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Charlotte News Thursday, June 27, 2019 | Volume LXI Number 25
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Vol. 61, no.25 June 27, 2019
Vermont’s oldest nonprofit community newspaper, bringing you local news and views since 1958
CVU Graduation 2019
Tools stolen from Charlotte Crossings construction site, police investigating potential leads Chea Waters Evans NEWS EDITOR
Olivia Hagios
With a $3,000 dollar reward on the table and tips to the police generating from Facebok and Craigslist, Vermont State Police continue their search for information relating to the theft of more than $10,000 worth of tools from the Charlotte Crossings construction site on Route 7. VSP believes the items were stolen between the evening of Tuesday, June 18 and the morning of Wednesday, June 19, when the theft was reported. Forty items were taken from a locked construction trailer on a fenced-in property and include multiple drills, a scope camera, a chainsaw, bolt cutters, Sawzalls and a generator. Mike Dunbar, owner of RenoVaTe, the construction company that is building the new office building and restaurant, is also the owner of the property. He said in a public Facebook post that not only are state police investigating the theft but that he is personally offering a $3,000 reward to anyone with information “that leads to a conviction. If you see or hear of anyone that is selling tools real cheap, let me know because they are probably mine.” Responses to the Facebook post, which was shared over 400 times, included links to a listing on the classified ad site Craigslist. The post has since been removed from Craigslist, but a screenshot of the post shows that the person located in Milton, Vermont, who posted it wrote, in all capital letters, “I have several tools for sale I bought from Middlebury Fencing in the past few days, I won’t post any pictures but I will show in person to serious cash buyers only!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t message me and ask what they are or for pictures, I want cash only no emailing back and forth.” Facebook user Keegan Carter responded to this alert on Dunbar’s post with, “No way, if that is the same tools then it’s the dumbest thief ever.” Corporal Andrew Leise with the Vermont State Police, who
On Friday afternoon of June 14, 312
Photo by Chea Waters Evans
is based out of the Williston Barracks, only said in response to a query about whether this lead was being pursued, “Pending.” Lieutenant Bob Lucas from the VSP said, “All I can tell you at this point is that the investigation is still ongoing and that
seniors of Champlain Valley Union High School paraded into Patrick Gym at UVM. Family, friends, teachers, staff and numerous other supporting community members watched as the class stood together one last time. The graduates, each wearing a matching red cap and gown to symbolize the graduation and unity of the class, made their way into the gym, accompanied by the St. Andrew’s Pipeband of Vermont playing its instruments. Members of the class then opened the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Before the graduates were presented with their diplomas, Kelly Brush spoke to them. Kelly is a local athlete who has been paralyzed from the chest down since she crashed while alpine ski racing during her sophomore year at Middlebury College. She spoke to the graduating class about how her outlook and perspective on life have helped her through each of the struggles that life has presented to her, including her ski crash and the ways in which she has learned to live and deal with new personal limitations and challenges. For this class of students, who were about to tie the knot on a crucial stage of their lives and prepare themselves for the
see THEFT page 5
Creemees a Comin’?
see CVU GRADS page 2
Rise ‘n Shine commercial farm stand sketch plan approved Juliann Phelps Only two items were on the agenda for the June 20 Planning Commission meeting: continued discussion of development densities and boundaries in the East Charlotte Village and the sketch plan review for the Rise ‘n Shine commercial farm stand. Both had site visits planned for earlier in the day but were rescheduled to Wednesday, June 26, at 5 p.m. Development density and build-outs Planning Commission Vice Chair Charlie Pughe opened discussion on the ECV, noting he invited Peter Richardson to attend due to his experience in affordable housing. Peter responded he was there to listen. Town Planner Daryl Arminius presented his land use regulations research on development densities to the commission. Arminius said that in the East Charlotte Village “you can have five acres per unit and one-quarter acre per unit if it’s affordable housing. I found it interesting there’s no distinction [between] village district or village commercial.” Commission members discussed whether
the language was intended to permit up to 20 units of affordable housing on a fiveacre parcel. Planning Commission member Marty Illick said, “There is a vagueness in what’s written. It’s our job to clarify. Maybe the zoning board has experience on using this language.” Discussion from the public included resident Bill Stuono, who raised concerns about housing density and supporting infrastructure. He asked, “Shouldn’t we have these in place before build out?” Clark Hinsdale III discussed septic capacities and the challenges in developing building lots. He said, “With the density of the village, of course you cannot do that on a quarter-acre lot or a one-acre lot. You can’t meet setbacks for water, septic, property and driveway. Done on an individual lot, it takes up that amount of room just to meet setbacks.” He continued, “In order to make efficient use in village, a community septic system around the corner from that location frees up the ability to have quarter-acre lots. [It’s] giving us half a shot on making something affordable.” Residents Jonathan Fisher followed up with additional questions on septic, and
Photo by Juliann Phelps Rise ‘n Shine owner Peter Carreiro presents his commercial farm stand sketch plan to the Planning Commission.
Sarah Thompson asked the commission to consider phased build-outs. Before moving on to the next agenda item, the commission decided to proceed with Illick’s request to obtain information from the Regional Chittenden County Planning Office on housing and growth
projections in Charlotte and vowed to continue work on clarifying development density and proposed build-outs in the village.
see PLANNING page 2
2 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Town Library MOA and Bond Documents Signed Selectboard hears from residents on abandoned properties
Juliann Phelps The Monday, June 24 Selectboard meeting opened with a discussion on the ReArch contract for the library addition and the memorandum of agreement among the town, the Charlotte Library Board of Trustees, and the Friends of the Library. Selectboard member Fritz Tegatz said he was comfortable with the changes despite the contract not being one of the standard designbuild, construction management, or American Institute of Architecture contracts. After review and discussion, the Selectboard approved the contract with ReArch for the library addition. Vice Chair Frank Tenney raised the question attribution of in-kind contributions during the MOA agenda item. He asked if the in-kind contribution could be directed toward either the town or the library, adding, “I am trying to make sure there are mechanisms in place to allow for all possibilities.” Several participants raised cash flow questions, including Assistant Town Clerk
CVU GRADS continued from page 1 the adventure awaiting them, hearing from Kelly about how she was able to move on through her use of perspective and mental strength was incredibly reassuring. The most emotional part of the graduation ceremony for this class was the remembrance of seniors Paul Hoeppner and Clark Schmitt, who died during the previous school year. The absence of each was felt heavily by both the graduates and the crowd present at the ceremony. Following a welcome speech presented by senior Jackson Guernsey, senior Paige Thibault performed a song she had written to help her cope with the loss of two of her classmates. She sang of pain and confusion and of grasping to understand why these terrible things happen to our community. Her song reached into the hearts of her audience, sharing the feelings of loss and grief the community as a whole has felt throughout the previous months and uniting those present in the gym into one strong, bonded community. Shortly after Paige’s song, seniors Jessica Gagne, Alexandra Maklad and Adalia Williams presented the class gift to the high school, inspired by Paul’s and Clark’s love of nature and being outside to interact with it in an active
Christina Booher and resident Peter Trono. Trono asked for details about the loan the library intends to secure against pledges, asking, “After the 31st the bond monies are available; will the library have their loan secured by then?” Library Board Secretary Nan Mason responded saying they have to file taxes before pursuing the loan (their fiscal year ends in June). Trono asked how the payments would be made to the contractor. Mead responded that she would “use what actually exists – cash first from the library, then go to bond and hope that way: kayaks to be used by students so they can get outside and learn from their natural surroundings. I am sure this gift will be used by many students in the near future to venture outside and further their learning, with inspiration from Paul and Clark to guide them. I along with other students have grown close to and befriended the now-graduated seniors, whether it was from back when we were all young at our small community school of CCS, where each student knew everyone else, or meeting and learning with each other within the classrooms or playing on sports teams together at the larger high school of CVU. Connections were created and strengthened between students and teachers alike that have helped the graduates make it to their high school graduation day with smiles still on their faces. Now as each graduate walks into the future and sets out on their own individual path, whether they remain as locals in Vermont or venture off into other parts of the world, they know they will always be welcomed back to the homes they have created throughout their years here in Vermont. May they carry that knowledge from their school and their community with them to brighten their futures. Olivia Hagios is a graduate of CCS and a rising senior at CVU. She lives in Charlotte. See Rice High School Graduates on page 10
as time goes on, that pledges would be more liquid.” The Selectboard heard a few more comments before approving the chair to sign the MOA. The bond documents for the library addition and the ambulance were shortly motioned and approved. In a related agenda item, the Selectboard also approved the submission of the site plan review and zoning permit applications for the library addition and waived the associated filing fees. Abandoned Properties and Ordinances Town Administrator Dean Bloch opened the discussion on abandoned properties, giving a brief overview of previous concerns raised by residents of Stockbridge Road, as well as research into possible town ordinances. Zoning Administrator Aaron Brown submitted an ordinance from St. see SELECTBOARD page 23
PLANNING continued from page 1 Rise ‘n Shine sketch plan The next agenda item drew members of the public in support of business owner Peter Carreiro and his proposed commercial farm stand on the corner on route 7 and Church Hill Road. Carreiro owns Rise ‘n Shine, a local delivery service, located on Root Road directly behind the proposed farm stand. As he presented his sketch plan to the commission, he said traffic would enter his business from Church Hill Road and that one entrance from Route 7 will remain an emergency access while the other will be permanently closed by the state. He said, “The footprint doesn’t change. There are three garage doors. The first becomes the entrance and the next two become sliding doors. We will be able to open up the garage doors, and it will be nice and bright in there.” He said that the creemee stand would be in the former gas station attendant location, with the rest of the building devoted to retail. He said he was not planning on redeveloping the 4000-square-foot building behind the snack bar right away and is considering leasing out the snack bar “to someone who’s capable and has some restaurant experience.” Questions from the commission included parking, lighting, delivery vehicle access, waste water and storm water. Several members of the public spoke in favor of the project, with multiple comments anticipating Carreiro’s creemee stand. Resident Gary Farnsworth said, “Peter’s been a big supporter of that corner for years. He’s a listener. He listened to what the town’s looking for based on different committees … I don’t think you are going to find a better use for this corner.” Planning Commissioner Bouchard motioned to close the sketch plan review, and it was approved unanimously, 6-0. The next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting is July 18.
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, length and consistency with our house publishing style. • We will make every effort to print each letter in its entirety and to preserve the original intent and wording whenever editing is necessary. We will confer with letter writers before publishing letters and commentaries that in our judgment require significant editing before they can be published. • 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: Chea Waters Evans (chea@thecharlottenews.org) Contributing Editor: Edd Merritt Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Vince Crockenberg Proofreaders: Edd Merritt, Mike & Janet Yantachka Contributing Photographers: Meliss O'Brien, Elizabeth Bassett, Bradley Carleton, John Hammer Business Staff Ad manager: Elizabeth Langfeldt (ads@thecharlottenews.org) Bookkeeper: Susan Jones (billing@thecharlottenews.org) Board Members President: Vince Crockenberg (vince@thecharlottenews.org) Treasurer: Ted leBlanc (treasurer@thecharlottenews.org) Board members: Bob Bloch, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli, Tom Tiller, Dave Quickel, John Quinney, Lane Morrison, Jack Fairweather, Christina Asquith, John Hammer (emeritus) Website: thecharlottenews.org Subscription Information The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all Charlotte residences. Subscriptions are available for first-class delivery at $40 per calendar year. Want a subscription? Please send a check payable to The Charlotte News, P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445. Postmaster/Send address changes to: The Charlotte News P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 Telephone: 425-4949 Circulation: 3,000 Copyright © 2019 The Charlotte News, Inc. Member of the New England Newspaper and Press Association and the Vermont Press Association.
ON THE COVER Leading the pack at Philo Ridge Farm Photo by Melissa O'Brien
The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 3
Obituaries
Mary Elizabeth Postlewaite, “Pan Am Betty,” dies at 98.
of flavor. Adam’s Berry Farm is located at 985 Bingham Brook Road. Its fruits are organically grown. Raspberries will be ready to pick either later this month or early in July.
Town Bite Adam’s Berry Farm bears its strawberries
This year has handed us a somewhat wet start to summer, causing the strawberry crop to come later than normal. Adam Hausman of Adam’s Berry Farm in Charlotte was quoted in the Burlington Free Press on Saturday that he had his opening harvest on the 12th due to a shortage of sunshine that is so vital to the berries’ flavor. He was quoted saying, “Strawberry season is quick no matter what. It’s really a 25-day season for the June berries.” According to Adam, we are now close to the time in this year’s season when berries hit their “sweet spot” in terms
Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Sidney H. Armell of Charlotte who passed away June 17 at the age of 76. Born here, he and his wife, Sandy, moved back following Army service and a period in Pennsylvania. The Armells lived in Charlotte as a family beginning in 1972. They raised two children here, Ramey and Marcy, and Sidney held a number of jobs in the area, most recently for Heritage Toyota in South Burlington. He was pre-deceased by his parents Archie and Beatrice, also of Charlotte.
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Longtime Sandwich, N.H., resident Mary Elizabeth Postlewaite, known to all as Betty, died in her sleep May 23. She died three days after celebrating her 98th birthday with family and friends at the Residence of Otter Creek in Middlebury, Vermont, where she lived for the past few years. Born May 21, 1921, in Yonkers, New York, Betty lived for 20 years in Wilton, Connecticut, before she and her beloved husband, Pan American Clipper Pioneer R. Dean Postlewaite, retired in 1976 to North Sandwich, N.H. Betty was the subject of a television documentary, “Pan AM Betty,” produced by N.H. Chronicle, WMUR TV Channel 9, November 14, 2011, which highlighted her years as one of the airline industry’s first group of stewardesses trained to fly on their planes in the 1940s. See: https://youtu.be/ AZ11h75NtZA Betty was the third daughter of New York streetcar conductor Timothy Kelly and his wife, Ellen O’Rourke. After graduating from Columbia Secretarial School, Betty found a job as a secretary at the fledgling Pan American Airways new headquarters in New York City. But she was ambitious, and one afternoon, while taking shorthand at a meeting with Pan Am President Juan Trippe, Betty heard the executive team discussing an exciting new idea: They planned to launch their first passenger flights to Europe, and they would hire and train seven young women to assist the cockpit crews and passengers on board the long, new transatlantic flights. She applied and joined six other young women in Pan Am’s first class of “stewardesses.” She met her future husband, Captain Dean Postlewaite, on a flight to Europe. They married in 1948 and moved from New York City to Wilton, Connecticut, where they raised their three children. Dean continued to fly for Pan Am until retiring in 1976 to their 93-acre farm in North Sandwich, while wintering at Hutchinson Island, Florida. After Dean died, on April 17, 2004, Betty moved to the Woodside retirement home in Laconia, N.H. She later moved to The Residence at Otter Creek in Middlebury. Betty leaves three children: Ellen Postlewaite, Ferrisburgh, previously of Charlotte, VT; Susan Postlewaite of North Sandwich N.H. and Stuart, Florida, and Neil Postlewaite and his wife, Kim Loeschner, of North Sandwich and Maine; three grandchildren: Molly Tonino, formerly of Charlotte, and Ari Fishman of Waterbury Center; Leath Tonino, formerly of Charlotte, and Sophia Chudacoff of Colorado; and Kim Su Fowler of North Sandwich, N.H.; and one great grandchild, Daisy Fishman,15 nieces and nephews, and 17 grandnieces and nephews. A service will be held in North Sandwich, NH on July 13.
Edd Merritt
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Loving wife, mother and mentor to many, Sallie Soule, 91, longtime resident of both Charlotte and Shelburne, and lately of Fort Myers, Florida, died on June 11, 2019, after a life well lived. Born on May 13, 1928, Sallie Soule and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Sallie was the second of three daughters born to Hayward and Elizabeth Thompson. Sarah Goodwin Thompson adopted the name Sallie in elementary school, and it stayed with her throughout her life. She graduated from Smith College in 1950 with a B.A. in history. An active Vermont Democrat, it would surprise many to know that she wrote her thesis at UVM on the formation of the Republican Party in the State of Vermont in 1952. She married Gardner Soule in Charlotte, Vermont, on July 26, 1958. As a couple, Sallie and Gardner were continual supports to one another, be it in business or in community affairs. Together, they purchased Horsford’s Nursery in 1968, which Sallie managed for almost a decade. In 1976, Sallie was asked to run for the Vermont Legislature as a Democrat representing both Shelburne and Charlotte. In that tight election year, she didn’t know if she had won until 11 p.m. when the Charlotte Town Clerk told her that her pile of ballots was higher! She was reelected in 1978, and in 1980 she ran for the State Senate to represent Chittenden County and was the only Democrat from outside of the “Burlington Block.” She won her seat in the Senate with a campaign fund of just $2000. Believing in term limits, Sallie chose not to run for reelection in 1984. She then became commissioner of Employment and Training, now the Department of Labor, in May 1985 in the Kunin administration. While serving in that role, she and Gretchen Morse, who was commissioner of Health and Human Services, created the Reach Up Program, foundation of Champlain College’s Single Parent Program. Sallie was a founding director of the Vermont Women’s Health Center, the Vermont Community Foundation and the Vermont Women’s Fund. She was chair of the Vermont Employment Security Board and served on the boards of the Preservation Trust Vermont, Vermont Council on the Arts, Vermont Public Television and Wake Robin retirement community. Governor Kunin named her to the UVM Board of Trustees in 1989. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and her elder sister Kit. She is survived by the loves of her life, her daughter, Sarah Goodwin Soule, of Shelburne, her son, Trumbull Dickson Soule and his wife, Linda, of Maryland, her stepson, Gardner Soule, Jr. (Sally) of New York and her stepdaughter, Nancy Carroll, (Edward) of North Carolina. She leaves six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and her sister, Marion Thompson Adams of New Hampshire, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at the Charlotte Congregational Church at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sallie’s honor can be sent to the Vermont Women’s Fund, c/o Vermont Community Foundation, Box 30, Middlebury, VT 05753.
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4 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Town
Rise ‘n Shine Farm at the corner
John Hammer After seven long years, Steve’s Garage corner is beginning a new life. Peter Carreiro, “the milkman” of Charlotte’s milk delivery firm Rise ‘n Shine, held an open house at the property on Thursday, June 20, during which he and his wife, Dale, highlighted their plan for an ambitious redevelopment of the five acres at the corner of Church Hill Road and Route 7. The Carrieros plan to present a family-friendly environment of agricultural diversity, and a welcoming place to stop for Route 7 traffic and locals alike. The new name for the corners will be Rise ‘n Shine Farm. The former Steve’s Citgo will get a new facelift and made to appear like a large red barn. What was the forecourt will become a fenced-in pasture for sheep and poultry, including both laying hens and meat birds. A small flock of ducks is already enjoying the fire pond behind the garage building. The open house was a chance to showcase some of the Carrieros’ future plans. They had invited a small number of local merchants selling flowers, meats and produce as well as a pizza truck to participate in a mini-farmers market. Despite the heavy rains of the afternoon, a sizable crowd of locals enjoyed the outdoor market. Half Baked Pizza’s William Wisell sold out well before closing time. Peter Carriero’s comments regarding the success of the event echoed his enthusiasm. “I’m ecstatic in how it turned out …it went great.” The Carrieros’ sketch plan was on display, and Peter briefed it continuously throughout the open house. Plans call for converting the garage into a creamery and commercial farmstand featuring meats, produce and flowers from local farms along with an ice cream production and serving area. There were two comment walls on which visitors were asked to fill out Post-It notes with their suggestions. One was on the future use they would prefer to see for the old Bingo Hall and Snack Bar on the south end of the property. Suggestions ranged from a commercial kitchen to a bakerycafé/diner where customers could stop for breakfast, pastry or coffee. The other comment wall solicited feedback for their
Planned view looking south.
Helena Spear Drawing a Creemee for John Hammer. Photo contributed
new creemee recipe. The former snack bar known as Uncle Sam’s was a Charlotte favorite for many years, owned by the Spear Family and run by Helena Spear. And the very first creemee served at the open house was by a smiling Mrs. Spear, whom the Carreiros had invited to kick off the event. It was a bit like the old days for both her and the crowd. The timetable for completing the redevelopment depends on permitting and the construction schedule. But the Carreiros hope to have the creamery operation open soon and then follow up with the opening of the farmstand later this summer. The success of last Thursday’s farm and food event has also spurred interest in continuing these on a periodic basis through the summer during construction. The current Rise ‘n Shine building on Root Road will remain the commercial center for delivery operations.
Peter Carreiro explaining the plans for the Rise n’ Shine development.
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Visitors had an opportunity to post their thoughts on how the south building should be used. Photos by John Hammer
The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 5
Town THEFT continued from page 1 Dunbar said he did not sell tools to anyone, not only not in the last week but not ever. “I have never sold a tool in 15 years. We use them until they wear out,” he said. Though Dunbar said he couldn’t speak about many aspects of the case because it’s still in progress, he did say that he had put up a security fence a short period of time before the tools were stolen and that the responsible parties cut the lock on the construction trailer after driving in from the back side of the property, through the flea market next door. “Someone was very knowledgeable about it. Someone did their homework,” he said. Though the theft is disheartening for Dunbar, he said he is “going to make lemonade out of lemons.” He said that he’s going to start renting security cameras and equipment, along with his security fences, in order to provide an extra level of safety and security for his customers—something he said he decided to forgo on this job because of the hassle. Another positive outcome of the theft is
TOWN OF CHARLOTTE SELECTBOARD the outreach from community members— some just saying they felt bad for Dunbar, others, though, offered a lot more. “I’ve probably received five emails from other business owners saying, ‘I have tools if you need to borrow some,’” he said. He also said Jim Carroll from Rice Lumber in Shelburne reached out to tell him he would sell him all new tools at cost. “There’s good people out there,” Dunbar said. Though he’s appreciative of the support from his neighbors, Dunbar said it was important for him to offer the reward to send a message. “You don’t do this to Mike Dunbar,” he said. Leise said that though he hasn’t seen an uptick in thefts from construction sites, it’s wise to keep an eye out. “Addicts are always re-inventing the wheel in terms of getting money for drugs,” he said. According to a VSP press release, the thief or thieves could potentially be charged with grand larceny, trespassing and unlawful mischief. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Vermont State Police Corporal Andrew Leise at (802) 878-7111.
NOTICE OF 2nd PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED TOWN PLAN Pursuant to 24 V.S.A. Section 4385, the Charlotte Selectboard will hold its second 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 August 12, 2019, at 7:05 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: 1.1. Vision and Goals 1.2 Future Land Use 1.3 Regional Context 1.4 Natural Resources 1.5 Lake & Shoreline 1.6 Agriculture & Forestry 1.7 Historical & Cultural Resources 1.8 Demographics & Housing 1.9 Economic Development 1.10 Utilities,Facilities, & Services 1.11 Transportation 1.12 Energy 1.13 Implementation
2. Charlotte Today / Community Profile: 2.1. Natural Resources & Physical Conditions 2.2. Historic & Cultural Resources 2.3. Demographics 2.4. Housing 2.5. Economic Conditions 2.6. Utilities, Facilities & Services 2.7. Transportation 2.8. Energy 2.9. Existing Land Use
3. Charlotte Yesterday List of Maps List of Tables List of Figures Appendices (under a separate cover) The full text of the proposed Town Plan is available for review at the Charlotte Town Office during regular business hours (8 AM-4 PM) and on the Town’s web-site: http://www.charlottevt.org.
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6 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Town GMP reminds customers to think ahead and be safe
Number of customers digging into lines, cutting trees onto lines or crashing into power poles increases
Green Mountain Power (GMP) is alerting customers that, with the nicer weather, they should protect themselves and their property by thinking ahead, paying attention and being safe when driving or doing yard work. GMP is seeing an increasing number of reports of customers felling trees onto lines, excavating work digging into lines, construction and other large vehicles pulling down lines, and drivers hitting utility poles. “Safety is a choice, and having it in the front of your mind is key as these recent problems are preventable with planning and attention,” said GMP’s Chief of Field Operations Mike Burke. “We want to raise awareness so everyone goes home safely and before there is a horrible accident.” Reports to GMP for vehicle-pole crashes average one per day in its service territory, and 2019 is on track to be one of the worst years in recent memory with 132 reported crashes so far. GMP saw a dip in the number of vehicle-pole crashes in 2014 when the hands-free driving law went into effect, with 285 crashes. Then, the numbers have bounced back up, averaging about 358 per year since then. About 56 percent of these crashes cause outages for customers. GMP has
no statistics on injuries related to these crashes because local first responders handle them, but police say distracted driving is causing more crashes across the state. “Last year distracted driving caused at least 1,500 crashes in Vermont—48 of those crashes with fatalities or serious injuries,” said Lt. Tara Thomas, Commander of Safety Programs for
the Vermont State Police. “Distracted driving comes in many forms; using a GPS, searching for music on a portable electronic device, or having your attention diverted from the roadway due to passenger distractions in the vehicle. The sole responsibility when operating a motor vehicle is to give it your full and undivided attention. Lives depend on it. Help keep Vermont roadways safe and— Just Drive.” Reports of dangerous digging problems are also on the rise with a five-fold increase in the last five years. Customers dug into, damaged and severed lines 52 times last year, and just halfway through this year it has already happened 27 times. Customers doing their own tree work have dropped trees onto lines 26 times so far this year, well ahead of 2018 and 2017 with 36 and 39 incidents respectively. “Customers should survey the area where they are working, and if there are overhead lines nearby, call ahead to GMP before doing tree work at home. We can shut off power if needed. Call 811 for DigSafe before doing any excavation. You can easily find out where it is safe to work. A simple step like picking up the phone can save you a lot of time and money. It could even save your life,” said Burke. GMP recommends using qualified contractors. If customers are doing exterior work to their homes or in their yards, they can call GMP at 888-835-4672
Useful contact info for customers GMP: Call 888-835-4672 DigSafe: Call 811 or http://call811.com/ map-page/vermont More details on distracted driving: https://www.nhtsa.gov/ risky-driving/distracted-driving
to report vegetation in lines or request temporary disconnection of power so work can be done safely. GMP qualified electrical workers can also wrap the house service point for protection. Customers can also request an assessment by a qualified arborist for questions about trees or branches in or near lines.
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The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 7
Town
Two Charlotte athetes compete in Vermont Special Olympics Chea Waters Evans NEWS EDITOR
Ben Novak, an eight-year-old medalwinning basketball player, is confident in his skills on the court. “I threw it in the hoop!” he said with pride, then amended it with, “Well, I almost did.” The Charlotte athlete participated in the basketball skills portion of the Vermont Special Olympics at the University of Vermont Patrick Gymnasium on June 8 and 9. The reward for participants comes not necessarily from the success of getting the ball through the hoop but from the joy of teamwork, the fun of being around people with whom they can connect on another level, and from the sheer fun of being in the Olympics. Ben competed along with approximately 500 other athletes from around the state, including fellow basketball player and Charlotte Central School alumnus and Champlain Valley Union High School student Connor Turnbaugh. The Summer Games included basketball and bocce competitions. Registration for the Fall Games, which take place October 5-6, is now open; competitions will be in golf, track and field, softball and soccer. Connor’s mother, Mary Turnbaugh, said that the experience has affected her son’s childhood in a really positive way. “Special Olympics and Unified Sports have been a life changer for Connor, who has been competing for 6 years in track and field, soccer, skiing, basketball and bowling,” she said. “It gives Connor the opportunity to do the things he loves with people like him. Watching these athletes cheer each other on shows the true
Ben Novak holds his bronze medals from his skills session at the Vermont Special Olympics. Photo by Jen Novak
meaning of sportsmanship.” Ben practiced for the competition for eight weeks on Sundays at Essex High School, his mother Jen Novak said. Ben added that he’s also done a lot of “bouncing the ball at my cousin’s house.” Winning his bronze medals, he said, felt “very good.”
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Connor Turnbaugh’s grin says it all at this year’s Special Olympics; he shared the experience with his older brother, Alex, who volunteers for the games. Photo by Mary Turnbaugh
Novak said she also felt very good about the entire experience, noting that the coaches, especially Matt and Steve, were delightful, dedicated volunteers. “They taught me how to dribble,” Ben said. Connor’s mother said she is a volunteer coach for the Special Olympics and that it’s enriching for her even beyond seeing
her child succeed. “I have been coaching track and field for three years now and love it,” she said. “No matter what kind of day I’ve had, spending two hours with those athletes reminds me of all the good in the world and that we should all go through life with their attitude.”
8 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Library News Margaret Woodruff DIRECTOR
Library Expansion Kick-Off Party Join us this Friday, June 28, from 3 to 7 p.m. for a festive kick off to our library fundraising campaign. In addition to the latest details about our exciting new expansion plan, we’ll have live music to entertain and delicious treats from Gilfeather’s and Philo Ridge Farm for snacking. Very Merry Theatre will be on hand for fun improv games, and our brandnew bookplate station will make its debut as well. We hope to see you for a start to summer and a successful library addition project! Summer Reading Pick up the Universe of Summer Fun program flyer at the library desk or access online at charlottepubliclibrary.org. Take a Bag If You Need It June 17 to August 18 The Charlotte Library, along with Spear’s Corner Store and the Charlotte Congregational Church (403 Church Hill Road) are partnering again this year to provide lunch assistance for families with children and youth. Bags with lunch items will be available at the library, store and church for families to take. Vouchers are also available upon request and good for a gallon of milk and loaf of bread from Spear’s Store. Don’t forget to stop by the Little Free Library at the Grange this summer to pick up a free book or two!
Drop-in LEGO Fun Thursdays at 10 a.m., beginning June 20 Try a challenge or build your own creation with other LEGO fans. Summer Reading KickOff with VINS Friday, June 28, 1 p.m. A snake, an owl and a turtle will be visiting the library. VINS will tell us myths and legends about all three. All ages invited and no registration required. This program is made available through a generous grant from the Vermont Department of Libraries. Very Merry Theatre Presents: Pinocchio Monday, July 1, at noon Bring sunscreen, water, blanket or low lawn chair. Rain location is at the Charlotte Congregational Church. Independence Day, July 4 Library closed all day. Universe of Summer Fun Mondays July 8, 15 and 22, for age 9+, Wednesdays July 10 and July17 for ages 6-8. All sessions at 10:30 a.m. An hour of books and space projects. Each week features a new space-based theme! Registration required.
Birds of VT Beginning Bird Watching Wednesday, July 10, 5:30 p.m. Learn to identify field markings and features of local birds using museum carvings. Track your observations to help our feathered friends. Registration required. Bake for Good Thursday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center. Learn. Bake. Share. Kids and seniors bake together and share the bounty with the Senior Center and Community Food Shelf. Lunch provided. For seniors and children age 9 and up. Registration required. Sponsored by King Arthur Flour. Charlotte Library contact information Margaret Woodruff, director Cheryl Sloan, youth services librarian Susanna Kahn, tech services librarian
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The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 9
Town Books galore, fossil-free demos and good food at annual library book sale
LUNCH
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TAKE OUT Photo contributed
Friends of The Charlotte Library It’s time to get ready for the annual Charlotte Library book sale! This fun annual event offers everyone a great opportunity to stock up on year-round reading material. This year’s sale will take place rain or shine on Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the traditional tent on the Town Green (thanks to Vermont Tent). The July sale, run by the Friends of the Charlotte Library for the past 20 years, is truly a Charlotte tradition. Proceeds from the sale help support Charlotte Library programs and expand the library’s collection. You’ll find high quality, inexpensive books—from do-it-yourself manuals to gardening books, cookbooks to mysteries, parenting guides to current novels, and everything in between. And there’s always a terrific selection of books for the younger crowd, from picture books to juvenile series to young adult fiction.
Browse for books and enjoy hanging out on the green. Snacks and lunch will be available from local food vendors—lu.lu Ice Cream, Philo Ridge Farm, Taco Truck All Stars, and HOME Pressed juices. This year the Energy Committee joins us with its first annual Fossil-Free Jamboree!, celebrating fossil-fuel-free living. Check out information about fossil-free choices for transportation, yard work and weatherizing homes, plus the display of a wide variety of electric vehicles, including e-bikes and electric riding mowers. Under the fossil free tent, you’ll learn about current incentives, charging options, landscaping alternatives and solar energy. You can also treat your bike to a free tuneup and enjoy a smoothie made by pedalpower on the smoothie bike. We will be accepting book donations from Monday, July 1, through Thursday, July 18. Donation guidelines are available at the library desk. Please be sure to drop off your donations only when the library is open.
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10 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Schools
Rice High School Graduates
Food Shelf News Susan Ohanian “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays
Charlotte students who graduated are Hadley Murphy, left and Cooper Harvey. Photo contributed
Rice Memorial High School graduates received their diplomas in the school’s 60th commencement ceremony on June 9 in the Rice gymnasium. Bishop Christopher Coyne of Burlington presented diplomas to 89 graduates of the private school this year. Charlotte students who graduated are Hadley Murphy and Cooper Harvey.
Congratulations Graduates!
Hadley Murphy—2019 Excellence in Science Award, Society of Women Engineers - Highest Honors, Girls Lacrosse Sports Award, Vermont Principal’s Association Scholar-Athlete Cooper Harvey—Boys Lacrosse Sports Award, Vermont Principal’s Association Scholar-Athlete
2019 Charlotte college graduates and award recipients Rachael Shurberg cum laude from Ithaca College with a B.S. in integrated marketing communications and a B.A. in anthropology. Julie Sulva has been named to the dean’s list at the University of New Hampshire for earning highest honors for the spring 2019 semester. Sulva is majoring in history. Madison Randall was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2019 semester at Ithaca College. Randall is majoring in exercise science. Chase Haven, achieved president’s list honors in the certificate in computer ccience program at Vermont Tech. Students must maintain a 4.0 or higher average for the semester while being enrolled in at least 12 letter-graded credit hours.
You’ve probably already heard that June 17 was the kickoff for Summer Lunch Help. You may not know the backstory. This project began years ago when Charlotte Central School Food Services Director Elizabeth Skypeck and Charlotte Library Youth Services Librarian Cheryl Sloan began talking about ways to make sure that no children missed meals in the summer. These conversations included serious consideration about just what should—and could—go in an unrefrigerated lunch bag. Three summers ago, a library patron heard about these conversations and said, “Let’s do it!” With this patron’s donation, a summer food project was off and running—bagsful of healthy, shelf-stable snacks were available at the library. Then Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen heard about these efforts and enthusiastically enlisted his congregation at the Charlotte Congregational Church. This year, starting June 17 and continuing through the summer, the Charlotte Library, Spear’s Corner Store, the Charlotte Food Shelf and the Charlotte Congregational Church are partnering to provide lunch assistance for families with children and youth. Look for healthy lunch bags at all these places. Vouchers are also available at all four locations—redeemable for a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread from Spear’s Corner Store. Recently, Rev. Goldenbogen announced the good news, “Due to the generous donations we have received from the wider community over the past year, our expected financial need is fully met. Thank you for your generosity and for caring for one another in this way!!” If you have questions about this project please contact Rev. Goldenbogen at 802-425-3176. And think about what has resulted from the conversation and planning of our school food services provider and town librarian. And there’s more! Knowing of the importance of food for the mind as well as the body, soon books will be available at a Free Library for Kids that will be going up outside the Grange. Watch for announcements.
Pane and Elizabeth Bassett, and Susan Spafford. Thank you to Richard Eyre’s contribution in memory of Jane Kiley. Important distribution dates at the Charlotte Congregational Church Wednesdays, July10 and 24: 5–7 p.m. Thursdays, July 11 and 25: 7:30–9 a.m. Financial assistance As a reminder, the Food Shelf has some funds available for emergency assistance with fuel and electric bills. You may contact Pat Rodar at 425-3083 if you need assistance. We are available to all community residents. Privacy is very important and respected in our mission of neighbor helping neighbor. For emergency food call John 425-3130. For emergency assistance (electricity, fuel) call Pat at 425-3083. For more information call Karen at 425-3252. Donations We are a volunteer organization, so all donations you make to the Food Shelf go directly for food or assistance to our local neighbors in need. Should you wish to honor someone with a donation, a special acknowledgment will be sent to that person. Please remember that, although diapers are needed, it’s better to give money. The Food Shelf can buy diapers at a discount and be sure to get the right sizes. Checks may be mailed to Charlotte Food Shelf & Assistance, P O Box 83, Charlotte, Vermont 05445. Thank you. Donated food drop-off locations All nonperishable food donations may be dropped off at the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (main entrance) or at the Food Shelf during the distribution mornings. Please check expiration dates.
Financial contributions Ongoing thanks for financial contributions from Henri Proutt, John
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The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 11
Town PROPERTY TRANSFERS May 28 Pamela P. Cousino and Betty Ann Sabourin to Douglas B. Edwards and Delphine A. LeDorze, 5.07 acres with dwelling, 7598 Spear Street, $305,000. May 28 KR Properties LLC to Ball Revocable Trust, .33 acres, 100 One Mile Road, $8,000. June 3 Jill Kleinman and Ken Yelsey to Stan and Bettina Wasilewski, co-trustees, 3.7 acres with dwelling, 450 Cattail Road, $617,500. June 5 David and Lisa Durette to Jesse J. and Amie Guterres, 4.35 acres with dwelling, 101 Mountain’s Edge, $745,000. June 7 Betty Ann Campbell Lockhart Trust and Donald Gustafson Lockhart Trust to Pipistrelle Trust, Mark Langan and Zoe Sheldon, trustees, 33.4 acres with dwelling, 1030 Hinesburg Road, $749,000. June 7 Betty Jean Dolliver to DKD Properties LLC, 3.46 acres with dwelling, 430 Dolliver Drive, $550,000.
June 7 Paul D. and Karen M. Mendelsohn to Zachary Minot and Nina LesserGoldsmith, 1.0 acre with dwelling, 608 Hills Point Road, $1,015,000.
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June 17 Susan Ballek and Imanol Echeverria to Joshua Golek Revocable Trust and Mary Golek Revocable Trust, 53 acres, 5222 Mt. Philo Road, $470,000. June 17 Katherine Ann Palmer to Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, 0.41 acre with dwelling, 3305 Greenbush Road, $164,683. June 19 Henrietta F. Ober Revocable Trust to Jessica E. Tampas, 5.64 acres with dwelling, 2296 Greenbush Road, $760,000. June 19 Liam and Laura Murphy to William and Nina Regan, 5.1 acres with dwelling, 170 Wexford Lane, $699,900.
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June 21 George and Marilyn Edelbaum to Diane Dolliver, 10.24 acres, 380 Dolliver Drive, $180,000.
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12 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Town
Cutting summer energy costs? No sweat Jeff Buell
EFFICIENCY VERMONT
Summer officially began on June 21. With warmer days on the horizon Efficiency Vermont offers tips to stay cool while spending less on energy. Block the heat. Caulk around window and exterior door frames and use weather stripping on exterior doors. When it’s hotter outside than inside, close your windows and draw window coverings against direct sunlight. Is the house hotter than the outdoors? Open your windows and use a window fan—blowing out. That will push out hot air and pull in cool air through other, nearby open windows. Control moisture. Use your bath fan to remove shower heat and moisture. Don’t have a bath fan? Install a quiet, low-energy bath fan with the ENERGY STAR® label. Be sure to duct it to the outdoors to avoid creating moisture and mold problems. And if your kitchen fan exhausts to the outdoors, use it while cooking or baking. Adjust your schedule. When possible, use cooler evening hours for tasks that
produce heat and/or moisture, like dishwashing, baking, laundry, showers and baths. Make your lights cool and smart. Ninety percent of an incandescent light bulb’s energy is lost as heat. Replace those hot bulbs with ENERGY STAR labeled LEDs that stay cooler and use about 80 percent less energy. With “smart” lighting, turn off lights remotely, set automated timers, and make it look like you’re home when you’re not—great for peace of mind during your summer vacation. Dry clothes for free. Hang laundry outside to dry. You’ll save the cost of running the clothes dryer while reducing moisture in the house. Using A/C? Keep heat out by seeing that there are no gaps along the sides of your window air conditioner or between window sashes. Clean your air conditioner filters regularly and keep the front and back of air conditioners unobstructed. Buying an air conditioner? Check out Efficiency Vermont’s new $200 rebate for innovative ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award window units. Efficient Variable Output technology varies the speed of the internal compressor
motor to continuously control the temperature, which means regulating the temperature more quietly and saving energy. To find a retailer near you, qualified products and guidance on finding a model that’s appropriately sized for the room you’re cooling, visit efficiencyvermont.com/window-AC. Time for a heat pump? A ductless heat pump unit is a tremendous energy saver for both cooling and heating. Numerous incentives are available right now – up to $500 point-of-purchase discounts from Efficiency Vermont plus additional $250$575 incentives from various partners. Find out if a heat pump is right for you at efficiencyvermont.com/heatpump. Button up your home. An insulated, air-sealed house stays warmer in winter AND cooler in summer. Rebates and financing are available, whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or hiring an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor to do a whole-house assessment and make improvements. Learn more at efficiencyvermont.com/rebates/DIY Are You a do-it-yourselfer? Find tips and resources to help you air seal and insulate your home yourself at efficiencyvermont.com/DIY.
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The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 13
Town Mt. Philo State Park increases opening hours
Jack Fairweather book launch "one of the best" Jack Fairweather launched his new book, The Volunteer: One Man, an Underground Army, and the Secret Mission to Destroy Auschwitz, at a party on Thursday, June 20, hosted by Mika and Jack Frechette at their Stoneledge Farm in Ferrisburgh. Despite wet weather, a large, appreciative crowd gathered in the hay barn to hear the true story of Witold Pilecki, a Polish resistance fighter who intentionally let himself get captured by the Nazis and sent to Auschwitz so he could report on the conditions inside the camp and organize a resistance movement among the prisoners. Elizabeth Bluemle, owner of The Flying Pig, provided books for sale and signing by the author. In a post on Front Porch Forum, Elizabeth described the event as “one of the best—maybe the best—adult talks I’ve heard in my 22 years of bookselling, and that’s saying something!”
The longest day of the year is already behind us, but starting Friday, June 28, the day will start a little earlier at Mt. Philo State Park. Beginning that day, day use fees will be collected starting at 8 a.m. The park previously opened at 10 a.m., but this spring the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation announced that they would ease visitors into the new start time for collection fees, since many locals used the park without paying in the hours before it opened. Reuben Allen, parks regional manager who oversees Mt. Philo State Park, said that though they haven’t started collecting
Jack Fairweather speaking to the crowd that gathered on June 20. Photo by Vince Crockenberg
fees yet, the parks department already started opening and staffing the gate at the 8 a.m. hour to allow guests to get accustomed to the new system. He said that so far, the new opening time has gone smoothly and that park visitors seem fine with the upcoming change. Mt. Philo visitors have a variety of options for park visit fees: guests can buy a day pass, a vehicle pass, a season pass or a punch card. More information is available at vtstateparks.com/shop.html or at the gate house at the entrance to the park on Mt. Philo Road.
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14 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News The Ballad of a Bunch of Unprepared Kids Trying to Save the World Henry Bushey There once were some kids, sitting ‘round a fire roasting hot dogs on sticks The Bunch of Unprepared Kids, Trying to Save The World Haiku Zane Martenis
Trout trout swim all around they swim very happily haikus are so hard Cold it is really cold I don’t want to go outside I don’t have a coat Plagiarism plagiarism is wrong do not copy and/or paste it is immoral
Sweet, Sweet Year Shana Mester In winter we play, snow falling on our heads, hot cocoa dripping from our tongues. In summer we swim, gritty sand in between our toes. In fall we bake sweet, sweet apple pies and play in piles of leaves. In spring we have hiking and loads of fun and something called mud season. In mud season we have mud glopping on our boots as we walk through the wet mud.
Young Writers Project receives $25,000 national grant Young Writers Project (YWP) has received a $25,000 grant from the A Community Thrives program, which is sponsored by USA TODAY NETWORK and the Gannett Foundation and supports nonprofit organizations with projects focused on community building. The grant was announced on June 19 and is for the 2019-20 school year. YWP was one of only 16 national grantees, selected from more than 1,500 applications from 46 states. Young Writers Project, which started in 2006, works to inspire, mentor, publish and promote young writers and artists, most between the ages of 13 and 19. The grant will provide opportunities to them to work with professional journalists, participate in community journalism projects inside and outside their classrooms, and to get published with YWP’s media partners, which includes The Charlotte News, as well as in YWP’s annual anthology and monthly digital magazine, The Voice. This grant “affirms the importance of giving young people a platform to share their voices,” said Susan Reid, executive director of YWP. “Over the last couple of years, an increasing number of our writers have been taking on issues of social justice, race, gender, climate change, school shootings, and the state of the nation in general. These are very real issues to them and they want to do something about them. One way to do that is through writing. Through this project, they will be encouraged to speak out on issues that matter to them and to write about their home communities and their place in those communities—to tell their stories.”
Then the ancient god descended from the heavens, floated above them and said to young Nevins, “You’re just A Bunch Of Unprepared Kids, Trying to Save the World.” “I regret this decision, but I have to ask you this; you must save the world, from the dragons of the Abyss.” At first the kids objected, avoiding their fate then became dejected, as the god did not abate. Just A Bunch of Unprepared Kids, Trying to Save The World. They packed up their belongings, and left the next day travel’d down the beaten road, well on their way A Bunch of Unprepared Kids, Trying to Save The World. On the second day, as they looked ‘round to the rear the dragons of the Abyss were well on their way Just A Bunch of Unprepared Kids, Trying to Save The World. On the eve of the third day, the burning surroundings shed gloom on the curving way reminding them that the dragons lived today Just A Bunch of Unprepared Kids, Trying to Save The World. When they finally met the dragons, fighting on an open field though they were given the chance they would not yield Just A Bunch of Unprepared Kids, Trying to Save The World. The dragons used their fire to scorch and torch and burn The young heroes did scamper from the flames Just A Bunch of Unprepared Kids, Trying to Save The World. The dragons hit the kids like a bowling ball hits pins scatter’d them far and near They scrambled up and ran away, never to fight again Just A Bunch Of Unprepared Kids, Trying To Save The World. Baseball Lander Magoon You get up and you feel your hand sweating in your batting gloves. Your heart is racing. You close your eyes and then you hear the ping of the bat. You’re just in shock, thinking to yourself my first hit in the majors. Your coach is saying to run, run, run. You just watch the ball and it’s going, going, gone, homerun. You’re thinking this can’t be true: a homerun with two guys on base and I hit a home run. You run and the crowd is cheering for you. You run back to the dugout and the team is celebrating. Spring Julian Sicotte The wind whipping the pollen in a great big yellow gust.
The leaves starting to show green where there was just grey. The snow melting, grass growing, the flowers starting to show. The rain coming, the mud forming, the birds singing songs. School ending, time to get playing outdoor games. So what are you waiting for? Be on your way; after all, it’s a beautiful day! The weather is warming, days getting longer, summer is almost here! Vermont Libby Manning Vast in its huge forests Extravagant in its crystal lakes and ponds Radiant in its beauty Magnificent in its scarlet sunsets Obliging in its diversity Noble in its acceptance Terrific in its enormous snow-capped mountains A Dog and an Owl, Excerpt Alex Cummings POOF! “Ow” I say; I am pretty sure I just have just flown into a tree again. I am a 1-yearold owl, and on my second journey alone, I hit a tree, and that’s where the story starts. OOF! I hit the ground head first, then all I can see is black. I am pretty sure it has been two hours since I hit that tree. I am still on the ground, and there is this pain in my left wing. I look, and I think I have broken it. It looks like spaghetti now. Suddenly I hear a noise in the bushes. I look towards the sound and there is this hairy monstrosity of a thing waddling nearby. It’s got hair literally everywhere. NO, NO, NO, I think it saw me. Oh no, it’s coming towards me. I try to move, but my broken wing will not allow me. It’s right next to me when it opens its mouth and lifts me up into the air. Then it starts running. I have never been this close to the ground and moving this fast I thought. Suddenly it stops and drops me. I hit the ground and then the dog walks away. I try to run, but I can’t because of my wing. I call out but nobody comes, then I decide to fall asleep. I wake up with the sun in my face, and for some reason, there is some kind of blanket over me. I look to my right, and there’s that hairy dog again sitting right next to me. Suddenly it gets up and drops a mouse next to me; at first, I don’t eat it, but then my hunger takes over and I lean in and eat the mouse. “This thing might not eat me or burn me or something like that after all,” I think and then the dog walks away again. Suddenly I hear rustling in the bushes as a brown and hairy huge thing dashes out, opens its jaw and latches onto me. The searing pain is traveling throughout my body. It starts running into the woods with me in its jaws…. LA ROCK, Excerpt Miles Bergeson Once there was a rock, but not just any rock; this was LA ROCK. LA ROCK was no ordinary rock; he was a pebble the size of a rock. You might say that if a pebble is the size of rock, then it is not a pebble; it’s a rock, but this rock/pebble went on a quest and became LA ROCK. Let me tell you about this quest. At the time, LA ROCK’s name was R0ck. I know, he was a pebble named R0ck. Anyhow, R0ck was always teased by pebble (a bigger rock). Stop asking questions about why rocks are named pebbles and pebbles are named rocks. Back to the story - Pebble was very mean and always shoved him off of mountains. Most of the time he was fine, but every so often he would land on his head and have to tell the trees to help him up. That was never fun because all of the trees were called bush, so when he said, “Hey, bush, all of the trees would say, “YAAAA?”
Anyway, R0ck did not like Pebble so he wanted to do something about it. Later that day after being shoved off of a mountain for the 1,000,000,000,000 time, R0ck was walking through the village and saw a building (that was conveniently in the middle of the village where there were tons of flashing lights) that said, “Have a problem? Then come and see LA TREE and all your problems will be fixed.” So, as you thought, R0ck went into the shop. When he got inside, he saw a bush. “What’s your name?” R0ck asked. He replied, “Look at the sign.” His name, like the rest of the characters in the story, was TREE. “Hello,” said TREE. “What is your name?” “I have a problem. Every day I go and see my friend in the rock village. On my way, I have to go over MT Canyon. When I get to the top, there is always a rock named Pebble up there. He always shoves me off of the mountain so I have to go through the canyon called Mt. Canyon which is full of humans that if they see me will kick me. Please help me.” “Okay, but to perform this magic, you will have to get me 3 items.” “Sure, what?” “Some part of your biggest enemy” (for ROck that would be Pebble), the autograph of the weirdest name (that’s hard; all of the names here are weird), and a shard of glass.” “What’s glass?” …. Xander and Lupita’s Journey, Excerpt Anderson McEnaney John: A fat man who can turn into a ripped U.S. Army soldier Xander: A 516-year-old man in the body of a 7-year old Lupita: A baby doll that can transform into anything Xander wants John woke Xander with a shake. He said, “Gear up, fast.” Xander didn’t ask questions; he just put on all of the armor and his helmet. He grabbed his backpack and slung a rifle over his shoulder. Then he realized, the trap door had holes in it. They were breaking through. Just when Xander thought this, the door smashed open and the aliens started flooding in. Xander had no choice but to shoot. He pulled the trigger and a loud “Pak Pak Pak!” came out of the barrel. The alien tore into pieces and fell to the floor. John yelled, “Get in!” Xander looked around and ran toward John´s Hummer. Xander hopped in the passenger seat and started shooting out of the window at the aliens. He hit multiple of them and watched all falling to the ground and not moving. John said, “Get in the turret!” Xander climbed up into the turret nest and started unloading rounds on the aliens. He was surprised by how fast the turret shot. Xander had never shot a gun before, but he knew how to switch magazines when he was out of ammo and how to pull the trigger. This was basically all he needed to know. Then Lupita popped up next to him with a machine gun. It was chambered in a much smaller round, of course, because of Lupita’s size. Lupita also started unloading on the aliens. They sped up the ramp as they tore through all of the aliens in their path. Then finally they got to the door, and Xander spanked Lupita’s booty and said, “BATTERING RAM!” Xander and Lupita held it steady as there was no time to open the warehouse door. They pounded through the door, and Xander ducked back into the Hummer with Lupita at his side as rubble was crashing down around and on top of the Hummer right where Xander and Lupita had just been. When they got through all of the dust and rubble, Xander felt like puking at the site of what the aliens had done….
Penar will ood venverything rgers and g animals ects, and
the Fire Station for the annual Rotary Golf Ball Drop and a chance to win prizes depending on where the numbered balls land. Proceeds from ticket sales help fund Rotary’s many projects through the year.
Page 14 August 17, 2017 Shelburne News
The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 15
Movie Review: Blade Runner
is one of these agents and is pulled out of retirement to hunt four dangerous replicants. Ridley Scott’s 1982 film is full of suspense, intrigue and surprise turns everywhere. Blade Runner is a thrill ride to the very end as Deckard pursues the replicants through the city. The desperation of the prey and the uncertainty of the pursuer become more and more obvious as Jasper Wygmans Deckard begins to question what “human” : call 985-3091 In 2019, humanity has expanded its reach really means and the replicants struggle against the police and the clock. Harrison beyond the cradle of Earth—those who advertising@shelburnenews.com Ford’s performance encapsulates a jaded, can have migrated to the new foothold on tired Deckard who begins without any Mars, leaving those on Earth in squalor personal investment in the case but slowly and pollution. New technologies have emerged and with them came the replicants, is dragged in by Rutger Hauer’s Roy, Landscape / Lawncare the leader of the escapees who becomes synthetic humans nearly indistinguishable increasingly more violent and unhinged as from the real thing. his time runs out, and a mysterious woman Replicants are restricted from access named Rachel, played by Sean Young, who Marconito Earth, but some still try to get there. Special agents, known as blade runners, are seems to have an interest in Deckard. All herapistassigned to hunt down and decommission these performances are fantastic and serve to draw the viewer further into the world of these dangerous androids. Rick Deckard sh Road Blade Runner, released in 1982 but set in 2019, is regarded as one of the greatest all-time science fiction films. It has a 90 percent critics rating and a 91 percent audience rating (from 337,019 audience members) on Rotten Tomatoes and is available for purchase or rent on Amazon Prime and YouTube.
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entirely unique feel to its sets and props. The flying cars, the dingy clubs, the near ever-present synth droning ominously in the background set the tone for the neonoir thriller. Every frame of this movie is stunning, the detail of the dirty streets, the skyline. Every part of this movie drips personality and showcases Ridley Scott’s directing prowess and helped cement him as an incredible filmmaker. Blade Runner is not the most actionpacked film, and the slow-burn pace of the plot can make it seem disjointed and rambly. It is slow moving and confusing at times and breakneck fast at others, so it can lose you if you don’t hold on to every detail. But despite its flaws, it is very much an enjoyable film that I would recommend to anyone who likes mysteries, dystopian fiction and Ridley Scott’s films. Jasper Wygman is a graduate of CCS and a rising senior at CVU. He live in Charlotte.
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the blade runner. The pacing of the end of the film, however, was dissonant to the rest of the film’s nonstop pace, and some of the plot points are rushed and poorly explained. The movie does a shoddy job compared to the source material (the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Phillip K. Dick) of explaining the internal conflict of Decker and the androids, in exploring what makes someone truly human or alive, and the deeper and more expansive worldbuilding. The obvious care and work put into the novel makes the movie pale in comparison as a mediocre adaptation with pretty visuals. Ridley Scott’s visionary directing style, however, along with brilliant performances by the main and supporting cast, manages to save this film from being a garbled mess of an adaptation. A dazzlingly unique world, Blade Runner’s aesthetic brilliantly captures a filthy, crowded Los Angeles—the epitome of a cyberpunk universe, with a retro and
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16 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Outdoors
Duck rice farming in Vermont
Elizabeth Bassett Down the road apiece in Ferrisburg, ducks and rice grow in harmony. Boundbrook Farm sits at a low point where run-off collects. Along its route to Lewis Creek, the water floods rice paddies, leaving the farm with less phosphorus than when it arrived. “I’ve figured out how to monetize phosphorous,” farmer Erik Andrus says of the pollutant that bedevils Lake Champlain. “I turn it into rice!” By the way, Boundbrook Farm’s Japanese short-grain rice is delicious (vermontrice.net). Andrus grows rice and, as a by-product, produces paddy ducks. Slow-growing rice plants must compete with fast-growing weeds, so rather than using herbicides or back-breaking human labor, Andrus releases about 600 ducklings in June to feast on the weeds. With small bodies and big appetites, the flock consumes or tramples weeds without damaging the rice seedlings, which they don’t eat because the leaves contain abrasive silica. Meanwhile, duck droppings fertilize the crop. After six to eight weeks in the paddies, rice grains develop, and the ducks are removed. Before the ducks are “deployed,” to use Andrus’ preferred term, there are many steps in both nursery and field preparations. The frost-protected, irrigated nursery houses trays of rice seedings, started in April, about 260 square feet of seedlings for each acre of
“
Slow-growing rice plants must compete with fastgrowing weeds, so rather than using herbicides or back-breaking human labor, Andrus releases about 600 ducklings in June to feast on the weeds.
”
paddy. Paddies are inspected for damage and the bottom prepared to host the three-leaved plants in May. In this year of abundant rainfall, 13 paddies stretch across six acres irrigated from a reservoir that collects run-off. Boundbrook Farm’s bottomland clay soil would be familiar to many Charlotters, forming what Andrus dubs “Addison County snowshoes.” On a mid-June afternoon Andrus is up to his knees in sucking mud as he pokes in a few last transplants. Hands dripping muddy water, he motions across the broad expanse of paddies. “You might wonder why I’m obsessing about this little corner when I’ve got six acres planted in rice. The planting machine missed a few spots; this is the first
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Above: Boundbrook Farm. Right: Ducklings paddle between the bright green plants.
Photos by Elizabeth Bassett
paddy I see each morning, so I want it to look great!” Lucy and Katy, two Middlebury College students interning in the muck this summer through the Food Works program, push their arms deep into the brown water to fill in missing rows of rice. “Should we pull out any weeds we find?” Katy asks. “Yes,” Andrus says. “Make your hands be a duck and scour around the plants.” Andrus is trying something new this year to keep the ducklings safe at night. He gestures to two large wire mesh cages atop farm wagons and introduces his bateaux, Le Vengeur and La Ville de Paris, each with an engraved wooden plaque bearing its name. “Le Vengeur and La Ville de Paris were French battleships in the Napoleonic Wars,” Andrus explains, pointing out the similarity in shape to sailing warships. Andrus’ French accent is impressive. Without thinking I reply, “Dis donc,” loosely translating to, my goodness. Katy chimes in, also in French, as does Lucy. Each has just returned from a Middlebury College semester abroad, one in Paris and the other in Cameroon. For the next five minutes Andrus speaks in French about this year’s flock of ducks. My notes are a scramble of French and English: Khaki Canvasbacks… plus petits…. plus grands….les canetons blancs….Muscovy…experimentale… Years ago, Andrus participated in an agricultural training, or stage, in southwestern France, learning to grow and mill wheat—and to speak French! Brown and yellow ducklings paddle between the bright green plants. In past years Andrus used only Khaki Canvasbacks, but this year he is experimenting with Muscovy ducks for the first time. “The Khaki Canvasbacks don’t get very big, so I end up selling them dressed at between two and three pounds. Muscovies are sought for their meat and grow bigger. We’ll see how they do in the paddies.” Back to English, “When I bought this land my goal was to grow grain for my community, but the heavy clay and numerous wet spells made for some difficult years.” Andrus never made a profit growing wheat. Yet he remembered, from a time when he
lived in Japan, that rice grows in temperate climates. Fortuitously, in 2010, he attended a NOFA-VT (Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont) workshop where Japanese farmers presented results of rice trials done in Westminster West, Vermont. After experimenting with a pilot plot, Andrus converted some fields into paddies. This is the 10th season that he has been growing rice. Assistant Professor Joshua Faulkner, in the Farming and Climate Change Program at the UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture, has data on phosphorous reduction at Boundbrook Farm. “With just one year of data it’s hard to make broad statements,” Faulkner says. “Even so, in the year we measured, the rice plants were storing significant amounts of phosphorous in the soil. Much more phosphorous was entering the farming system than was leaving, and that was in a dry year. It would be interesting to do the same analysis in a wet year, like this one.” Andrus has taught himself to speak Japanese. “Most of the people I interact with are not English speakers. In fact, in just three weeks I am giving a talk, in Japanese, at a conference. I’d better start practicing!” Andrus is indeed providing grain to his community and improving water quality in the process. “Now that I’ve found my grain I want to continue to grow and learn and teach others that this is a crop that can be successfully grown in Vermont.”
The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 17
Sports
Edd Merritt
CVU spring sports wins both team and individual honors
From Gatorade to the baseball diamond, lacrosse pitch, track and field and tennis court, the Redhawk spring athletes have distinguished themselves. Let’s start on the track. Senior Ella Whitman was named Gatorade’s top Vermont track athlete for the year. She won the 3,000-meter state Division I race and finished second at 1,500 meters. Her winning time for the 3,000 was just over 10 minutes, which placed her 84th in the country when Gatorade chose her. The Gatorade selection recognizes academic achievement and character development through things such as community service and volunteer work in addition to athletic prowess. Having maintained a 3.94 grade point average at CVU, Ella will enter Boston College in the fall where she hopes to continue her track career. Numerous Redhawks have been selected by state coaches as all-stars. Let’s begin with baseball and Division 1 state champion CVU. Tim Albertson was named Coach of the Year and Ian Parent, Pitcher of the Year. Aiden Johnson gathered the most hits for the season and the most home runs. Pitcher Storm Rushford, third baseman Johnson, designated hitter Ryan Eaton, outfielder Jonah Roberts and utility player Jacob Murphy all made the starting lineup. The second team had Tyler Skaflestad at second base and Brendan Tivnan in the outfield. Baker Angstman and Jacob Boliba earned honorable mention. Tyler led Vermont to a split of a Twin-State doubleheader with New Hampshire as he went 4 for 5 in the nightcap to pull out an 11–3 win after the Green Mountain team lost the opener 4–1. CVU women also ranked among coaches’ selection for Metro Division allstate softball. The first team saw pitcher Riley Canty, while the second team had a majority Redhawk infield with Kristy Carlson at first base, Jessica Gagne at second and Hailey Chase at shortstop. Kiley McClure received honorable mention. Men’s lacrosse placed a number of Redhawks on its all-state roster, reminding readers that CVU again came away with the Division 1 state championship. Two Hawks earned All-America honors, Sam Sturim was an Academic All American and Noah Martin, a U.S. Lacrosse All American. Sturim and Jake Schaefer also earned Vermont Lacrosse Coaches Association Green & Gold outstanding player awards. Schaefer on attack, Sturim at midfield along with Max Gorman and long-stick middie Martin were joined by defenseman Shane Boehmcke on the
Photos by Al Frey
Ella Whitman ahead of the field.
Division 1 first all-state team. Shane, Noah Jake and Sam were also named to the Vermont lineup for the Twin-State game against New Hampshire played at CVU. The Green Mountain men won 21–5. Women’s lacrosse saw several Redhawks on the coaches’ first and second Division 1 all-state teams, with two garnering honorable mention. Teddi Simons earned first-team defensive honors with the second team including attacker/ midfielder Mia Brumstead and attack Sophia Cresta, midfielder Petra Kapsalis and defender/midfielders Maggie Gannon and Sara Kelley. Offensive players Sidney Peet and Caroline Reynolds earned honorable mention. Sophia and Teddi were women members of the Twin-State team that lost to New Hampshire 23–8. One other Twin-State contest happened last weekend with Vermont defeating New Hampshire in field hockey 3–0. All the goals came in the second half, and Vermont outshot its rivals 20–0. And let us not forget CVU’s women tennis players who lost only once this year, that to South Burlington whom they came back to beat for the state championship.
State decathlon races contain numerous Redhawks
Lefty pitcher all-stars Ian Parent and Riley Canty.
June 17 and 18 saw two days of state decathlon championships at UVM with the Essex men and CVU women coming out on top of their respective fields. Redhawk Alicia Veronneau was the winner at 1,500 meters with a number of familiar names scattered among the women competing, including Charlotters Finn and Isabelle Mittlestadt. On the men’s side a Charlotte pair, Khomanani Clemmons and Skyler Heininger, competed in the variety of events.
Right: CVU Decathlon team and the Mittlestadt sisters, Finn and Isabelle from Charlotte. Photo contributed
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18 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Kids Serving up a good time
It’s all about trout Chea Waters Evans NEWS EDITOR
Photo courtesy Michaela Grubbs
Charlotte kids have been treated to free lessons at the Charlotte Beach tennis courts since 1989, when the first Tim Serrell Tennis Clinic took place. Named after a summer resident who enjoyed the game, the clinic is held the first week after school is out, and allows kids in grades 1 through 8 to learn the basics of a sport that promises lifelong fun and occasional frustration. The smiles in this group of elementary school students from Charlotte prove that for many, the game is all about love. The clinic is sponsored and run by the Charlotte Recreation department, and donations are always welcome to support the cost of equipment and instructors.
Just days before sixth graders at Charlotte Central School were released into the wild to swim and have fun with their friends, they traveled to Starksboro to release some trout into Lewis Creek to do the same. With rolled up pant cuffs and shoes in a pile on the creek bed, students gently released the trout from Dixie cups into the chilly stream. Students participated in the release as part of the Trout in the Classroom project, which is led by CCS teacher Mike Hulvey and Bob Wible from Trout Unlimited, which sponsors the project through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Over the course of the school year, students participate in a cross-disciplinary unit that involves raising trout in classroom aquariums and then releasing them into the wild. The project’s goal is to teach students about Vermont’s aquatic ecosystems and the anatomy and development of the trout from egg to adult; it also involves math studies and chemistry.
Photos by Chea Waters Evans
The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 19
Sacred Hunter
A two-goose dilemma
How do we manage the resident birds without negatively impacting the migratory birds that mingle with them during the goose seasons? Bradley Carleton For many traditional outdoorsmen and women July can be a month of relaxing and enjoying summer’s bounty. But for some of us who are truly dedicated wildlife lovers, we want to give something back to the resource. It is a fact that hunters and fisher-people contribute more to conservation than any other demographic. Hunters alone pay it forward in the amount of $796 million per year for habitat protection that has helped many game and non-game species from dwindling in population. A sterling example of this is the repopulation of the Eastern wild turkey, which was extinct in Vermont in the 1900s when most of the state had been overharvested for timber. Using hunter revenues, VT Fish and Wildlife purchased 30 birds from New York and Pennsylvania’s wild populations and seeded them in 1969 and 1970 in Pawlet and Hubbardton. Today the Fish and Wildlife Department estimates the population to be around 45,000-50,000 birds. In case you haven’t been to a park or golf course in the last decade, you’ll also note that the population of nonmigratory Canada geese has exploded as well, unlike their migratory cousins from the North (known as the Atlantic Population), which are not doing so well. After several years of poor nesting conditions due to late spring melts, the AP brood banding counts have dropped from 3,000 to just 30 young birds in the 2018 survey, leading to calls from hunters and biologists to severely restrict hunting the AP migratory population, if not cancel the already shortened season. Lower bag limits, in this outdoorsman’s opinion, will not be enough to give these birds a chance to recover to their preferred management levels of 150,000. So, here’s the dilemma: If the resident population is booming, and the migratory population is declining, how do we manage the resident birds without negatively impacting the migratory birds that mingle with them during the goose seasons? One provision that is already in the regulations
is to allow hunting the resident population earlier (before the migrating flocks arrive) and increase the bag limits on these birds. Migration is triggered by lunar activity and daylight duration (days growing shorter) as well as weather patterns. By the science of the US Fish and Wildlife data, we can predict that 70 percent of the migrating flocks travel between Sept. 26 and Oct. 9. Currently, the seasons are broken into two parts—the first being Sept. 1 to Sept. 25 to target the resident birds (whose population is overly abundant), the second being Oct .10 to Nov. 8 for resident and migratory birds still remaining in the Champlain Valley. The bag limit on the resident birds has recently been increased from five to eight, while the migratory/ resident mixed populations limit has been reduced to two birds per day. This allows the 70 percent of the migratory birds to pass through the valley without pressure. Keep in mind that just because a daily bag limit is set at a certain allowed number, a daily limit of eight birds per hunter rarely occurs. So, what can we do to help these majestic birds to thrive and still accept that mankind’s pursuit of hunting can be a significant management tool for the resource? Well, to start, we can join Ducks Unlimited and/or Delta Waterfowl and attend meetings of the Fish and Wildlife Board’s public comment events. But if you really want to get your hands dirty and learn to love the wild spirits of these animals, you might want to join me and a host of others for the Annual Goose Round Up at Dead Creek Wildlife Area on Wednesday, July 3, at 8 a.m. This event, organized by David Sausville, the waterfowl biologist for VT Fish and Wildlife, and Amy Alfieri of Dead Creek Refuge, will corral a hundred or so birds that have molted and do not have flight feathers and gently sex and band them for tracking. The more we learn, the more we love. To join us please, call the VT Fish and Wildlife office in Essex and speak with Tammy, a true customer service professional, at (802)878-1564. Come join us and have a honkin’ good time helping our
Charlotte native Eric Champney and a waterfowl biologist.
feathered friends! Bradley Carleton is executive director of Sacred Hunter.org, a nonprofit that seeks
Photo by Bradley Carleton
to educate the public on the spiritual connection of man to nature.
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20 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News
Out Takes
Rolling Thunder, bombs and music
Edd Merritt
In a soldier’s stance, I aimed my hand At the mongrel dogs who teach Fearing not I’d become my enemy In the instant that I preach My existence led by confusion boats Mutiny from stern to bow Ah, but I was so much older then I’m younger than that now. Bob Dylan – “My Back Pages” It was 1975, and the now Nobel Prize laureate Bob Dylan decided he wanted to do a concert tour, barnstorming the country with a batch of fellow (and lady) musicians in what last Sunday’s New York Times calls an “Anarchic Medicine Show.” Martin Scorsese has made a movie of it that chronicles what Allen Ginsburg describes as “a circus atmosphere, dog and pony show.” The article is headed by a picture of Dylan in whiteface and flowered hat, on guitar leading a band that included Joan Baez, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Levon Helm, Joni Mitchell, T-Bone Burnett, Roger McGuin and Bob Neuwirth, later in the tour joined by musicians such as Scarlet Rivera, Rob Stoner and drummer Howie Wyeth. The tour fell into two pieces: The first in fall 1975 covered northeast United States and Canada; the second went south and southwest in the U.S. in the spring of 1976. Dylan said his idea for it grew from a desire to “play for the people,” those who could not afford high ticket prices for
his larger concerts or for whom distance and/or time may have been inconvenient. He claims that the idea for the name of the tour, the Rolling Thunder Review, came after a thunderstorm brought on continuous rolling from the sky one day. The name, however, is what drew me to reading about it because only six years previously I had been involved in a “Rolling Thunder” operation of quite a different nature—certainly less enjoyable by the audience and often by the members of the Navy fighter pilots and crews that were leading it—it being bombing runs off the coast of North Vietnam. As a secret-material yeoman and a flight-talker during these bombing runs, I often learned the psychic toll taken on individuals during wartime, especially among pilots who, while well above human conflict, often felt war was more like a game than a death trip. My aircraft carrier joined Rolling Thunder in 1966 after the Pueblo incident sent us to the Gulf of Tonkin off Vietnam rather than to Korea. Apparently, we were not threatening enough to the Koreans, and our government felt that a much larger (and the first nuclear) carrier was a better deterrent than we were. So, we headed south in the East China Sea and joined the attack fleet of “Operation Rolling Thunder.” We carried out our flight operations from between the Island of Hainan and the coast of what was then North Vietnam. Rolling Thunder grew in part as a response to a Viet Cong attack on a U.S. air base at Pleiku in 1965. President Lyndon Johnson wanted to get back at the northerners for that incident and believed that aerial assaults on them were the way to do it. He said that bombing Communist airfields might lead the North Vietnamese government to accept a non-Communist government in the south more readily. By the time my ship arrived in the Gulf,
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As a secret-material yeoman and a flighttalker during these bombing runs, I often learned the psychic toll taken on individuals during wartime, especially among pilots who, while well above human conflict, often felt war was more like a game than a death trip.
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our pilots were bombing industrial targets and airfields throughout North Vietnam. The only places that were off-limits were the actual cities of Hanoi and Haiphong as well as a buffer strip between Vietnam and China. Not only was China a friend of North Vietnam’s but it supplied the North with a solid air-defense system that created the danger for our pilots. Surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft batteries caused my ship to lose 12 pilots in Rolling Thunder, a relatively small number in light of the hundreds who were shot down overall, however. We, in turn, bombed airfields, shipyards, oil-storage facilities and power plants. One particular incident from these forays sticks in my mind. It occurred as I was a flight-talker to pilots flying on their bombing runs. I happened to be talking to a bomber pilot getting ready to drop his load on an airbase outside Hanoi. A missile hit the cockpit ejection mechanism in his plane, and he was propelled from the aircraft. He was not hurt physically, and his parachute opened. Floating toward the ground he was able to communicate with me. He began by explaining very calmly and in a straightforward way what had happened to his plane. At a point in his explanation, he looked down below him to see a group of North Vietnamese soldiers, rifles at the ready,
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waiting to capture him. At that point, his voice immediately took on a maudlin tone as he realized he was going to be taken prisoner. He did not know what would happen to him, and his lack of certainty left him dejected and fearful. I could do nothing but listen and turned on our executive officer’s headset to allow him to interject any encouragement. It was truly a moment of human despair that overrode anything that happened later in my military service, even when we headed south to strafe the Viet Cong moving down the Ho Chi Minh Trail. I had finished college when I joined the Navy. It was not really until this incident, however, that I recognized the true nature of life, gaining a conscientiousness that made me feel older than my age. I thought about the physical reality of life (albeit from a distance—but real nonetheless) that had nothing to do with where I was going to get my next beer but rather about the poignancy of physical and psychological abuse, possibly even death. It made me realize that in many respects, life is a masquerade, and as part of my back pages this incident fed me insight and meaning. “Lies that life is black and white spoke from my skull ....”
The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 21
Accidental Pastor Just a hello
Bill, a retired minister.
Melissa O’Brien It’s a question that gets asked in
interviews, by the curious: What gets you out of bed in the morning? It certainly seems a fair way to discern what it is one cares about. To what your heart is tethered? Beyond the obligatory heed to the alarm, tend to the kids, walk the dog, get to work...what is just cause to face another day on a melting planet ruled by greedy warlords? I’ve tried almost everything in this life: marriage (twice), motherhood (thrice), education (three degrees). I have scaled mountains and jumped from planes, walked on glaciers and seen the northern lights. I have swum (which I think sounds better than swam) with barracuda and little sea creatures that light up. I have fallen to the depths of alcoholic despair and risen back to the joy and light of sobriety. I’ve made friends with Native Indians and homeless addicts; I know someone who knows someone who boards horses for the Queen. I have been a preacher, teacher, this, that and the other, you know the drill. I’ve seen some stuff, done some things. I’ve seen babies born and I’ve watched people take their last breath. I’ve seen ghosts, bears, bald eagles, the Grateful Dead 33 times, the New York City Ballet 29. I remember the first home computers, the first mountain bikes; I remember when my friend Lars brought one of the earliest Burton snowboards—one that had a leash with a handle—back to school after winter break. We all thought these new things were a little crazy, a little weird, when we first encountered them. Look at us now. I know enough to know it’s not always easy to find a reason to rise, let alone shine, each morning. I have seen the deterioration of the flesh, the loneliness of the elderly; it gets harder, not easier over time. Here’s what I have come to know as one of the best reasons to enter fearlessly into a new day: You haven’t met everyone yet, and everyone has an interesting story. Case in point: The other day I was out for a sandwich with my beloved Helen, and I said hello to the elderly gent exiting his car. I’m always a little worried guys
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Photo by Melissa O’Brien
Here’s what I have come to know as one of the best reasons to enter fearlessly into a new day: You haven’t met everyone yet, and everyone has an interesting story.
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like him are going to topple over, so I tend to gravitate toward them. It turned out he had graduated from St. Lawrence, too, 40 or so years before I did. And he told me that when he was there it was a UU seminary, which I never knew. I graduated from that place and eventually became a pastor and I never even knew its history! I was delighted and embarrassed at the same time. Red-shirted gent and I had some funny stories to share about that wonderful little place over in Canton, N.Y. It got better: He had spent his working days as a Methodist minister. I had so many questions, like …how do I get through the hard days of being a pastor? What do you do to keep going even when you really want to quit? He laughed—of course he could laugh, he’s been retired from preaching for 30 years. Bill is his name. He gave me his phone number and soon I’m going to go sit with him and ask him the thousand other questions. I can’t wait to hear more of his SLU stories. I can’t wait to hear what it was like to be a Methodist minister in New York City 50 years ago. So, just like that, a simple Hello! How are you doing today? and you have a new friend in the world. Which is good because it’s hard, you know, the world. It’s hard, some days. Take a worthy risk today while you’re out there in the world and say hello to a stranger.
22 • June 27, 2019 • The Charlotte News
SENIOR CENTER MENUS Suggested donation for all meals: $5
Monday Munch
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No reservations required.
Wednesday Lunch All diners eat at noon. Reservations required.
July 1
Chicken & biscuit pie Vegetable sticks w hummus & Cottage cheese Jam & almond bars Courtesy of philo ridge July 8 Picnic sandwiches, pasta bow Tie salad, watermelon Mystery bundt cake Lemonade/no sugar iced tea
July 3
Sloppy joe’s, potato salad Homemade birthday cake & Ice cream
July 10
Antipasto salad (Provolone, salami, Fennel, greens) homemade dessert
Thursday Gents Breakfast
7:00–9:00 a.m. Reservations required.
July 11 and 25 Menu: TBA | Topic: TBA
(Keep up to date on menus with Front Porch Forum, as these sometimes change.)
Carolyn Kulik
SENIOR CENTER DIRECTOR
“The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent upon it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as it if had nothing else in the universe to do.” ~ Galileo Galilei This quote from Galileo was a surprise and, ironically, is from one of my favorite magazines, The Sun. Who knew the great scientist also viewed the world poetically? You probably do, too. Just relax into Vermont’s lush summer landscape and start making some notes. ____________________ If you would like to write more, the monthly Writers’ Group can support your efforts. Scheduled for second Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m., this new group is looking for writers of stories, personal experiences or poetry. Please register to indicate your interest. No fee. If you are interested in toning your writing muscles, there is a course for you. Write Now! with Laurie McMillan will be meeting on Monday mornings, 10 to noon, throughout August. Registration required. Fee: $68 for the 4-week series. Less daunting (perhaps) is working in collage. Try Collage Experiences on Tuesday mornings, 7/9, 7/16 & 7/23 from 9:15-10:45. With a variety of materials, create a unique composition. Each week, a theme will provide a framework to kick off this fun process. Preregistration required for materials list. Fee: $45 for the session. (A new section will be offered in August.) Feed your creative impulses - with food. If you can, find a young person (age 9 and up) and sign up for Bake for Good on 7/11 from 9 to 1:30 to bake rolls (ah, the aroma), have fun and feel a sense of accomplishment! Lunch is included and some of the baked goods are donated to the Center and the Food Shelf – with plenty left to take home with you. Sponsored by King Arthur Flour and offered in conjunction with the Charlotte
Library. This event is free, but please register. (Note that the young person need not be related to you – and you are also welcome to come by yourself.) Another engaging, creative endeavor is Play Reading which meets the 4th Thursday of every month through November from 1 to 3 p.m. This is a relaxed, fun table reading – no stage fright allowed. When you register, you will be added to the list of potential readers for July. No fee. If you sometimes enjoy looking at art more than creating it, consider these two carpooling trips in August to just south of Charlotte. The first, Middlebury College Museum of Art & Lunch, is at 9:30 on Friday, 8/9. This daytrip will view the show “Fifty Years of Collecting Art for Middlebury.” After the museum, you will lunch at the Middlebury Inn, and return time will be approximately 3:30. The only fee will be the cost of your individual lunch. Pre-registration required; minimum of 10. The second one is a trip to Lemon Fair Sculpture Park in Shoreham, on Saturday, 8/17. Frank and Elaine Ittleman invite you to enjoy a magnificent rural setting dedicated to outdoor art at their private residence. The 1.5-mile loop passes about a dozen large-scale outdoor artworks. (Be sure to wear sturdy shoes.) Meet at the Center to carpool by 9:30, and head home around noon—or stop in nearby Middlebury for a leisurely lunch. Registration necessary. No fee. And then there is the experience of music. . . . Just imagine, the sound of an electric guitar in a senior center! Even without any music, that sound quality is, in itself, like a time machine. Last week Peter and Helen Rosenblum took their audience back a few decades to the 50s and 60s. Aside from being avid duplicate bridge players here on Mondays, they perform an extensive repertoire of oldies music for folks to sing along with – or just listen to. Everyone had a great time – and we hope they will come back again next year.
July Wednesday Afternoon Events at 1 p.m. July 10: Age Well (formerly Council on Aging). Discover the services they provide to individuals 60+, which include coupons for discounted meals at local restaurants. They believe that health happens at home —and focus on lifestyle, happiness and wellness. July 17: Here We Go ‘Round Again. Learn about the history of Shelburne’s Museum’s famous Dentzel Carousel, purchased by Mrs.Webb in 1951, and the conservation of its 40 animals and painted rounding boards over three decades. July 24: Japanese Ceramics: The Grace of Imperfection. From 10,000-yearold funerary figures to Zen-influenced ceremonial tea bowls, you will encounter Japanese aesthetics, culture, history, geography and spirituality in the clay. July 31: Fun with Donkeys. Invite a young friend and meet two mini-donkeys named Chester and Ernie – pettable, huggable buddies for the afternoon. Hear about the history of donkeys and carting, and take a ride in their shiny, custom cart. AUGUST Events at 1 p.m. August 7: Stop the Bleed, UVM Medical Center. Learn what you can do in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. August 14: Downsizing. Explore how to navigate the process and prepare for a life transition. August 21: My Affairs in Order. If something should happen to you, would anyone know how to step in and manage your affairs? August 28: Rokeby Museum Tour, Ferrisburgh. “The Museum brings the Underground Railroad vividly to life.” Please register; cost $9. Art News The July Art Exhibit showcases the work of three local creatives: Emma Farrington, Jill Thompson and Nancy Wood. Emma’s subjects vary from portraits to landscapes,
Jill works in watercolors, and Nancy’s photographs are primarily of outdoor subjects. It’s time to plan for participating in the Annual Senior Center Community Art Show, which takes place during September. The informative handout can be picked up at the Senior Center now. It is open to all mastery levels for ages 50 and up. Maximum is two pieces per artist. ~ The Great Room is busy in July, and the best times to see Art Exhibits are Tuesdays after 12:30, Wednesdays 9:30-11:00, Thursdays and Fridays after 12:30. Take a quick peek at noon on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please call the Center during the week to check on Sunday availability. Do visit our website, CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org, for more details and menus. If you have questions or would like to register, please call 4256345, M-F from 9-4. Or just stop in and say hello - we love to show people around. We are at 212 Ferry Road, Charlotte right across from the post office. The Senior Center’s mission is to serve those 50 and up. Residents from other communities are also welcome. Please note that the Senior Center will be closing after the Wednesday Senior Luncheon on July 3 and will be closed all day on July 4 and 5 for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. See you soon! ________________ Charlotte Senior Center (802) 425-6345 CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org
The Charlotte News • June 27, 2019 • 23
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SELECTBOARD continued from page 2 Albans City that addresses abandoned properties. Bloch expressed concern that while the ordinance gave “explicit direction to staff person what to do … the specificity may be considered in Charlotte perhaps overly restrictive.” Stockbridge Road resident Chuck Deslauriers spoke next, outlining the history of the property, including legal action against the previous owners of 102 Stockbridge Road, Alex and Heather Abele. The Deslauriers live next door to the property. He said while they reached an agreement during mediation, the owners did not comply and subsequently sold the property. According to town records, the property was sold in 2016 for $559,850 to Katie Gilley of Boscawen, New Hampshire. Gilley is married to Heather Abele’s brother, Matthew Maloney. Neither Gilley nor Heather Abele responded to multiple requests by The Charlotte News for a comment. The property is assessed at $650,800. Deslauriers said, “We are appealing to the town to give us assistance. We’ve tried literally everything to encourage owners of the property to maintain it properly. It’s an eyesore when you drive through it and it’s affecting property values.” Island Farm Road resident Ginny Paton spoke next, describing a similar scenario at a property near the lake. “It has dead toys in driveway, poison parsnip all over the place. To me, that’s a public health hazard...there are parties there...the place is completely abandoned.” Deslauriers said the connection between the two properties is that the “[the Abeles] moved from the house on Stockbridge Road to the house on the lake, and subsequently moved to Massachusetts.” Town records indicate the property is owned by Patricia Diluiso, Trustee of Converse Bay Realty Trust c/o Bollard Group. The Selectboard also heard from other
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residents, including James Barker of Fire Pond Road, who read a letter from Noah Kolb. Kolb lives adjacent to the Stockbridge Road property and raised his concerns at the June 3 Selectboard meeting, where over 20 members of the public attended in support of his message. Barker said, “We’ve done everything we could to coerce them, we have then used legal means to try to accomplish some sort of clean up there…Our only remedy that I can think of is, the town steps in and protect our rights as property owners.” McCarren asked if anyone knew why the property owners were not responsive, to which Barker replied, “We are victims of these peoples’ very expensive trash.” Similar sentiments were expressed by residents Jenn Higgins, Marybeth Gilliam, Jim Hebert and Mike Cazayoux. Selectboard Chair Matt Krasnow said, “Clearly something has to happen. I’m wondering what the best outcome would be in generating an ordinance and having it be enforced, any more than a court settlement will be enforced.” Other Selectboard members expressed concern at the restrictive nature of the St. Albans City ordinance and the effects of drafting a similar ordinance. Tenney asked, “What happens if farmer doesn’t do his field for a few years?” Tegatz said, “I think it’s a conflict between rural and urban…any kind of rule than you can apply fair and evenly to everybody. That’s what we have to do as a Selectboard. We can’t pick neighborhoods over others.” Krasnow said he would “explore crafting and presenting an ordinance to the town. It’s not going to move quickly…this one would reach so deep into the community fabric and status quo of people’s property rights, it would take some time to present and advance.” He also offered to draft a letter to the current owners of the properties and present at the July 22 meeting. Zoning Administrator Leaving Position Zoning Administrator Aaron Brown
Local Events We welcome appropriate community event listings with a maximum of 100 words. Print fees may apply to community events outside of Charlotte. Email your events to ads@thecharlottenews.org. Tours of the Historic Barn House at the Clemmons Family Farm, with special exhibit, “Travels of the Intrepid Couple.” Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., June 29-October 19.
This exhibit showcases the hidden story of a remarkable couple and a rare African-American owned family farm in Vermont, and how Jack and Lydia Clemmons helped to build bridges across differences of race, culture and geographic settings for nearly 60 years— through art, community and a sense of place. The exhibit includes a beautiful collection of art and textiles, panels, photographs and listening stations with audio-recordings of some of the wonderful storytelling of 95-year-old Lydia about her travels with her husband, Jack, the people they met along the way, and some of unique art from North, West, East, Central and Southern Africa. To sign up for a tour go to: http://bit.ly/ BarnHouseTours To book a special tour for your group on another day, please contact our tour director at vtcrocks@gmavt.net
accepted a position as Town Administrator and Zoning Administrator for the Town of New Haven, VT, and his last day is July 3. The Selectboard approved a 12 week contract with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission for temporary staff support. According to the Town Administrator report, CCRPC Senior Planner Emily Nosse-Leirer is available. Nosse-Leirer has been assisting with the current amendments to the town plan. The position is posted on the town website and the Selectboard is scheduled to discuss the process for interviewing applicants at their July 8 meeting. Town Positions and Reappointments The Selectboard reappointed Jim Donovan as Representative to the CCRPC, Dean Bloch as Representative to the Technical Advisory Committee of the CCRPC, Fritz Tegatz as Alternate Representative to the Technical Advisory Committee of the CCRPC, Daryl Arminius as Alternate Representative to the Clean Water Advisory Committee of the CCRPC, and Josh Flore as constable. All terms end on June 30, 2021. Other Business In other business, the Selectboard approved waiving the penalty for late filers of Homestead Declaration, the FY20 town employee pay rates and hours, a solar net metering application for the town library, and renewed the animal control housing contract with Comfort Hill Kennel. They also approved a request for the use of town roads for a National Multiple Sclerosis Society fundraising bicycle ride on August 3. Residents Hans and Susan Ohanian asked several safety-related questions during the discussion period and Krasnow asked for increased signage on the CharlotteHinesburg Road. In road commissioner-related business, the Selectboard approved a VTrans Structures grant application and requested
“Playing for Good,” chamber music at the Charlotte Congregational Church Sunday, July 14, 5 p.m. The Charlotte Congregational Church
invites the community to celebrate summer with a wonderful program of chamber music presented by the sixmember ensemble “Playing for Good,” a professional group dedicated to supporting nonprofits through the power of music. The program will feature works by Haydn, Shostakovich, Philip Glass and the Danish String Quartet. This family-friendly, rain-or-shine event is open to all and admission is free (donations suggested). Complimentary refreshments will be provided, and 100 percent of the proceeds will support the Malayaka House home in Uganda, founded in 2005 by Vermonter Robert Fleming of Warren, Vermont (malayakahouse.com). Mark your calendars, bring your family and friends and plan to join us Sunday July 14 at 5 p.m. For additional information go to charlotteucc.org/
Bloch to draft a request for engineering proposals for repairing Monkton Road. They also approved the chair to sign a letter of intent for municipal roads grant-in-aid for a culvert replacement on Lane’s Lane. The next regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting is July 8 at 6 p.m.
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presorted standard