old and attending
St. Joseph’s School in Spring Valley, New York. Joining Sister Luke’s 4th grade class that fall was young Michael, the son of a German couple who had recently immigrated to the U.S. Michael spoke very good English but felt a bit out of place among his classmates. Sr. Luke came up with a very clever idea…she would have Michael teach us the original German words to “Silent Night”. We were soon given a mimeographed page with the original German words printed in blue type. I still remember the first verse: Stille Nacht! Heilege Nacht! Alles schlaft; einsam wacht! Nur das traute heilege Par. Holder Knab im lockigten Haar, Schlafe in himmlishher Ruh! Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh! The plan worked and Michael soon had many new friends, although he never could get us to develop his enthusiasm for playing soccer! As I was reading about the 1914 World War I Christmas truce, I realized that the words Michael had taught us in 1956 were the same words the British soldiers heard on that 1914 Christmas Eve drifting across “No Man’s Land” from the German trenches. Fast-forward to 1985. My wife and I planned on attending the 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service in the church where we were married, All Saints, in Bay Head, New Jersey. That afternoon we got a phone call from a dear friend of ours, Helen. She was a very sharp 92 years old but unable to drive anymore. She asked us if we would mind picking her up and bringing her to the service with us. Of course we said “yes.” The church was cold. It was decorated with evergreens, and at the end of each pew was a small wreath and a glass sconce that held a lit candle. Before the mass began, the organist and choir always led
the congregation in a 30-minute round of carol singing…to warm us up! But first, the priest announced, the children of the congregation would walk up the aisle in procession, each bearing a figure that would be placed in the crèche near the altar. “The children will be singing “Silent Night”, and we ask that you not sing along with them so the sound of the children can fill the church.” As they began to sing and walk down the aisle, Helen began to sing along with them. The sound of the children’s tiny voices blending with Helen’s thin, frail voice singing “Silent Night” produced a sound that I can still hear in my head. We all had smiles on our faces and a few tears in our eyes. After the service ended, we drove Helen home, gave her a hug and wished her a Merry Christmas. She told us how thankful she was that we brought her along. Her joy helped to make that Christmas a very special one for us. Three weeks later, Helen passed away in her sleep at home. That Christmas Eve was probably the last time she ever sang “Silent Night”. While watching the funeral services for President George H. W. Bush, we also learned that in his final days he had been visited by the Irish tenor Roland Tynan. Bush asked if he would sing “Silent Night”, knowing that it would probably be the last time he heard it. All of us who celebrate Christmas have happy and bittersweet memories associated with “Silent Night”. This Christmas, try to remember the happy ones and the good times. Think about that first “Silent Night” on Christmas Eve in Oberndorf, Austria, in 1818 in that cold, candle-lit church and imagine what it was like to hear the carol accompanied by a guitar and those two voices. Go outside into the “Silent Night” and look up at the sky and take joy in how the simplest gifts are often the most beautiful…and enduring. Merry Christmas!
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The Charlotte News • December 12, 2018 • 19
Sports
It’s the season of fall-stars
With fall sports wrapped up and winter ones just beginning, the lists of all-star selections by both coaches and the Burlington Edd Merritt Free Press have come to life, with a good number of Champlain Valley Union athletes on them. Given the school’s large size and its healthy sports climate, virtually every all-star roster contains Redhawks. But let’s begin with some national news. Women’s cross country team finishes in the top-20 nationally With Nike Sports paying for their travel and lodging, the seven-member team flew to Oregon for the Nike Cross Nationals where they finished 19th out of 22 teams. According to coach Scott Bliss, that is the best they have done in three visits to this meet. A 5-kilometer race, CVU moved up from 21st place in the final mile to its spot two teams higher. Bliss said that four out of the top five Redhawks ran their best times ever. Ella Whitman, Alice Larson, Charlotte’s Chloe Silverman, Jasmine Nails and Cate Noel were the first five. Charlotter Sadie Holmes was the sixth Redhawk to cross the finish line with Alicia Veraneau the seventh. Over 200 runners from across the country competed. Most ran the circuit in under 20 minutes. First and second all-state volleyball teams Seven Redhawk women appeared on the Vermont Volleyball Association’s categories of the state’s top-ranked players. Senior co-captains Julia Daggett and Olivia Werner earned firstteam status, with the third co-captain Charlotter Rayona Silverman leading the second-team selections, along with Mekkena Boyd, Mackenzie Detch and Natalie Senior. Senior Alli Selwah received honorable mention. Six male Redhawks earned firstteam honors, including Charlotter Alden Randall. He was joined by Noah Allen, Baker Angstrom, Joseph Boliba, Ethan Harvey and Devin Rogers. The second all-state team had another Charlotte product, Raz Hansen, plus opposite hitter and middle blocker Liam Freeman, setter Storm Rushford and hitter and blocker Cooper Snipes. Soccer to me The Free Press men’s all-state soccer team contained three members of CVU’s state champions, who ended with a 16-0-2 record. Junior Jonah Roberts was voted in at midfield; he also was a coaches’ selection and a Metro Division all-star. Two defenders, senior Luke Morton and junior Cullen Swett, made the team as well. Cullen also achieved first-team status from the coaches and in the Metro Division. Honorable mention
Left, Jared Forsythe NAC Champion and right, Justin Bissonette NAC Champion.
Courtsey photo
Co-captain Julia Daggett over the net in the state championship match against Essex. Photo by Al Frey
went to junior midfielder Jack Sinopoli and senior goal tender Aidan Johnson. Redhawk women’s co-captain Sydney Jimmo was named to the regional allstar team. Football coaches make their selections Despite not making the playoffs, CVU had several players picked for honors by the Vermont football coaches. The all-state second team contained linemen Bennett Cheer and Zach Gamelin on offense and defense, with Charlotte’s Cole Boffa as a defensive linebacker. Cole and his brother Seth Boffa received honorable mention on offense, Cole as a lineman, Seth at running back. Fullback Jack ZuWallack and tight end Caleb Jenson gained honorable mention as well. On defense Caleb again made the roster as a lineman while two Ryans, Anderson and Canty, were cited for their prowess as backs. Wrestlers open the season in the Adirondacks Believe it or not, two weeks of training before a first match is not that much for wrestlers. So when the Redhawk grapplers headed across the lake to the Northern Adirondack Tournament on Dec. 8, they did not know quite how well prepared they would be. As it turned out CVU placed seven wrestlers in the top four spots of their weight classes, with two seniors dominating their weights, Justin
CCS girls basketball B team member Eliza Flore takes a shot during their opening game against Hinesburgh on Nov. 7 The girls one 21 to 8. Photo by Melissa O’Brien
Bissonette at 170 and Jared Forsythe at 182. Two others were runners up: Will Murphy at 195 and Sean Trifaro at 220. Luke Leonard at 113 and Matt Trifaro at 152 placed third, and Riley Brown fourth at 126. The team tied for fourth
place in the meet. Coach Gunnar Olson said that he was proud of the team’s showing and feels that they have “desire and motivation . . . two main ingredients for a successful outcome.”
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20 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
Gardening Vera Moroney
The University of Vermont Extension and its Master Gardener Program are Vermont treasures. As we look out at the bleak weather, even before the wonderful onslaught of garden catalogues, we start to imagine garden time. There is no better time to explore the resources offered by the Extension and Master Gardeners. Their website is UVM.edu/extension— definitely worth a visit.
$
Treasure in plain sight UVM Extension Master Gardener program This is a multi-course program that has been improved dramatically over the last several years. You can take the courses online and at your own pace and participate in online live Q and As. The courses range from Growing Berries to Plant Pathology. It is a veritable candy box of subjects taught by UVM faculty and gardening professionals. There is also a master composter
program to be held again in the SeptemberNovember time frame in 2019. It covers all aspects of composting, including Act 148, the new law that bans disposal of garden waste and in 2020, food waste. UVM Extension Master Gardener help line We have all stared gloomily or crankily at a plant or plants that are just not behaving. Unlike with children a “time out” probably will not work. So … call the helpline. The helpline is staffed by experienced master gardener volunteers with access to universitylevel research and information. Frequently they can email you links to great articles. They are also just great to chat with. Currently they are closed for the season, scheduled to reopen March 7, 2019. In the meantime, you can submit a question by email. There is a form on the website. You can also call 802-656-9562. Very importantly you can bring a specimen of a plant or a pest to them (or a photo), and they will have it analyzed. The analysis is most often done by Ann Hazelrigg, a UVM plant pathologist… now there is a genius! This service is free. This is a fantastic resource.
Soil tests Knowing the chemical composition of your soil may seem nerdy, but it is critical. Plants have different chemical needs (think hydrangeas, asparagus, etc). The Extension offers soil tests for $14. You can get the kit from the helpline or by ordering it on line or by contacting UVM’s Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab. Also, you can print the form from online and put the sample in a clean plastic bag and send it in. For more information, email agtesting@uvm.edu. The soil test will give you information on composition of the soil and what is needed. You may want to take them from different locations in your garden. Highly recommended. Yeah, beats guessing. This only scratches the surface of all the services provided by UVM Extension. It is a great place to bookmark and visit on a dismal day. Vera Maroney has lived in Charlotte for 45 years and in the same house in West Charlotte for 40 years—plenty of time to make every gardening mistake multiple times. She cherishes the local nurseries, the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program and the uncertainty of gardening. And she’s an avid reader of The Charlotte News.
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The Charlotte News • December 12, 2018 • 21
On Books The wonders of hygge and a good book, too I just got back from Thanksgiving in Copenhagen where, while you were eating turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, I was eating Katherine Arthaud meatballs. I went with my two sons to visit my daughter, who is doing a semester abroad there, and right now I wish I were doing a semester abroad there, too. It is an amazing place. I want to go back. We hardly ever got in a car or taxi; we biked everywhere. And in the morning, on the lake right by our hotel, there were swans. Swans. And though it was cold and overcast most days, it didn’t matter, because of this thing called “hygge,” which (pronounced “HOO-gah”) basically means
(my daughter told me) cozy. Imagine a fire in the hearth, a cup of tea or hot chocolate or glogg (hot spiced wine), and a blanket (maybe made of fur) to throw over your legs and shoulders should you feel a draft, along with a warm snoozing dog if you happen to have one. That’s hygge. Cozy. Comfortable. Hygge. And who cares what’s going on outside. Let it snow, let it rain, let it hail, or blizzard. Bring it on. If it’s hygge inside, it doesn’t matter what’s out. In the midst of reading Kingdom of the Blind, I realized as I sank deeper and deeper into the world author Louise Penny has created, that this book is—that all Louise Penny’s books are—hygge. Penny is Canadian, and her novels (mysteries) largely take place in a small village called Three Pines, situated somewhere between the city of Montreal and the Vermont border.
Her books are page-turners, and this one has another great plot: a mysterious will with surprising executors, a broken-down farmhouse, a penniless baroness, blinding blizzards, a dead body…along with a parallel story line involving police-force political shenanigans and a disappearing shipment of deadly opioids about to be unleashed upon the unsuspecting city of Montreal. Lots going on, for sure—certainly enough to recommend this book—but one of the things that makes Penny so compelling, generally, I realized this time through, just the other day, is the hygge. Coq au vin and whipped potatoes with apple cobbler and caramel ice cream for dessert, served up to close friends while a fire burns in the hearth and a blizzard rages just outside the rattling, frost-rimmed windowpanes. Ham sandwiches on croissants while sitting in a comfy old armchair in a used bookshop. See
what I mean? Hygge. Here’s a short excerpt: “‘I was wondering why you two braved the cold to come here,’ said Reine-Marie, following her nose, and the aroma, to the table and the empty plates smeared with maple syrup. Armand shrugged in an exaggerated Gallic manner. ‘Some things are worth risking life and limb.’ Olivier came out of the kitchen with a plate of warm blueberry crepes, sausages, and maple syrup, and a café au lait. ‘We have some left for you,’ said Gabri.” Meanwhile the power is out, due to a raging, freezing, blinding blizzard, and there are no lights to see by, but a generator has been hooked up in the local bistro to the espresso machine, the oven and fridge. Who needs lights? Priorities. Hygge. Two years ago, not long after the 2016 election, I went with my daughter, her friend see
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22 • December 12, 2018 • The Charlotte News
Carolyn Kulik SENIOR CENTER DIRECTOR
11/9/2018
“Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It’s the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.” Sharon Draper Having your sip of joy might be easier than you think. Just remembering where you’ve tasted it before might help you notice it when it appears again. (It’s not that far away.) There is a particularly majestic sycamore tree on Falls Road that I am always happy to see. It is just glorious—and even better in the winter. When the leaves come down, the revealed structure of certain trees make me smile. (Dare I say they give me joy?) Do you have any favorite trees? A joyful event at the Senior Center was our Annual Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, which was held the week before the official holiday. It was truly a masterpiece in organization and volunteerism, coordinated by Wednesday lunch’s Susan Spafford and assisted by board member Sukey Condict. More than 25 volunteers contributed their time in shopping, defrosting, chopping, braising, cooking, baking, setting up (chairs, tables, tablecloths, dishes, silverware, flowers) and cleaning up. On the menu was the traditional turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry-orange relish, sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin bread and apple pie—everything homemade and absolutely delicious. Despite the days of busy-ness, the 100+ guests were probably unaware of the work behind the scenes and were served graciously and gracefully by volunteer servers. For cleanup, our male dishwashing crew went to work—and in a very short time all was back the way it had been. The hard work, good food and communal
spirit contributed to a sense of happy accomplishment when it was over for another year. The whole operation would make a wonderful documentary (or a training video) on how to successfully stage a large, complex event. Our weekly “food events” on Mondays and Wednesdays are also noteworthy examples of teamwork and joyful labor— and great food! The folks who prepare the meals on these days have told me that it’s the sound of laughter and conversation that are their rewards—perhaps more than the well-deserved compliments they receive about their cooking. If you are a guy and have yet to come to a Gents Breakfast, call today and make your reservation. Then, Trimming the 12-foot tree is a fun challenge. tomorrow (12/13), set your Courtesy photo alarm for early and venture out for the 7:30 a.m. event, Next week, on Dec. 19, at 1 p.m. is A which usually ends by 9. (Taking a power Cello Quartet for The Holidays. Judy nap in the afternoon is allowed.) This is Chavez will return to the Center to lead a a welcoming group of seasoned fellows small cello choir playing traditional holiday from many backgrounds who are good at carols from England, France, Spain and the cooking and talking. Just consider them United States. Some will be familiar—and friends you haven’t met yet. you are invited to sing along. And one last important food note is a On Dec. 26, there will be a showing reminder that on Monday, Dec. 17, Chef of the beautiful, hour-long documentary, Roland from The Old Lantern will Sabra: The Life and Work of a Vermont be returning to create another Monday Printmaker. You will learn a lot about luncheon. The menu will be chef’s choice, the artist you thought you knew and see and it will be serving from 11:30-12:30. many examples of her works that do not You might plan on arriving no later than depict Vermont scenes. There will be an noon so as not to miss out. opportunity for discussion afterward. Even our Christmas tree is a volunteer! Wednesday events It’s a 12-footer from the property of Gary After lunch at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Donna Pittman, who have generously in December, there are a variety of events. given trees since the Center’s beginning. Today, 12/12, is Wrapping Up a Good It is decorated with many handmade Read. Librarians Cheryl Sloan, Susanna ornaments from Center participants over Kahn and Georgia Edwards will come by the years, and it has a sweet assortment of the Senior Center to share book shopping toys nestled under the branches. Peek in at ideas for the holidays. There will be a lunch time or in the afternoon. (See the refreshments and book copies available times in the art viewing schedule.) attachment for purchase thanks to the Flying Pig Bookstore. December and January Art Exhibit In December and January, the Great Room is the perfect showcase for a wide variety of colorful quilts from members of the Champlain Valley Quilters Association. Somehow, on a cold winter’s day they are warming to look at—even though most of them are not intended to be used as coverlets. They fit so nicely with the Christmas tree in the corner and make the Center feel even more homey than usual. Thank you, talented quilters! Viewing Art Shows: Since the Center is utilized for many classes and events, the best times to see art shows in December are Tuesdays and Thursdays after 12:30 and Wednesdays and Fridays after 2:30. Please call the Center to check on Sunday availability. Coming in January On Wednesday at 1 p.m., Jan. 2, the workshop iPhone Help: Let’s Get Organized will be held. Tech Librarian
SENIOR CENTER MENUS Suggested donation for all meals: $5
Monday Munch
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. No reservations required.
December 17
Special chef’s choice by Guest Chef Roland from The Old Lantern
December 24
Closed for Christmas
Wednesday Lunch All diners eat at noon. Reservations required.
December 19 Tourtière Pineapple salsa Cream puff cake
December 26
Breakfast for lunch Holiday cookies & ice cream
Thursday Gents Breakfast
7:30–9 a.m. Reservations required.
December 13
Menu and Topic – TBA (Keep up to date on Menus with Front Porch Forum, as they sometimes change.)
Susanna Kahn will come to the Senior Center to show you how to use your iPhone (or iPad) calendar and reminder apps. (Everything is easy once you know how.) The program is free, but registration is required. On Jan. 9, at 1 p.m., Vince Crockenberg will present a slideshow history and discussion of Cuban-American relations, titled Cuba After Fidel. He contributed to the group presentation on Cuba last March, which was well-received. The talk is free, and no registration is necessary. Closing in December This holiday season, the Senior Center will be closed all day on Monday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday, Dec. 25. It will close early at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28, and will be closed all day on Monday, Dec. 31, and Tuesday, Jan. 1. In the case of bad weather, the Senior Center follows the school closings of the Champlain Valley School District. You can find this information at CVSDVT. org, on local TV and radio stations, and posted on the Senior Center’s new website: CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org. Recall the feeling of joy when you had snow days off as a child!
See you soon. ______________________ Charlotte Center (802)425-6345 CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org
The Charlotte News • December 12, 2018 • 23
Calendar Thursday, Dec. 13
Celebrate the Arts Night at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg from 6 to7:30 p.m. Enjoy a visual arts show of over 450 pieces created by students currently enrolled in CVU arts courses and from around the district, with work on display from Allen Brook, Williston Central, Shelburne Community, Hinesburg Elementary and Charlotte Central schools. Also on view will be practical art work made by technology education students, and fashion by basic clothing construction and fashion design students. Business students will share information about their collaboration with the Vermont Haiti Project and their upcoming trip to Haiti. Also you will be able to learn about and purchase advanced tickets for their annual Family Formal, benefiting MakeA-Wish Vermont. For more information contact abowker@cvsdvt.org.
Friday, Dec. 14
Carols of Many Lands at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Congregational Church, 403 Church Hill Road, Charlotte. All are welcome for this fun family sing-along. We will sing favorite carols from Russia, Poland, Spain, Austria, Germany and the U.S. Bring your friends and neighbors for this wonderful event as we sing for peace and good spirits around the world. After the sing-along, join us for some holiday goodies.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14, 15 and 16
Solaris Vocal Ensemble Holiday Concerts in three venues: Waterbury, Charlotte and Burlington. The choral ensemble, led by Artistic Director Dr. Dawn O. Willis, will be joined by a guest instrumentalist, Grammy-nominated, Vermont-based flutist Karen Kevra. Solaris also hosts, in its Waterbury concert, Harwood Union High School honors choir I Cantori. The concerts will be held on Friday, Dec. 14, at the Waterbury Congregational Church at 7:30 p.m.; on Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Charlotte Congregational Church at 7:30 p.m.; and
on Sunday, Dec. 16, at the College Street Congregational Church in Burlington at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors and students, infants under one year free. Tickets can be purchased at the Flynn Theatre Box Office (Flynntix. org) or at the door. Visit the Solaris website for more information and to purchase tickets: SolarisEnsemble.org. Solaris Vocal Ensemble is a Vermont-based chamber choir of mixed voices dedicated to creating exciting and meaningful performances of outstanding choral repertoire.
Saturday, Dec. 15
Vermont Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops at 7:30 p.m., Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo leads the orchestra and chorus in a festive program that ranges from an a cappella version of “Jingle Bells” to the blockbuster “Many Moods of Christmas.” We pay tribute to the late, great Robert De Cormier with three of his iconic arrangements and present the Vermont premiere of a sweet ballad, “Little Tree,” by Steve Murray. Never fear, the audience has a role to play…. And, of course, Holiday Pops can’t officially ring in the season without “Sleigh Ride.” Join us for the celebration! More information at vso.org. Over 200 Vermont Youth Orchestra Association (VYOA) musicians come together for OrchestraPalooza at 4 p.m. at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. A family favorite, this annual tradition showcases the talents of our region’s aspiring musicians. Players from our youngest string orchestra up through our flagship and most advanced ensemble perform a variety of masterpieces, including works by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvořák, and more. All performers take the stage together for a rousing finale, a highlight for audience and artist alike! For more information, call 802-655-5030 or visit vyo.org.
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Advent & Christmas Calendar
Lighting the Advent Wreath Each Sunday in December at 10 a.m. we will light candles of hope, peace, joy and love. Advent Hours of Sanctuary Church sanctuary open for prayer and meditation Monday, Dec. 17 from 5–7 p.m.
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Christmas Eve services Family candlelight service 4:30 p.m. Traditional candlelight service 7 p.m. _____________________ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church Spear Street, 425-2637 Sister parish: St. Jude’s Regular schedule of masses: Saturdays, 4:30 p.m., at St. Jude’s Sundays, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Sundays, 9:30 a.m., at St. Jude’s
BOOKS
continued from page 21
Photo by Katherine Arthaud And it goes on from there. I may read this book again it is so good. Hurricanes, concussions, alligators, floods, feral cats, bird-of-paradise flowers, dust, slime, mold, Nutella, a dead Quaker, lizards “frilling their long necks, doing pushups on the sidewalk”…sinkholes, climate change…“an Eden of dangerous things”…“a damp, dense tangle”… “snakes gazing at your mousy ankle and wondering what it would feel like to sink their fangs in deep”…boys chunking rocks into boiling waves…This book is vivid, violent (sometimes), and elegiac, windblown, storm-tossed and poetic. Somewhat reminiscent of the great Joy Williams (who I see also wrote, besides novels, a guidebook on the Florida Keys), this really is an excellent book. One of a kind. Well…so much for hygge. It is late and my fire has gone out and my dogs have given up on me and sought out other corners in which to sleep the night through. It’s time I do the same. Stay cozy. Get to Copenhagen if you ever have the chance. And be well. And don’t get too crazy about Christmas. Breathe. Till next time…
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and the friend’s mother to Montreal to hear Hillary Clinton talk about her new book, What Happened. The opening act was Louise Penny! Apparently she and Hillary are good friends. Sounds like they have some nice, hygge times together. If you haven’t yet read any Louise Penny, I highly recommend you get to it. Start with the first: Still Life. I think you will see what I mean about the hygge. Why is it that murder mysteries are so often hygge? Why is murder cozy? Who knows, but there is something decidedly hygge about Louise Penny, and Agatha Christie, and P.D. James, and certain other mystery writers as well. But Louise Penny, she’s the hygge-est. Interestingly, Penny explains in an epilogue that the main character of her series, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, is based on her husband, Michael, who recently passed away. Penny says that she thought that she would be unable to write another Gamache mystery, as her husband’s death had caused her so much pain and sadness. But somehow, one day, this book, Kingdom of the Blind, began itself— and voila…Gamache lives on. I love this. It makes me appreciate this mystery novel, and Louise Penny, even more. “In the kingdom of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” Grab your cocoa, your pooch, a blanket, and enjoy. And while we are on the subject of mysteries, I have done it: I have read Y is for Yesterday, finally completing the 25-volume series by Sue Grafton—something I have been loathe to do, because these books are so darned good, and there will never be a Z, never be another Kinsey Millhone mystery. It is over. And I am bereft. But Sue Grafton is in (hopefully hygge) heaven, communing with Agatha and P.D. and Michael Penny, who inspired an unforgettable chief inspector, as loving, loyal and sentimental as he is shrewd, dogged and clever. This Y book is one of Grafton’s best. It seems her style, her gift has deepened over time and many thousands of sentences, dialogues, scenes, plot twists and descriptions. Grafton is known as a writer who consistently broke the bonds of her genre. And I am not the only one who thinks she’s great. She was named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America and has won all kinds of awards. She died last year around this time. I will light a candle for her. Her books have changed my life. Another highly worthwhile book, not a mystery, is Florida, by Lauren Groff. This is a collection of stories, and it blew me away. Groff is the author of Fates and Furies (one of Obama’s favorite books, I heard, back in the day). I really liked Fates and Furies, and this one is quite different; more poetic, more stunning. The first story, “Ghosts and Empties,” begins: “I have somehow become a woman who yells, and because I do not want to be a woman who yells, whose little children walk around with frozen, watchful faces, I have taken to lacing on my running shoes after dinner and going out into the twilit streets for a walk, leaving the undressing and sluicing and reading and singing and tucking in of the boys to my husband, a man who does not yell.”
T