The Charlotte News | April 18, 2019 by The Charlotte News

The

The nonprofit community news source since 1958

Charlotte News Thursday, April 18, 2019 | Volume LXI Number 20

CharlotteNewsVT.org

Charlotte News

The

Vol. 61, no.20 April 18, 2019

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

Charlotter Rose Lord competes on ‘American Ninja Warrior Junior’

Black Lives Matter flag raising

Liz Shayne THE SCHOOLHOUSE

“I guess I’m really surprised that I got picked to compete on the show—so many kids applied,” says Rose Lord of Charlotte, describing her experience of being chosen to compete in the first season of Universal Kid’s “American Ninja Warrior Junior.” “And I’m really grateful; I got to fly to Los Angeles and hang out with other ninja kids from all over the country. Being a ninja means being part of an awesome, really supportive community.” Rose, a 7th grader at The Schoolhouse in South Burlington, is described by her teachers as the only student who does not make them wince with fear when she gets herself high in a tree or up on top of the swing set. “We have always known she has ninja powers and can get herself down safely,” explained Liz Shayne, head of school. Luke Albers, age 11, of South Burlington, observed of Rose’s participation, “I just think that Rose does really, really well at ninja—even compared to adults, sometimes she’s even better than them. It was really cool to see somebody from my own school kicking butt up there on national TV!” Rose, who trains at the Vermont Ninja Warrior Training Center, a part of Regal Gymnastics in Essex, was selected as one of almost 200 male and female competitors aged 9 to 14 who attacked the course for the show. As described by Universal Kids, “American Ninja Warrior Junior celebrates a kid-centric movement that everyone can be a part of and enjoy together. It... encourage[s] and inspire[s] all kids to push their limits and not shy away from challenges.” The show includes head-tohead matches during which Rose and her fellow ninjas take on such iconic ninja warrior obstacles as the sonic swing, tic

Rose Lord Photo by Universal Kids Communications, UniversalKids.Communications@nbcuni.com

toc, spin cycle and the warped wall. Rose describes her artistic creativity and growing up by Lake Champlain in a feature piece about her on Episode 11. “I see everything as an opportunity to jump on a tree and swing around,” explains Rose in her Ninja interview. “I definitely see obstacle courses everywhere. I feel like that has inspired me to be creative and have fun.” Beyond her athletic prowess, Rose’s kindness and generosity shine through on the show, whether talking about her love of Lake Champlain, her family’s support of her artistic and athletic abilities, or peering over her shoulder—in the middle of the course—at her friend who had struggled in an earlier round. “Rose just makes it look effortless; she was cool as a cucumber, intensely focused and ended each round of competition with her beaming smile, all the way to the semifinals,” said Shayne, after viewing the first episode on which Rose competed. “Her humility, joy, and skill all shine through”, said Shayne.” “I wish she had made it past the semifinal round because she is so much fun to watch.”

Olivia Hagios On Thursday, April 4, I walked through the doors of CVU High School and braced for the frigid cold beside my fellow peers and teachers. We walked with purpose toward the south side of the school building to where our flagpole stands. As I neared the flagpole, I saw more and more students and staff forming a large huddle around the tall metal pole. Students were chatting excitedly to one another despite the cold wind cutting through the crowd, and a gray blanket of clouds spread across the sky overhead. Before us stood the proud members of CVU’s Racial Alliance Committee, readying themselves to acknowledge the crowd that had gathered in front of them before raising, at long last, a Black Lives Matter flag. As members of the committee stepped up front to speak to the crowd below,

the sense of a joined and strengthened community whispered through the air. Students and teachers had their faces turned up to each speaker, applauding them whenever there was room to and soaking in every word that was spoken. Each committee member who spoke aloud to us spoke of perseverance for improvement in our world and how the raising of this flag is a great step in the right direction for our community. It felt truly incredible to stand beside my peers who had taken time out of their schedules to step outside with a joined purpose of showing our support for this movement that we each believed in. The ceremony came to an end with a small chorus group of students singing of love conquering hate as the flag was raised up to the top of the flagpole. see FLAG page 2

Elementary school classes see multi-age opportunities next year Chea Waters Evans After five years, Charlotte Central School is changing the way elementary education is experienced by students in grades one through four. The current model is to “loop” students, by grade, in a two-year period with the same teacher and same students for both years. Starting this fall, first and second grade students will be placed in multiage classrooms, and moving forward, all subsequent 1-4 students will do the same. Stephanie Sumner, co-principal and K-4 instructional leader at CCS, said that the move to multi-age classrooms is not new— the school had grade-combined classrooms for at least 10 years before looping was introduced. She said the current switch is prompted by several factors: reduced enrollment trends, student needs and the desire to remain flexible with staffing. Beginning with the 2019-20 school year, first and second graders will be split into three

multi-age classrooms taught by Shannon Spellman, Michelle Filardi and Monica Lubic. Students will remain with students in their own grade for math. Sumner said that while the broad concept is developed, the particulars are still being fine tuned. “That can be done in a variety of ways, which are being explored and could include a co-teaching model with a special educator or math specialist, or with one of the team teachers taking a lead on math as a specialty area and working with several groups while other team teachers take on other areas of the curriculum,” she wrote in an email. Linda Poirier and Kris Gerson will teach third grade next year, and Leslie Thayer and

Kathy Lara will have fourth grade classrooms. After 19 years at CCS, beloved fourth grade teacher Ena Jessett is retiring. The 2020-21 school year will bring multi-age classrooms into third and fourth grades. Sumner said they are always flexible and open to modifying their educational models. “We can never fully guarantee that everything will remain the same, including teacher placement, on a year-to-year basis, as situations may arise where there is a need to create greater balance in class groupings, or a staffing change such as a retirement, or a need to shift staffing to respond to changing enrollment. However, we are focused on creating a configuration that is most stable and able to flex to support such

fluid situations,” she said. Some of the benefits of the looping system are also its pitfalls: a cohesive peer group and a great student-teacher relationship works well over a two-year period, but should a student have a conflict or learning style that doesn’t mesh with peers or the teacher, that student remains in the loop for two years. Sumner said that, while keeping some of the benefits of looping, the new system allows for expanded peer groups and the opportunity to experience a variety of teaching styles. In addition, Sumner said, this allows students to work with others who are of similar abilities or interests. “Developmentally, there are strong commonalities in the developmental stages of 6- and 7-year-olds as there are 8- and 9-year-olds. Creating groups across a multigrade configuration will continue to support the ways in which teachers differentiate instruction for students in order to support individual strengths.”

2 • April 18, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Letter to the Editor To the editor,

CVU administration intolerant to change

The administration of CVU High School continues to push back against students wishing to expand its prom policy. Dozens of students have had to be denied this year and in past ones in accordance with the school policy regarding guests at prom. Currently, it only permits guests from other high schools and graduates of the previous year. Most Vermont schools have a more lenient policy that typically allows people

with administrative approval and who are under the age of 21 to attend. Students have attempted to reach out to Principal Adam Bunting and the administration but thus far have been dismissed. The CVU administration has taken a firm stance on the grounds of equality, that due to denying guests in the past it can’t allow them currently. Students are frustrated with the lack of a proper argument and response from the administration. Our students have a right to be heard but are currently being ignored. Prom is important to many students in

high school. I’m sure that many people remember bringing a date to the prom and enjoying the evening. Why can’t today’s generation also experience that event to its fullest? I urge parents and students alike to contact the administration with this concern. CVU’s policy is so vastly different from many other high schools across the country. Shouldn’t our students be allowed to experience the same treatment as everyone else? Richard Morrill Williston

What makes the installation of rear-view mirrors urgent today is that the Charlotte Energy Committee is planning an anti-fossil fuel festival this summer, which will include a bicycling event with crowds of cyclists on our streets. If Charlotte sponsors such an event and promotes bicycle use during this and following years, we have the obligation to see to the safety of bicyclists. The imposition of a rear-view mirror ordinance is the least we must do. The imposition of a statewide ordinance (such as ordinances in effect in Germany) would be better, but our state legislators are prone to even worse dithering than our Selectboard, and a statewide ordinance

will not emerge anytime soon. The increasing abundance of electric cars increases the sense of urgency. Electric cars are silent killers—when they approach a bicyclist from behind, they give no warning by sound. Until mirrors become a statewide requirement for bicycles, drivers of electric cars would do well to honk before passing a cyclist. To get the wheels rolling, a limited number of rear-view mirrors will be made available at the Charlotte Library—watch for an announcement in the Charlotte Library News.

Commentary

Mirror, mirror on my bike… At the Selectboard meeting of April 8, I urgently requested the Selectboard to issue an ordinance regarding bicycle traffic on the streets in Charlotte. The ordinance I proposed was that “Every bicycle operating on any street of the Town must be equipped with a rear-view mirror.” The importance of rearview mirrors for the safety of bicyclists is self-evident. Bicyclists are continually being overtaken by cars, and awareness about what comes up from behind is crucial for survival, as illustrated by the fatal accident suffered by Dr. Ken Najarian on Greenbush Road four years ago.

FLAG continued from page

Even after the flag raising was completed and students returned to their regular classes, the day continued to reflect the positive ideas and meanings that were left open for each of us from the ceremony. I will continue to appreciate this amazing community with its ability to embrace and strive for new ideas that will help to better our people as a whole, which is exactly what this flag raising has done. And I hope that we continue to take these inspirational steps towards bettering our community to be a safe and welcoming place to those of all backgrounds and lifestyles. Olivia Hagios lives in Charlotte and is a junior at CVU.

Hans Ohanian, Charlotte

Budget approved, Selectboard discusses library Chea Waters Evans Charlotte voters approved the fiscal year 2020 town budget on April 9 by Australian ballot. The vote, held in the multi-purpose room at Charlotte Central School, was held the mandatory 30 days after the budget was warned on Town Meeting Day. The budget, which came in at $3,264,779, was approved by a 122 to 42 vote, according to Assistant Town Clerk/Treasurer Christina Booher; the 164 voters represented 5 percent of the town’s 3,258 registered voters. There were between 100 and 120 attendees at Town Meeting in March, Booher said. At its April 15 meeting, the

Selectboard discussed next steps for the library expansion that was approved at Town Meeting. Selectboard member Fritz Tegatz volunteered to be the board’s construction manager for the project. After discussion with meeting attendees regarding parking, the construction and bidding process, and financial questions, all of which the Selectboard noted would be addressed as the building project progresses, the board voted four members in favor, with one absent, to approve the request for bids. The Selectboard also authorized, by a vote of four to zero, the chair or the vice chair to open the bids on May 20 at 5 p.m.

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: Juliann Phelps and Matthew Bijur 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, John Quinney, Lane Morrison 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.

Providing Repair, Refinishing, Restoration and Transport

George & Pam Darling

Member of the New England Newspaper and Press Association and the Vermont Press Association.

P.O. Box 32 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT

ON THE COVER

Photo by Melissa O’Brien gdarling@gmavt.net

The Charlotte News • April 18, 2019 • 3

Around Town Edd Merritt

Congratulations to Henry and Lyla Bushey of Charlotte who earned recognition through the Good Citizen Challenge and what they accomplished in 2018. Their recognition became public at the Vermont Statehouse on March 27 when more than 70 student competitors for the honor gathered to be recognized. The Challenge invites students from kindergarten through high school to participate in activities related to civics, history, advocacy and media literacy—elements of “being an informed citizen.” They attended city council meetings, picked up litter, read local news articles and wrote letters to elected officials pointing out their responsibility to maintain the “five freedoms specified in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.” to Charlotte resident Sandy Steingard, M.D. who along with her colleagues from the Howard Center of Vermont received the National Council for Behavioral Health’s 2019 Excellence in Addictions Treatment Award in Nashville, Tenn., last month. Howard Center was selected for the honor from 230 nominations across the country. The award recognizes an organization that has provided effective addiction education and prevention programs through an innovative science base and services following that base. Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont noted that Howard “has long been a pioneer in providing effective, compassionate care . . . and I know they will continue to work hard to reverse the effects of addiction that have touched every Vermont community.”

Good Citizens.

Photo by Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

to three Charlotte students who were recognized for their writing and a photo in the Young Writers Project of The Burlington Free Press. Appearing in the April 5 Freep Annika Gruber’s poem titled “Rainbow at Night” is not set in Charlotte because she writes from her bedroom, many floors above the streets of a city that never sleeps. What she sees is “an explosion of light in the darkness, with shimmering skyscrapers.” The sky and the people on the ground “blend together . . . to make a rainbow at night.” In the same issue, the Photo of the Week is by Iris Lawson-Ryan. It shows two dogs on leashes, standing still and attentive to something nearby, both with noses and eyes pointing in the same direction.

Howard Center staff at NatCon 2019: (L-R) Christine Hayner, Dan Hall, Dana Poverman,Catherine Simonson, Sandy Steingard, John Brooklyn, Beth Goss, Kim Hatgen Photo contributed

Courtney McDermott begins her poem, titled “The Inconvenience of Memory”— which appears in the April 12 Young Writers Project – with the words, “Easy to forget the important things, Huh?” That line gives a clue to what follows, a litany of the seemingly important things in life, such as doctor’s appointments, birthdays of friends and relatives, French verb forms, the worst thing her mother ever said to her, etc. What she can’t forget are cherry earrings and the color of her nail polish, “things that don’t matter anymore, things that never mattered, things I’d like to forget.”

Charlotte News bite

Chittenden County Forester Ethan Tapper is a frequent contributor to the News’ section titled “Into the Woods” in which he uses his studies to assess environmental issues facing our region. Last issue, for example, he wrote

Welcome to

about maintaining trails and clean water by minimizing soil disturbance and protecting water quality in the course of logging and skidding. What we don’t know from that is his affinity for heavy metal, punk rock music, an environmental issue of a different sort. The April 3 Seven Days section on “Music and Nightlife” helps the reader discover an 11-piece punk band called the Fobs and founded by Ethan in his spare moments in 2015. It says the Fobs “have grown from an oddball computer-based electro-rock solo project to the frenzied mob heard on their new album, Golden Thread.” Eric George of the band Ponyhustle, a fellow Burlington musician, calls the Fobs “profoundly subversive.” So we at The News say, “OK, Ethan, Keep the forest electrorocking with clean water quenching otherwise dry environmental rhythms.”

History. Heart. Home.

Join Our Growing Community in South Burlington

Sold

Under Contract

Reserved

Available 09/2019

Sophisticated Style & Easy Living at Hillside at O’Brien Farm A 30+ acre thoughtfully designed neighborhood centrally located to shopping, dining and downtown Burlington, and connected by pedestrian and recreation paths. Choose from over 20 unique home designs, many of which include

Lipkin Audette Team (802) 662-0162 Info@HillsideVT.com HillSideatOBrienFarm.com

single level living and first floor master plans. Say goodbye to lawnmowing, shoveling and exterior maintenance, and say hello to a beautiful, efficient and high quality homes here at Hillside at O’Brien Farm.

An O’Brien Brothers development, dedicated to quality, community and the environment.

4 • April 18, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Town

Three maps into one

Planning Commission continues refinement of potential East Charlotte Village district boundary Juliann Phelps The April 4 Planning Commission meeting focused once again on the East Charlotte Village district boundary and Charlotte land use regulations, as was proposed during the March 21 meeting. The commission’s goals were to analyze possible development maps, hear public comment and figure out the finer points of LURs and boundary issues. Attendance was lower at this meeting, with about four members of the public in attendance, as opposed to the previous meeting that had almost 20 concerned Charlotters. Chair Peter Joslin opened the discussion by reviewing the Planning Commission’s work since the last public meeting, which included “putting together a proposed map for the village district, and village district commercial boundaries, based on the three maps received by the commission, and taking into consideration input from the public at three previous meetings.” The commission went through three proposed future development maps with an eye to boundary details, asking questions about the inclusion of lots that are currently conserved under open space agreements and land already commercially zoned. Planning Commission Vice Chair Charlie Pughe and the developer of the ECV project, Clark Hinsdale III, were present to discuss their maps. Residents Bill Stuono and Sarah

View larger images online at charlottenewsvt.org/town/planningcommission.

Thompson submitted written comments to the commission regarding concerns about traffic and housing density, among other issues. First the commission reviewed the potential village commercial boundaries, outlined in blue, and then reviewed the potential village boundaries in red (see

Shelburne

Right HEAR. Right NOW.

maps with this story). After some discussion it was agreed that part of the blue outline in the northwest quadrant on the “Pughe Proposed” map would be removed. The southwestern outlines near the existing village boundaries elicited more discussion, as it was unclear how the lines were drawn. Hinsdale asked the commission to “go with parcel lines as much as possible,” and Pughe agreed, saying, “either parcel lines or natural features.” Review of the potential village boundaries prompted similar feedback, with Fisher also requesting the board to consider “following lot lines where possible.” The commission also discussed growth and density. Member Marty Illick asked about possible build-outs: “We could get upwards of 60, currently without changing anything. The large part of the map is for traffic calming. Beyond that, what more do we want to do to get the density we desire?” Joslin replied, “We are trying to encourage growth and being able to build houses that are not quite as expensive. We still need to have the density.” As the agenda item wound to a close,

Town Planner Daryl Benoit responded to a question from Shawn Coyle about traffic calming. He recommend a traffic study be conducted at the Spear Street and Hinesburg Road intersection, citing his experience with traffic-calming measures implemented on Harbor Road in Shelburne. “You could have a significant reduction in speed,” he said. Joslin concluded that there “was pretty good agreement” of the potential village commercial district boundary. He said that the next step is drawing the boundaries in more detail and presenting at the April 18 meeting at 8 p.m. In other Planning Commission business, Joslin asked if a member of the commission would be willing to volunteer as part of a West Village parking and road development subcommittee. It will include Selectboard Vice Chair Frank Tenney and representatives from Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services, the Charlotte Library, Senior Center, Children’s Center and the Health Center. Coyle volunteered to represent the Planning Commission on the subcommittee.

HAVE YOU HEARD? Adirondack Audiology has helped the North Country hear for over 30 years!

STEPHENSDavidFStephens, AMILY DENTISTRY DMD 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

• • • •

STEPHENS FAMILY DENTISTRY

Cleanings • Root Canals DMD • Extractions David Stephens, Fillings ••Dental Emergencies• Extractions • Teeth Whitening • Cleanings Root Canals Sealants ••Bridges • Dentures • Fillings Dental Emergencies • Teeth Whitening TEPHENS AMILY TEPHENS AMILY ENTISTRY ENTISTRY • Sealants Bridges • Dentures Dental Implants ••Crowns • Veneers

• Dental Implants

David Stephens, David Stephens,DMD 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

• 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 Most Insurances Accepted PO Box 592 | 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

The Charlotte News • April 18, 2019 • 5

Town Farming for four generations: Charlotte’s Titus family

“

Melissa O’Brien It was Bob Titus’s grandfather who came to Vermont from upstate New York to farm. “He brought all of his cattle over on the ferry … he had a kind of wanderlust,” is the way Bob’s wife, Bernice, tells the story. The family left their farming life in Malone and settled in Stowe, where the land was rugged and rocky. Bob’s dad grew up farming there, and it’s where Bob learned to love the lifestyle. He tells story after story of the simple joys of living on a farm, with animals, making the most of what may have seemed like not very much, but in truth was a rich life and great way to grow up. “My brother and I used to go behind the barn and catch frogs then see which could jump further …. When I was six years old we would walk a mile to the Stowe Hollow School with the Adams sisters. We grew corn and beans that were canned; Dad sold logs and syrup, and we had dairy cattle,” Bob explains, “He would take wood to the general store in the village and trade for clothes and groceries.” In 1958 Bob’s dad, Floyd, bought three hundred acres in Charlotte, on One Mile Road, thus moving the heart of the family farming industry to Chittenden County. This was shortly after Bob had returned east from South Dakota, where he had been stationed in the Air Force and, quite fortuitously, where he met and married his wife of 63 years, Bernice. “In 1957, as newlyweds, we lived in Stowe, then decided to return to South Dakota for a year.” That year turned into seven when Bob became the dairy manager for a 385-square mile farm in Aberdeen where grain, pigs, beef and dairy cattle were raised. When they returned east, a family of four by now, Bob and Bernice bought a 200-acre farm on Spear Street for $48,000. “Every place was a farm back then,” says Bob. And everyone worked together and helped each other out. The Tituses raised their children, Jeff and Laurie, on the farm, but when Jeff died of leukemia in 2008, Bob and Bernice sold off their cows and auctioned some of their equipment. “The farm is a good place to raise kids, you get to be your own boss,” says Bob. There was a camaraderie among the neighboring farmers in those days. “We always helped

When I first came here you could sell three cows to pay the taxes, at $100 each. Not anymore.

”

Bob Titus

Bob and Bernice Titus.

one another out. Henry Dyke would get his haying done, then he’d be right there with his tractor helping us out. John Sheehan, George Roscoe … we’d all get together to spread the manure …” In addition to raising dairy cows and chickens and the occasional pheasant, Bob bred and sold horses, too. “I just love a horse,” he says. “As a kid I’d climb the box and get on their back and go for a ride.” In the family photo album there are photos of the classic Vermont winter scene: horses hitched to a sleigh. Like all farmers, it seems, Bob and his family lived a life of equal parts hard work and fun. For every story of haying and milking there is one of childhood hi-jinx, riding ponies and calves. For every lament of how hard it is to earn a living farming, there is gratitude for the lifestyle it provides. Bob was fortunate to have a brother nearby who could pitch in with the chores so that the Tituses could get away from the farm from time to time. “I’ve been to every state but four,” is how Bob tells it. During those years Bernice worked at Fletcher Allen in Burlington, and the two of them took advantage of the many travel

bus tours arranged by the hospital: to Nova Scotia, New York City, the Deep South. And, too, they returned to South Dakota each year to see family. The difference between there and Vermont? According to Bernice: “When I first got here I couldn’t see anything because of all the trees … I couldn’t get my bearings!” Is farming today anything like it was when Bob’s dad was farming? “The small farms keep dropping off,” Bob says. And the cows have a much shorter lifespan. “A cow could live for 13 years back then; now it’s three or four. Cows are made for grazing, now they keep them penned-in,

they don’t live as long because they’re just milk machines.” “The cows would know when it was time to come in to be milked, and they’d always return to their same stall. They had personalities.” And, too, the land is getting gobbled up to build houses. “When I first came here you could sell three cows to pay the taxes (at $100 each). Not anymore,” Bob says. Still, it’s clear that Bob and Bernice would not trade their farming life for anything. Their son-in-law, Peter, works the farm now, haying and sugaring, and the land is in trust so it can’t be developed. With three grandchildren and six great grands close by, Bob and Bernice enjoy their days of family activities. With generations of farming running through their family tree, from upstate New York to Vermont and South Dakota, the Titus family has seen farming from the outside in and inside out. And they still love it! “My whole life was the farm,” Bob says of his childhood, clearly a good and happy one.

TOWN OF CHARLOTTE SELECTBOARD NOTICE OF CONTINUATION OF 1ST PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED TOWN PLAN 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 April 22, 2019 at 7:45 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 newest members of Philo Ridge farm.

Photos by Melissa O’Brien

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: http://www.charlottevt.org.

6 • April 18, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Home and Garden Spring: Time to refresh your home Jen Novak It’s the time of year when we feel renewal of energy, witness the rebirth of color through spring blooms and feel warmth in the air. Spring naturally inspires a desire to start anew, and there’s no better time to spruce up your home. There are many easy ways to refresh this season while not breaking the bank.

Flowers, flowers and more flowers

There are so many gorgeous, bright and colorful blooms in season that make us feel joy simply by seeing and smelling them. For an amazing flower selection at reasonable prices, Trader Joe’s can’t be beat. An even cheaper alternative is to gather some wildflowers on your next walk or hike. Get creative in how you display these beauties. Think outside the box for unique vessels. Pitchers, mason jars, a favorite mug or a mint julep cup are all interesting ways to showcase fresh blooms. Chances are you may own some of these already—if not, try shopping at antique stores or vintage shops to find a unique steal. A few local shops to try are Ardesh Finds & Furnishings, the Champlain Valley Antique Center and Brianne’s Vintage Chic, all in Shelburne, and Anjou & The Little Pear Home in Burlington.

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

Bring on the color

We often decorate for holidays, so it’s fun to think more seasonally for décor rather than in celebration of one specific day. There are so many ways to do this on the cheap. Pillows: Swap out your existing pillow covers with fresh ones. Put them over your existing throw pillow inserts on your bed, sofa or accent chairs. Using an indoor/outdoor fabric for pillows on a bench or chair on a porch or patio is fun, too. Bright spring colors and patterns will immediately warm up your space. Etsy has so many pillow shops to choose from and endless options to suit your style. Rugs: It’s not practical or cost efficient to change out your large living room rug every season, but other smaller area rugs or door mats are easy to change. Indoor/outdoor rugs are usually a cost-efficient and practical option for high traffic areas or for those of us with kids and pets. Plus, they can offer up a fun color or pattern for your space. Try Dash and Albert online or Home Goods and Target nearby. Art: Are your children bringing home colorful, spring-inspired artwork from school? Pick up vintage frames to showcase these, or even grab inexpensive artwork you may encounter at the vintage stores mentioned above. It’s a creative way to add more unique style in your home. Furniture: Maybe you have a solid, lovable piece of furniture that just needs a refresh. Painting a table, chest or accent chair with a fun color to give your space the pop it needs may be the answer. Just pick a coordinating color that works with your current color scheme. Benjamin Moore has been my go-to for paint selection. Finish off the piece with

some new hardware or knobs. Paint and wallpaper: Fresh paint can do wonders for livening up a room. Perhaps your walls (like many of us with young children) are smeared with finger stains and dirt marks. Or your trim looks old and chipped. It’s amazing what a new coat of paint will do to brighten up your space. Maybe even go a few shades lighter or choose a more daring color. Depending how daring you are, consider painting or wallpapering a dramatic accent wall. Accessories: Small details have a bigger impact than we often realize. Decorative objects, throws, candles, hand towels and other little touches lend another layer of warmth and energy to a space. Experiment with moving things you already own from room to room if you don’t want to buy something new.

Clean up

There really is something to that old cliché of “spring cleaning.” Many of us innately get the urge to purge in the warmer weather, and it helps us feel light and unburdened moving into the new season. Organize your surroundings. Tackle one room at a time.

Bring nature inside

If nothing else, just open your windows. Let the sounds and the smells of spring waft through the house. Hearing the birds chirp and smelling the flowers outside is always a good idea. Jen Novak is a locally based interior decorator at The Gilded Elephant Home Design & Décor in Charlotte. She works with clients on everything from interior design consultation to full-scale design projects. You can find out more at gildedelephanthome.com.

The Charlotte News • April 18, 2019 • 7

Home and Garden This is why we garden Vera Moroney This is the time of year many gardeners have waited for. The ice is gone from the lake, the buds are swelling, and the days are longer. Go out into the garden and brush away some leaves or dirt and behold the emerging buds. These buds will turn into lush growth in just a few weeks. After a winter that has held on this does not seem possible, but it will happen! Should wrinkle creams be so effective! Horsford Garden and Nursery on Route 7 has a sign that announces, or predicts, “4 more (or 2 more) weeks.” Is that how many weeks until spring or until they open? It doesn’t matter, it is a good omen. It is not necessary to be a gardener to marvel at this time of year. A walk outside will reveal trees and shrubs in bud. Soon every shade of green will present itself. Many cultures celebrate this time of year of new growth as renewal of life. Be sure to enjoy this time. But now some chores for the gardeners amongst us. If you did not quite achieve the entire cleanup last fall, now is the time. Gently rake or brush the debris away from plants and cut or gently pull dead leaves and stalks. Be careful to not disturb the new growth. If you see weeds now that the ground is damp, it is a good time (well, any time is a good time when it comes to weeds) to pull

them. If you have some good compost, layer it on lightly. It is not too early to apply a light dusting of 10-10-10 fertilizer. Pruning needs to be done or finished. Supposedly, when George Aiken was governor of Vermont and an apple grower, he was asked when is the best time to prune. He answered, “I do it when the saw is sharp.” Certainly roses, tree peonies and other bushes can use a haircut. If you have a drip water hose system, now is a great time to lay it out when you have a clear view of the ground. Also, peony cages can be set up. You can plant out cold weather crops such as kale, spinach, peas, lettuce or brussel sprouts. Warm weather plants, such as tomatoes, peppers or eggplant, need to wait until the ground temperature is at least 60 degrees. Probably not this week. It is also okay to plant perennials such as day lilies, ferns, aastilbe or bleeding heart. Now, on to pests. Some gardeners have great success with hot red pepper flakes on tulips when planting in the fall. As the tulips emerge, a spray of hot red pepper, garlic and cayenne pepper works well at this time of year. A hungry cat or loud dog can help as well. Be aware of ticks even at this time of year. Folks have been bitten already. Make sure your cat and dog have tick and flea protection as well. Many pests, including the horrid red lily beetle, thrive in leaf or other litter. So, as mentioned above, best to keep your garden

Peonies.

clean. Spray the lilies with neem oil as they emerge or just have revenge and flip the bugs into warm sudsy water. Or just

Photo by Vera Moroney

squish them. For now, ignore the pests and enjoy.

Photo by Vera Moroney

Irises in the foreground and peonies.

Farm-Crafted Compost TM

“Compost and topsoil for gardening connoisseurs”

Convenient Low-Cost Delivery Also Available: Topsoil Plus — Raised Bed Mix : A weed-free blend of compost, silt, peat moss, high-carbon wood ash and broad spectrum rock dust. TM

Topsoil Plus — Lawn MixTM: A weed-free blend of compost and silt providing optimum water holding capacity for lush green lawns.

Champlain Valley Compost Co. Serving NW Vermont gardeners since 1996 363-3930 • www.cvcompost.com

E N RI C H TH E LIFE YO U LIV E O UTD O O RS

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

8 • April 18, 2019 • The Charlotte News

The News and Philo Ridge Farm to host spring fundraiser in his CSA, valued at $475, that will be raffled off to support the paper. Philo Ridge Farm is contributing the space for the event, and members of the farm staff will be on hand to conduct farm tours. Charlotte musician Julia Beerworth and her trio partners, Joshua Glass and Tim Swanson—Beer Glass—will provide enchanting sounds, with food prepared by the talented Philo Ridge Farm chefs. Switchback Brewing Company is partnering with us for this event, as is Barb Cote of the soon-to-be Charlotte Tap House, which will cater a cash bar with local craft brews and cider. Please join us for an early spring evening of community building and farming fun. Help your local paper deepen its roots and learn more about how our farmers are raising their crops and livestock. All Beer Glass Trio performing at fundraising event. donations at every level will support communitybased journalism, an endeavor that is more important is limited space please RSVP by May 2, either online at today than ever. philoridgefarm.com or via voicemail at 802-425-4949. A suggested entry fee of $20/family or $10/individual We look forward to seeing you on May 5! will help us cover the cost of food and drinks. Because there

Melissa O’Brien The Charlotte News and Philo Ridge Farm invite you to join us in a family-friendly community gathering on Sunday, May 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. with local music, delicious food and farm tours that will offer the inside scoop on the workings of Philo Ridge Farm before it officially begins its new spring season on Monday, May 6. The News is offered to its readers free of charge, but producing and distributing it is paid for by advertising and charitable contributions. The Philo Ridge Farm gathering will be the first of a handful of fundraising events hosted by The Charlotte News over the course of the coming year. The focus at this kickoff event is to help us to expand our coverage of Charlotte and Charlotters. “We want to increase our coverage of local events and profile more people in town. To do this well we need to hire more writers and interns,” says News publisher Vince Crockenberg. Charlotte News board members have agreed to match up to $3300 in donations received at the event, and Dave Quickel of Stony Loam Farm has contributed a half share

Easter gift giving six alternatives to candy StatePoint When it comes to Easter, there’s no doubt about it: candy is the go-to gift item for kids. But whether it’s to avoid triggering food allergies or sugar overload or you just want to do something a little different this year, there are many reasons you may be in need of some alternative gift ideas. With that in mind here are six Easter gift ideas that aren’t candy: • Great books: You don’t need to forgo the Easter basket entirely. Just fill the basket with books in lieu of sweets. This is an opportunity to foster a love of reading and help build a young reader’s personal library. • Music maker: Give the gift of music for life with an instrument that’s designed to help someone learn to play for the very first time or dial up their existing skills. For example, the PX-S1000 is a keyboard with a slim profile that provides an authentic grand piano sound and feel. A great gift for budding and expert musicians alike, its Bluetooth audio playback features allows users to connect to their device and play along with their favorite songs. • A fun outing: Whether it’s spectating a baseball game or enjoying the thrills of an amusement park, the spring season is the perfect time to gift kids and family with an experience they will remember long after they’d have unwrapped their last pieces of

candy. Find an activity everybody will love and make a special day of it. • Fun movie night: If you’re looking for a gift the whole family can enjoy together, a projector to create an at-home theater experience is a good solution. Those from Casio’s SLIM projector series require little to no setup time, and provide projection at maximum brightness in as few as five seconds. Each LampFree model is fitted with a fully connectable interface,

e eR

Turn-Key Cape

Chris von Trapp, REALTOR® (802) 343-4591 ChrisvonTrapp.com

Likeness Only

Converted Barn

3 bedroom Reproduction Cape with refinished wide pine floors on 10+ acres. Easy communting - just 20 minutes to Middlebury & 30 minutes to Burlington.

Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath Ranch with hardwood floors, a back deck and exterior roof, siding and window upgrades.

Affordable Ranch

37 Acres in the Heart of Charlotte

One time opportunity for a Charlotte Village development plan on this 37 acre parcel with multi-use zoning! On site septic soils too!

This sturdy barn has been renovated into a cool & eclectic 4-5 bedroom, 3 bath home full of charm. Sited on 7.5 acres. This is a must see!

$359,000 | MLS# 4736023

$197,000 | MLS# 4711457

$730,000 | MLS# 4700327

$469,000 | MLS# 4312672

including three types of video and audio inputs, as well as HDMI, RGB and RS232C terminals, ensuring the family can get set up and begin watching favorite flicks quickly and easily. • Art kit: For budding creative types, consider an art kit. From Easter eggdecorating -- if you want to stick with the seasonal theme -- to beading to sand art bottles, there is no shortage of arts and crafts kits for children of all ages, that make great gifts. • Bling: Lots of kids want to look their best, just like you. Help them accessorize with a timepiece. For an option that’s both on-trend and a classic look, consider the Vintage Collection of timepieces from Casio, which are good gifts for both boys and girls and are available in a range of bold metallics, including silver, gold and rose gold. Featuring an LED-lit display face and such functions as a countdown timer and a 1/10th second stopwatch, it’s a great gift for stylish kids who want to be on time. This Easter, think a bit outside the candy box. There are plenty of fun and creative gift alternatives out there.

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 • April 18, 2019 • 9

A FUNDRAISER FOR

ENJOY an all-ages afternoon of GREAT FOOD, LOCAL BEER & CIDER, KID CRAFT TABLE, the first spring FARM TOUR, and LIVE MUSIC by the BEER GLASS TRIO

May 5th 4 - 7 PM RSVP online at philoridgefarm.com Suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family at entry

Philo Ridge Farm 2766 Mt Philo Rd Charlotte, VT 05445

10 • April 18, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Outdoors Encountering the magnificent monarchs Susan Crockenberg In the April 3 issue of The Charlotte News, Mary Van Vleck describes the remarkable flight of the monarch butterflies from Mexico to Canada and back and laments the 90 percent decline in the monarch population in just 20 years. As this decline is linked to loss of habitat and specifically to the elimination of milkweed, the monarch’s preferred source of food, Mary suggests we protect the milkweed that grows wild in our yards and fields and, better yet, that we plant it in our perennial gardens alongside other nectar-producing plants. In the piece that follows, I recount a recent encounter with these magnificent mariposas (Spanish for butterflies) in their sanctuary in Mexico. I hope to convey in more personal terms the uniqueness of these beautiful creatures, the pleasure of entering their world and the loss we would endure in Charlotte should our efforts to save them fail. En route from San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in neighboring Michoacan we share a shuttle with seven other souls, mostly Americans and Canadians escaping the snow and cold of the long northern winter. We join a young Mexican family, mother, father and 4-year-old boy, for whom we make multiple potty breaks along the way. He sits patiently on this four-hour out-bound expedition, chirping contentedly, first in the front seat with his father next to our driver and guide, later in the back with his mother who dispenses snacks and lets him rest his head in her lap. We pause for a brief break for the adults in the party, and as we step down carefully from the van we watch Pablo, smiling and confident, hurtle himself airborne into his father’s waiting arms. My neighbor on the bus, a man about my age, sighs saying, “Don’t you wish you could do that?” The wistfulness in his tone surprises me; he’s said little during the twohour trip from San Miguel, and I respond, “Such security to leap and know that someone’s there to catch you.” We are well into the expansive Mexican countryside when we stop on the outskirts of a small town whose forefathers we learn encountered the Catholics intent on converting them to the true church of Christ. As the story goes, when the Jesuits first arrived in this area a stone edifice to the god of the village’s indigenous peoples adorned the nearest hilltop. We could see it (or its replica) there still, a gray lump overlooking the town. Not to be outdone, the newcomers erected a crucifix that would dwarf the pagan monument and illuminate their god’s superiority. As we sit comfortably in the sun sipping our coffees, Vince exclaims, “Look at that.” In unison, we rotate to the left where a largish crucifix appears on the next hillside. It is sizeable, I think, but not gargantuan, a thought I must have conveyed because Vince answers that we are not looking in the right place. “You’ve got to stand up,” he insists. We follow his direction, and there it is, the largest crucified Christ we have ever encountered. This crucifix is truly immense,

towering over the indigenous icon, the tiny town and all of us viewing it with awe. Even if we hadn’t known how events transpired in Mexico during the decades and centuries that followed, we would have been certain which side was going to win that competition for human souls. Our journey to the butterflies continues, and we watch with pleasure as the plains open up between the mountains and the dry earth blossoms into lush strawberry and tomato fields, beautiful in their unexpected greenery in what until this point has been a landscape in various hues of beige, akin to California at the end of a long, dry summer. It lifts us, this verdure set against the azure of the sky and the mountains darkening the distance, our destination this day. As we begin to climb, the farms are smaller, the road narrower. A magnificent crimson-combed rooster, his iridescent head feathers a-flutter, poses atop a raggedy roofed coop, an old woman in a brilliant magenta shirt totes a load of firewood on her bent shoulders. The air now is clear, scented with the fragrance of the pine trees that surround the cleared fields as we move up the mountain. Occasionally we catch the whiff of a wood fire. The buildings we pass are scattered and low, often only partly built, like so many of the homes along the rural roads in Africa. A small white-sided church appears. It’s trimmed in blue, most likely in honor of the Virgin May, whose image we’ve seen in the stone grottos that grace gardens, alongside the brown-centered yellow daisies and red, white and pink geraniums that decorate porches. We enter a small town as we wind our way upward and revel in the rainbow colors of the houses, one bright pink, another a fruity orange, a third, set back from the road, a construction of electric blue blocks each separated from the next by startlingly white grout, set off by a perfectly pink door. A few are multi-colored, one has a pink top and blue bottom, divided by a bright yellow stripe; my favorite a small house freshly painted in two shades of lavender. This is a prosperous town, unlike the shabbier places we’ve passed through. We move too quickly for photos, but I hold the images in my mind in hopes that one day I might paint them. “Up, up, up,” chants our guide, Leo, as we turn sharply right up a steep stone-paved street. We’ve ascended 1,100 feet in 15 minutes. Where the road seems just wide enough for our white shuttle, we squeeze past a white truck, its bed the transport for a half dozen Mexicans heading down to work the strawberry fields we passed earlier, the berries enormous, red and we imagine juicy, easily spotted from our seats inside the van. Such pleasure and we’ve not yet reached the butterflies. Around 11,000 feet we glimpse our first monarch flitting across the road to settle on a bush on the far side. A thrill runs through me, a portent of things to come. Red flowers stretch out from the rust-colored banks to our left. To our right is a steep drop and the white-flowered bushes the butterflies seem to prefer. We learn later that this is Mexican milkweed, a cousin to the milkweed we’ll plant on our hillside to entice the monarchs to return to Vermont this summer. We arrive at the entrance to the butterfly sanctuary and follow Leo to the trail that will take us into the heart of the sanctuary, up a steep set of wide stone steps. Prompted by signs that urge us not to talk, a hush falls on

our small group and those around us as we begin our ascent. It is the end of the season; the butterflies are about to begin their long flight from Mexico through the United States and into Canada, a journey that takes three generations of butterflies and many months to complete. On this Friday morning, throngs of families and groups of school children are here to witness this miracle of the mariposas, and the babble of young voices and an occasional shriek punctuate the silence. Pablo and his family are close by; freed finally from the constraints of the bus, he charges gleefully up the path, his father is close pursuit. We are now at roughly 13,000 feet, and the trek is more challenging than we first thought. We move slowly and stop frequently, Pablo now riding his father’s shoulders. The pace is perfect for the theater that unfolds as the butterflies abandon the trees where they mass in hanging nests, just a hint of orange distinguishing them from the surrounding branches, and glide downward toward the milkweed in the meadows and the rivulet that runs beside our path. There they land to sip the water and slake their thirst, their delicate wings overlapped, creating a pattern of black and orange over a fringed, intensely orange background, like some gorgeous African fabric, distinguishable from it by an undulating motion. This is a live performance, not a static display. Hundreds of Monarch butterflies fly high above us, in front of and behind us, flitting

Photos by Susan Crockenberg

from bush to bush, awaiting their turn at the stream. They circle ever closer, brushing against my hair, my ear, the side of my face. I am enchanted; I stand very still and breathe deeply and slowly, immersed in their beauty. A monarch lands briefly on my arm, another on my shoulder. They are welcoming me into their fold. I’ve been accepted. This is pure joy. Our group moves on, and still I remain in communion with my new friends. How can I leave them? The thought brings tears to my eyes. I understand fully what a friend means when she describes her visit to the butterflies as a life-altering experience. I can never again think of these magnificent monarchs as simply a species to be preserved. They are that certainly, but so much more. They are my neighbors, the summer folks whose arrival each season I anticipate, whose first sighting lightens my heart, whose company I treasure and whose departure I mourn just a little as they leave as a flock in September. There are signs at the sanctuary that the monarchs too are preparing to leave. On the path, the butterflies revolve around each other on the stone steps, first one on top, then the other, a flash of orange and then a glimpse of white, as they display an underside, tumbling together in a last flash of passion. We are careful where we step so not to intrude on this moment. For this generation of males, this is the last act. They mate only once and then die, while their now pregnant partners begin the long migration northward.

The Charlotte News • April 18, 2019 • 11

From the Archives - 1968

10 • April 18, 2019 • The Charlotte News

A FIVE-DAY JOURNEY

Next Steps Climate Solutions Walk Photos by Zac Rudge

Five Charlotters participate in 350VT’s Next Steps Climate Solutions Walk Catherine Bock

When I first heard that 350 VT was planning a five-day

walk from Middlebury to Montpelier beginning in April of 2019, I immediately decided to join it. A few months later I was asked to help organize the walk, so my walk began long before the opening ceremony on the Middlebury green. Wolfger Schneider, another Charlotter, joined me for the first (and last) day as Bill McKibben ended the ceremony saying, “We’re all going to have to go on strike in one way or another, to disrupt business as usual, because it is precisely business as usual that’s wrecking the planet.” On that note about 100 people between the ages of 2 and 85 set off towards Bristol. Three other friends from Charlotte also joined the walk for different amounts of time—April Thanhauser (one day), Mary Van Vleck (one day) and Cathy Hunter (three days). A whole middle school class walked with us for a day, adding energy and laughter. One 8-year-old boy on the walk had plenty of energy to run and play along the road until the Tesla support car came by. Then he was suddenly in need of a ride. Together we celebrated the solutions to the climate crisis already underway, while also grieving the pipeline, ecosystem destruction and ever-growing injustices of our society. Along the way we were received with generosity provided by local townspeople and churches. We devoured the most amazing potlucks every evening. Sleeping together on the floors of churches was no problem with the two pads I brought along. I was so tired I didn’t even notice if others snored. We quickly became a bonded tribe even as some walkers left and others joined. After walking, talking, eating, sleeping, singing and fighting wind, rain and hail together, our commitment to work for bold climate action grew. April Thanhauser wrote: “I loved that the one day I joined the march (day 3, from Hinesburg to Richmond) began with an Earth-honoring ceremony, in which we mourned environmental losses and then stepped forward with hope for the future. The young people on the walk

gave me lots of hope indeed, with their clarity, dedication and hardiness. I witnessed skillful organization, bright enthusiasm and genuine kindness all along the way, and I talked with new friends, young and older, who inspired me. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the climate crisis or discouraged by industry and government’s slow response, I’ll remember these folks and this special day of walking together.” Mary Van Vleck wrote: “As we walked we talked of our concerns for the earth, and how to engage people more. Our politicians, news media and all organizations such as churches need to be talking about this more and more. How is it, we asked, that some people still think that climate change is a hoax, in spite of rising oceans, disappearing glaciers, our ever more turbulent weather?” ---------------------------Banner drop over I-89 Middlebury exit. Day 4 between Richmond and Middlesex was particularly memorable—not only because it was 19 miles with fierce winds and hail that felt like hundreds of needles on our faces but because there was no complaining. We were too busy trying not to get blown off the road. We lost track of our grand purpose and become just a bunch of people in raincoats hurrying down Route 2. Why did this have to be in April we thought? There was a reason. The legislative session ends in May so the walk was to show support for two important bills in hopes of getting them out of committee so that they will be discussed in the next session. Each day had a theme as shown on the map, and each evening there were speakers from the communities we stayed in, sharing the climate work they were doing locally. On the morning of day 5 we awoke in Middlesex feeling sad that it was the last day but excited to be doing an action in Montpelier. Everyone seemed wired as sides felt very important. The police had said they would take the banner we watched some of our group leave with two banners immediately, but they seemed to have other priorities. So many drivers on to hang on the overpass over I89. The banners said interstate below saw them and we were able to take this picture. “CAUTION, climate crisis ahead” (see photo) and “Your After lunch in Montpelier and a gathering to inform all the newcomers house is on fire. Greta Thunberg,” a quote from Greta action plan, we walked down Main Street to the Statehouse in the pourin Thunberg a 16-year-old Swedish climate activist who has number of walkers was now around 350. In silence we streamed in throu been recently nominated for the Nobel Peace prize. doors of the building, flooding the first floor with people. We held our sil Crossing the overpass with the banners hung on both

Integrating compassion, expertise and service • Advanced surgical and Medical Care • Exotics and Companion Animals • Evening Hours Available

205 Commerce Street Hinesburg | 482-2955

rs down on the

s of the ng rain. The ugh the three lence until

The Charlotte News • April 18, 2019 • 13

everyone had gathered, and then, with the help of hand signals we had practiced, we simultaneously began to sing. “There are more waters rising, this I know, this I know...” Our youth all stood in the center of the lobby, many of them holding branches of pussy willow that we had cut along the walk with messages tied to them. After the song ended, they each read a message attached to their branch, a request to the Legislature to preserve something precious, from the future for their children, to Vermont winters, to the air we breath and the water we drink. As a first step toward preservation, they called on the Legislature to pass H.51, S.66 and H.175, to ban new large-scale, fossil-fuel infrastructure and prohibit the use of eminent domain to take people’s land for fossil-fuel uses. We were pleased that Mike Yantachka, our state representative, took time out of his busy schedule to join us and witness the messages delivered by the youth in the Capital. After the reading, the adults left the building singing again, and small groups of youth went to the rooms of the House and Senate Energy Committees and left their pussy-willow messages. Two youth leaders went to the office of Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson and were able to speak to her. “This is not just another issue,” they told her. “We want this to be your priority. At this point, denial and delay are the same thing.” One of our legislators called our action the most powerful protest she had ever seen. On the last day we received a message from our 8-year-old, Tesla-loving friend: “I’m so sad I couldn’t keep walking with you. It was so much fun and I’m thinking of you. Keep going. You can do it!”

Charlotte News

Using a visible yellow vest and a chicken suit, Catherine Bock acted as marshal to keep the walkers safe. Cathy Hunter is in the background on the right of the picture in a blue jacket.

Morning line-up in Hinesburg.

OUR PAPER IS FREE. CREATING IT ISN’T. KEEP THE NEWS COMING. DONATE ONLINE TODAY. www.CharlotteNewsVT.org

14 • April 18, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Orwell, VT Homeowner Recommends Bristol Electronics When I made the decision to install solar panels to power my small farm and residence, there was no doubt that I would turn to Bristol Electronics for help. Having worked with Chris and her team for satellite television service, I was confident that the same professionalism, expertise, quality workmanship, competitive price structure, prompt and courteous service, and continued support would be forthcoming. Such was the case and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the result. Kent Anderson – Orwell, VT

802 . 453 . 2500 BristolElectronicsVT.com FREE SITE EVALUATIONS

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

The Charlotte News • April 18, 2019 • 15

Library News Margaret Woodruff DIRECTOR

Programs for Children 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 am. Dropin sessions with stories, crafts, songs and fun. For ages 3 to 5. Superhero Book Club Wednesdays, April 10 and 17 at 3:15 p.m. A book club just for first and second graders. Learn about the superheroes who live and work around us every day! Create your own superhero world! Registration required. Please call or email the library to sign up. Coding Club Returns! Thursday, March 21-May 16 at 3:15 pm Art. Design. Coding. Creating art doesn't always happen with a paintbrush or a pencil. Sometimes art is made with a computer. Join Coding Club to learn how to create artistic, interactive and fun computer programs. You'll spray paint graffiti, make animations, create interactive paintings, make a photo image filter and more. Beginners welcome! 4th grade and up. Space is limited, registration required. Please email or call the library at 425-3864. Youth Yoga Tuesday, April 23 at 2 p.m. Youth Yoga with Lynn Alpeter of Yoga Roots. Based upon the Kidding Around Yoga curriculum, this class will introduce children to yoga in an accessible way. It includes lots of music, movement and creativity. All ages are welcome but recommended for ages 5-10. Parents are welcome to join in.

Programs for Adults and Families Film Showing: “A Quiet Digital Revolution” Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m. Front Porch Forum is the focus of a new independent documentary, The Story of Vermont's Quiet Digital Revolution, from Canadian filmmaker Peter Strauss. The film follows the stories of several FPF members, each from different walks of life. How does participation on their

RAISE YOUR HAND

local forums transform them and their communities? The documentary debuted in Vermont at the Vermont International Film Festival in late October 2018 to an enthusiastic audience. Walking Each Other Home Book Discussion Group Mondays, April 29-May 20 at 10 a.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center 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. Library Book Discussion: Killers of the Flower Moon Thursday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Join us to discuss the true-crime account of the Osage murders and the birth of the FBI. The story undercover team, including a Native American agent who infiltrated the region, and together with the Osage began to expose one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history. Great Decisions: Nuclear Negotiations, Back to the Future? Tuesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. Nuclear weapons have not gone away, and the Trump administration has brought a new urgency, if not a new approach, to dealing with them. The president has met with Vladimir Putin as the New Start Treaty with Russia comes up for renewal in 2021, the first presidential summit ever with Kim Jong-un occurred to discuss denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, and President Trump has decertified the Obama nuclear deal with Iran. To what degree should past nuclear talks guide future U.S. nuclear arms control negotiations? Can the art of the deal apply to stabilizing our nuclear future?

Mystery Book Group: Seneca Falls Inheritance Monday, May 20 at 10 a.m. In the small town of Seneca Falls, New York, history was in the making. And so was murder.... Amidst the bustle of the Women's Rights Convention of 1848, the independent, free-thinking town librarian, Glynis Tryon, is called on by Elizabeth Cady Stanton to help organize the historic event. But when a body turns up in the canal, Glynis puts her natural curiosity and her talent for sleuthing to work and takes a stand against a murderer. Copies available at the Charlotte Library. Memorial Day Film Showing: My Father’s Vietnam Friday, May 24 at 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Grange, 2898 Spear Street A personal documentary about a public subject, My Father's Vietnam personifies the connections made and unmade by the Vietnam War. Featuring never-before-seen photographs and 8mm footage of the era, My Father's Vietnam is the story of three soldiers, only one of whom returned home alive. Interviews with the filmmaker's Vietnam veteran father and the friends and family members of two men he served with who were killed there give voice to individuals who continue to silently carry the psychological burdens of a war that ended over 40 years ago. My Father's Vietnam carries with it the potential to encourage audiences to broach the

subjects of service and sacrifice with the veterans in their lives. Co-sponsored with the Charlotte Grange. Library Book Discussion, The Contract Surgeon, Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. This beautifully written historical novel from one of the West's most popular writers tells the true story of the friendship between Valentine McGillicuddy, a young doctor plucked from his prestigious medical career and newly married wife to serve in the army during the Great Sioux War, and the great chief Crazy Horse. Copies available at the Charlotte Library. Charlotte Library Contact Information 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: charlottepubliclibrary.org Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/charlottelibraryvt Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: atCharlotteVTLib

Tom’s marine Otter Creek • Lake ChampLain

Seed Library: Charlie Nardozzi’s Garden Wisdom Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. How to manage unwanted visitors in your garden! Join Vermont's garden guru to learn about managing the garden to stay on top of weeds, pests and diseases. This program takes place at the Charlotte

Try our faster speeds FREE for 60 days!

• FULL SERVICE DEPARTMENT — FACTORY TRAINED AND AUTHORIZED DEALERS FOR HONDA, YAMAHA, MERCURY AND KEY WEST BOATS

SPEEDS UP TO 1 GIG!*

It’s time to get your hands on much faster Internet! Don’t settle for yesterday’s Internet speed when you have a home full of today’s devices. Upgrade now to the incredible speed you need for maximum enjoyment when multiple people are streaming, downloading, gaming and more. www.greenmountainaccess.net

Try Our Faster Internet Speeds FREE for 60 Days! Call 888.321.0815 to start enjoying more.

I F YO U N E E D MOR E I N T E R NE T S P E E D

*Service availability and Internet speed will depend on location. Contact us for details!

Grange, 2898 Spear Street. Co-sponsored by the Charlotte Grange.

• QUICK TURNAROUND • CANVAS SHOP • SHIP’S STORE • WATER TOYS • DOCKAGE • STORAGE • SALES • LARGE PARTS INVENTORY

WE ARE A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN MARITIME MUSEUM!

2200 BASIN HARBOR ROAD, WEST FERRISBURGH, VT • 802-475-2465 • WWW.TOMS-MARINE.COM

16 • April 18, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Rec News Youth Summer Camps and Programs Summer Driver’s Education. This six-week program will be taught by Joe Barch, who has over 15 years of experience teaching in the public schools. Dates: June 12 and 13, 5:30–7:30 p.m. June 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and July 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 8–10 a.m. Charlotte Central School. Fee: $690 Champlain Valley Track and Field. Charlotte is proud to be a part of this threetown track and field program that includes Charlotte, Hinesburg and Williston. This program is for children ages 7 to 14 as of 8/31/18. All participants will receive a T-shirt. Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, June 19 – July 20, 6:15-7:45 p.m. at CVU. Cost: $50 Tim Serrell Tennis Clinic. Tim was a summer resident of Charlotte who loved to play tennis. When he died, he left money in a trust fund to provide free tennis lessons to the children of Charlotte. The program began in 1989 and has become a Charlotte summer tradition. For grades 1-8; younger children will play during the early time slot. Space is limited. Date: June 17-21, 8:30–9:30 a.m. and 9:30–10:30 a.m. Location: Charlotte Beach. Cost: Free (please consider making a donation) Summer Horseback Riding Camp. We will teach your child about horsemanship, anatomy of the horse, health and wellness, and the tack. Camp Weeks: July 15-19, July 22-26, Aug. 5-9, Aug 12-16 and Aug. 19-23, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Steeple Ridge Farm. Cost: $350.

Kids Cook Vermont Summer Camp. From garden to plate, kids will have the opportunity to plan menus, harvest veggies, prepare and serve. Half of each day, campers will be working with food. The other half, campers will enjoy hiking, games, yoga, music and nature journaling. Ages: Rising 1st grade to 6th. Week 1: July 8–12, Week 2: July 29–Aug. 2, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. at Charlotte Congregational Church Cost: $250 (sibling discounts available). British Soccer Camps. The British Soccer camp will be held July 8-12 at Charlotte Central School. • Mini-soccer, ages 4-6, 8–9 a.m. Resident $83, Nonresident $88. • Half-Day Player Development, ages 9-12, 9 a.m.– noon. Resident $154, Nonresident $164 • Full-Day Player Development, ages 7-15, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Resident $196, Nonresident $206 Registration MUST be completed at website listed on our website, charlottevt.org.

Adult Programs Adult Beach Yoga. Step on to your mat, smell the fresh air, let the breeze dance on your skin and enjoy the gifts of yoga: clear mind, strong body, joyful spirit. These classes are appropriate for all levels and will be taught by Yoga Roots instructors who are Charlotte residents and who are committed to making you feel welcome and safe. Please bring your own yoga mat. Come to the Charlotte Beach on Sunday mornings, 8–9 a.m., June 30, July 14, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 25. Adult Beach Meditation. Start your weekend meditating outside on Lake Champlain this summer! Come to the Charlotte Beach on Friday mornings from 7:15-8:15, June 28 through August 30. Yoga teachers Chessy Kelley and Charlie Nardozzi from Yoga Roots of Shelburne will guide you through a mindfulness practice so you can soak up the external and internal beauty to take with you for the rest of the day and weekend.

TetraBrazil Soccer Camp. TetraBrazil Soccer Camp combines learning Brazilian techniques, footwork, moves—and fun! This camp will be held at Charlotte Central School July 15-19. • 3-hour camp, ages 6-16, 9 a.m.–noon. Resident $154, Nonresident $164 • 6-hour camp, ages 8-18, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Resident $196, Nonresident $206 Registration MUST be completed at website listed on our website, charlottevt.org.

Adult Pickleball. The summer season of pickleball in Charlotte began on April 15 and will take place on Mondays and Thursdays beginning at 5:30 p.m. through the summer and early fall.

Voltage Soccer Camp. Professional soccer academy invites young soccer enthusiasts, ages 5–18, to be a part of a challenging educational experience. Emphasis is placed on the developmental, improvement and refinement of basic playing skills. Dates: Aug. 5–9, 9 a.m.–noon. Ages: 5-18. Cost: $115. Location: Charlotte Central School. Registration MUST be completed at website listed on our website, charlottevt.org.

Full and partial scholarships are available for all youth recreation activities. You can find additional information on all of our programs as well as registration forms on our town website, charlottevt. org, under the Recreation tab or contact Nicole Conley by email at Recreation@ townofcharlotte.com or by phone at 4256129 ext.204.

Adult Tennis. Tennis at the beach is back on Tuesdays from 5:30–8 p.m.

Serving the Champlain Valley since 1945

Family owned, local business

The Charlotte News • April 18, 2019 • 17

Sports

Edd Merritt

CVU lacrosse and tennis attack their seasons

Both men’s and women’s lacrosse teams opened the 2019 season against Rice. As was their offense last year, scoring was spread among a number of attack and midfielders for the men’s 14-7 win. Nate Cuttitta scored four goals, Jack Schaefer had two goals and five assists, another two tallies and two assists from Charlie Averill plus dual goals from Charlotte’s Sam Sturim. James Bernicke and Charlotter Max Gorman each hit the net twice and added an assist. Goalie Bobby Spencer was called upon for 10 saves. The Redhawk women have not fared as well, losing to the Knights 14-4 in game one of the season, to South Burlington 16-7 in game two and in overtime to Burr and Burton Academy, 7-6. CVU’s Sophia Cresta paced the Hawk scorers in the opener with two goals, and goalie Lena Ashooh stopped 11 Rice shots. The loss to South Burlington followed five goals and two assists from sharp-shooter Kate Hall; Mia Bromsted netted a hat trick to lead the scoring for CVU, and goalie Ashooh’s eight saves was one better than the Wolf tender’s. Petra Kapsalis’s hat trick and Ashooh’s 18 saves still were not quite enough to avoid the loss to the BBA Bulldogs.

Not a Joseph on the court but victory just the same for women’s tennis

After having the Joseph sisters lead the way for CVU women’s tennis for a number of years, there isn’t a Joseph name in the lineup in 2019. That did not seem to deter the Redhawks, however, as they traveled to the kingdom to face St. Johnsbury Academy and came away victorious, 5-2.

Sophie Dauerman, number 2 singles player last year moved to number 1 this year, led off with a 6-2, 6-3 win, followed by Kate Gruendling and Julia Grant winning third and fifth singles matches respectively. Both doubles teams also topped their Academy opponents—Charlotte’s Lindsay Beer and her partner Julia Blanck winning 6-2, 6-3, and Riley Boucher and Abigail Harkness requiring three sets before victory, 6-3, 5-7, 10-8.

Redhawks on all-star, all-state rosters

Since the snow has melted (at least momentarily), let’s look at the high school coaches’ picks for all-state Alpine ski teams. CVU women downhillers show five Redhawks on the first team and one receiving honorable mention. Charlotte’s Binney Patton joined Claire Smith and Olivia Zubarik on the first team, while Emily Marvin gained honorable mention. Turner Barbour was the only Redhawk man on the all-state roster, earning first-team honors. On to basketball where The Burlington Free Press’ all-state teams were displayed April 12. Needless to say, several CVU names appeared as the Redhawks went through the regular season undefeated again this year, only to lose to St. Johnsbury in the Division I state championship. A 5-foot, 7-inch sophomore guard, Catherine Gilwee was CVU’s “most prolific scorer,” according to coach Ute Otley. She stood out among shooters in a balanced attack that has been characteristic of the Redhawks for a number of seasons. Another 5-foot, 7-inch guard, junior Mekkena Boyd, earned second team honors. Otley said her strength was being unafraid to drive physically to the basket, a “component that gave our team the offensive balance that we needed.” A third guard, senior Harper Mead, gained honorable mention. Junior Flynn Hall, captain of the women’s hockey team, received honorable mention on The Free Press all-state women’s hockey roster, and junior guard Ethan Harvey received the same honor on the men’s list.

Celebrate the goal Redhawks!

Ground ball! Ground ball!

Photos by Al Frey

18 • April 18, 2019 • The Charlotte News

Charlotte Central School

It was the best to be their guest Chea Waters Evans

Charlotte Central School students in grades 6 through 8 danced, sang, growled and glowed as the cast of “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.” from April 4-6. Seventh grader Charlie Taylor intimidated and ingratiated as the cranky-beast-turned-besotted-prince, and eighth grader Rory McDermott was fortunately typecast in the role of Belle, a fierce book-loving beauty with a big heart who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Students practiced for months learning lines, singing and dancing under the direction of Lindsey Baldwin and Monica Littlefield. The cast performed roles from silly girls to silverware to teapots, and 11 students worked as the crew.

Photos by Chea Waters Evans

The Charlotte News • April 18, 2019 • 19

Charlotte Central School

Spacing out with Ricky Arnold at CCS

Chea Waters Evans

The first astronauts in space seemed like

superheroes: larger-than-life explorers with tales that were almost unfathomable. As people, they seemed as untouchable as the stars themselves. On Monday, Charlotte Central School students in grades four to six got to speak with NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold, who was also larger than life—but mostly because his face appeared on a big screen in the school library, where students spoke to him through videoconference. Personable and engaging, the astronaut, who recently returned from a six-month stint aboard the International Space Station, answered student questions about all things astronaut. Many questions involved the particulars of everyday life: How was the sleeping schedule on the International Space Station? What was it like to eat in microgravity, and what do astronauts eat? (Surprisingly, they can make pizza.) Erin Caldwell, a sixth grader, had a question, though, that Arnold said he had never heard before. “That’s a great question,” he said. Erin wanted to know where he felt safest: during the space shuttle ride, while he was on the space station, or during a space walk. He said the space station--in part, logically, because there was “no controlled explosion” underneath him, and because there was more to protect him from space than just a suit. Arnold has been an astronaut since 2007. His most recent trip to the ISS was 197 days long, a time period that he said “flew by.” While on board, he and his fellow crew members monitored 300 experiments a day, including sequencing RNA for the first time and playing the first tennis match in space. A former middle school science teacher,

He compared working in a school and being on the ISS to being part of a team with a goal. “That team’s job is to prepare you for the great things you’re going to do.”

Arnold answered fifth-grader Rowan Howe’s question about the similarities between teaching students and being an astronaut. Arnold said the two professions had a lot in common. “There are a lot of demands from a lot of people,” he said, which drew laughter from the teachers in the audience, and added that time management is key. He compared working in a school and being on the ISS to being part of a team with a goal. “That team’s job is to prepare you for the great things you’re going to do,” he told Rowan. The videoconference was arranged through Allan Miller, the CCS digital and transformational learning coach. In an email, he wrote, “This event will serve to ‘launch’ a class project where students will be creating videos that will be added to the “From Vermont to the ISS” site originally created by RETN [retn.org/vermontiss] where over 20,000 visitors have viewed previous students’ work sharing the excitement of NASA’s cutting edge research in pursuit of expanding the human presence in space to the Moon, Mars and

NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold talks with 4th, 5th and 6th graders at CCS. Photo by Chea Waters Evans

beyond.” Last year, Miller facilitated a live videoconference at CCS directly from the ISS to the school. Sixth-grade science teacher Tasha Grey asked the final question of the session, which was cut short due to the fact that even astronauts can come down with a terrible cold: What takeaway from his experience would Arnold like to share most with the students? “I think it’s important to keep in mind that all of you have gifts that you have not even uncovered yet,” Arnold said. “You have things that you’re going to do in life that the only way you’re going

to find out if you can do them is by trying. And you will find that you have gifts and abilities that you do not realize you have, if you allow yourselves to be challenged,” he said. “We have a lot of challenges here on planet Earth right now that your generation is going to have to deal with, and you can do it—it’s just that you’ve got to be willing to accept the challenge. Don’t sell yourself short. Accept challenges, do the best you can, and if it doesn’t work out, pick yourself up and try again.”

Charlotte Selectboard draft agenda Monday, April 22, 2019 At the Charlotte Town Hall – 159 Ferry Road

Agenda is subject to change—check agenda posted on charlottevt.org on the Friday prior to meeting for final agenda Reasonable accommodation shall be provided upon request to ensure this meeting is accessible to all individuals regardless of disability. Times are approximate

6:00 p.m. 6:01 6:10 6:15 6:40 7:00 7:05

Have a Charlotte news story or photo? Send it to:

news@thecharlottenews.org

7:15 7:20 7:35 7:45 8:45 8:50 8:55 9:00

Adjustments to the agenda Opening of Bids for Playground Reconstruction Applications to the Vermont Bond Bank for the library addition and ambulance Interviews for Appointments—see Page 2 of Agenda Select contractor to remove hazard Ash trees on Lake Road Public Comment Addison County Relocalization Network (ACORN)— application for fundraising bicycle ride on September 21, 2019 on Spear Street, Bingham Brook Road, Guinea Road, Hinesburg Road, Ferry Road, Greenbush Road Agreement with Lake Champlain Committee to allow the Town Beach to be used as a Lake Champlain Paddlers’ Trail site, and be included in the Trail Guidebook West Charlotte Village Parking Group—discussion Consideration to rescind Town right-of-way at 95 Inn Road Continuation of Public Hearing for proposed amendment to the Town Plan (primarily related to energy use, generation and siting) Minutes: April 8, 2019; April 15, 2019 Selectboard updates Approve warrants to pay bills Adjournment

Members: Matthew Krasnow, Chair; Louise McCarren; Carrie Spear; Fritz Tegatz; Frank Tenney Town Administrator: Dean Bloch Minute Taker: Lynn Monty

20 • April 18, 2019 • The Charlotte News

To Advertise in

Charlotte News

The

Contact ads@TheCharlotteNews.org

Calendar of Events Saturday, April 20

The Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge will be the site of an Earth Day (which is actually two days later on April 22) volunteer gathering. From 10 a.m until noon we’ll be tending to vines, cleaning out invasive plants and seeding wildflowers. Enter at Thorp Barn off Rte. 7 across from Nordic Farm. We’ll bring lunch and some tools, but volunteers should bring gloves and hand tools (rake, shovel, loppers). Kids welcome. Please let us know if you’re planning on coming or would like more information: 9994308 or 425-3105.

Friday, April 26

Join members of Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services as we celebrate another great year of service to Charlotte and area towns. Friday, April 26 at The Old Lantern, Greenbush Road, Charlotte. Cocktail hour at 6 p.m, dinner and awards at 7 p.m. followed by dancing with music by The Hitmen. Cash Bar. Proceeds from ticket sales, and a basket raffle will go toward community outreach and training support programs. Call 425-3111 to purchase your tickets. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Friday, May 10

Dinner, an online auction and grand prize raffle at The Old Lantern Inn from 6:30 to 10 p.m. to benefit the Charlotte Children’s Center. The event promises to be a fun filled evening, and we hope to see you there! Tickets for the event are $75 per person and will include dinner, a drink and live music from our very own Builder teacher Holly Mugford and band. Raffle tickets for a grand prize will be available at the event. Tickets to the event can be purchased in three ways: • On our auction website via credit card: charityauction.bid/Charlottechildrenscenter; • Prior to the event via check made out to the Charlotte Children’s Center; please mail to The Charlotte Children’s Center c/o Meaghan McLaughlin P.O. Box 149 Charlotte, VT 054450; • At the door by check; if you plan to do this please send an email to meaghan.w.mclaughlin@gmail.com to let us know you plan to attend.

Answers to puzzles on page 21

The Charlotte News • April 18, 2019 • 21

Puzzles

THEME: OFF TO THE RACES ACROSS

1. Goes with flows 5. Worry excessively 9. Occasional heart condition 13. Well-____ machine 15. *War Admiral’s 1938 experience 16. Sudan’s neighbor 17. a.k.a. Pleasant Island 18. Great Salt Lake state 19. Marching band member 20. *Unlikely champion during Great Depression 23. Shiny wheel part 24. Religious Wednesday 25. Don’t just stand there! 27. A cool ____, as in money 28. Come off 30. Type of cabbage

33. Never without “n” 35. Infection of the eyelid, pl. 38. Ethiopian currency 39. Sea swallows 41. Arm bone 42. Best of the crop 44. Aid in crime 45. Away from wind 46. Sourly 48. Snakelike reef dweller 50. Winter glider 51. ____ as a fiddle 52. Peter of the Lost Boys 53. *”The Most Exciting ____ ____ in Sports” 59. December 24 and 31 61. Bear’s hang-out 62. Retire from military 64. *Official flower of the Ken-

tucky Derby 65. Attention-getting interjection 66. Napoleon’s stay on St. Helena, e.g. 67. Bear constellation 68. Play on words, pl. 69. *Between walk and canter DOWN 1. Longest division of time 2. Objectivity preventer 3. Like most-desired ribbon 4. Evening in Roma 5. Turn red 6. Co-eds’ military org. 7. Isaac’s firstborn 8. Informal wear 9. Part of play 10. *____ Downs

Answers on page 20

11. Olden day women’s riding garb 12. Dutch cheese 14. Home to Burj Khalifa 21. Florida Key, e.g. 22. Steeped beverages 26. Opposite of potential 27. Caribbean rattle 28. *Race, literally 29. European sea eagle 30. *Official Kentucky Derby broadcaster 31. Lungful 32. *Second leg of the Triple Crown 34. Calf at a grocery store 36. Between NE and E 37. Sigma Alpha Epsilon 40. Beer garden mug

43. Catcher’s catcher 47. Drooping neck skin 49. Chopin’s composition 50. Relish tastebuds’ sensation 51. Law business entities 52. Paddington Bear’s homeland 54. Pearl Harbor island 55. Demeanor 56. SMS 57. Chieftain in Arabia 58. Aria, e.g. 60. Poseidon’s domain 63. *Trifecta or Exacta

22 • April 3, 2019 • The Charlotte News

SENIOR CENTER MENUS Suggested donation for all meals: $5 when it comes to who shows up. The idea is to sign up for a Wednesday date and then meet to carpool to a spot on the flat, gravel Town Link Trail with the other interested folks on the list. Since it is unguided, there is no minimum number, and whether you like the weather or not is up to you. Consider giving it a try, now that it is getting a little warmer.

Other events and courses

Carolyn Kulik SENIOR CENTER DIRECTOR

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” ~ Robin Williams Returning last weekend from Seattle, it was clear the party had already started there—about a month ago. Unfortunately, the temperature had not caught up with the flowering trees, so my jacket was necessary. This was not a vacation: it was a long overdue downsizing—actually, a donate or ship-it-out event that I am inclined to call “Storage Unit Pilates.” So, the last leg of this journey was the best—a terrific seatmate on the plane to JFK, an architect who passed on some great insights while showing me online his plein-air, charcoal studies of Seattle nightscapes. He was going to Long Island to help his 80+-year-old parents downsize and move to a one-floor condo. (Sound familiar?) Then, he asked about my work, and it was my turn to tell him about CSC. He had trouble understanding that it is not residential and is not an adult daycare center. I just happened to have the spring schedule to show him, and we talked about community and how volunteers make it work. I got to tell him about how welcoming it is to newcomers and that people are upbeat, really care about each other—and are concerned when someone is missing from class. He thought it must be a great place to work (It is!) and that he wished his parents had something like that

to go to themselves. Of course, I invited him to stop by whenever he can. Free Wednesday afternoon events at 1 p.m. Identity theft, investment fraud and scams rob Americans of their hard-earned money. On 4/24, People’s United Bank joins with AARP to present Ways Con Artists Steal Your Money with Elliott Greenblott. Learn how to recognize fraud and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Registration is requested. Light refreshments provided. On 5/1, UVM Home Health & Hospice (formerly VNA) will provide information on the expert nursing, rehabilitation and support they provide to people at home. If you, or a loved one, are recovering from illness or surgery, managing a chronic medical condition, facing a life-limiting diagnosis or need help with nonmedical tasks, they can help. Presented by Linda Le Compte, RN. (Rescheduled from 2/13.)

Outdoors

To get back outdoors, you have the option of joining Marty Morrissey on his Spring Road Hike #1, on Tuesday, 4/30, at 8:50 on the Town Link Trail. Additional dates on 5/7 and 5/14 will be to other locations. If you’d like a later start on a Wednesday morning at 10 a.m., consider the more informal, weekly Strolling in Charlotte. This meetup group has no official leader and is catch-as-catch-can

Purchase with your local mortgage professional!

In April, Shape Note Singing, 1-3 p.m. monthly on the third Sunday, has been rescheduled to 4/28 since Easter falls on 4/21. Also known as Sacred Harp, participating in this traditional, four-part, acapella style does not require a “good voice” or a knowledge of how to read music. All you need is a little patience to learn the notation—and you are rewarded with the chance to make beautiful harmonies and sing at the top of your lungs. (A great stress reducer!) No auditions; songbooks provided. Stop by to listen or sing, and leave whenever you wish. No fee. [To hear it, go to YouTube and search for 344 Rainbow – Second Ireland Sacred Harp Convention; the words start at 0.39.] Due to strong interest, on Monday, 4/29, the Book Discussion Group (Group B) is being offered again for a new four-week session that will end on 5/20. [Please note that starting date has been moved up from 5/6.] The book, Walking Each Other Home: Conversations on Loving and Dying, is by Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush, and the group is facilitated by Pam McPherson and Charlotte Library’s Margaret Woodruff. The book’s 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.” Group meets at 10 a.m., no charge; however, registration is necessary. Some books are available at the Charlotte Library. [It looks as though this course will be an ongoing one and will be offered again in the summer.]

Art Exhibits

Continuing throughout the month of April is “Potpourri,” a variety of colorful, interesting and varied works in watercolor, acrylic and mixed media by Lynn Cummings and her students. The May Art Exhibit will feature the nature photography of Peter Riley. On 5/8, he will also be speaking at 1 p.m. about how each photo was made, as well as about the natural history of his subjects. You can expect to be entertained. The best times to see Art Exhibits in April are Tues. 2:30, and Thur. and Fri. after 12:30. You might also catch a quick peek at about noon on Mon. and Wed.

Sharon Brown

Community Lender NMLS #491713

140 Commerce Street, Hinesburg 29 Green Street, Vergennes

Please call the Center during the week to check on Sunday afternoon availability.

1-802-877-2721

Coming in May

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

Pastel Painting, starting on 5/7, 4 weeks. Acrylic Adventures, starting on 5/14, 3 weeks. Play Reading, starting on 5/23, monthly. Annual Plant Sale – Saturday, 5/25. ALSO—more Birding Expeditions, Road Hikes, Wednesday Events at 1 p.m., great

Monday Munch

11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. No reservations required.

April 22

The Residence at Shelburne Bay will provide a special meal Chicken salad w/grapes in a lemon Aioli over greens or Grilled salmon Over quinoa kale salad W/balsamic glaze Lemon squares w/fig coulis

April 29

Choose-your-own-adventure pizza Greens & carrots Ice cream w/blueberry sauce

Wednesday Lunch All diners eat at noon. Reservations required.

April 24

Kielbasa German potato salad Bundt cake

May 1

Mom’s chop suey Birthday cake & ice cream

Thursday Gents Breakfast

7:30–9 a.m. Reservations required.

April 25 Menu: TBA Topic: TBA (Keep up to date on menus with Front Porch Forum, as these sometimes change.)

lunches on Mondays and Wednesdays, Gents Breakfasts on 2nd and 4th Thursday mornings. And a host of other ongoing courses. Please visit our website at CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org. See you soon! ________________ Charlotte Senior Center (802) 425-6345 CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org

The Charlotte News • April 18, 2019 • 23

Health Movement, music and joy

Left to Right: Windsong Kervick, Marna Ehrech, Liesje Smith, Kate Schubart, Gay Regan Gay Regan It was mid March and I woke up to heavy, wet snow. I growled out the window, “Hey, it’s almost spring. Enough!” Then I panicked as I thought, “Is the Charlotte Senior Center going to be open? Is Liesje Smith, the teacher of my movement/dance class, going to make it in the snow?” My back was hurting that morning and I had a crick in my neck. I was sulky and desperate for class. At 9 a.m. I called the Senior Center. No answer. At 9:20 I called again. Yes, the Center was open and class would happen. My day brightened. We are a class of three this day, other times six. Liesje has her laptop set up with a wonderful variety of music that includes singers like Aretha Franklin or Joni Mitchell, or contemporary classical music, or jazz. She carefully selects music each week from Spotify where she discovers musicians from all over the world. The Great Room of the Senior Center is spacious and comfortable. The class starts in different ways, depending on her “senior” students. She listens to us to assess our needs, problems and abilities and then devises therapeutic exercises to free our bodies. This snowy day Liesje begins by isolating our movements. We start with our arms and shoulders and finding a proper alignment for our spine. Our arms swing in small or giant circles, and then we move down to the waist and pelvis. We jiggle and bend, following the movements of our young, mid-40s teacher and watching her warm, encouraging smile. She creates word images for the exercises we are doing. Sometimes the words fire our imaginations, though occasionally the words fall flat and we just laugh together. She instructs, “You want to release tension, to feel a plumpness or sponginess in your joints, to breathe air into them. Now root your feet into the floor, into Mother Earth, spread your toes, find your balance.” Then she has us move through the room, making us aware of space. The music

changes mood and tempo, and we are dancing forward, backward, in circles, enjoying the aerobic exercise. Other times we are moving while sitting on a chair or we stand quietly in a circle. “Hold out your left thumb and tap with the finger tips of your other hand from your thumb to your shoulder, along your breastbone, and down your chest, stomach, legs, feet, and back up. Feel that your body parts interconnect.” I don’t like exercise machines, lifting weights or strict routines in which each class is the same. I am half way through this snowy day class and suddenly I am feeling wonderful. The crick in the neck seems to have disappeared. I can still feel a bit of ouch in my back—but at least it feels limber. I am dancing using my own freeform movement. I have shed an old skin and become younger, more vital. Leisje stops the class to give us time to catch our breath and to work in other ways with our bodies. She has had a terrific background in ballet, contemporary dance and Rolfing. She has studied anatomy and somatic movement. She pays attention to each individual and coaches us on how to avoid movement that might damage a problem area of our body. She asks how my neck is doing. We do some stretching and massaging of the head and the neck and then gently sweep our hands from the top of our head down our bodies to our toes. “Out, damn spot, away with those cricks and aches,” I say to myself. We have a last song and move to the music once again. We weave around the room being aware of each other, interacting and looking at each other. We are a community that this hour of dance has brought together. We sometimes end class in a circle, whispering some nice thought to the person next to us. Other times we just stretch upward and send thanks for the space, each other, and for the joy of feeling more alive. The class has room for additional people. Come and join us: Moving Better, Living Better on Fridays, 9:40 - 10:40 a.m.

Classifieds Reach your friends and neighbors for only $12 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 802999-0963, 802-338-1331 or 802877-2172.

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.

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.

LAWN MOWING SERVICE Paying off student loans. 15+ years experience. Professional equipment. Insured. Residential, business, church, municipal, etc. Temp or full season. Call Anthony Burds 777-9131

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?

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. Yearround work for the most qualified. Call 355-0028

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 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

A FUNDRAISER FOR

ENJOY an all-ages afternoon of GREAT FOOD, LOCAL BEER & CIDER, KID CRAFT TABLE, the first spring FARM TOUR, and LIVE MUSIC by the BEER GLASS TRIO

May 5th 4 - 7 PM RSVP online at philoridgefarm.com Suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 per family at entry U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 05482 PERMIT NO. 9

presorted standard

Philo Ridge Farm 2766 Mt Philo Rd Charlotte, VT 05445