The
The nonprofit community news source since 1958
Charlotte News Wednesday, March 7, 2019 | Volume LXI Number 17
CharlotteNewsVT.org
Charlotte News
The
Vol. 61, no.17 March 7, 2019
On to the next phase
Sketch plan reviews closed on Charlotte Library addition and proposed Charlotte Health Center Juliann Phelps The February 21 Planning Commission agenda contained only three agenda items: a subdivision amendment for landowner Andrew Zins and sketch plan reviews for the Charlotte Library addition and for the proposed Charlotte Health Center (Masonvon Trapp application). Both the library and the Health Center plans were reviewed by the commission and subsequently motioned and voted unanimously to be closed. The library plan review was presented by library trustees Nan Mason and Robert Smith and supported by Selectboard member Fritz Tegatz. Mason noted that the new entrance to the library will be on the south side of the building, closer to the driveway, and that the addition would be the same height as the current building. She also spoke about the library’s efforts to become energy efficient, which includes working with the Energy Committee and Planning Commission member Marty Illick. Mason said, “We are looking into heat pumps as more energy-efficient heating. And we will also have solar panels, now that we will have a southfacing roof. This is to offset costs of the new space.” Commissioners asked questions about parking, lighting and storm-water runoff. Mason said that lighting and storm-water plans were just in the beginning stages and that one parking spot would be lost due to construction. The parking topic sparked discussion among Planning Commission Chair Peter Joslin, Planning Administrator Daryl Benoit and Tegatz, who acknowledged the wider problem of parking options in the West Village. “We need a comprehensive parking plan,” Joslin said. “Last time we talked about it, the cost of the study was pretty high. Selectboard members didn’t want to weigh in. It’s on the radar to promote the West Village.” Tegatz responded, “We looked at potential parking on Ferry Road three to four years ago. There’s energy (now) to come up with a parking plan for our village center.” After a bit of discussion, the motion to close the sketch plan was passed. As Mason and Smith were departing, Planning Commission member Richard Eastman remarked “Now you need to invent parking spaces and make water flow uphill.” Mason responded, smiling, “No problem.” see PLANNING page 14
Vermont’s oldest nonprofit community newspaper, bringing you local news and views since 1958
Town Meeting 2019 McCarren and Tenney win Selectboard seats; Charlotte voters approve Library bond and purchase of CVFR ambulance Melissa O’Brien Charlotte voters were feeling magnanimous on Town Meeting Day 2019, approving the Selectboard budget and voting favorably for a bond to support the expansion and renovation of the town library and the purchase of a new ambulance for CVFR. The Library bond vote passed with 629 of the total 870 votes cast, and the ambulance was supported by a wide margin as well, with 659 voters giving it the thumbs up. In the race for the two-year Selectboard position, Frank Tenney held his seat with 440 votes to Nancy Richardson’s 358. Louise McCarren was the victor in the three-way race for the 3-year Selectboard seat. She drew 332 votes, Jim Faulker, 313, and Ed Stone 174. Town Meeting 2019 got underway in the Multipurpose Room at Charlotte Central School at 9 am on Tuesday. Moderator Charles Russell opened the meeting with the standard practice of explaining the purpose of the gathering and the rules of engagement. Approximately 100 town citizens were in attendance. State Representative Mike Yantachka was the morning’s first speaker, warming things up with a request that voters complete a survey he had created regarding Legislature issue-related questions. Yantachka then spoke on the subject of climate change. Nancy Wood, head of the Committee on Affordable Housing, stood next, with questions and concerns around the inactivity in regard to the issue of affordable and senior housing in Charlotte. Selectboard members Lane Morrison and Carrie Spear explained that more time and research was needed
Members of the Selectboard honor outgoing Chairman Lane Morrison. Photo by Melissa O’Brien
before moving forward. Selectboard member Matthew Krasnow took a few moments to honor minutestaker Kathy Furr for her many years of service as she has retired her pencil at the close of Town Meeting 2019. Outgoing Selectboard Chair Lane Morrison was recognized for his two terms of service with a gallon of maple syrup and a standing ovation. Morrison promised to reappear in other ways in the workings of the town. “Duly warned,” Moderator Russell quipped. Article One: to hear the reports of the town officers and to act upon the same, passed without incident. Article Two was ushered in swiftly as well: the town voted to have property taxes payable on or before November 15, 2019.
Voters complete the process at the check-out table.
Photo by Melissa O’Brien
Article Three was introduced about 30 minutes into the meeting and came to a close with an affirmative vote two and half hours later. Voters approved “the Selectboard’s budget of $3,264,779 for the fiscal year July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 of which an anticipated sum of $1,881,785 will be raised by taxes and an anticipated sum of $1,382,994 will be raised by non-tax.” In accordance with the town charter, the approved budged won’t go into effect until it’s put to voters by Australian ballot in April. During discussion of Article Three, voters heard from members of the Charlotte Library regarding the proposed renovation and expansion and members of Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue, in regards, to the intended purchase of a new ambulance and equipment to replace a 2006 ambulance. Tree Warden Mark Dillenbeck and local tree expert Greg Ranallo of Teachers Tree Service, spoke on the subject of the Emerald Ash Borer and Charlotte trees. Questions, comments and discussion ran the gamut on all fronts. Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Business Manager Patrice Machavern gave a comprehensive presentation about the work and services of our volunteer fire and (paid) rescue women and men, the kinds of hours they devote to training and how fortunate we are to have such a skilled group in our community. She spoke about the necessity of keeping the equipment they use to save our lives and buildings up to date and in good condition. Discussion around the proposed Charlotte Library expansion and see VOTING page 2
2 • March 7, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Town
Never too young for Town Meeting.
VOTING continued from page 1
Photo by Melissa O’Brien
renovation was led by Board member Danielle Menk, with questions ranging from the different funding sources to the possibility of integrating alternative alternative energy concepts into the project. Discussion of Article Three wound down with a detailed proposed amendment made by Mary Mead to reduce the overall Selectboard budget by $157,500. The motion failed, and three hours into the meeting Article Three was approved. The town voted to authorize the Selectboard to borrow money by issuance of bonds or notes not in excess of anticipated revenues for the next fiscal year (Article Four), and Under the topic of “any other business,” Article Five, a move was made to approve the Charlotte Climate Solutions Resolution; the motion passed. Valerie Graham made a suggestion that the town consider the adoption of instant runoff voting in future situations in which there is a three-person race, and John Kerr made an advisory motion that the town eliminate the property tax on the Masonic Lodge; this motion failed. The 2019 Charlotte Town Meeting was adjourned at three hours and twenty minutes. It can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.vermontcam.org/series/ charlotte-town-meeting.
Raven Ridge Natural Area Trail Closure Notice The Nature Conservancy owns and manages the 365-acre Raven Ridge Natural Area, spanning the towns of Charlotte, Monkton, and Hinesburg. Visitors can enjoy walking on the trails year-round at Raven Ridge. However, from March 1st to June 15th, a portion of the hiking trail at the top of the ridge will be closed. In the spring, the ridge provides important habitat for ravens and bobcats who are raising their young during this time. The rocky outcrops offer prime nesting habitat for ravens and the rock formations create caves and shelter which host known bobcat dens. These animals are particularly vulnerable to disturbance at this time, so we ask that you please stay off of the closed portion of the trail. The fully accessible boardwalk, accessible trail, and much of the rest of the hiking trail going through the preserve and up to “The Oven” and first lookout is still open! As always at Raven Ridge, please leave your pets at home. Thank you to our visitors for letting nature come first.
Correction The February 20 Sports News featured a photo of Makkena Boyd that had her name spelled incorrectly.
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 Contributing Photographers: Lee Krohn and Ramiro Garay Business Staff Ad manager: Elizabeth Langfeldt (ads@thecharlottenews.org) Bookkeeper: Jessica Lucia (billing@thecharlottenews.org) Board Members President: Vince Crockenberg (vince@thecharlottenews.org) Vice President: Rick Detwiler Treasurer: Ted LeBlanc (treasurer@thecharlottenews.org) Board members: Bob Bloch, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli, Tom Tiller, Dave Quickel, Louise McCarren Website: thecharlottenews.org Subscription Information The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all Charlotte residences. Subscriptions are available for first-class delivery at $40 per calendar year. Want a subscription? Please send a check payable to The Charlotte News, P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445. Postmaster/Send address changes to: The Charlotte News P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 Telephone: 425-4949 Circulation: 3,000 Copyright © 2019 The Charlotte News, Inc. Member of the New England Newspaper and Press Association and the Vermont Press Association.
ON THE COVER: CCS eighth graders Coco Eyre and Sylvie Miller kick it on the playground
Photo by Caroline Swayze
The Charlotte News • March 7w, 2019 • 3
Around Town Congratulations to the CCS finalists in the Scripps Spelling Bee held recently. Emma Metzler (5th grade) emerged as the School Champion after 26 rounds. We also congratulate the other 17 finalists: Leigh Cullen, Julia Lollis, Kenneth Santor, Ryder Jones, JP Novak, Oliver Smith, Jenny Blanshine, Deidre Higgins, Matthew Lollis, Elizabeth Nostrand, Abbey Pitcavage, Nik Blasius, William Lollis, Luke Sampson, Harry Evans, Grace McNally and Hadley Stockwell. to the CCS students who competed in the regional Math Counts competition at UVM and qualified for the state competition at Vermont Technical College in Randolph this coming weekend. All eighth graders, they are: Emma Jemley, Joe Jacobs, Grace McNally and Jadin Brown. to Jonas Powell, formerly of Charlotte, now a graduate student at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, who has been recognized by the college for his photographic talents even though his master’s will be in astronomy/physics. The sports department discovered his photographic talents when he was a freshman, and Jonas became the department’s official photographer. Amanda Herzberger, who owns Orchard Cove Photography in Charlotte, sparked Jonas’ desire to produce visual art while he was still in middle school, and she guided him through his 8th-grade project. His design talents have been on display in downtown Burlington via a large stencil portrait of Bob Marley on St. Paul Street. So, between photography, graffiti and stencil art plus astro-physics, Jonas appears to have developed a view of the world through a variety of media. He is the son of Tom Powell and Wendy Bratt of Charlotte. to the Clemmons’ family of Charlotte (husband and wife, Jackson and Lydia, and daughter Lydia) who since Jackson’s retirement from the UVM Medical School faculty have devoted a good deal of time, energy and money to creating a visual restoration of their farm in Charlotte and
making an educational setting for Black culture, linked to the National African American Museum. The February 20 Seven Days did a piece on the Clemmons’ barn restoration, noting that pieces of their art work collected during work trips to Africa are on display at the Amy Tarrant Gallery in Burlington. to two companies with Charlotte roots that have made it a point to hire immigrant workers. The companies, Lake Champlain Chocolates and Rhino Foods, were cited in Seven Days in February as two among a number of companies that have discovered that the business could grow in proportion to how well they attract immigrant workers. Rhino owner Ted Castle was quoted in the article as saying that the company’s ability to hire 30 new people in the past few months probably would not have been possible “if we were not the employer of choice for new Americans.” Ted’s work force of 210 employees is now more than one-third foreign born. to Ella Beerworth, 14 years old, of Charlotte, whose poem “Dreaming” appeared in the March 1 issue of the Burlington Free Press as part of the Young Writers Project. Responding to a general theme, Ella tells her charge that while she is stuck in the stars, her charge’s soul is planted on Mars. She urges each other to use stars as stepping-stones to the moon. to UVM grad from Charlotte, Addison Zinner, now a member of the university’s Department of Student Life, who received 1st place award in the Addison Zinner Association of Colleges’ Union International (ACUI) design competition. ACUI is a non-profit organization that brings together college union professionals and student activities directors from hundreds of schools in seven countries. Addison’s award fell into the category of “Steal This Idea.”
To Dr. Ronda Moore of Charlotte who was named to the “Intellectual Property Trailblazers” for 2019 by the National Law Journal. A partner in the law firm Burns & Levinson with offices in Boston, Providence and throughout the region, Dr. Moore has focused on patent law, particularly in medical diagnostics, interventional medical devices and therapeutics. She has been listed annually among the “Best Lawyers in America – Biotechnology Law & Patent Law” since 2014.
Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Janett A. Bothwell of Charlotte who died February 25 at the age of 80. She was born in Charlotte to Alice and Howard McDurfee. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Loraine Moureau, and her son James Bothwell III. Her surviving family includes son Kevin Bothwell and his wife, Sheila, sons Dillion, Damien and Keagan Bothwell as well as a daughter Kayla Bothwell, all of Charlotte. Her grandson Philip lives in Charlotte and has been her caregiver. Her daughter Loralyn lives with her fiancé John McCaffrey in Monkton. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the McClure Miller Respite House, 1331 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446. is extended to family and friends of Lorraine Tupper Pecor of Burlington who died February 26 at the age of 100. Her surviving family includes her son Raymond C. Pecor, Jr. and his wife, Jean, and her
grandsonTrey Pecor and The family asks that those wishing to make donations in her memory consider the JKV (John Knox Village) Employee Gift Fund or the Employee Scholarship Fund of JKV, 651 Village Drive, Pompano Beach, FL 33060, or to a charity of the giver’s choice.
Town Bite In an article in last week’s Seven Days, Adam Hausmann, owner of Adam’s Berry Farm, explained why his moved he moved his business from Burlington’s Intervale to East Charlotte. He picked the high spot in reaction to lowland flooding that occurred with increasing frequency in the Intervale. The Charlotte site had adequate water and drainage plus good airflow. Change in climate created a new problem last year, however. Due to a lack of rain, Adam’s blueberry crop was particularly hard hit, withering on the plants. Blueberry and strawberry seasons have been particularly susceptible to the climate changes, with strawberries that used to appear in mid June now showing up in late May. Adam says that, while consumers may not mind, farmers find it risky, and while we can grow raspberries in high tunnel hoop houses, “we can’t put nine acres of blueberries under cover.”
IS THERE ROOM
FOR IMPROVEMENT IN YOUR WI-FI?
Are there rooms in your home that get a weak Wi-Fi signal — or no coverage at all? You need Whole Home Wi-Fi. Our Whole Home Wi-Fi uses multiple Access Points placed at strategic locations around your home to expand coverage, eliminate dead spots, and provide great performance for all of your streaming devices. Starting as low as $10.90* per month, plus installation.
CALL 800-496-3391 TODAY TO LEARN MORE! *Whole Home Wi-Fi requires Green Mountain Access high-speed Internet service and a modem/router. Installation fee apply.
3898 Main Street • 800-496-3391 www.greenmountainaccess.net
Cornerstone Group © 2018
Edd Merritt
4 • March 7, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Report From The Legislature
A push for clean energy Town Meeting week marks the halfway point in the legislative session. We are approaching an important date called “crossover” set for March 15. In order to Mike Yantachka be passed by the STATE REP. House and sent to the Senate in time for their consideration, any bill not voted out of committee by that date is put on hold for this session. Since this is only four days after we return from the Town Meeting break, I expect we’ll have a very busy week. The focus of the Energy and Technology Committee has been primarily on improving access to high speed broadband, especially in rural communities. In addition, our committee provided input to the Appropriations Committee on broadband, Information Technology, and energy-related expenditures. Our IT recommendations support administrative efficiencies as well as an increased attention to cybersecurity. Our concerns about climate change and the increase in Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from transportation (43%) and heating (24%), also led us to recommend doubling the assistance for low- and moderate-income home weatherization and tripling the Governor’s recommendation for electric vehicle (EV) incentives. Vermont’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income Vermonters to lower their energy burden (the percent of their income spent on heat and other home energy uses). It also provides significant health and safety benefits and educates recipients about managing their energy use. It is funded by a 2 cent per gallon tax on home heating and diesel fuel and a 0.75% tax on natural gas and raises about $6 million per year. Combined with funding from the federal Department of Energy, about 860 homes per year can be weatherized to reduce their fossil fuel consumption and heating expenses.
The need is much higher, however. The Weatherization Assistance Program has extremely long waiting lists across the state. Because of the understandable prioritization to serve the lowest income families first, many eligible, low-income Vermonters are waiting years to be served while thermal energy continues to be wasted, unnecessary amounts of fossil fuels are burned, and Vermonters continue to live in cold, unhealthy and dangerous conditions. Our recommendation is to double the fuel and natural gas taxes over two years and dedicate a third of the increased revenues for assistance to moderate-income households as well. To reduce emissions from transportation, Governor Scott recommended $1.5M for point of sale rebates on new and used EVs in his budget proposal. Last July Vermont received a $6.5M consumer fraud settlement from Volkswagen for air pollution violations of which $2.9M was refunded to consumers and $3.6M was transferred to the General Fund. Vermont will also receive a settlement of $907,000 from a similar lawsuit against Fiat-Chrysler and Bosch in March. Our committee voted to recommend that these revenues be dedicated to EV and Hybrid EV incentives, increasing the amount to $4.3M and replacing thousands of less fuel-efficient vehicles. With four working days to vote an energy bill out of committee, we will try to combine several small bills to make community solar net metering projects more available for residential as well as municipal and school district use. It is also likely that we will be voting on the House proposal for a paid family leave insurance program (H.107). I am very happy to have been able to meet with constituents during my “office hours” at the Charlotte Library and at Spear’s Store in East Charlotte. Look for the next “office hours” opportunity on Front Porch Forum. 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.
Town PLANNING continued from page 1
Dave Marshall of Civil Engineering Associates presents the proposed Mason-vonTrapp sketch plan to the Planning Commission. Photo by Juliann Phelps
The next agenda item, the Mason-von Trapp sketch plan, was presented by Dr. Andrea Regan, Charlotte Health Center, and Dave Marshall, principal engineer, Civil Engineering Associates. Several involved landowners were also in attendance. Regan opened the discussion by highlighting her efforts negotiating with CVFRS and an adjacent landowner to help the project move forward. This included discussing concerns with CVFRS about sharing a driveway and agreeing to “No Parking, Fire Lane” signage along the proposed Mason Way. In addition, the owner of land adjacent to the Mason parcel agreed to an easement on a corner of their property. Regan then invited Marshall to take over the presentation, saying, “I felt the next level is very technical, and it’s most helpful to have him here today leading these conversations. We feel we are working backwards and that the building will be
designed around the space.” According to Marshall, the town’s land-use regulations require that the parcel be treated as having two frontages with specific setbacks. Discussion continued on the setbacks for the proposed Mason Way as well as the layout of the proposed 20-space parking lot. Planning Commission member Gerald Bouchard asked if there was anything to be gained by angled parking spaces, and Mr. Eastman asked about how storm-water runoff would be dealt with. Prior to the close of the sketch plan review, Marshall offered to come back to show the parking lot options to the commission. “before we’ve done the heavy lifting on the plat.” Last, the East Charlotte Village District (ECVD) Boundary agenda item was rescheduled for March 21, as the previous meeting was canceled due to inclement weather.
STEPHENSDavidFStephens, AMILY DENTISTRY DMD • • • •
STEPHENS FAMILY DENTISTRY
Cleanings • Root Canals DMD • Extractions David Stephens, Fillings • Dental Emergencies • Teeth Whitening • Cleanings • Root Canals • Extractions Sealants ••Bridges • Dentures • Fillings Dental Emergencies • Teeth Whitening TEPHENS AMILY TEPHENS AMILY ENTISTRY ENTISTRY • Sealants Bridges • Dentures Dental Implants ••Crowns • Veneers
SS
• Dental Implants
DD FStephens,DMD David Stephens, David DMD • Crowns
• Veneers
Serving Chittenden andSurrounding Surrounding Serving ChittendenCounty County and AreasAreas New Patients Welcome New Patients Always Always Welcome Conveniently Located Most Insurances Accepted ServingChittenden Chittenden County and Areas Conveniently Located -- Most Insurances Serving County andSurrounding Surrounding AreasAccepted Cleanings • •Cleanings Fillings • •Fillings Sealants • •Sealants • Dental Implants • Dental Implants
82
• Root • Root Canals Canals • Dental • Dental Emergencies Emergencies • Bridges • Bridges • Crowns • Crowns
•• Extractions Extractions •• Teeth Whitening Teeth Whitening •• Dentures Dentures • Veneers • Veneers
New Patients Always Welcome
New Patients Always Welcome VT 05461 82 Ballards Corner Road Conveniently Located - MostHinesburg, Insurances Accepted VT 05461 Ballards Corner Road Hinesburg, Conveniently Located Insurances Accepted PO Box 592 |Most 802-482-3155 82 Ballards Corner Road Hinesburg, VT 05461 82 Ballards Corner Hinesburg, VT 05461 PO Box 592Road | 802-482-3155 PO Box 592 | 802-482-3155 PO Box 592 | 802-482-3155
• Winter Storage
(contracts available at the Ship’s Store)
• Decommissioning/Winterization by our factory trained technicians • Shrink Wrapping • Ship’s Store fully stocked for the “do-it-yourselfer” 1401 Thompsons Point Road, Charlotte | 802-425-2431 | PointBayMarina.com
The Charlotte News • March 7, 2019 • 5
Town
Happenings at The Grange
After several months of very successful Open Mic events, the Charlotte Grange Hall will not only continue to host events but will be adding, starting in April, Showcase Open Mic nights once a month on Friday evenings. These Friday evening events will showcase three musicians who have performed at one or more open mic events and who will play a 30-minute set. Like the Open Mic events, these will also start at 6:30 p.m. (See dates for all scheduled below.) To sign up for an Open Mic event or ask about the Showcase Open Mic, contact Mike Walker at mjwalker@gmavt.net. All of the Open Mic and Showcase events are free to attend; donations to help defray the cost of heat and electricity for the Grange Hall are welcomed. In addition, March 9 will see a Mardi Gras party at the Grange Hall, with music provided by the Silver Leviathan Band. Food will also be provided. This event,
held on a Saturday afternoon from 4 to 6, will be a great way to break up the long winter in Vermont and usher in the start of the Lenten season. Suggested donation for Mardi Gras party is $25 for families and $10 individual, with a $5 discount if you bring a dish to share! You will also want to save the date of June 21, as we will be holding “A Midsummer Waltz.” Open Mic events: Tuesdays, March 19, April 16 and May 21 Showcase Mic Events: Fridays, April 12, May 3 and June 7. And a big thank you to Preston’s Excavating and Ward Preston for his donation of plowing at our Grange parking lot this winter so we can have these music events! If you love music and it helps to restore your soul, mark your calendars!
The Sugar House Run band entertained a full house Sunday afternoon at the Charlotte Grange Hall. Michael Ryan on guitar, Dan Wyman on fiddle, Michael Fortin on upright bass, and George Seymore on banjo played and sang bluegrass tunes to a very appreciate audience. Photo contributed
Business Directory To advertise email us at ads@thecharlottenews.org 4281 Shelburne Rd. Shelburne, VT 05482 Office: 985-2453 titus@titusinsurance.net www. titusinsurance.net Insurance for: Home • Auto • Business • Motorcycle • Renters • Condo Farm • Boat • Recreational Vehicles
Could you use a helping hand?
Armistead Senior Care provides premium, non-medical in-home care such as: companionship, transportation, personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders and more to seniors and those living with disabilities in a variety of settings.
Call today for a FREE Needs Assessment:
1-802-489-5682
rsak@gmavt.net • rvgelectric. www.armisteadinc.com com
Rick Gomez
Master Electrician for 35 years years for over over 25
RVG Electrical Services, LLC Bristol Road, Bristol, Fully3317 Licensed and Insured, noVT job05443 too small
Phone: 802-453-3245 Cell: 802-233-9462
rvgelectric@gmail.com rsak@gmavt.net rvgelectric.com
BRUSHHOGGING by Adam
● Backhoe
● FieLd
Mowing ● chain sawing ● deLivery/hauL away ● Lawn Mowing
(802) 578-8347
6 • March 7, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Town
Food Shelf News
What about your kitchen food scraps? Call to complete a Charlotte survey
As you may be aware, beginning July 1, 2020, household food scraps will be banned from landfill disposal under Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law (Act 148). Two key goals of this law are to reduce food waste and to keep naturally decomposing organic materials out of the landfill, putting them to beneficial use as food for animals, food for local or regional composting, or food for renewable energy production. The Charlotte representatives to the Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) Board and the Charlotte Selectboard seek your input regarding local food scraps recovery and management. Home composting is the least expensive option for managing food waste and has the lowest environmental impact, with benefits for your home garden/landscape. But not everyone is in a position to do this. We are interested in developing additional local options that will help every Charlotte household comply with Vermont’s vision of recycling food and
yard wastes back into our soils. For example, would you like to share food scraps with other people’s chickens? Or do you think it’s a good idea to create local dropoff locations for food scraps collection, either for local composting or to be hauled to Green Mountain Compost in Williston? Your survey responses will inform our next steps, with enough lead time to get some local systems in place before July 2020. The survey may be completed online from a link on the Town of Charlotte website: https://www.charlottevt.org/. Paper surveys are available at Town Hall, the Charlotte Library, the Senior Center, Spear’s Corner Store, the Little Garden Market and the Old Brick Store. Please submit by March 19, 2019. It takes less than 10 minutes. Thank you for your time. If you have questions or comments, please contact Abby Foulk, Charlotte representative to CSWD Board of Commissioners, at afoulk@gmavt.net.
Shelburne
Right HEAR. Right NOW.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers this March weather observation: When March has April weather, April will have March weather. So maybe we shouldn’t hope too strenuously for warm weather—yet. The Amelia Earhart observation below is inspiring. Kurt Vonnegut is a bit more direct: God damn it, you’ve got to be kind. ~ God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater Thank you We’re sending out rays—and roots—of gratitude to Deborah Cook, Anne Castle, Colleen Armstrong, Eileen Schilling and Janet Morrison for their financial help. Wish list The next time you go shopping for groceries, think about adding some afterschool snacks for kids. On the Food Shelf wish list: Rice Crispies, Cheerios, pudding cups. We also have a need for vegetable oil and toothpaste. Important distribution dates at the Charlotte Congregational Church Wednesdays, March 13, 27: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, March 14, 28: 7:30 to 9 a.m. 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 425-3252. Donations We are a volunteer organization, so all donations you make to the Food Shelf go directly for food 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 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. Baked goods for the Hunger is Hard (Baking is Easy) group can be dropped off on the Wednesday distribution dates by noon at the Congregational Church or at Holly Rochefort’s house at 86 Spear Street, where a bin sits on the porch. The Charlotte Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry. Distribution days and times are posted on bulletin boards in the Charlotte Congregational Church Hall, at the Charlotte Library and at the Charlotte Senior Center. You may also call the Food Shelf number (425-3252) for a recording of the distribution times.
HAVE YOU HEARD? Adirondack Audiology has helped the North Country hear for over 30 years!
HEARING TESTS
BALANCE TESTING
TINNITUS EVALUATIONS & CARE
HEARING AID SALES & REPAIR
Adirondack Audiology Hearing and Balance Centers Keith P. Walsh, Au.D. Audiologist
Now accepting new patients
(802) 922-9545 • www.AdirondackAudiology.com
NEW LOCATION!
10 Marsett Drive, Shelburne, VT 05482
Photo by Meg Berlin
A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. – Amelia Earhart
The Charlotte News • March 7, 2019 • 7 NOTICE OF VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS AND OF TOWN OFFICIAL POSITIONS February, 2019
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE REMOVAL OF ASH TREES ON LAKE ROAD BETWEEN THOMPSON’S POINT ROAD & FERRY ROAD
The following boards and positions currently have unfilled seats: • Thompson’s Point Design Review Committee (1 seat; term ending 2022) • Trails Committee (1 seat; term ending 2021) • West Charlotte Village Wastewater Advisory Committee (1 seat; term ending 2020) • Zoning Board—Alternate (1 seat; term ending 2022) • Fire Warden (term ending April 30, 2020) • Fence Viewer (term ending April 30, 2020) The following boards and positions have seats with terms ending April 30, 2019: • Conservation Commission (2 seats; 4-year term) • Energy Committee (3 seats; 2-year term) • Planning Commission (2 seats; 4-year term) • Recreation Commission (3 seats; 3-year term) • Thompson’s Point Wastewater Advisory Committee (3 seats; 3-year term) • Trails Committee (4 seats; 2-year term) • Zoning Board (2 seats; 3-year term) • West Charlotte Village Wastewater Advisory Committee (3 seats; 2-year term) • Tree Warden (1-year term) • Emergency Management Director (1-year term) If you are interested in serving the Town by participating in any of these capacities please send a short statement explaining your interest and relevant background information by Friday, March 15, to Dean Bloch, town administrator, at dean@townofcharlotte.com. If you have questions, please email or call 425-3071 ext. 5, or stop by Town Hall.
The
To Advertise in
Charlotte News
Contact ads@TheCharlotteNews.org
MARCH 18, 2019, 7 P.M. AT CHARLOTTE TOWN HALL 159 Ferry Road Reasonable accommodation shall be provided upon request to ensure this meeting is accessible to all individuals regardless of disability. Pursuant to Title 24 §2509 V.S.A., the Charlotte tree warden will hold a public hearing on March 18, 2019, at 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Town Hall to consider the proposed removal of ash trees on Lake Road between Thompson’s Point Road and Ferry Road Questions may be directed to Town Administrator Dean Bloch at 425-3071 ext. 5 or dean@townofcharlotte.com or to Tree Warden Mark Dillenbeck at 425-2106 or mark@ocmmr.com. NOTICE OF VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS AND OF TOWN OFFICIAL POSITIONS February, 2019 The following boards and positions currently have unfilled seats: • Thompson’s Point Design Review Committee (1 seat; term ending 2022) • Trails Committee (1 seat; term ending 2021) • West Charlotte Village Wastewater Advisory Committee (1 seat; term ending 2020) • Zoning Board—Alternate (1 seat; term ending 2022) • Fire Warden (term ending April 30, 2020) • Fence Viewer (term ending April 30, 2020) The following boards and positions have seats with terms ending April 30, 2019: • Conservation Commission (2 seats; 4-year term) • Energy Committee (3 seats; 2-year term) • Planning Commission (2 seats; 4-year term) • Recreation Commission (3 seats; 3-year term) • Thompson’s Point Wastewater Advisory Committee (3 seats; 3-year term) • Trails Committee (4 seats; 2-year term) • Zoning Board (2 seats; 3-year term) • West Charlotte Village Wastewater Advisory Committee (3 seats; 2-year term) • Tree Warden (1-year term) • Emergency Management Director (1-year term) If you are interested in serving the Town by participating in any of these capacities please send a short statement explaining your interest and relevant background information by Friday, March 15, to Dean Bloch, town administrator, at dean@ townofcharlotte.com. If you have questions, please email or call 425-3071 ext. 5, or stop by Town Hall.
South Starksboro, VT Homeowner Recommends Bristol Electronics Bristol Electronics installed our 20 panels quickly, efficiently, courteously and just the way we wanted them. Our roof is a difficult one due to our post-andbeam construction, but nevertheless, the crew was friendly, informative and just great people. Then even in the cloud cover, we began immediately to generate electricity! Furthermore (and most importantly for others deciding to install solar), the price was fair, competitive and honest. If we had another home, I’d want them to put the solar panels on that one, too! We recommend solar and Bristol Electronics without reservation! Lawrence & Cynthia Jones ~ South Starksboro
802 . 453 . 2500 BristolElectronicsVT.com FREE SITE EVALUATIONS
8 • March 7, 2019 • The Charlotte News
SIGN-UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! Get the latest news once a week. send your request to: news@ thecharlottenews.org
Real Estate News
Looking to buy a home? Make sure to get pre-approved first
The pre-approval or pre-qualification process is one of the most crucial parts of purchasing a home and yet it seems to be the part many buyers are most hesitant about. What I Heather Morse haven’t deterCONTRIBUTOR mined is why they don’t want to see what they can be approved for but want to see houses they potentially can’t afford. I think many people picture having to take time off from work to go meet with a lender, and they are nervous they won’t like what they hear. The truth is many lenders will have office hours on weekends or can help you over the phone or by email. In addition, lenders have enough knowledge that, if you can’t be pre-approved at that moment, they can help explain what needs to be done to get you a mortgage. This could be anything from saving more money, building your credit or paying down debts. If buyers are avoiding speaking with lenders until they feel they have enough of any of the above, they could be wasting time focusing on the wrong part. Even though it’s not fun to be told “no,” talking to someone with the expertise to get you where you want to go, sooner rather than later, could expedite your entire process.
No one should see homes without being pre-approved, and no seller should accept an offer that doesn’t include a pre-approval letter. The current market is very active, with many homes selling in under a month. The best buyers are prepared to write an offer before walking in the door. It is not uncommon for seller’s agent to ask buyer’s agent if the buyer has been pre-approved before allowing a showing. This protects the seller from not only disappointment, but also their time. Many sellers spend hours preparing their homes for showings after receiving showing requests and have to take time out of their lives to find somewhere to go during the showings. If you as a buyer haven’t completed the pro-approval process, it’s not polite to expect someone else to do all that work when there is a
chance you can’t buy the house even if you want to. The pre-approval process protects you as buyer—your time and energy are valuable too. A lender can give you details about the loans you have access to in less than 30 minutes if you have the appropriate documents in hand. Not everyone can be approved for an RD or FHA loan, or even a conventional loan. No one should plan to use the 0% down loan without knowing if their income qualifies, and no one should plan on a conventional loan without knowing if they have a high enough credit score. Buyers should have enough respect for themselves to not want to spend hours looking at homes just to fall in love with one and find out they can’t be approved for it. Lastly, each loan type will have different requirements for each home being purchased. For example, you can’t use an RD (0% down) loan to purchase a home that needs rehab. So, when a buyer talks to a lender they should clarify what type of loan they have been approved for so they view only homes that meet the requirements. Depending on your situation you could be approved for a broad spectrum of loans and see any house you want, but this is a discussion you should have with your lender. So, get pre-approved! Save time and disappointment—you won’t be disappointed when your dream home has been listed and you can write an offer without hesitation. Heather Morse is a realtor with Green Tree Real Estate and can be reached at heather@vermontgreentree.com.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS Feb. 4 Carrol Taggart to Joshua and Andrea Estey, 18.41 acres with dwelling, 1484 Lime Kiln Road, $430,000. Feb. 6 Hergenrother Construction LLC to Douglas and Nicole Campbell, 1.14 acres with dwelling, 105 Partridge Lane, $494,500. Feb. 25 Andrew Feinberg and Francine Stephens to Leandro Vazquez, 1.75 acres with dwelling, $850,000.
Likeness Only
1820 VT Vernacular Farmhouse
Chris von Trapp, REALTOR® (802) 343-4591 ChrisvonTrapp.com
4 bedroom, 2 bath Colonial Foursquare home - a magical mix of old and new featuring a country kitchen, 300-watt solar array, barn & workshop! $294,750 | MLS# 4699019
Renovated Vermont Barn to Home 37 Acres in the Heart of Charlotte
State of the Art Construction
This sturdy barn has been renovated into a 4 bedroom, 3 bath home loaded with warmth & charm. Sited on 7.5 acres this is a must-see property!
One-time opportunity for a Charlotte Village Development Plan on this 37-acre parcel with multi-use zoning and onsite septic soils.
Striking Contemporary with European Flair constructed using the latest energy-efficient technology.Lake Champlain and Adirondack Mountain views!
$469,000 | MLS# 4312672
$730,000 | MLS# 4700327
$1,297,400 | MLS# 4736704
Chris is an award-winning Realtor® and a proud member of the von Trapp family, depicted in the movie, The Sound of Music.
The Charlotte News • March 7, 2019 • 9
Charlotte Library News messages) pop off the page! Inspired by these magical mechanisms, we will create some beautiful cards to wow friends and family on birthdays and other special occasions. No prior experience required but please call the library to sign up. For 16 through adult.
Margaret Woodruff DIRECTOR
The Library received a letter of recognition last week from Governor Phil Scott, thanking us for putting together the mental health conversation panels last month. It was great to know that people around and about notice what we are doing! What matters most, though, is if you feel the library is doing what it needs to be doing. We would welcome the chance to offer programs, provide resources and host conversations, so drop us a line to let us know what matters to you and how we can work together. In the meantime, take a look at what’s on offer as we move into March! STEAM Make Your Own Book, Part 1 Thursday, March 7, at 3:15 p.m. Make your own books and journals! This class will cover the essential skills needed to create beautiful books—sewing and folding. Practicing these skills, you will make a personal diary with a ribbon tie and a back-to-back BFF book to share with a friend. For grades 4-8. Registration required. Please call the library to sign up. Pop-in & Pop-up Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m. Pop in for a relaxing evening and enjoy a look at the library’s exclusive pop-up book collection. Enjoy festive refreshments and a chance to peek at our amazing pop-up books, from children’s favorites to artistic expressions. All of these books are for sale, and proceeds to the Friends of the Charlotte Library for library programs and collections. Story Time Tuesdays: Baby Time at 9 a.m. Join us at the Charlotte Library to share and enjoy songs and stories for babies and their caregivers. Preschool Story Time at 10:30 a.m. Drop-in sessions with stories, crafts, songs & fun. For ages 3 to 5.
Walking Each Other Home Book Discussion Mondays, March 11, 18, 25 & April 1, 10-11:30 a.m. Taken from Ram Dass’s 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. Meets at Charlotte Senior Center. Note: This is a repeat offering of the January book group. Drawdown Book Discussion Mondays, March 11, 18 & April 1 & 8 at 7 p.m. The Charlotte Library joins the New York Library Association for a reading of Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. The book provides our community with the opportunity to come together in conversation around sciencebased solutions that can help them take purposeful action with focus. Co-sponsored with the Charlotte Energy Committee. Copies of Drawdown available at the library circulation desk. Cabin Fever Book Club/Breakout EDU Tuesdays, March 12 through April 2. Meet up at the CCS Library to share your favorite books and get creative with some fun and crafty book projects. For grades 5-8. Sign up through the Charlotte Central School Library. Paper Engineering & Pop-Up Art Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. Learn several simple mechanisms that will make your artwork (or heartfelt
Seed Library Session: Getting the Most from Your Vegetable Garden Wednesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. Don’t miss the next Seed Library support session on Wednesday, March 13, 7–8:30 p.m. at Charlotte Library: Getting the Most from your Vegetable Garden—Planning and Design. Master Gardener Karen Tuininga will guide us through simple ways to increase the productivity of our gardens through thoughtful design and layout, companion planting, caring for your soil, and extending the season. Beginning and experienced gardeners welcome. STEAM Make Your Own Book, Part 2 Thursday, March 14, at 3:15 p.m. Make MORE of your own books and journals! Learn an easy way to make a beautiful hard-covered book you can use as an album, a sketchbook or to write your first novel! For grades 4-8. Registration required. Please call the library to sign up.
Looking for information about the library addition? Stop in to get the latest details about our plans! Charlotte Library Board of Trustees: Katharine Cohen, Nan Mason, Danielle Conlon Menk, Jonathan Silverman and Robert Smith. Next Library Board Meeting: Thursday, March 7, at 2:15 p.m. Charlotte Library Contact Information: Margaret Woodruff, Director Cheryl Sloan, Youth Services Librarian Susanna Kahn, Tech Services Librarian HOURS: Mondays & Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reach us on the web at charlottepubliclibrary.org. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/charlottelibraryvt. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram: @CharlotteVTLib.
10 • March 7, 2019 • The Charlotte News TOWN OF CHARLOTTE SELECTBOARD NOTICE OF CONTINUATION OF 1ST PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED TOWN PLAN
Foreign exchange students enjoy winter fun
Pursuant to 24 V.S.A. Section 4385, the Charlotte Selectboard will continue its first public hearing to receive public comments on a proposed amended Charlotte Town Plan, as submitted by the Charlotte Planning Commission, to be held on Monday March 25, 2019 at 7:30 PM at the Charlotte Town Hall, 159 Ferry Road. Public comments may also be submitted in writing in advance of the public hearing. The Town Plan includes development policies for the Town, and also provides a basis for bylaws and other municipal ordinances which implement the policies in the Town Plan. This amendment is intended to meet the standards of an enhanced plan as provided under Act 174 of 2016, which would accord the Town Plan “substantial deference” in Section 248 proceedings. The proposed Town Plan affects all land within the Town. The Table of Contents for the proposed Town Plan contains the following major topic headings: 1..Charlotte Tomorrow: 2. Charlotte Today / Community Profile: 1.1. Vision and Goals 2.1. Natural Resources & Physical Conditions 1.2 Future Land Use 2.2. Historic & Cultural Resources 1.3 Regional Context 2.3. Demographics 1.4 Natural Resources 2.4. Housing 1.5 Lake & Shoreline 2.5. Economic Conditions 1.6 Agriculture & Forestry 2.6. Utilities, Facilities & Services 1.7 Historical & Cultural Resources 2.7. Transportation 1.8 Demographics & Housing 2.8. Energy 1.9 Economic Development 2.9. Existing Land Use 1.10 Utilities,Facilities, & Services 1.11 Transportation 1.12 Energy 1.13 Implementation 3. Charlotte Yesterday List of Maps List of Tables List of Figures Appendices (under a separate cover) The full text of the proposed Town Plan is available for review at the Charlotte Town Office during regular business hours (8 AM-4 PM) and on the Town’s web-site: www.charlottevt.org.
Pictured Left to right (with home countries): Marius (France), Catalina (Chile), Swantje, (Germany), Yuta (Japan), and Justine, (Belgium). Photo by Linda Gray
Students from five countries hosted by Vermont families gathered for crosscountry skiing recently. Justine from Belgium and Juan from Bolivia both attend CVU and are living with host families in Charlotte.
To learn more about hosting an exchange student in your home for four to nine months, or about becoming an AFS Welcome Family, contact Melanie Centeno, mcenteno@afs.usa.org, or visit afsusa.org.
Available at Spears Corner Store!
Use Promo Code: charnews20 for a 20% discount online
The Charlotte News • March 7, 2019 • 11
Sports On the slopes, on the ice, in the gym, on the trail – winter sports Whether holding their edges, lacing their skates, tiptoeing on the beam or firing baskets, CVU winter Edd Merritt sports teams have done very well for themselves this year. The gymnasts traveled to Essex on February 16 to see whether they could claim another state crown. Unfortunately, they came up just over one point short as the Hornets topped the Hawks 137.625 to 136.275. This makes up for a regular season loss to CVU by two-tenths of a point. Three Redhawk gymnasts won their events. Taylor Hoar won vault, Delaney Miller-Bottoms, beam, and Logan Claffy, floor exercises. Lauryn Bombardier and Delaney Miller-Bottoms placed third and fourth in the all-around category, with Lauryn tied for fourth in the vault and coming in second on the beam and floor, an event in which Delaney placed fifth. Nordic and Alpine skiers hit the slopes and trails with Alpinists coming down the Jay Peak slalom and giant-slalom courses at the end of February, the slalom women in first place, the men in second. Olivia Zubarik was the top CVU individual among women finishing second, with Claire Smith, fourth and Emily Marvin, seventh. On the men’s end, Charlotte’s Seth Boffa was the leading Redhawk placing fifth with Sean Gilliam one place behind him in sixth. Things reversed in
Conference tournament last month. Whoops! More hoops CVU’s undefeated women’s basketball team is headed for Patrick Gym for the ninth straight year with a semi-final birth. There, the Redhawks (22-0) will take on Rice (157). In the quarterfinal, a 67-28 win over Mount Anthony, Kaylee Beyor celebrated her birthday scoring a team-high 12 points. Four other Hawks hit for eight, including Charlotte’s Ella Woodruff.
Emma McMahan, Claire Goldman, Olivia Zubarik, Ethan Lisle, Brayden Bartlett, Turner Barbour, Sean Gilliam, Seth Boffa, Max Gorman. Photo by Nan Bofta
the giant slalom several days later. The CVU men topped the field of 13 schools. Sean and Seth were again the leading individuals for the Redhawks. The women fell behind St. Johnsbury Academy but ahead of eight other schools. Binney Patton led the Hawk individuals in sixth place with Emily Marvin in eighth. In the State Championships at the beginning of March, the women were in second place after the giant slalom. Unfortunately, falls took the men out of the running, placing 11 out of 13 teams. The Nordic women saw a second place finish as a team behind Mt. Mansfield while the men finished fourth behind Mount Anthony, Brattleboro and BFA St. Albans on the Craftsbury course. The Redhawks placed several among the top ten individuals: Emma
Strack in sixth, Charlotter Finn Mittlestadt in seventh and Geneva Cote in eighth. The relay team placed second. Jared Leonard finished eighth, and the relay team fourth among men. Two wrestlers qualified for the New England Tournament as a result of placing highly in the varsity state wrestling championships held in Essex February 22 and 23. A pair of Redhawks qualified for the New England Championships in Providence, RI early this month: Jared Forsythe who was runner-up in the 182-pound class and Charlotte’s Will Murphy, third at 190 pounds. Jacob Graveline, Riley Brown and Matt Trifaro all failed to advance. The leading winner for the season, Justin Bissonette, did not compete because of a shoulder injury he suffered in the Northern Vermont Athletic
Fleming moves to varsity coach Longtime coach and educator at CVU, Rahn Fleming was selected to head the Redhawk varsity football team after Mike Williams stepped down. Athletic Director Dan Shepardson was quoted in the February 28 Burlington Free Press saying, “it was a unanimous decision of the hiring committee.” A 1981 Dartmouth College graduate where he played football, his two sons followed in his footsteps, playing ball at CVU and at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Rahn led the JV team for the last decade, moving to the varsity on game days where he oversaw the special teams. Colby Jordan qualifies for NCAA ski championships Charlotte’s Colby Jordan, a St. Michael’s College junior qualified to compete in Alpine championships at Stowe next week as one of five Purple Knights who earned the challenge. Colby skied at the Mount Mansfield Winter Academy before entering St. Michael’s. Last year he competed in the Nor-Am Cup races at Stowe. A year before that he qualified for the U.S. Championships where he came in 14th in the Super-G slalom.
12 • March 7, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Outdoors Elizabeth Bassett Consider the pleasure of being on a Vermont trail: Long Trail, VAST, Catamount, Town Link Trail or Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge, Burlington Bike Path. There’s the beauty, relaxation, wildlife and fresh air. There is also an economic value. How do we calculate the value of outdoor recreation to the State of Vermont? And how can we help to maintain these assets? Economic value The Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) includes members from Vermont outdoor-related businesses, manufacturers and retailers; conservation and user groups; and state and local government. Recreation generally and trails specifically are assets that attract both residents and tourist dollars. Outdoor recreation and trails can be anchors of a community—think Sugarbush, Smugglers’ Notch and Kingdom Trails. In Vermont, recreation accounts for $2.5 billion in consumer spending. The networks of just four trail organizations—Vermont
Value of the great outdoors ATV Sportsman’s Association (ATVs), Green Mountain Club (hiking), Catamount Trail Association (backcountry skiing), and Kingdom Trails Association (mountain biking)—generate more than $30 million in economic activity annually. Nationally, the Outdoor Industry Association estimates that outdoor recreation contributes $734 billion to gross domestic product. Vermont’s outdoor recreation resources have been built and maintained largely by local communities, i.e., Town Link Trail; volunteers, i.e., The Long Trail; and nonprofit organizations, i.e., Vermont Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy. “Volunteers and nonprofits alone aren’t enough to support Vermont’s growing outdoor infrastructure,” says Mike Debonis, executive director of the Green Mountain Club. He adds, “We measure what we treasure. The more that we are able to quantify the value and economic impact of organized outdoor recreation, the better able we will be to develop policies and funding mechanisms to support these resources.” “Governor Phil Scott created VOREC and charged it with finding ways to inspire economic prosperity through growing and sustaining our vast outdoor recreation assets,” says Michael Snyder, commissioner
of Forests, Parks and Recreation and chair of the VOREC Steering Committee. The Scott Administration proposed and the Legislature passed Act 194 that will award grants, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, to Vermont towns to support development of “outdoor, recreation-friendly” communities. The goal of the program is to grow outdoor recreation businesses, increase participation in outdoor recreation activities, strengthen the quality and extent of outdoor recreation resources, and increase stewardship of same. Stewardship With spring just around the corner (we hope), volunteer opportunities will soon abound in the outdoors as will occasions for expanding knowledge and conservation of our resources. • Friday, May 3, tree planting day at Raven Ridge in Charlotte, Hinesburg and Monkton. The Nature Conservancy hosts a variety of volunteer opportunities in Vermont from April to November. Projects range from invasive-plant removal, building simple structures on trails or planting trees on
its 55 natural areas. Keep at lookout for work days in Williams Woods as well. • Getting the Most from Your Vegetable Garden. Wednesday, March 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Library. A master gardener will impart knowledge about increasing garden productivity, thoughtful design and layout, companion planting, soil care and extending the season. Beginners and experienced gardeners welcome. • Vermont Center on EcoStudies coordinates more than a dozen projects for citizen scientists monitoring and counting birds, loons, butterflies, vernal pools and other natural features. Volunteer vernal pool monitors are poised to count egg masses of wood frogs and salamanders, record courtship croaks of wood frogs, and monitor the temperature and depth of the water. VCE provides support, equipment and training. Vtecostudies.org. • Keep an eye on the Town of Charlotte website and The Charlotte News. Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge volunteers hold work days for both planting and ridding the park of invasives. The Trail Committee hosts work days on the Town Link Trail. Charlotte Tree Deputy Warden Sue Smith organizes teams that paddle the waters of Town Farm Bay, near the mouth of Thorp Brook, on summer days, removing frogbit before it goes to seed. Point Bay Marina provides a float for the safe composting of these invasive weeds. • Seed Saving under the guidance of Linda Hamilton. The Charlotte Library is home to a seed library for heirloom vegetables. Check the library website and The Charlotte News for activities. Spring will soon be upon us. Be ready to enjoy and support our great outdoors!
CAMP ABNAKI • Day and overnight camp options • Learn skills, build confidence, make friends • Technology-free and high staffto-camper ratio • Archery, sailing, camp fires, more!
campabnaki.org
Providing Repair, Refinishing, Restoration and Transport
George & Pam Darling P.O. Box 32 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT
The Y’s Community Partner
gdarling@gmavt.net
The Charlotte News • March 7, 2019 • 13
Gardening Gardening reading to carry through to spring While there is still plenty of winter left and days by the fire go on, I’d like to suggest some reading inspiration for you. I hope to revisit many of Joan Weed the books and magazines my garden has benefited from over the years. Sometimes catalogues are good reading as well. In the early years, the subject was often “how-to.” Then as I progressed in ability and knowledge, reading material turned to personalities, famous gardens and history of plants. Some of these offerings may be out of print, but I’ve been able to find them quite often from Amazon, as used. They are worth searching. Often I am asked to suggest a perfect beginner book for someone as a gift. My favorite is Barbara
Damrosch’s Garden Primer. It is filled with all manner of basic information on growing flowers and vegetables. I believe this one has recently been reissued and updated. She and her husband, Eliot Coleman, grow year round (in Maine!), so if this interests you, there might be hints. For native wildflowers, I like William Cullina’s Growing and Propagating Wildflowers. On propagating of all sorts, Ken Druse has a book called Making More Plants. All of Druse’s books are good reliable reads. For reference I often turned to Taylor’s Master Guide to Gardening, The National Arboretum Book of Outstanding Garden Plants, Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs, and When Perennials Bloom by Tomasz Anisko. Martha Stewart’s Gardening is a feast for the eyes and offers good info too. Joe Eck and Wayne Winterrowd have written, together and individually, books
Local Church Services Charlotte Congregational Church, UCC 403 Church Hill Road 425-3176 | charlotteucc.org Regular Sunday service: 10 a.m. Lent and Easter Services Palm/Passion Sunday - 4/14: Service of Palms & Passion at 10:00 a.m. Maundy Thursday - 4/18: Foot Washing at 6:15 p.m.; Service at 7p.m. Vigil - 4/18-19: Sanctuary will be open from 8 p.m. (Thurs.) to 3 p.m. (Fri.) Good Friday, Stations of the Cross - 4/19: Prayer Station walk behind church at 4:00 p.m. Holy Saturday - 4/20: Community Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. Easter Sunday - Apr. 21 • Sunrise service at 5:30 a.m.
• Worship service @ 9:00 a.m. • Worship service w/Holy Communion @ 11:00 a.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
that I have enjoyed immensely. A few are more memoir but still offer tidbits of advice in a comfortable way. Their garden is in Readsboro Vermont. Winterrowd passed away a few years ago. He wrote about annuals, perennials and roses. Eck wrote about garden design. Together they wrote about their life together while making a garden called North Hill. Another author, who was new to me at the time but will appeal to historians, is Andrea Wulf. Her titles are The Founding Gardeners (Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison) and The Brother Gardeners, both with early American backgrounds (1700s). Another historical book I enjoyed was All the Presidents’ Gardens about various White House plantings through the years. Daniel Hinkley is an intelligent plant explorer and breeder. His adventures have introduced many plants to American gardens. His two The Explorer’s Garden books deal with perennials and shrubs, trees and vines. Allen Armitage, of the University of Georgia writes with authority as well. I have turned to his Specialty Cut Flowers often. If you like making bouquets and growing plants for them, this will be helpful. A delightful array of books was authored by Christopher Lloyd of Great Dixter in England. He wrote of the historic gardens that he
E N RI C H TH E LIFE YO U LIVE O UTD O O RS
nurtured for his whole life. “Christo” was known as an imp and flamboyant gardener. He tried tropicals and mixing colors that were not usually associated with each other, and he had strong opinions too! A few of his titles are The Well-Tempered Garden, The Year at Great Dixter, Succession Planting For Year-round Pleasure and Meadows. Have you ever wondered how some plants got their names? Well, Who Does Your Garden Grow? and and Plant Names For Gardeners will answer those questions. The former is by Alex Pankhurst and the latter by William T. Stearn. There are so many good books out there! I will leave off here. Perhaps in another column we’ll get to magazines and catalogues. Timber Press can generally be counted on as the go-to publisher of the best garden books. I hope you’ll discover a new gardening friend in print. I know I have.
p
We create patios for gathering, fire pits for backyard campfires, and shade gardens for retreat. Timeless stonewalls to sit upon while stargazing and many more ways to love your outdoors. We’d love to hear how we can help you transform your landscape.
PL ANTS | ROCKS | WATER
802.425.5222
www.ChurchHillLandscapes.com
14 • March 7, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Baked mac and cheese Nicholas May Need some comfort food to soothe your soul? This recipe is a little complex with lots of bowls, saucepans and utensils, and the cleanup can be daunting, but there is nothing more comforting than pulling a piping hot casserole dish piled with bubbling cheesy pasta out of the oven.
1 package penne pasta (I prefer an organic brown rice version, but wheat pasta works) 3 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons flour 2 cups whole milk RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
Featuring Environmentally Friendly Flooring Solutions
Hardwood • Bamboo • Cork • Marmoleum • Rubber • Wool Locally Owned & Operated
802-658-9336
257 PINE STREET, BURLINGTON • www.NEFCVT.COM
Chris’s Lawncare & Mini Excavating Complete Property Maintenance
Spring Clean-ups Bark mulch Sales & Delivery Lawn Mowing & Trimming Hedge Trimming Topsoil Sales and Delivery Mini Excavating Lot clearing Complete tree & stump removal Stump Grinding Small foundations Complete Driveway Installation And Much more Fire Wood For Sale $250.00 per cord delivered Grass-Fed Ground Beef For Sale $5.00 per POUND Free Estimates, competitive rates and fully insured. Chris Fortin (802)425-3846
8-10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated—plus another 3 ounces cheddar for the topping (1 block) 8-10 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper Because there are so many moving parts to this recipe, I boil and drain the pasta first. It should be “al dente,” and I always boil my pasta in salted water for added flavor. While the pasta is boiling, I grate the cheese using an oldfashioned box grater. There’s something satisfying about having to work for a mound of shredded cheese. If you are pressed for time you can easily shred the cheese in a food processor. Warm the milk in a saucepan. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan (I use a 4-quart Dutch oven) and whisk in the flour until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually pour the warmed milk into the saucepan with the butter/flour mixture and whisk frequently until thickened, about 5 minutes. The white sauce (“bechamel”) should be smooth and creamy. Combine the cheese and bechamel mixture in a bowl with salt and pepper. Fold in the pasta and transfer to a casserole dish —I use a ceramic baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top, and bake the dish in a 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes, maybe a bit longer. Extra credit: In a small skillet, toast some breadcrumbs and finely chopped sage leaves in some butter and scatter on top before baking.
The Charlotte News • March 7, 2019 • 15
Music Julia Beerworth
Musical treasure in our midst
Charlotte’s musical landscape is filled with some real talent, and we are lucky to include Aaron Flinn in the lineup with Francesca Blanchard (francescablanchard.com), Jeff Hahn (jeffhahnmusic.com) and Justin Panigutti, to name a few. Flinn, a proud, lifelong Charlotte resident, lives in the home he grew up in, now with his wife and two children. Flinn began playing music in high school, but recalls being told that he sang Elvis songs from his highchair; music has been a part of his life since the very start. After attending UVM Flinn made his way to Berklee College of Music where he continued to hone his technique as a player, singer and songwriter. Flinn has his own record company, which he operates out of his home, called Sun God Records. He has recorded and mastered a catalogue of his own first-rate albums: My Left or Your Left, Rattle, Life of Riley, Flower + Bird=Butterfly, Half Mast, Giving up the Ghost, Oroboros, and Miss Ready Blossom. The albums are Aaron Flinn all available for purchase on CDbaby or iTunes.
As if that collection isn’t impressive enough, catching a live performance of Flinn is the icing on the cake. Most likely if you have heard Flinn perform, then you are already a fan. His natural resonant voice blends perfectly with his masterful guitar playing. His melodies are catchy, and his use of literary devices evokes feelings of nostalgia. In Scattered Birds, he writes: “If you get too close your vision blurs, turns all your love into shattered words, the wind will blow like you have never heard and make shadows dance like scattered birds … you can’t break a broken heart.” Much of Flinn’s talent is in his ability to transport the listener to another time and place, a hard feat for any artist. His life experiences are woven throughout the fabric of his music and are relatable to every human—he gets people. Hear the words in his song Beautiful: “Stars are wished away one by one, every view I have is a vision, every voice the voice of all.” According to Flinn, music is as necessary Photo contributed as breathing. “I don’t completely understand it and I am happy with that unknown,”
he says. So who has inspired this skilful musician? His first true love came from the four horsemen of the Beatles. Other influences include Nina Simone, Bach’s inventions, early Springsteen, Judas Priest, Chopin’s nocturnes, Miroslav Vitouš, The Waterboys, Kate Bush, The Ramones, and Ray Brown. His inspiration is not limited to music but “in every bit of life that creates beauty in a unique and empowering way.” Recently Flinn took a short hiatus from
playing and recording, but he is on the rise once again. Be on the lookout for his upcoming album, Handsome Devil (2019). You can catch Flinn at his next performance on Saturday, March 16, at the Courtyard Marriott in Burlington as part of a trio Duck, Duck, Goose that includes Flinn, Joshua Glass, and myself, Julia Beerworth. Learn more about Aaron and his work at Aaronflinn.com.
Serving the Champlain Valley since 1945
Family owned, local business
Find and follow us on social media for new listings and updates! @WarrenStrausserGroup NANCY WARREN
Nancy.Warren@FourSeasonsSIR.com 802.734.5024
JAY STRAUSSER
Jay.Strausser@FourSeasonsSIR.com 802.578.2094
7133 SPEAR STREET
793 ORCHARD ROAD
Classic New England cape home featuring a timeless exterior and beautiful layout offering six bedrooms, multiple living areas, detached barn, in-ground pool and pool house on thirty nine acres with pond and mountain views. $1,975,000 | MLS#4707180
Beautiful four bedroom home on quiet road with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Newly painted, this home features an open floor plan with three floor of living space. Sited on 5+ acres and close proximity to Shelburne Orchard and Village. $1,695,000 | MLS#4737683
550 Hinesburg Road | S. Burlington, VT FourSeasonsSIR.com | WarrenStrausser.com Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.
16 • March 7, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Puzzles THEME: 20th CENTURY ACROSS 1. Nibble away 5. *Information space 8. School support org. 11. Royal Indian 12. Short for Dorothea 13. Oak nut 15. And others, for short 16. Seat of intellect 17. Branch of philosophy 18. *War to end all wars? 20. Lump of stuff 21. Type of examination, pl. 22. Owned 23. Downer 26. Wiggle room 29. *___-Wan of “Star Wars,” a 20th Century Fox film 30. Tends to fire 33. Affirm
35. Grabbing tool 37. Blade drops 38. ____ ballerina or ____ donna 39. *Village People song 40. Verse with repeating lines 42. Bartender’s Triple ____ 43. Panhandler 45. *”Cheers” owner 47. Any high mountain 48. Like yellow polka dot bikini 50. Tropical edible root 52. *First on the moon 56. Holy See’s administering body 57. Focuses 58. *____ Lady, a.k.a. Margaret Thatcher 59. Newspapers and such 60. December 24 and 31, e.g. 61. Vena ____ 62. Common conjunc-
tion 63. Itty-bitty 64. Fence piece DOWN 1. Increased in size 2. *North Atlantic Alliance, acr. 3. Slightly open 4. Whack 5. Mark from a lash 6. Is dressed in 7. Dry riverbed 8. *Walt Kelly’s comic strip (1948-1975) 9. *Aldous Huxley’s journey 10. *Mandela’s org. 12. Foil 13. Aquarium scum 14. *Conflict without active fire 19. One step to success? 22. “For ____ a jolly...” 23. Half-rotten 24. *Manhattan Project invention
Answers on page 24
A Centennial Sized Thank You. Cabot farmers want to thank our neighbors for 100 years of suppo . Here’s to a hundred more.
Meet the Wilcon Farm Family of No h Ferrisburg, VT at cabotcheese.coop
25. Don’t do this to words! 26. Raunchy 27. Dispatch boat 28. *Aden Emergency locale 31. Skunk’s defense 32. *”The Century Trilogy” author Follett 34. *Space ____ 36. *First in space 38. Manufacturing site 40. *Tupac’s genre 41. Vomiting 44. Triumph maliciously 46. Song words 48. Treasure collection 49. Event host 50. U, on the road 51. Like Mojave 52. “____ ____Good Men” 53. Singular of #21 Across 54. Most luminous star 55. Buzzing pest 56. Number cruncher
The Charlotte News • March 7, 2019 • 17
People
Hands to Honduras Tela in its fifteenth year
Melissa O’Brien “When we arrive there there can be over 200 patients waiting to be seen,” explains Linda Gilbert, when describing the scene outside the make-shift exam room at a school in the town of Tela, in the northwest corner of Honduras. During their four weeks of service the Hands to Honduras group, which grew out of a project launched by the CharlotteShelburne-Hinesburg Rotary, sees patients in the clinics set up in five different rural areas. “We respond to needs in the areas of women’s health, pediatric and family medicine, blood pressure issues, audiology, fluoride and reading glasses needs,” says Gilbert. This year, in addition to the clinics, the volunteers, numbering in the 40s, many of whom are repeat travelers, completed construction of a postpartum unit in the Tela Hospital and began work on a nurse station at the unit. “Three thousand babies are born in this town each year,” explains Gilbert, “and there wasn’t enough room. There were times when there would be two mothers and two babies in one bed. Now there are four rooms with bathrooms and showers. Each can hold four women after they’ve given birth.” This year was the second year that Dr. Keith Walsh, owner of Adirondack
Above: Volunteers in Tela-Honduras. Right: Dr. Keith Walsh and a patient.
Audiology in Shelburne, volunteered his services. “We collect donated hearing aids and bring basic testing equipment,” he explains. “Last year there was a magic moment when a 17-year-old heard his voice for the first time.” Why Honduras? “Honduras gets a bad rap in the news,” Gilbert says, “there is a lot of poverty and a high unemployment rate, but because we’ve made a long-term commitment to doing work there, we’ve come to understand the culture and we’ve formed many partnerships in-country.”
Photos contributed
In addition to construction projects and medical services, the group also runs trainings and workshops. This year these included basic CPR for police and fire department members and a teen pregnancy prevention seminar. When asked what she loves about this work, Gilbert is quick to offer several answers: “I love seeing the babies in the NICU; how well organized it is now. It’s gratifying to see a project we launched taken over by the local population and run well.” “We focus on the greatest needs, we
see who will benefit the most from our work, and we do what we say we’re going to do, this is what has made the venture successful.” For information about how you might participate in this humanitarian service trip, email Linda Gilbert at: lindaggilbert@gmail. com.
18 • March 7, 2019 • The Charlotte News when travelling to Montréal or Québec City. (Do you know that French is spoken in 35 countries?) Registration is required. Fee for the 8-week series is $85, or $12 per class. NOTE: This course offers a daytrip to Sutton, a quaint village in Quebec Eastern Townships, at the end of the course to demonstrate all your practical learning (additional cost).
Carolyn Kulik SENIOR CENTER DIRECTOR
“Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.” ~ Anthony G. Oettinger (Not Groucho Marx) Looking for quotes to use here can be rather time consuming. Considering spring was coming (soon?) and Daylight Savings Time was almost here, I searched ‘new beginnings,’ ‘anticipation,’ ‘impatience’ and ‘time’ for quotes. (And by the way, did you realize that in 1970, DST started on April 26?) So, after quite a while, this search had to end. Familiar? Anyhow, this one made me laugh—and, hopefully, you as well. Free Wednesday afternoon events at 1 p.m. On 3/13, come with Carl and Carlanne Herzog on a photographic Tour of the Caucasus which includes the former Soviet Republics of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. This beautiful, historic and often unstable region is populated by welcoming residents. Learn more about this fascinating and complex place from the well-travelled Herzogs. Join Marty Morrissey and Robert Resnick of the Highland Weavers Band on 3/20 for Irish Music in a slightly belated celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. They will probably sneak in some other music as well—for a fine, fun performance. Sponsored by the Friends of the Charlotte Senior Center. Other events Sunday, 3/17, is the monthly gathering for Shape-Note Singing from 1-3 p.m. This a cappella, four-part harmony style is also known as Sacred Harp, but it is far from staid or ethereal. Open to newcomers and experienced singers. No auditions; songbooks provided. Stop by to listen or sing, and leave whenever you wish. No fee. On Wednesday, 3/20, the popular Birding Expeditions with Hank Kaestner begin again with Trip #1. The destinations are carefully chosen by Hank, usually the same morning. The group will carpool and meets 10 min. before departure at 9 a.m.
Registration is required in case of weather changes. Other dates for this season are 4/17 and 5/15. When you register please be sure to indicate all the dates you are interested in. No fee. New and returning classes next week Spanish Grammar Review began on 3/5 and will skip next Tuesday. It will resume at 10 a.m. on 3/19 and 3/26, and it is for those at the intermediate level and above. Registration is necessary, and the only fee for this multi-week class is a materials charge of $10. The informal Spanish Conversation class meets conveniently at 11:00 for those who feel comfortable at a more advanced conversational level. Returning this year on 3/11 for eight weeks is Aerobic Spring Tune-Up on Mondays from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Wellness is the class focus—staying healthy with dancing and moving to music. Begins with warm-ups, then steps, ends with muscle toning, abs, and cool down. Registration is required. Fee: $7 per class, or $50 for 8 wks. Please remember that the Center’s eight other exercise classes all welcome participants at any time. It is possible to start whenever you wish and pay per class—or for an entire session of several weeks. Some are free, most are $8 or $10 each visit. The Center also welcomes potential students to watch or participate for one class with no charge. Due to strong interest last season, on Monday, 3/11, the Book Discussion Group is being offered again for a new fourweek session. The book is Walking Each Other Home: Conversations on Loving and Dying by Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush, with Charlotte Library’s Margaret Woodruff and Pam MacPherson. The two masterful authors offer practical guidance on “how death gives us an unparalleled opening to cultivate gratitude, compassion, mindfulness, and an abiding joy in the simple beauty of living.” This group meets at 10 a.m. There is no charge, but registration is necessary. Some books are available at the Charlotte Library. On Tuesday, 3/12, the new French For Travelers class begins at 1 p.m. It is intended for those who want to be able to navigate cities, order delicious food, find the cultural hotspots, and not feel lost
Integrating compassion, expertise and service • Advanced surgical and Medical Care • Exotics and Companion Animals • Evening Hours Available
205 Commerce Street Hinesburg | 482-2955
Also on Tuesday, French Conversation Circle returns at 2:15 p.m. for intermediate/ advanced speakers who want to improve their skills and confidenc or just keep in practice. With a variety of discussion topics, participants will be expected to maintain the language in conversation. Note: This course is not intended for beginning French speakers. Registration required. Fee: Session I - $48, Session II - $36; or $12 per class. Beginning on Thursday, 3/14, is Write Now! This class meets from 1-2:30 on 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/4, (no class on 4/11), 4/18 & 4/25. We will use writing prompts, art visuals and useful writing tips. There will be time for in-class writing, sharing work, and discussion in a supportive atmosphere. Registration required. Fee: $68 for the 6-week series. [Please note that these dates are accurate; unfortunately, the printed calendar omitted 3/14 and 3/21.] Some folks have been curious about the Memoir Writing Group that meets on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Meeting for more than a year, it is currently full and has no waiting list. However, perhaps another group could be formed if there is enough interest— especially after the new Write Now! course concludes.
SENIOR CENTER MENUS Suggested donation for all meals: $5
Monday Munch
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
March 11
Beef & Cabbage Soup Green Salad Pineapple Upside-down Cake
March 18
Sweet Potato Salsa Soup Mystery Salad Hot Cross Buns
Wednesday Lunch
All diners eat at noon. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
March 6
Asparagus Quiche Greens Birthday Cake & Ice Cream
March 13
Corned Beef & Cabbage Homemade Dessert
March 20
Chicken Cordon Bleu Steamed Broccoli Homemade Dessert
Thursday Gents Breakfast
The March Art Exhibit features photography by Cindi Robinson, who says, “My work tends to focus on that moment of light that will soon pass. Primarily working in landscape and cityscape, I strive to find the. . .nuances of a place and the effect of light on that space.” When you plan to visit the show, please note the best times to see Art Exhibits below since the Center’s exhibition space is used for many other events and classes.
(Keep up to date on Menus with Front Porch Forum, as they sometimes change.)
Best times to see Art Exhibits in March are: Tues. after 2:30, Wed. after 2:30 (March only), and Thurs. & Fri. after 12:30. You might also catch a quick peek at about noon on Mon. and Wed. Please call the Center during the week to check on Sunday afternoon availability.
Visit our website at CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org for class and event information, menus and more.
7:30–9 a.m. Reservations required.
March 14 Menue: TBA Topic: TBA
“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” ~ Robin Williams
“Music comes from an icicle as it melts, to live again as spring water.” ~ Henry Williamson
The Charlotte News • March 7, 2019 • 19
Classifieds Reach your friends and neighbors for only $7 per issue. (Payment must be sent before issue date.) Please limit your ad to 35 words or fewer and send it to The Charlotte News Classifieds, P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 or email ads@thecharlottenews.org. INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING If you’re looking for quality painting with regular or low voc paints and reasonable rates with 35 years of experience call John McCaffrey at 802-999-0963, 802-338-1331 or 802-877-2172. MT. PHILO INN-A unique hotel with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and private road to Mt. Philo. 1800 sq. ft. 3-bedroom suites with 2 bathrooms and a complete kitchen. By the day, week and month. Privacy, space, tranquility. Bigger on the inside. MtPhiloInn.com, 425-3335. LUPINE PAINTING can help with any of your painting needs. 20+ years of stress-free painting. Call for a free consultation 802-598-9940.
Does your home need a fresh coat of paint or brand new color? LAFAYETTE PAINTING is ready to provide a great custom paint job for you. Allow our professionals to enhance your space with a fresh look. Call 863-5397 or visit LafayettePaintingInc.com for your free and accurate estimate.
PAINTERS WANTED Local, experienced company with guaranteed inside work for a seasoned finish painter. Exterior painting positions available also. Salary is top end for this area. Year-round work for the most qualified. Call 355-0028
Photos by Lee Krohn
Answers to puzzle on page 16
U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 05482 PERMIT NO. 9
presorted standard