The Charlotte News | March 22, 2017

The

Charlotte News Charlotte’s award-winning community newspaper

Volume LIX Number 17

The Voice of the Town

STELLA!

Wednesday, March 22, 201

Winter Storm Stella sets record, buries town, page 2

On the inside: • Young Charlotter writes about Green Thumbs Camp, pg 12 • Take a gander at our Home & Garden section, pg 14-16 • Sit up straight! Your posture and your health, pg 20

CharlotteNewsVT.org

Charlotte News

The

Vol. 59, no. 17 March 22, 2017

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

Local farm family to compile oral histories The University of Vermont and the University of Wisconsin partner with the Clemmons Family Farm The University of Vermont and the University of Wisconsin are partnering with the Clemmons Family Farm to compile the oral histories of Dr. Jack Clemmons, a pediatric pathologist, and Mrs. Lydia Clemmons, a registered nurse and nurse anesthetist.

Two UVM graduate students in history, Perri Meldon and Franco Paz, will work with the Clemmonses, whose 70-year careers in medicine and nursing began in the early 1940s and span work in the United States, Sweden

and Africa. Both Jack and Lydia worked at the University of Vermont Medical Center, where Jack was the second African-American on the faculty and worked in the department of pathology for more than 30 years. Lydia was the first African-American nurse anesthetist and worked in the operating rooms at the DeGosbriand Unit and Fletcher Allen.

Meldon and Paz will be trained by Dr. Troy Reeves, head of the oral history program of the University of WisconsinMadison.

Perri Meldon and Franco Paz are UVM graduate students in history who will compile the oral histories of Lydia Clemmons (R.N. and Certified Licensed Nurse Anesthetist) and Jackson Clemmons (M.D., Ph.D.).Their work is funded through a joint collaboration between the Clemmons Family Farm, the University of Vermont and the University of Wisconsin.

Submitted by Lydia Clemmons

Vermont Agency of Agriculture recommends vigilance among poultry owners

Our furry pets brave Stella snow!

Kristin Haas, DVM STATE VETERINARIAN

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of a highly pathogenic H7 avian influenza (HPAI) of North American wild bird lineage in a commercial chicken breeder flock in Lincoln County, Tennessee.

This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in commercial poultry in the United States this year. The flock of 73,500 is located within the Mississippi flyway.

APHIS is working closely with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to respond to the disease and has quarantined the affected premises to prevent the spread of the disease. While not known to impact human health, this highly contagious poultry disease can be devastating to chickens and turkeys, as well as the farmers who depend on them for their livelihood.

Fortunately, no cases have been reported in Vermont, and we recommend that all bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, continue to practice good biosecurity and prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture recommends reporting sick birds or unusual bird deaths to the Office of the

Photo by Rowan Beck

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in poultry flock inTennessee; Vermonters should be on the lookout.

Courtesy photo

“We recommend that all bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, continue to practice good biosecurity and prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.”

Kristin Haas, DVM

Vermont State Veterinarian at 828-2421 or through USDA’s toll-free number at (866) 536-7593.

For more information contact Kristin Haas at 828-2426 or email Kristin.

Haas@vermont.gov.

Photo by Amanda Phillips

Home & Garden 14-16 • Senior Center 20 • Crossword & Sudoku 21 • Community Events 21

2 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Weather

Thoughts on that big March snow Matt Sutkoski CONTRIBUTOR

I hope you’re not too sore from all that snow shoveling after one of the most intense snowstorms in Vermont, New York and Quebec history. Snow continued to pile up along the western slopes of the Green Mountains into last Thursday morning, leaving a whopping storm total of 58 inches at the Bolton Valley Ski Area.

That’s almost five feet!

Although this snow isn’t fully going away any time soon, the March sun is our friend, at least if you want to see some of the snow disappear. The sun is getting stronger this time of year, and you’ll see some of the snow banks retreating bit by bit. Sunny corners where the heat collects will get some melting, too. And the snow will keep settling, so it won’t seem so deep.

The bottom line: The skiers can keep enjoying their powder for a while, but we valley dwellers will see a little bit of the snow disappear, even if much of it remains. We definitely won’t get another tremendous snow, but with all this snow on the ground, a few people are probably asking: Are we at risk for spring flooding?

The answer is, we’re a little bit more at risk than we were a week ago, but I definitely wouldn’t panic. Spring flooding in Vermont usually comes when ice breaks up in rivers or heavy rain falls on warm days on a melting snow pack.

As in any season, we’ll get flooding if we get a sharp warmup with lots of rain.

But if there’s a nice orderly freeze/thaw cycle, then don’t worry.

Some people might remember March 2011 when we got a snowstorm almost as big as the one we just had this week.

Frequent, damaging flooding occurred that spring, and Lake Champlain rose to record heights, causing lots of destruction on the shoreline.

The difference is that, in 2011, there

The Charlotte News The Charlotte News is a nonprofit community-based newspaper dedicated to informing townspeople of current events and issues. It serves as a forum for the free exchange of views of town residents and celebrates the people, places and happenings that make the Town of Charlotte unique.

Contributions in the form of articles, press releases and photographs pertaining to Charlotte-related people and events are accepted and encouraged. For submission guidelines and deadlines, please visit our website or contact the editor at news@thecharlottenews.org.

The Charlotte News is published in Charlotte by The Charlotte News, Inc., a Vermont domestic 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation. Distribution is made every other Thursday to all households and businesses in Charlotte and to more than 50 outlets in Shelburne, Hinesburg, North Ferrisburgh, Ferrisburgh, Vergennes and Burlington. The Charlotte News relies on the generous financial contributions of its readers, subscriptions and advertising revenue to sustain its operations.

The National Weather Service in Burlington reported the late winter nor’easter delivered about 30 inches of snow to the Charlotte area breaking the March 15 daily maximum snow fall record with a total of 12.1 inches, up from 1940’s 4.1 inches.

Photo by Lynn Monty

was already a lot of snow on the ground with a high water content in the mountains even before that snowstorm hit. Then we had record amounts of rainfall in April and May. Inevitably we had a lot of flooding.

There’s not nearly as much water locked up in mountain snows this March as in 2011. And I sincerely doubt we’ll break rainfall records this spring, though I suppose anything is possible.

My advice? Don’t worry unless the

weather changes in a way that favors high water.

Matt’s Weather Rapport is written by Vermont-based journalist and weather reporter Matt Sutkoski. Look to Matt’s Weather Rapport for expert analysis of weather events, news, the latest on climate change science, fun stuff, and wild photos and videos of big weather events.

Also check for his frequent quick weather updates on Twitter, @mattalltradesb.

ON THE COVER:

Carol Talley of Ten Stones Circle in Charlotte helps to shovel her driveway at the height of the storm late Tuesday afternoon. She took turns to keep things somewhat cleared, as was everyone else, with the wind swirling around and filling snow back in almost as quickly as it was removed.

Photo by Lee Krohn

Editorial Staff news@thecharlottenews.org / 425-4949 Editor in chief: Lynn Monty Layout manager: Anna Cyr Contributing editors: John Hammer, Edd Merritt Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Leslie Botjer, Vince Crockenberg, Carol Hanley, Edd Merritt, Janet Yantachka Business Staff ads@thecharlottenews.org / 343-0279 Ad manager: Monica Marshall Business manager: Shanley Hinge Board Members President: Vince Crockenberg Secretary: John Hammer Treasurer: Patrice Machavern Board members: Bob Bloch, Rick Detwiler, Carol Hanley, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli Contributors Roel Boumans, Bradley Carleton, Kristin Hass, Catherine Hughes, Lee Krohn, Lindsay Longe, Lisa Patton, Katie Spencer, Hannah Stein, Matt Sutkoski, Margaret Woodruff and Mike Yantachka Subscription Information The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all Charlotte residences. Effective May 1, 2016, we will no longer offer bulk mail subscriptions. Subscriptions are available for first-class delivery at $40 per calendar year. Want a subscription? Please send a check payable to The Charlotte News, PO Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445.

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Copyright © 2017 The Charlotte News, Inc. Printed in Burlington, Vermont, by Gannet Publishing Services Member of the New England Newspaper and Press Association and the Vermont Press Association.

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 3

Letters Mary Greene Lighthall remembered Some words about Mary Greene Lighthall—or what I might have said at her memorial reception last Sunday: I met her at the first meeting I attended of the Charlotte Historical Society that met that night in 1978 or 1979 in the Tavern on Church Hill Road. Who was this somewhat older than I woman with the figure of a 20-year-old? I soon learned that her childhood home was in Morrisville, Vermont, and that she was the niece of one of my friends who as a widow had an apartment and art studio in a fine old house within walking distance of Peoples Academy and my apartment in a big Victorian house that had been Sen. Fleetwood’s near the library. Mary’s Aunt Ruth Greene Mould (yes, that was her name, much to her and Mary’s amusement) was a noted artist, largely a portrait artist whose work hangs in the Vermont State House and in the Fleming. I was teaching senior English at Peoples Academy and had a student gifted with artistic ability, so I went to the library and tried to borrow art books for him. The librarian said, “I think you need to meet Ruth Greene Mould,” and phoned her. I was told to come right over.

Ruth and I spent the rest of the day together, and she lent her precious art books, a gift from her late husband, to my student.

Mary was equally delighted that her married name, “Lighthall,” was so appropriate for her since she was a photographer. I wonder how many know that Mary was entrusted with and asked to print pictures of Snowflake Bentley’s snowflakes from his glass negatives? Or that she removed the screen from her upstairs lakeside bathroom and set up a camera on a tripod permanently so that she could take photos of the lake whenever there was something memorable and the image would not be obscured by a screen?

On display at the Charlotte Museum during last Sunday’s reception for her was a photo she took of a moose swimming by her house. I’m not sure she took the shot from the bathroom window, but she was always ready.

Some of Aunt Ruth’s traits were strong in Mary. How I will miss evening telephone calls from Mary, calls where we would let the conversation carry it wherever it might lead. Those calls reminded me of my first meeting with Aunt Ruth when my casual visit turned into lunch, an afternoon and a friendship. After I became a widow, Mary’s calls became more frequent, and I know it was her way of being there for me.

Because I had taught in Morrisville and Hyde Park and had roots in Stowe, I could talk about Lamoille County with her, even though she was a generation older than I. I found in Special Collections at UVM a typed manuscript of Craig Burt, father of much that now is modern Stowe (at one time he owned much of Mt. Mansfield and was an early skier). I drew this to Craig’s family’s attention. They decided to publish it as a book, We Lived in Stowe, and I was

asked to edit it. I also added notes. For example, there once was a violin factory in Stowe, and the oldest woman in Stowe had worked there. Of course, I told Mary that I had an interview with the oldest woman in Stowe and the rest about the factory.

And Mary said, “My father made the machines they used in the violin factory, and I have one of the violins.” Mary’s family owned the Greene Corporation in Morrisville, and her father was the manager.

So eventually Mary and I made a trip to the Stowe Historical Society. She took her violin and the Stowe Historical Society man and Mary compared the society’s Stowe-made violin with Mary’s.

Perhaps the time I most admired Mary was when she announced that she was going to appoint herself chief editor of the Around the Mountains book committee in the Charlotte Historical Society. We on the committee had met several evenings, but basically nothing during the long hours was accomplished except chitchat and the devouring of refreshments. After Mary was self-designated chief editor, we made something out of W.W. Higbee’s long newspaper articles. She saw to it that each on the committee handled what that person’s skills were appropriate for. She did not spare herself. She typed every word of W.W. Higbee’s manuscript and wrote the notes, although the entire committee contributed research.

I’ll never forget when she phoned me a couple of weeks before the final printer’s deadline, or it might have been even less time before. She and I had wondered countless times where in the world were Higbee’s writings on the Civil War? He was exactly the right age to be in the Civil War. He was a lawyer and had Quaker roots, so maybe, we speculated, he hired a substitute to serve in his place. But everyone else in town of his age except Cyrus Pringle served.

“Kathy,” said Mary in one of her phone calls. “Happy Patrick has found Higbee’s writings on the Civil War in the Bixby Library. What are we going to do?” I immediately drove to the Bixby and read the material myself.

“Mary,” I said. “We have to include it.

This alone will sell the book. It is what is missing.” So Mary went to work on the Civil War chapter when she least wanted to do the task. I’m sure it was hard for her to face the job. I can’t remember whether we asked the printer to delay the printing.

Did you know for many years she was a chief editor of the Rich Family Genealogical Society (she was descended from a Vermont branch) and made frequent car trips to Massachusetts to work on the editing? Did you know not only was she a chemistry major at UVM but that she also had her master’s in plant biochemistry from UVM and that she worked at Ohio State University before marriage as an editor of Chemistry Abstracts?

She also was effective in helping to pass more modern state laws governing adoption. She was a fine early skier, and she told me she owned a hot car when she was single. From time to time she would tell me of some kindness she had done for somebody in town, the very stuff that a civil

society is built upon.

After Harry, her husband, died she supported their two young children by working as a chemist in UVM’s Maple Lab. She talked about an old chemist, C.H. Jones, who worked in the Maple Lab from 1896–1946. Mary admired him and wanted to make sure he had his due. I had the pleasure of editing her article, “C.H. Jones: A Memoir of the Maple Man, Chemist Extraordinaire,” which Mary wrote for the Chittenden County Historical Society Bulletin and was published in the winter 2014 issue. She was close to 90 when her article came out.

O, Mary, I will miss you. We all will in Charlotte.

Kathleen McKinley Harris, Charlotte

Thank you for voting I would like to thank everyone who came out to vote for me, as well as to those who did not, on Tuesday and to my family, friends and supporters who made my election possible. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as a new Charlotte Selectboard member. I look forward to working with all the members of our community. I will put in the time and energy to fully represent all the residents of Charlotte to the best of my ability.

Frank Tenney, Charlotte

From Ethiopia on the Town Link Trail Greetings from Ethiopia. I headed out here on Town Meeting Day for my usual quarterly work visit. The weekend after I arrived, 65 people, mostly women and children, were killed when the largest dump in Ethiopia collapsed around them. The dump, located just outside of Addis Ababa, where I am working, is home to a community of squatters who scavenge through the rubbish for food, clothing and items to sell.

For the past week or so, I find myself wide awake at 3 a.m. This is due in various parts to my jet lag (there is a seven-hour time

difference between Charlotte and Addis), the tragedy at the dump, the Ethiopian coffee I drink all day long (so delicious that I just can’t help myself), and the hourly U.S. news cliff-hanger updates on our government’s plans to cut the federal budget on so many things (health care insurance for the poor and the elderly, our children’s education the arts and humanities, the protection of our environment and natural resources, the protection of consumers). I lie awake wondering what our lives will be like a year from now and how much we, as individuals, as families, as a community and as a state, will be able to fill in the gaps.

I am worried for all of us and especially for those of us who are the most vulnerable.

In between reading about the U.S. government’s budget cuts and watching the local television newscasts about the rescue efforts here, I also read the Charlotte Front Porch Forum. These are probably the absolute worst circumstances for me to be contributing to the discussions about the Town Link Trail. But then again, perhaps these are the absolute best circumstances for me to be doing this.

This year’s proposed town budget is increasing by $169,344—from $3,028,046 last year to a proposed $3,182,907 this year.

This year’s proposed trails budget is eight times larger than last year’s—increasing from $5,000 to $40,000. This increase accounts for more than 20 percent of the increase in this year’s overall town budget.

TownCharts.com says that Charlotte has 3,822 residents and 1706 households.

Most of us are well off: our median household income is about $114,000. Some households have higher incomes than this, and some households have lower incomes.

In fact, 119 households in Charlotte (7.1 percent) are on public assistance, and 3.1 percent of households in Charlotte are earning incomes below the poverty level.

While most of us (94 percent) have health insurance, 6 percent of us do not, 18 percent of us are on Medicare, and 9 percent of us are on Medicaid or public coverage.

What will happen to our most vulnerable Charlotters when the federal budget cuts kick in? How will our friends and neighbors who are already struggling financially continue to pay their property taxes when they increase every year? How

see Letters page 13

4 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Report from the Legislature

The Doyle Poll 2017

By Rep. Mike Yantachka The Doyle Poll, created and still conducted by former Senator Bill Doyle, has been a tradition of Town Meetings in Vermont for decades.

Only 109 Charlotte voters shared their opinions this year, about half of last year’s number. Of the 15 questions, ten seemed to me to be either obvious or too ambiguous to allow a clear interpretation of the results.

Clearly, most people think we need to do a lot more to address the opiate crisis, the abuse and neglect of children, and the identification of water pollution sources.

Identifying pollution sources is important, but what is the willingness of people to spend tax dollars on cleanup? Whether or not one is satisfied with Vermont’s health

care does not address why. Is the price too high? Does VT Health Connect still not work?

The questions and answers I found helpful were numbers 3, 5, 8, 10 and 11. Sixty percent of respondents felt that Vermont should increase funding for state colleges (#3). This is a worthy goal, which I share. However, increasing funding for college means cutting back somewhere else or raising taxes. If we were to follow Governor Scott’s recommendation, the increase would come from the Education Fund, which would raise property taxes.

Transferring money from the General Fund would mean shortchanging other needed programs because the governor wants to hold the line on taxes.

There also seems to be overwhelming support for affordable housing (#5). This is an area where the state, municipalities and the business community can work and are working together to increase affordable housing. Legislation passed in previous years has made it easier to

RESULTS

permit and build housing in designated downtowns and village centers. The business community in Chittenden County has joined with municipalities in housing planning as part of the Building Homes Together campaign.

Pretty much everyone, myself included, feels that we rely too heavily on property taxes to fund education. While there do not seem to be a lot of other alternatives to funding, controlling costs will be key to slowing the growth of property taxes.

Consolidation under Act 46 has had an immediate positive effect on Charlotte’s education property tax rate this year, since our cost per pupil has gone down and the 10-cent property tax reduction incentive has kicked in.

Last year the Legislature took steps to give towns more say in renewable energy siting (#10). The Regional Planning Commissions are working hard to generate the guidelines that towns can comply with to get “substantial deference,” which means that the Public Service Board would have to comply with the town’s land use regulations if they

meet the criteria in the guidelines.

Question 11 is closely related to question 5 discussed above. Vermont clearly needs to focus on improving its housing stock so that young people seeking to move to Vermont can afford to do so. Another key factor in this equation that was not addressed by the poll is the need for child care resources. Both of these critical needs are recognized by the Democratic majority in the Legislature, and we hope with our Republican colleagues to move legislation addressing them in this session.

Above are all the results of the poll in Charlotte.

As your representative in Montpelier, I appreciate your input on these and other issues. Your comments help me look at issues from several perspectives, and that is a valuable opportunity for me. You can always contact me by phone at 802-4253960 or email me at myantachka.dfa@ gmail.com. You can find this article and others at my website, MikeYantachka. com.

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 5

Town

New Selectboard gets organized John Hammer CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

March 9 meeting: Following on the heels of this year’s Town Meeting, the Selectboard held its organizational meeting. Frank Tenney was welcomed as he took the seat vacated by Jacob Spell. The first agenda items returned Lane Morrison to the chair and Matthew Krasnow to the vice-chairmanship.

Regular meetings will continue to be scheduled on the second and fourth Mondays.

As required by the new town charter, the Selectboard approved and signed the warning for an April 11 Australian ballot on the budget and budget-related articles approved at Town Meeting. In addition, the board approved a warning for an informational meeting on April 6 to discuss the budget and budget-related articles that will be voted on April 11.

Town staff will be drafting a cover letter for the Town Meeting advisory resolution “to authorize and direct the (U.S.) House (of Representatives) Committee on the Judiciary to investigate whether sufficient grounds exist for the impeachment of Donald J. Trump for the violations of the Foreign and the Domestic Emoluments Clauses of the United States Constitution.” The motion calls for a signature from the chair of the Selectboard.

The meeting ended with a long list of assignments and administrative issues to be covered by Selectboard members and town committees.

March 13 meeting: The meeting began with a long session in which the position of recreation director was finalized. Following the evaluation of the position using the Palmer Method, the

board set the salary at $21.27/hour, and the job will be offered to the incumbent, Nicole Conley.

A draft for cemetery mowing bids was discussed, and the final draft was sent back to the Cemetery Commission. The commission was asked to review and, if necessary, modify the specifications with all applicants before bids would be solicited.

Janet Schwarz’s seat was renewed on the Recreation Commission for the term ending April 2020. Similarly, Jonathon Fisher’s seat on the Zoning Board of Adjustment was renewed for the term ending in April 2020.

A few road issues were agreed on.

First, the road commissioner’s request for approval of paving bids was approved.

This year bidding will be advanced to require paving before July 1. This will ensure more timely completion of paving operations. A second issue was the signing of an agreement with the state to finance and maintain a single information sign on Town Line Road. The sign is necessary to meet the requirements for a gate where the Vermont Railway maintains a level crossing. Finally, the board supported a Better Roads Grant to the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission.

The grant will be used to perform an erosion inventory of town roads.

Under other administrative actions, Thompson’s Point 20-year leases were approved for lots 25, 26 and 145. The last action of the evening was approval by the board, serving as the Liquor Control Board, for the renewal of a second-class license for Spears Corner Store to sell malt and vinous beverages, and tobacco.

The next regular Selectboard meeting will be held on March 27.

Help wanted!

The News is looking for writers, photographers and drivers to join the community of Charlotters—more than 130 of us last year—that every two weeks throughout the year produces the paper and then distributes it to every mailbox in town and to more than 50 drop-off sites up and down Route 7. If you’re interested

Local Church Services

in supplying news stories or photography, please email the paper’s editor in chief, Lynn Monty, at lynn@thecharlottenews. org. If you’d be willing to take on a paper distribution route or would like to know more about what’s involved, please contact Vince Crockenberg at vince.crockenberg@ gmail.com.

Charlotte Congregational Church, UCC 403 Church Hill Road, 425-3176 Regular Sunday service: 10 a.m.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church Spear Street, 425-2637 Sister parish: St. Jude’s, Hinesburg Regular schedule of masses: Saturday, 4:30 p.m., at St. Jude’s, Hinesburg Sunday, 8 and 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Sunday, 9:30 a.m., at St. Jude’s, Hinesburg

6 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Town Charlotte Town Meeting Day results Town Meeting Floor Votes: Article 1: To hear the reports of the town officers and to act upon the same.

Passed.

Article 2: Will the town vote to have property taxes payable on or before November 15, 2017 and to have payments made to the town treasurer under 32 VSA § 4773? Passed.

Article 3: Will the town vote pursuant to 32 VSA §3840 to exempt property owned by Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services, Inc. from education and municipal property taxes for a period of five years commencing with fiscal year 2017-18? Passed.

Article 4: Will the town vote pursuant to 32VSA §3840 to exempt property owned by the Friendship Lodge #24 F&AM located on Church Hill Road from education and municipal property taxes for a period of five years commencing with fiscal year 2017-18? Failed.

Article 5: Will the Town approve the Selectboard’s budget of $3,046,847 for the fiscal year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 of which an anticipated sum of $1,672,291 will be raised by taxes and an anticipated sum of $1,374,556 will be raised by non-tax revenues, which approval shall not become effective until said budget is adopted by Australian ballot vote in accordance with the charter of the Town of Charlotte? Passed.

Article 6: Will the Town approve raising $40,000 by taxes, in addition to those monies raised pursuant to Article 5, to be allocated to the Trails Reserve Fund, which approval shall not become effective until further approval by Australian ballot vote in accordance with the requirements of the charter of the Town of Charlotte? Passed.

Article 7: Will the Town vote to authorize the Selectboard to borrow money by issuance of bonds or notes not in excess of anticipated revenues for the next fiscal year? Passed.

Article 8: Will the town vote to

School District Moderator, for 1 year: Ed Stone – 533 Selectboard, for 3 years: Ed Stone – 219 Fritz Tegatz – 549 Selectboard, for 2 years: Frank Tenney – 450 Seth Zimmerman – 301 authorize the Selectboard to borrow no more than $85,000 from Housing Trust Fund for a period of sixteen years for the purpose of constructing an extension of the Thompson’s Point wastewater system to serve seven lots on Lane’s Lane?

Failed.

Article 9: Will the town vote to authorize an allocation of excess capacity of the municipal wastewater system in the west Charlotte village for private uses within the village as provided by 24 V.S.A. §3625 in a manner where all costs (including the Town’s cost to construct the existing system) are borne by system users? Passed.

Article 10: To transact any other business proper to come before said meeting.

By Australian ballot: Article 11: To elect town officers. See results below.

Article 12: Shall the bonds of the Town of Charlotte in amount not to exceed Six Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($625,000.00) be issued to finance a new replacement fire pumper truck and related equipment to replace the 1980 fire pumper truck? Passed.

Charlotte Town Meeting Day results as submitted by Town Clerk Mary Mead: Town Moderator, for 1 year: Ed Stone – 543

Lister, for 3 years: Moe Harvey – 623 Delinquent Tax Collector, for 1 year: Mary A. Mead – 604 Road Commissioner, for 1 year: Hugh Lewis Jr. – 751 Library Trustee, for 5 years: Nan Mason – 707 Charlotte Central School Director, for 3 years: Susan Nostrand – 626 Charlotte Central School Director, for 2 years: Erik Beal – 621 Charlotte Central School Director, for 1 year: Sue Thibault – 646 CVU School Director, for 3 years: Lorna Jimerson – 637 Auditor, for 3 years: Allen Ash – 129 Jennifer Cole – 589 Cemetery Commissioner, for 3 years: Chris Falk – 642 Cemetery Commissioner, for 2 years: Victoria Zulkoski – 634 Cemetery Commissioner, for 1 year: Susan Ohanian – 652

WARNING: TOWN OF CHARLOTTE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING APRIL 11, 2017 INFORMATION REGARDING REGISTRATION AND VOTING HOW TO REGISTER TO VOTE: There is no deadline to register to vote. You will be able to register to vote on the day of the election. You can register prior to the day of the election by visiting the town clerk’s office or by going online to www.olvr.sec. state.vt.us.

Casting a provisional ballot: If you accept the offer to vote a provisional ballot, you must complete a sworn affidavit on the provisional ballot envelope swearing that you are qualified to vote in Vermont and in the polling place where you are, and that you submitted an application to register to vote before the deadline. You will be given a card explaining how you can find out if your ballot was counted one week after the special meeting by calling the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office at 1-800-4398683.

If your name was dropped from the checklist in error, or has not been added even though you submitted an application before the deadline for applications: Explain the situation to your town clerk or presiding officer and ask that your name be added to the checklist. The town clerk or presiding officer will investigate the situation and then either have you complete a sworn affidavit and then add your name to the checklist or explain why you cannot be added. If the town clerk or presiding officer cannot determine that you are entitled to be added to the checklist on the date of the special meeting, you may appeal to a superior court judge, who will give you a decision on the date of the special meeting OR you may vote a provisional ballot. It is your choice.

Absentee ballots and early voting: You can request early absentee ballots at any time during the election year. The latest you can request ballots for this meeting is the close of the town clerk’s office (4:00 p.m.) on April 10, 2017. You or a family member can request early ballots in person, in writing or by telephone. An authorized person can request ballots for you in writing.

see Voting page 7

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 7

Voting

continued from page 6 Methods of voting early/absentee before the special meeting: Vote in town clerk’s office on or before April 10, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.

Voter may take the ballots out of the clerk’s office for himself/herself and return in same manner as if the ballots were received by mail.

Have ballot mailed to you and return it to clerk’s office before the day of the special meeting or to polling place before 7 p.m. on the date of the special meeting.

If you are sick or disabled, you may ask the town clerk on or before April 10, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., to have two justices of the peace bring a ballot to you at your home.

Any voter who wants assistance for any reason may bring the person of his or her choice into the voting booth to help or may ask for assistance from two election officials. Voters who cannot get from the car into the polling place may have a ballot brought to a car outside the polls by the two election officials.

Any U.S. citizen and resident of a Vermont town or city who submitted an application to register to vote before the deadline is entitled to vote regardless of race or physical ability.

THE LAW PROHIBITS THE FOLLOWING—DO NOT: Vote more than once per election, either in the same town or in different towns.

Mislead the board of civil authority about your own or another person’s eligibility to vote.

Socialize in a manner that will disturb other voters inside the polling place. Offer a bribe, threaten, or intimidate a person to vote in a particular manner.

Hinder or interfere with the progress of a voter going into or from a polling place. Vermont law provides that a person cannot campaign within a polling place, but does NOT specify any number of feet that campaigners need to be away from the polls outside. The presiding officer will set reasonable rules for where campaigners can stand.

The election officials at the polling place are there to serve you. If you have any questions or need assistance while voting, ask your town clerk or any election official for help. If you do not understand something, or you believe a mistake has been made that has not been corrected, or you have a question that cannot be answered to your satisfaction at the polling place, call the Elections Division, Office of the Secretary of State: 1-800-439-VOTE (4398683) (Accessible by TDD).

If you believe that any of your voting rights have been violated, you may call the Elections Division at 800-439-8683 or (802) 828-2464. You may also file an Administrative Complaint with the Secretary of State’s Office, 128 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05633-1101.

If you believe you have witnessed efforts to commit any kind of fraud or corruption in the voting process, you may report this to your local United States Attorney’s Office, the County State’s Attorney or the Vermont Attorney General.

If you have witnessed actual or attempted acts of discrimination or intimidation in the voting process, you may report this to the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice at (800) 253-3931.

Town Articles of choice – Town Meeting Edd Merritt CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

As usual, the Charlotte Selectboard presented articles to the Town Meeting audience that showed the board had looked into them thoroughly and had a clear understanding of their impact on townspeople. Much of the discussion, with the exception of two failed articles, centered on changes in language that did not alter the nature of the article significantly. As came about with the change in Town Charter last year, however, the general budget and trails fund approvals will not become final until April 11 when they will be voted on by Australian ballot.

The two articles that failed at the meeting were Article 4, to exempt the Masonic Order from paying property tax on the Friendship Lodge on Churchill Road for the next five years, and Article 8, to allow the Selectboard to borrow up to $85,000 from the town’s Housing Trust Fund to construct an extension to the Thompson’s Point wastewater system to Lane’s Lane.

The Masonic Order exemption was voted down. In speaking against the exemption, Nancy Menard said she called a Masonic Lodge member and asked whether she would be permitted in the lodge and was told, no, because she was a woman. She said that devoting public money in the form of tax exemptions for the lodge should not continue. The audience members apparently agreed with her, and the exemption was voted down on a paper ballot.

Article 8 focused on whether the last seven lots on Thompson’s Point that are not served by the Thompson’s Point

community wastewater system necessarily need to connect to that system. One lot is occupied year round, whereas the Thompson’s Point system operates only for half the year based on state permit.

The discussion quickly turned into a dialogue between two experts in the field: Fritz Tegatz of the Selectboard and former board member Winslow Ladue. Winslow said shortness of excess capacity was mentioned as a possible concern during his time on the board. Fritz said the system was designed and permitted to serve the Lane’s Lane lots. Another board member, Matt Krasnow, pointed out that the proposed use of the Housing Trust Fund would be temporary since the lessees would pay back the cost of the extension as each lot became connected to the system, to which Winslow responded that he understood that town funds may be available to finance such wastewater projects. Therefore, he felt that the article to have Charlotte pay upfront for the wastewater extension should be voted down. The audience agreed, and the article failed by paper ballot, 69 in favor and 75 against.

Emoluments were the basis for Susan Ohanian’s advisory motion to impeach Donald Trump. Emoluments are fees or financial awards, stipends, honoraria, premiums as a result of a person’s office.

Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution says that “… no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” Susan argued that our new president has received foreign emoluments through his international business holdings

and, therefore, should be impeached. Her motion stated originally that a letter to Peter Welch recommending impeachment be sent by the town clerk. Clerk Mary Mead amended that to say it should come from the chair of the Selectboard. The amended motion passed.

“So Jerry Schwarz, what do you plan to do now without a podium to lean on during an early March Tuesday? How does Florida, Aruba, Chicago sound?

This was the first Town Meeting I have missed in a long time, and it was Jerry’s last as the moderator, and I think we both might have been going at it together for the last 22 years. Jerry replaced Fred Anderson in 1996—as a write-in candidate no less.

He feels his most memorable meeting came in the 90s when Bunkie Bernstein moved to drop the school budget by $100,000. Hot debate followed, and a paper ballot won the move by a close vote.

Robert Mack and Charlie Russell led his two most fun-filled Selectboards. A certain amount of controversy seemed to head in their direction, giving life to the meetings.

Without breathing a sigh of relief, he again this year seemed particularly comfortable at the lectern—knowledgeable about the process, of course, common spoken in his explanations so that even the least “lawyerly” of us could understand what was happening, throwing in a tinge of humor when someone in the audience got a tad long- winded. Jerry said he felt humor from the podium worked well for him. It worked for him as a lawyer and it worked for him as a moderator.

Speaking for myself, I’ll miss Jerry next year. But then—hmm, the college hockey Frozen Four, eh? You don’t need to entice me.”

8 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Town Planning Commission to rewrite Old Lantern’s Land Use Regulations John Hammer CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

The public hearing scheduled before the Selectboard on March 20 to receive public comments on a proposed amendment to the Town’s Land Use Regulations (LUR) concerning The Old Lantern was a model of civility and community involvement.

As the attorney for the neighbors, Jim Dumont, said, “Chairman Morrison ran a good and thoughtful meeting.” In the end, both parties seemed pleased with the decision by the board to, “Send back to the Planning Commission to further define and redefine the language for an event facility and language in the petition in a timely manner.”

Lane Morrison, the Chair of the Selectboard, further noted that, “It’s for them (the Planning Commission) to decide. I would think that it’s precedent setting, so as Matt Krasnow pointed out a minute ago, it’s the grandfathered nature of The Old Lantern, yet it has got to be generic enough to handle future event facilities. So, it’ll be a combination that recognizes both. That’s what the challenge is.”

Roland and Lisa Gaujac, owners of The Old Lantern, stated that their intention in raising a petition calling for changes in the LUR was to obtain a “town-wide vote on whether to change the current zoning in the West Charlotte Village District to allow ‘event facilities’, such as The Old Lantern, to be counted as an ‘Allowed Use’ in that district.” The Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment both expressed reservations, particularly to the term “Allowed by Right.” In their eyes, it left open the

“At the end of the 51-minute meeting, the feeling in the room was one of optimism, something rare in these days of political uncertainty.” possibility for any number of undesirable changes to be made without the need to apply for a permitting review. According to the Gaujacs, in a document submitted to the Selectboard, the objective of the petition was to limit continuing legal challenges to their operation by “making the use of the Old Lantern an allowed use and not a pre-existing, non-complying use.”

As was explained outside the meeting

by Ms. Gaujac, the State had required The Old Lantern to modify their kitchen and fire suppression facilities else their operation would be closed down. The State characterizes The Old Lantern as an event facility for which certain restrictions must be met for safe operation. Because there is no definition of “event facility” for an allowed use in the current LUR, The Old

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Lantern would be forced to request a new permit for a non-conforming operation which by virtue of its residential location would be difficult, if not impossible. In a way, it is a Catch 22.

Because of the concerns about expansion or other undesirable alterations or improvements, the Gaujacs in their document noted above, have offered to work with all parties to amend the LUR Table 2.1 (B) – Allowed by Right Use. The amendment would change the wording to require conditional use approval for any non-existing event facility or “any substantial physical improvement or alteration to any existing structure or to a parcel of land currently used as an existing event facility.”

Many of the neighbors’ complaints about the operation of The Old Lantern centered on what they consider as unacceptable noise levels. Currently the top highest level allowed by the LUR is 70 decibels (DbA). The Gaujacs, in their letter, have offered to negotiate a reduction of the limits down to 65 decibels. There is still a controversy looming about how the measurements need to be taken, over what length of time, and to what level.

The very definition of decibels in this WARNING: TOWN OF CHARLOTTE SPECIAL TOWN MEETING APRIL 11, 2017 The legal voters of the Town of Charlotte are hereby notified and warned to meet at the Charlotte Central School Multi-Purpose Room, 408 Hinesburg Road, in said Town on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 to vote by Australian ballot to begin at seven o’clock in the forenoon and to close at seven o’clock in the afternoon.

As required by Section 3(a) of the Town of Charlotte Municipal Charter, the town shall vote the budget amount for the town and budget-related articles at the floor meeting of the annual meeting, which vote(s) shall not become effective until the voters approve such budget and related articles by Austra-

case is technically complex and will take serious consideration by the Planning Commission. As it is presently construed, measurement and enforcement of the noise level may be virtually impossible for a small town such as Charlotte.

A further consideration which must be undertaken by the Planning Commission is how to rewrite the LUR in such a way as to allow the current or future Old Lantern owners to enjoy a status while not precluding other entities from seeking to open an event facility elsewhere in the town. The term for such an advantage giving one entity an advantage over another is called “spot zoning” and is illegal under State and Federal law. Both parties, and the Planning Commission, will have a real challenge to resolve this legal issue.

The neighbor group, led by Adrian and Alison Woolverton, went to pains to say that they are not seeking to shut The Old Lantern down. They just want it to “operate under some reasonable conditions instead of no conditions at all.”

At the end of the 51-minute meeting, the feeling in the room was one of optimism, something rare in these days of political uncertainty. lian ballot vote.

BY AUSTRALIAN BALLOT The following are articles as approved at the annual meeting on March 7, 2017: Article 5: Will the Town adopt the Selectboard’s budget of $3,046,847 for the fiscal year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 of which an anticipated sum of $1,672,291 will be raised by taxes and an anticipated sum of $1,374,556 will be raised by non-tax revenues?

Article 6: Will the Town approve raising $40,000 by taxes, in addition to those monies raised pursuant to Article 5, to be allocated to the Trails Reserve Fund?

Dated this 9th day of March, 2017 at Charlotte, Vermont.

Town of Charlotte Selectboard

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 9 Accessing Charlotte Library Services 24/7. Discover the online services accessible with your library card. Meets at Charlotte Senior Center.

Wednesday, March 22, 7 p.m.: The Many Meanings of Maple. Champlain College professor Michael Lange discusses what sugaring means to Vermont. Supported by the Vermont Humanities Council. Cosponsor: Charlotte Historical Society.

Monday, March 27, 1:30 p.m. Hospice & Heart Book Group. Poet and hospice mentor Pam MacPherson opens with a reading from her book Vigil. The Hummingbird, Stephen Kiernan’s novel on hospice and healing follows. Meets at Charlotte Senior Center.

Submitted by Margaret Woodruff UPCOMING AT THE LIBRARY Wednesdays, March 22–April 10, 11:15 a.m. Vermont Reads Book Group at CCS. Join middle schoolers to read Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson.

Supported by the Vermont Humanities Council.

Thursdays, March 9–April 20, 3:15 p.m.

Coding Club.* Join kids coding with Scratch. Beginners and advanced users welcome. 4th grade and up. *Registration required.

Fridays, March 10–April 21, 10:30 a.m.

Friday Free for All. Join us each Friday for a new adventure with stories, experiments and snacks! For ages 3-5.

Tuesdays, March 21–April 18, 2:15 p.m.

Story Explorations.* Stories and crafts for kindergarten and 1st graders. *Registration required.

Wednesday,

March

22,

1:30

p.m.

Tuesday, March 28, 2:15 p.m.

TinkerBelles: Molecular Gastronomy!* Fruit juice caviar? Powdered Nutella? Make cool toppings and try on ice cream! For 3rd– 5th graders. Funded by a grant from John and Alice Outwater. *Registration required.

Charlotte Library Board of Trustees: Emily Ferris, Nan Mason, Danielle Conlon Menk, Jonathan Silverman, and Robert Smith.

Charlotte library information: Margaret Woodruff, director Cheryl Sloan, youth services librarian Susanna Kahn, tech services librarian HOURS: Mondays & Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Reach us on the web at charlottepubliclibrary.org

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL HEARING FOR AUSTRALIAN BALLOT ARTICLES TO BE VOTED AT A SPECIAL TOWN MEETING TOWN OF CHARLOTTE The Selectboard of the Town of Charlotte hereby gives notice that a public informational hearing will be held on April 6, 2017, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Charlotte Town Hall, 159 Ferry Road, Charlotte, Vermont, to hear questions regarding Articles 5 and 6 of the Warning for the Town of Charlotte Special Town Meeting, April 11, 2017, which state: Article 5:

Will the Town adopt the Selectboard’s budget of $3,046,847 for the fiscal year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 of which an anticipated sum of $1,672,291 will be raised by taxes and an anticipated sum of $1,374,556 will be raised by non-tax revenues?

Article 6:

Will the Town approve raising $40,000 by taxes, in addition to those monies raised pursuant to Article 5, to be allocated to the Trails Reserve Fund?

The public informational hearing is being held as required by 17 V.S.A. §2680(g).

Town officials will be present during the public informational hearing to answer questions regarding the articles.

Naturalist Sue Morse to speak on climate change Submitted by Lindsay Longe The Charlotte Land Trust will host a public talk by Sue Morse at 7 p.m. at the Charlotte Senior Center on March 29. Morse is a highly regarded expert in natural history and wildlife tracking. For nearly 40 years she has been monitoring wildlife—their whereabouts and habitat needs. Of particular interest to her is the bobcat, black bear, Canada lynx and cougar, all of which she photographs extensively.

Morse founded Keeping Track, a nonprofit, in 1994 because of her concern that many forms of development often unknowingly harm, isolate and even eliminate habitat critical to local biodiversity and broad-scale ecological health. Furthermore, she believed that many of those in charge of protecting our natural resources lack the tools and knowledge to track the threatened animals and their habitats. Keeping Track aims to educate the community and conserve an appropriate matrix of core and connective habitats.

Next week Morse, now Keeping Track’s science director and a well-

published author, will present what we expect will be a fascinating show. She will share stunning images from her extensive travel throughout the Arctic and captivating stories about plants and animals in their northern habitats. She is a researcher, mentor and photographer whose talk, titled “Animals of the North: What Will Global Climate Change Mean for Them?” is appropriate for audiences of all ages.

She will discuss how northern wildlife species are currently being affected by climate change and what lies ahead.

Canada lynx, moose, American marten, caribou, polar bear, Arctic fox and Arctic marine mammals and waterfowl are some of the species covered in this beautiful show. Morse promises to inspire guests, young and old, to think about the importance of conserving lands and natural resources.

The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served courtesy of Charlotte Land Trust board members. For more information about Keeping Track visit keepingtrack.org/.

For questions about this event, contact Frances Foster of the Charlotte Land Trust at charlottelandtrust@gmail.com.

Next week Sue Morse, now Keeping Track’s science director and a wellpublished author, will share stunning images from extensive travel throughout the Arctic and captivating stories about plants and animals in their northern habitats.

Courtesy photo

10 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Camp Info On Pages 10, 11 and 12

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 11

Camp Info On Pages 10, 11 and 12

12 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Camp Info On Pages 10, 11 and 12

A day at Green Thumbs camp Submitted by Hannah Stein CHARLOTTE CENTRAL SCHOOL FOURTH GRADER

It can be hard pondering summer camp selection, with heaps of snow outside your windowpanes. So take a journey to summer camp with me: Green Thumbs Camp started at Charlotte Central School with a big bang. Six kids came together to do yoga and celebrate the garden. They did some garden activities, such as weeding and watering the plants. Cooking was another big part of this camp. On this day, campers created pesto and pasta. The pesto had three ingredients the came from the garden—basil, sunflower seeds and garlic.

The campers got to harvest basil and garlic for the dish. We had the chance to try raw garlic. It was spicy! Some of the teachers from CCS came in to see what was going on.

Campers decorated garden journals and created Garden Names for themselves.

Examples of some of the names were Sarah Sun, Hannah Hyssop, Rachel Rain and Meredith Mint. There was free play on the playground and sharing a story.

Finally, we gathered together at the end of the day to make Friendship Rocks.

We heated rocks in the oven that crayons could melt on. The kids took crayons and drew on their rocks. As they cooled, we wrote about our garden observations in our journals and then went home. Fun day!

Green Thumbs Camp will offer two one-week sessions this summer (July 24–28 and Aug. 14–18) at Charlotte Central School. Camp is open to rising 1–4 graders. For more information or to register please contact Charlotte Rec. Department, recreation@townofcharlotte. com, or Deirdre Holmes, deirdre2hlmes@ gmail.com.

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 13

Charlotte Central School kindergarten registration deadline If your child will be five years old by Sept.

1, please call Naomi Strada at Charlotte Central School at 425-6600 to register for kindergarten for the 2017/2018 school year. Registration will take place April 6 and 7. Once you have called to make an appointment indicating your child will be coming to CCS, you will receive a registration packet. Be prepared for that special day!

LETTERS

continued from page 3 much longer will the rest of us be able to do so? I know that I am not the only Charlotter lying awake at night worrying about the implications of the impending cuts to health care, education, social services and the environment. We are a caring community.

I know we are.

And yet, in this year’s town budget, our property taxes are supporting just $25,124 for donations to social services programs such as the Visiting Nurses ($9,092), the American Red Cross ($1,500), COTS ($750) and child care resources ($750).

Our budget doesn’t include a donation to the Chittenden County Food Shelf this year.

Meanwhile, our town budget is already supporting a $100,777 budget for recreation (Charlotte beach, skating rink, trails and compensation for the people who manage and run these recreational programs).

In sum, this year’s proposed town budget spends a total of $140,777 on recreation compared to a total of $113,313 on social services (including $94,189 for the Senior Center) and $6,150 on conservation (things like water quality monitoring, invasive control and Green Up Day).

Positive actions that support the trails without increasing taxes and exacerbating an already disturbing imbalance between recreation and social services in our town budget: 1. Vote “NO” for a $40,000 trails budget (you have still already voted YES for the $5,000 trails budget); 2. Set up a “Go Fund Me” campaign and donate to the Town Link Trail; 3. Those who use the Town Link Trail pay an annual fee or a single-entry fee each time; and 4. Volunteer some of your time and labor to build more trails.

When next year’s budget comes along, more families will face financial hardship if the federal cuts go as planned. Trails and recreation are important. Being a caring community is also important.

Lydia Clemmons, Charlotte

Education Young Writers Project is an independent nonprofit that engages students to write, helps them improve and connects them with authentic audiences. Here are submissions by Charlotte students.

I Am Alone, But I Will Make It!

I am sitting on the beach all by myself feeling the wind blow gently behind me.

I am all alone. I thought. I am all alone.

Nobody comes to this beach. This is my safe place to go when I need to get away.

When the bullies come chasing me. This is where I go.

My dad died and it is just me and my mom. I guess that is why those kids bully me. All those kind teachers always say that people bully because they are envious of me. But I don’t think that is true. I lay down on the white sand dunes and let my thoughts escape me. For just one second I think everything is going to be all right. But then I feel something behind me leaning over me. Wanting me. I can feel their pull.

I look behind me but nothing is there. It is starting to get dark out. The stars start to shine their way out of the deep purple sky. I make my way back to my house. My house is a white old rickety old house. I think it has a ghost in it. I slip into my house and up into my room. There is nothing really to my room. There is one mirror and one bed with a skimpy rug under it. I can hear my mom in the other room. Moving things around, and before I know it I drift off to sleep.

I dream of a perfect world with no one that alarms me. I dream of lilies drifting in the wind. I remember that was my dad’s and my favorite flower. I look up and right on the other side I see my dad with a wool coat on in the middle of summer. I call out to him but he cannot hear me. Why does he have a wool coat on I think to myself.

He looks so old and tired and helpless. I try to walk to him but I get pulled into the ground. I think that person that I felt on the beach leaning over me, wanting me, pulling me. I needed to get out, I needed to get a breath of air. I needed to see my dad at least just one more time. All of a sudden I shoot back up out of the earth. I see my dad again but he is different, much leaner and more skinny much more alive he has golden aura around him. I stepped forward for the second time and I slip into the earth again. The same thing happened.

Then I went flying out of the earth. I see him again but as a young kid with brown shaggy hair tan skin and bright blue eyes. I almost take a step forward but then I catch myself. He is slipping away into the sun’s light but I do not feel sad I feel happy that I got to see him. Just as he gets taken by the sun’s light he calls out to me but I cannot hear. Just as he is slipping away he says “I love you.”

I wake up feeling the golden aura around me. A realization comes over me, the reason why my dad was wearing a wool coat in the middle of summer was because nothing can stop him it is okay to be different. The next day at school Chris Rogers comes up to me he is the biggest bully at school.

Instead of being scared of him like I used to I stand up straight and tall. I remember my dad with his grin and brown shaggy hair and walk away not turning around. Just remembering him made me feel strong.

Sage Kehr, Grade 6

Dear Nobody

Dear Nobody, Remember you’re a nobody. No one cares if you’re ridiculed at school; they walk by you like you’re a nobody. You are a nobody. I hate you. I don’t care if you cry.

Stick to eating lunch alone because nobody likes you; nobody cares about you and no one ever will. You’re just another piece of nothingness in my life, just a dirt road I will stomp on forever. Your pain is my glee. Fear me, I am fear, and I will haunt you forever.

I hate you. Your tears are what I live off of.

Your stupid calls for help feed my energy.

You try and run; that is a pathetic attempt.

You will pay, and this time I will show no mercy. I hate you.

I hate reality as much as I hate you, but in reality, you’re perfect and everyone loves you, except me; I hate you. You’re too admirable, too optimistic, too perfect.

I’m the nobody, and I hate you for it. Even though in my eyes you are the worst person that ever walked the earth, I will never send this letter.

Love, Nobody P.S. Remember, you are a nobody.

Rory McDermott, Grade 6

The Moon

It is made of Rock… and that’s all, and like the planets, it’s a ball.

To reach it was an unbelievable achievement, and some people even needed a treatment.

It is outside of Earth, in space, so they brought more air, just in case, and somehow America won the race, and after that they left their trace.

Scott Duda Wallace, Grade 6

Snow Day

The perfect snow day would be going to

Bolton Valley and skiing all day. I love to ski, and I would ski all day every day if I could. The perfect snow day would be going up and down the mid mountain at Bolton.

The perfect snow day would be me skiing without my instructors. My instructor was a man named Ben, but sometimes it was a woman named Jen. When summer comes, I am afraid I will forget how to ski, but Ben said it was like riding a bike. He said at first I will probably be a little wobbly, but I will pick it back up quickly. I would ski for a little while then go to the lodge and eat waffles covered in chocolate syrup, then I would go skiing again. I love to ski. I love skiing because the air blowing on my face feels amazing. I never thought I would learn, but I did, and I love it. I am so sad the ski and ride program is over.

Kayla Fysh, Grade 6

Chimes

That noise, brings back so many memories.

Scary memories.

It all started one day when I was walking down my neighborhood road.

I ambled up to the abandoned house with cracked windows and chipped-off paint.

And then all of a sudden I heard a noise. It was the chimes.

I walked inside and yelled, “Hello?”

There was no answer.

I walked upstairs but there was no one there.

And then as I slowly tiptoed back down the decrepit creaky stairs, I heard the chimes again.

It was coming from the basement.

As I walked down there, I realized it was pitch black.

Nothing in sight.

And then the chimes.

I shivered with fear and started running for the stairs, but I couldn’t find them.

And then suddenly I heard an elderly voice say, “You have finally come, and you are never leaving.”

And then the chimes, once again.

Coco Eyre, Grade 6

14 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Home & Garden

Everything you ever wanted to know about heat pumps and more Bill Kallock of Integral Analytics was interviewed by Catherine Hughes—both are members of the Charlotte Energy Committee. The interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Catherine Hughes: How does your heat pump work?

Bill Kallock: Heat pumps are pretty cool.

Even air that is below 32 degrees still has a heat content associated with it, so a heat pump just moves that heat from the outside of the house to the inside of the house—not like a fossil-fuel heating system that burns something to produce heat. This movement of heat is actually what a refrigerator does; it takes the heat inside the refrigerator and moves it outside.

CH: Why is there heat inside a refrigerator?

BK: It’s from food and from you opening the door and letting heat in.

CH: The refrigerator just moves heat from inside to outside? The heat pump is like a little refrigerator?

BK: Yup, it’s the same concept. So coldclimate heat pumps are what are being pushed here in Vermont. Heat pumps were big in the 70s because we didn’t have much natural gas, there was a gas shortage and an oil shortage, and people moved to electrification. Heat pumps are three times more efficient than electric resistance baseboards, but back in the 70s when the temperature went below 35 degrees heat pumps would freeze up and kick into backup electric-resistance heat mode. Heat pumps worked really well in mild climates, but in Vermont, where it is below 40 degrees most of the time in the winter, it was the same as electric resistance and was an expensive heat source.

CH: What changed?

BK: In the 90s, Japan did a lot of research and came up with this inverter system that allowed the heat pump to work as a heat pump down to minus 16 degrees F, so it doesn’t go into electric-resistance mode.

This makes cold climate heat pumps much more efficient and cheaper than the 70s versions that some folks may recall. We put

Courtesy diagram a lot of faith in this new technology when we put our heat pump in. We have one heat pump for the whole house, and it is our only source of heat. The compressor outside the house captures the ambient heat in the heat transfer fluid. This fluid is pumped

inside and runs through the coils in the air handling unit. The fan in the air handling unit pulls the room-temperature air in from the top, passes the air over the hot coils and

see heat pump page 15

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 15

Home & Garden HEAT PUMP

continued from page 14 warm air comes out the bottom.

CH: Enough to heat your whole house?

BK: Yes. Our house is about 2,000 square feet.

CH: Different than a ground-source heat pump?

BK: Yes. It’s the same concept as a groundsource heat pump, which has pipes that go into the ground—and the ground is always about 50 degrees, so it’s a constant temperature, a constant heat source that could be tapped into to bring heat into the house.

CH: Don’t you have to build new to do that?

BK: No, you can retrofit—you have to have land, to put the tubes in and drill a well.

CH: Expensive?

BK: That’s the rub. The ground-source heat pump is like $30,000 to $40,000. If you have an existing well you can use, you can reduce the cost by a lot, and there are other things that can make it more cost effective.

However, a single air-source heat pump is just $4,000.

CH: Is one more efficient than the other?

BK: Both have similar efficiencies. The ground-source heat pump is more efficient because the heat source is more or less at a constant temperature compared to the

outside air.

CH: Ground source or air source?

BK: They both work the same way. Since the heat transfer fluid is hotter with a ground-source heat pump, these units have been able to take part of the heat exchange fluid and put it through a heat exchanger in a hot water tank and make hot water. So you are able to get both hot water and space heating from a ground-source heat pump.

Mitsubishi has now come out with a coldclimate air heat source pump that has the same idea.

CH: So that’s the change? The indoor hot water?

BK: Yup. Now with one combination unit you can take outside air and produce both space heat and hot water. Stand-alone heat pump hot water heaters use indoor air to heat your hot water so you end up cooling down your house. So the future is looking bright. We’ve got great air-source heat pumps today, but in the future we’re going to have these air-source heat pumps combined with hot water so you’re going to be able to get both.

In building our house we did all the efficiency that we could possibly do first, then added a small heat pump.In our 2,000 square foot house, we use about 9,000 kWh of electricity a year. The heat pump consumes about 3,000 kWh of that, which costs us about $400 annually. It is important to tighten up your home as much as possible. Incidentally, the Charlotte Energy Committee has provided the Food Shelf at the Congregational Church with weatherization tools like caulk and foam for local residents to use on their own homes.

Town seeking mowing and brush hogging bids The Town of Charlotte is seeking bids for mowing and maintaining certain town parcels and trails, and brush hogging certain town parcels. A description of the parcels and bid requirements can be viewed at charlottevt.org and can also be obtained at the Town Office. Contractors

can bid on one or both contracts.

Bids for both mowing/maintenance and brush hogging are due at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 31. Any questions should be directed to Town Administrator Dean Bloch at 425-3701 ext. 5 or dean@ townofcharlotte.com.

16 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Home & Garden Innovative solar mowers to hit Charlotte this spring Staff report

Charlotters Nate Carr of Church Hill Landscapes and Steven Wisbaum of EcoEquipment Supply have recently become part of the high-performance electric lawnmower revolution. Wisbaum said ,“My new business was created to serve as the northeast regional rep for Mean Green Products.”

Residents are choosing to go greener in their own backyards by changing from gas-powered mowers to solarassisted lawn care machines. Church

Hill Landscapes now offers full-service lawn care that’s quiet, environmentally friendly and affordable for private and commercial landscapes, Carr said.

“Two local businesses arrived at the same conclusion separately, that batterypowered lawn mowing is a great idea for our region,” Carr said. “In one hour, just one gas-powered string trimmer can produce as many emissions as 39 cars traveling at 60 mph.”

Church Hill Landscapes has been in business in Charlotte since 2002, offering landscape installation, garden

maintenance, landscape masonry and the like. “As a graduate of an Ecological Studies program and an employer of young people interested in doing something for the environment, I thought the time was right to add electric mowers to the market place,” Carr said. “The mowers we are using can mitigate the enormous environmental cost that the typical outdoor power equipment emits.

We think that there are tons of folks who would want to get their lawn cut

and know they aren’t unduly harming the environment. We are going to power the mowers with the solar cells mounted on top of our trailer and by buying solar power from our utility company.”

Mean Green Mowers are electric mowers that are solar-assisted. For more information contact Nate Carr at 4255222.

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 17

Edd’s Sports Report

CVU Girls Win Championship

Men’s hockey ends in semifinals

Edd Merritt CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Seeds are for birds when it comes to high school basketball

With CVU men’s basketball team ranked #1 and the women ranked #2 in the top division of the state tournament, both headed into the finals picked to finish well. As luck would have it, the final game flip-flopped their rankings with women knocking off top-seeded St. Johnsbury Academy for their fifth state championship in a row and the men losing to second-seed Rutland by six. It was only the men’s second loss up to this point, one of those being to a New York team early in the season. Despite the close score, it was not an easy one for the Redhawks to absorb, since it capped off far and away the best season in the program’s existence. Josh Bliss led CVU scorers with 10 points. Charlotte’s Collin Monsey and his teammate Walker Storey followed Bliss in scoring. Storey hit a long three-pointer on a feed from Bliss to bring the Hawks within two points with under two minutes to play. He stole the ball for a lay-up to tie the game 35-35 with just over half a minute and sent things into overtime.

Unfortunately for CVU, Rutland started the extra period blanking their opponents while gaining six points themselves. It proved to be a deficit that the Redhawks could not overcome, losing in the end 43-37.

The women, on the other hand, after going four-plus years accumulating 100 wins and state championships each of those years, headed into this season’s final game ranked just behind top-seed St. Jay. Able to say they at least made it this far didn’t seem to fulfill the Hawks’ desires.

Another state championship was in order.

As previous years showed, the team was aided by a batch of experienced seniors,

CVU Girls Basketball Wins Fifth Consecutive VPA Championship.

Photo by Bob Neeld a mix of underclassmen and some highly successful strategy by Coach Ute Otley.

Marlee Gunn, Abby Thut, Katie Usher with help of underclassman Shannon Loiseau, who hauled in 10 rebounds, showed their skills, teamwork, confidence and shear determination to pave the way to victory, 36-33. Quoted in the Free Press, Otley said that this victory was particularly sweet because it was the “first season of trying to find our own way and coming out from behind the shadows of all the seniors who just graduated.” This fifth title ties them with Essex for the longest Division I title streak in the history of the state. Is number six on the horizon?

CVU shows numbers five and nine in Alpine ski championships

Behind a first-place finish by Rebecca Provost and 17th by Naomi Diamond, CVU women Alpinists finished fifth in the Giant Slalom run in the Middlebury Snow Bowl.

The men were ninth with Caden Frost tied for 11th among individuals.

Rice’s Anna Schibli from Charlotte finished sixth to help the Green Knights

CVU spring sports registration Staff report Champlain Valley Union High School’s Student Activities Director Dan Shepardson hosted a required meeting for all potential spring athletes and their parents on March 15. He started the evening off with a general overview of the athletic department and department guidelines and protocols.

Potential players and parents had the opportunity to meet with coaches.

Spring sports tryouts begin this week.

Students must be registered with Form ReLeaf and have a current physical. Both of these must be completed before students will be allowed to participate in tryouts. The on-

Redhawk Athletic Director Dan Shepardson was named to the Vermont Principals’ hallof-fame class for 2017. He joins 13 other inductees with their recognition ranging through categories from 1) athletes, 2) coaches/advisors, 3) administrators, 4) contributors and 5) officials.

line sports registration platform instructions and registration link are available on the CVU Athletic website. For more information contact Dan Shepardson at 482-7113 or email dshepardson@cssu.org.

finish second as a team behind winners from Stowe.

CVU’s Dan Shepardson honored for his “officialdom”

Recognized for being a fine basketball official and high school soccer coach,

Maybe it’s the travel toward Canada.

Maybe it’s the legacy of John LeClair.

Whatever, BFA-St.Albans seems to post a hockey powerhouse nearly every year. This was no exception with the second-ranked Bobwhites knocking off the third-ranked Redhawks in the state semi-finals. Jennings Lobel tied the game at one for CVU before St. Albans scored a second goal followed by an open-netter to give them a final 3-1 win. CVU’s season record ended at 12 wins, 7 losses and 3 ties.

Charlotte Recreation Coordinator to get new title

At a special meeting, the Selectboard chose to change the position currently titled “Recreation Coordinator,” to “Recreation Director.” Nicole Conley will continue in the new position with greater responsibilities and a revised salary.

18 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Milk & Honey Quilters’ Guild offers raffle quilt

Submitted by Lisa Patton FORMER CHARLOTTER

Once again the Milk & Honey Quilters’ Guild is preparing for a quilt show, and the first item on the agenda was to make a quilt to raffle. Emmy Alford and Janice Gould volunteered to design the quilt and did so by modifying a pattern that they both admired. With a two-day workshop and willing workers cutting, sewing and pressing quilt blocks, the guild members came up with a spectacular quilt.

When deciding on the name of the quilt, Emmy Alford said, “Janice and I loved the brilliant and glowing colors of the batik fabrics and thought ‘Radiant Lights’ was a perfect name.” The quilt is queen size (84” x 102”) with a two-tone background of blue and white fabrics that complement the blocks that are 8-point stars made with multi-hued batik fabrics. Other guild members who worked on the quilt are Cindy Wemette, Esther Johannsson, Wilma Wood, Sandy Bonomo, Lisa Patton, Doro-

thy Hayes, Mary Ann Broughton and Andre Emmell, who also did the machine quilting with a beautiful design.

This raffle quilt will be on display in The Quilters’ Corner at Middlebury Sew ‘n’ Vac during the annual Shop Hop through Sunday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with the exception Sunday, which will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Quilters’ Corner at Middlebury Sew ‘n’ Vac, Route 7 South in Middlebury, is one of many Vermont quilt shops participating in the annual 10-day, statewide Shop Hop that quilters enjoy. By first obtaining a Shop Hop passport, quilters then travel to many, or all, participating shops in Vermont to discover new patterns, fabrics, tips and techniques—and always look forward to the free pattern given to them.

The Radiant Lights quilt will be raffled off on Sunday, Oct. 8, at the quilt show in Middlebury, and the winner does not have to be present to win. For more information and tickets email milkandhoneyquilters@ gmail.com.

This Radiant Lights quilt will be raffled off on Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Milk & Honey Quilters’ Guild Quilt Show.

Photo contributed

What exactly is high-level health and well-being and where can I buy some?

Submitted by Nancy Somers Radiant health, also known as highlevel health and well-being, is not for sale.

It’s free! Check the owner’s manual you received when you were born. What, you say? You did not receive any manual? Oh well, join the crowd.

Please join me for an exciting fourweek course that I have designed and will be presenting at the Charlotte Senior Center. I will be teaching in depth about all aspects of designing and living a rich, full, strong, healthy life. The course is called “Aging Gracefully 102: Healthy Body/Healthy Brain.” It begins March 28 and runs for four consecutive Tuesdays— March 28, April 4, 11 and 18—from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $45 for the entire series. Scholarships are available.

To register and for more information call 318-3857 or visit NancySomers.com.

In reality, we can all learn what it takes to feel great and live a strong, empowered life. The learning process is designed to be fun, invigorating and joyous. We are designed for self- actualization. Which means we can realize in our lifetime our highest and best self. In her iconic book, The Game of Life and how to Play It, Florence Schovel Sheen writes that we are all entitled by our birthright to certain things, among those being health, wealth, love and perfect self-expression. She goes on to say that there are three simple rules: fearless faith, non-resistance and love.

In my experience, this process of selfactualization usually involves some gobacks and reversals. Our progress can frequently be seen as two steps forward and one step back. One giant step forward is that a growing number of doctors and neuroscientists are now suggesting that we can live a healthy, productive, fulfilling life well into our nineties. How to attain this goal is a topic too lengthy to present here. I will say, however, that a good place

Physical fitness guru Nancy Somers is a local instructor and mentor.

Courtesy photo to start is to observe ourselves through a mindfulness practice. As Aristotle said, “All knowledge starts with selfknowledge.”

We need to pay attention! In his fascinating book, Island, Aldous Huxley has trained all the parrots on the island to say repeatedly, “Attention here and now, boys and girls, attention here and now.”

Our own self talk can be our best friend or our worst enemy. We can all determine to have a more intentional life by improving our own self talk. Think how good you will feel when you say to yourself repeatedly throughout the day, “I am healthy, intelligent and capable of change. I act from my true nature, always with self-wisdom. I am mindful. I pay attention. I am inspired by new information and new discoveries. I am a self-healing mechanism. I choose to enjoy my life.”

We are designed to grow, learn and evolve into our highest and best selves.

Part of the divine plan is that we get to create our own unique journey. It is always helpful to have an inspiring teacher for guidance and direction.

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 19

No loss is without gain Bradley Carleton CONTRIBUTOR

It’s the time of year that many of us examine our balance sheets and seeks to claim losses to offset our gains that we’ve seen in the last year. It’s interesting to me that this may be the only time we actually seek out our losses and benefit from them in a tangible manner. The rest of the year we lament our losses and grieve over them.

Granted that our monetary losses pale in comparison to those of our emotional or physical ones, but nonetheless, they force us to grow.

Recently a flower that had been blooming in our kitchen window had to be pruned back to allow the bulb to re-generate. This was happening at the same time as a significant loss for my wife and me.

We had been blessed with fostering three of the most wonderful young ladies through a state-run organization. At first the tender buds of adaptation had confused and bewildered us. It was actually overwhelming for several weeks while we learned how to co-exist and respect our own needs while balancing that of traumatized children.

But just like the flower, we pushed through the hard surface of life and found our stride. Beauty began to surround us and the fragrance of young life permeated the air in our home. There was laughter, light and lots of love. We basked in the sunlight of happiness thinking that it might go on forever.

Sometimes life takes away what we most love. Like nature, life is neither fair nor unfair. It just is. A wild asparagus responds to sunlight and rain and with the company of other like flora, grows into a mature stalk until one day; another entity harvests it for a greater purpose.

In the natural world nothing goes to waste. Just as with the human perspective, no loss is without gain.

One year ago one of my dearest friends lost his son. This past year has been one of the most difficult in his family’s life.

It is with the loss of our girls, who were moved to another family, that we realize that we have chosen to embrace the lesson of compassion and empathy for our friends, rather than be bitter and jaded about how horrible life can be.

As the winter snow melts away the last ice crystals in hidden crevices of the mountainsides, life-affirming water flows down to the valley to replenish a lake that suffered a severe drought last year. It appeared as though life would never return to normal. As climate scientists continue to debate about our earth, even though the vast majority of them have agreed that we are impacting our environment, the end is not near.

We all have time to repair our viewpoints and forgive nature for taking what we love from us. We will, like the budding asparagus in the lowly ditch of a lonely dirt road, push through the winter-packed earth and begin our search for the sun’s warm beams.

If you want to find me this spring, look in the ditches of Chittenden County,

“A wild asparagus responds to sunlight and rain and with the company of other like flora, grows into a mature stalk until one day; another entity harvests it for a greater purpose.”

Courtesy photo

seeking new life in the form of wild asparagus, and with each new shoot, I will be sending blessings to those who have given us support through this past winter.

Bradley Carleton is Executive Director of Sacred Hunter.org, a non-profit

that seeks to educate the public on the spiritual connection of man to nature and raises funds for Traditions Outdoor Mentoring.org, which mentors at-risk young men in outdoor pursuits.

20 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Straighten up, your spine will thank you

Health Matters Katie Spencer, D.P.T. CONTRIBUTOR

At some point in our lives, a majority of us are likely to experience neck and back pain, including chronic muscle strains, persistent spinal malalignment, pinched nerves, bulging and herniated discs and muscular imbalances. Our spine is made up of 33 bones—leaving us with a lot of room for problems. Luckily a wide range of corrective strategies, which we can implement throughout our day, can help us manage these problems.

Envision a stressed-out employee working a desk to meet a deadline: head forward, shoulders rounded, spine hunched.

Hopefully, after picturing that disgruntled employee, you’ve straightened up a bit in your seat.

That posture can cause a multitude of injuries that can result in chronic pain if not taken care of properly. Forward head and rounded shoulders can cause the muscles in the back of the neck to become overworked and significantly restricted, while the muscles in the front of the neck become overly lengthened and weak. Consequently, the chest muscles (pectorals) become tightened due to rounded shoulders, and the muscles of your upper back, your scapular stabilizers, become stretched out and weak.

These muscular imbalances then make it even more difficult to maintain an upright posture.

Similar problems result from poor lower body posture. The muscles of the lower back tend to become overly tight, causing the abdominals to become deconditioned and weak. In addition, the hip flexors and quadriceps shorten, weakening the buttocks.

This pattern of imbalance creates joint

dysfunction in the lower back, sacroiliac joint and hip joints.

Nerve entrapment, or a “pinched nerve,” and disc herniation are other common injuries that may result from poor posture.

Envision a jelly donut. Ideally the jelly stays neatly inside the donut. Now imagine the jelly gradually leaking out of the powdery exterior. This is similar to a herniated or bulging disk: some of the softer “jelly” pushes out through a tear in the tougher exterior. This may cause symptoms in the affected area as well as throughout the upper and lower extremities.

Chronic muscle strain through the neck and shoulder is commonly seen in people with postural deficits. Over time, this may result in trigger points which can be painful to the touch and restrict neck range of motion.

Finally, persistent spinal malalignment is a widespread culprit of neck and back pain.

A prolonged slumped posture increases the curvature of the upper back, creating a hunchback appearance. In addition, a headforward posture puts the lower part of the neck at risk for injury due to the persistent pull of gravity, which causes the vertebrae to gradually slide forward relative to one another. People who work at a desk the majority of the day are at a higher risk for these types of injuries.

The elements of good posture Luckily for most of us, we can improve our posture and significantly reduce the risk of injury and pain by using a three-pronged approach of improved postural awareness, good ergonomics and targeted exercises.

Good posture decreases the forces that go through the muscles and joints and enables everything to work efficiently with minimal stress. Check your posture by standing against a wall with you head, shoulder blades and buttocks touching the wall and your heels approximately six inches from the baseboard. There should be less than two inches between your neck, the small of your back and the wall. If you are unable or have difficulty achieving this position, it is an indicator of poor posture and an area to work on.

Sitting posture and healthy ergonomics are extremely important if you sit at a

Senior Center News Mary Recchia CONTRIBUTOR

Step Aerobics with Pam Lord returns Friday from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. Dates: March 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28. With a portable platform (provided), you will do choreographed exercise routines up, onto, down and around the step for great cardio fitness, as well as exceptional training to shape the lower body, strengthen and tone muscle groups and improve coordination.

The aerobic benefits are equally effective if you choose to do the workout without the step. Pam was previously certified with the Aerobics and Fitness Association

of America and will show you how to perform the moves safely with the correct technique and have you stepping like a pro in no time! Registration necessary.

Fee: $7 per class.

Aging Gracefully102: Healthy Body, Healthy Brain will be the topic with life skills coach and certified yoga instructor Nancy Somers, on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Dates: March 28, April 4, 11 and 18 (please note the correct dates). Come and learn how to achieve a healthier and more fulfilling third act. Nancy will be sharing the latest research on brain health and what it takes to maintain high-level health and well-being. This program is designed to increase your personal development. Explore with Nancy how

Practice good posture. Bad habits can lead to a multitude of injuries that often result in chronic pain.

Courtesy photo desk or use a computer frequently. Ideally, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your hips and knees at 90 degrees. You may need to adjust the height of your seat or place a foot rest under your feet for proper alignment. Your shoulders should be relaxed with your elbows resting gently on the armrests and your wrists straight while using the keyboard. The optimal back rest angle is 100–110 degrees, and the ideal viewing height is to have your eyes level with an imaginary line across the screen, about two to three inches below the top of the monitor. Keep in mind everyone’s body is different and you may need to make individual adjustments depending in your environment.

Practice, practice, practice You can perform a number of basic exercises at your desk to improve your posture. The first is called a chin tuck, which can be performed sitting, standing or lying down. Tuck your chin by slowly drawing your head back so that your ears line up with your shoulders, essentially trying to make a double chin. Avoid looking up or down and keep your eyes straight ahead while performing this exercise.

The second is the shoulder blade squeeze with rolls. Pinch your shoulder blades in toward one another, hold the squeeze, then slowly roll your shoulders forward, then to eliminate senior moments, handle stress, get a good night’s sleep, spark your creativity and add zest to every area of your life. Nancy’s presentation style is enlightening, entertaining and joyous.

Since 1974, she has been a respected teacher and lecturer featured on radio, television and in print media. Registration necessary. Max. 20. Fee: $45.

Hospice and Heart: A Reading and Book Discussion with Library Director Margaret Woodruff and Alice Outwater, Ph.D. on Mondays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Dates: March 27, April 3, 10. Author and hospice mentor Pam Heinrich MacPherson opens our book series on March 27 with a reflection on end-of-life care as expressed in her book of poetry, Vigil. Following this introduction, we read and reflect on The Hummingbird, Stephen Kiernan’s 2015 novel that deals with hospice and healing.

backward.

The third exercise, the “snow angel,” is meant to improve flexibility of your upper body. Take a wide stance and slowly move your arms up and down like you are making a snow angel (bringing arms out to the side, and up, overhead) allowing the weight of the arms to provide a stretch to the front of the chest. You may also slightly arch your back to feel a stretch in the hip flexors.

Do not perform any exercise if it becomes painful.

Each of these exercises can be performed throughout your day in repetitions of 10 or as tolerated.

Keep in mind most people are required to be in positions at some point throughout their day that are less than ideal for our spines. The techniques discussed above are meant to aid in reversing some of the effects our occupations and daily activities may cause. If you follow these practices and continue to feel discomfort related to specific activities, visit your doctor of physical therapy for a postural evaluation and more detailed instructions.

Katie Spencer is a doctor of physical therapy and orthopedic certified specialist.

She works at Dee Physical Therapy in Shelburne. You can reach her with comments and questions at katherinespencer@deept. com. For more information about Dee Physical Therapy visit deept.com.

Alice and Margaret lead the discussion at the subsequent two meetings. Pam MacPherson will have copies of Vigil; copies of The Hummingbird will be available for checkout through the Charlotte Library. Registration necessary.

Max. 14. No fee.

Let’s beat the mud season doldrums by jumping into some colorful Painting Glorious Spring in Watercolor with Lynn Cummings on Tuesdays from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dates: March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25 and May 2. If you haven’t painted lately, get out your supplies, dust them off, sign up for this class and come paint with us! We’ll work on new projects while supporting, encouraging and learning from one another. If you have been painting this winter, bring in a couple

see Senior Center page 23

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 21

Community Events Principal Q&A: There will be a Q&A session with the Charlotte Central School principals at 2:30 p.m. at the CCS Library on March 22. Come join other parents for a gathering with the principals in which you can get answers to questions that you have on your mind. For more information call 425-6600.

Family yoga: Yoga Roots is excited to partner with Spark Youth Yoga to bring you family yoga, led by Kate Hudspeth at Yoga Roots in Shelburne from 2 to 3 p. m. on March 25. This class will combine physical activities, such as yoga poses and group games, with exercises to calm and focus the mind. All ages are invited to participate with their parents, grandparents or caregivers. For more information call 985-0090.

Partner yoga: Make it a date! This workshop will include partner postures and practices that include active listening, meditation, mirroring and balancing from 4 to 6 p.m. at Yoga Roots in Shelburne on March 25. Using the universal principles of touch, grounding, trust and compassion, in a safe space, we will explore the ways in which we are energetically connected and how to meet another with equality. Please feel free to come with or without a friend or partner. Those without can be paired up during class. Class is recommended for ages 18 and up. For more information call 985-0090.

Speaker: The Charlotte Land Trust is

hosting a speaker at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center on March 29. Sue Morse will give a talk on “Animals of the North: What Will Global Climate Change Mean for Them?”

Morse is the founder of Keeping Track and is highly regarded as an expert in natural history and one of the top wildlife trackers in North America. This event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. Light refreshments served. For more information call 425-3510.

Watershed: Water Matters, Part 4, will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hinesburg Town Hall on March 30. The Chittenden Regional Planning Commission, Lewis Creek Association and Responsible Growth Hinesburg have teamed up to raise awareness of water issues in the LaPlatte River watershed. Members of conservation commissions, selectboards and planning commissions, as well as community members in Hinesburg, Charlotte, Shelburne and all neighboring towns are invited to attend.

Charlie Baker from Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission will emcee the event. Sweets will be served. For more information call 425-2002.

Planting: The Charlotte Park Oversight Committee will plant 20-30 disease resistant elm trees in the park on Sunday, April 2. The planting is made possible by a $1,000 grant from the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program. For more information email Tree Warden Mark Dil-

PartnerYoga will include partner postures and practices that include active listening, meditation, mirroring and balancing from 4 to 6 p.m. atYoga Roots in Shelburne on March 25.

Courtesy photo lenbeck at mark@ocmqa.com.

College fair: The 17rd Annual Spring College Fair at Champlain Valley Union High School will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 3. More than 100 college representatives from across the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions and Canada will be available to speak with both students and parents. For more information call 482-7100.

Ongoing:

Basketball: Multi-age pick-up basketball on Mondays at 7 p.m. at Charlotte Central School. For more information call

425-6129, ext. 204, or email recreation@ townofcharlotte.com.

Baby playgroup: Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup, first and third Tuesdays of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Charlotte Library. Ages 0 to 2. For more information email bbfcharlotteplaygroup@ gmail.com.

Dance: Afterschool dance at 3 p.m. on Thursdays at Charlotte Central School. For more information call 425-6129, ext. 204, or email recreation@townofcharlotte.com.

Please email Lynn@TheCharlotteNews. org to list your community event.

Puzzles SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 23: 43. Indirect implication 46. ___ algebra 47. Degree in math?

48. Mont Blanc, e.g.

49. Cooperate closely 58. Issuances 59. Department 60. Industrial city in France 61. Quote 62. Silver Needle, et al.

63. Condition 64. Sorority letters 65. “___ Toledo!”

Across 1. Twosome 5. P.D.Q. 9. Finance magazine 14. Kashmir clan 15. Chronicle 16. Madison Square Garden, e.g.

17. Fill to excess 18. Property conveyor 20. Is a loving person 22. Days ___ 23. Orinoco, e.g.

24. Ridiculously incongruous 28. French game

33. Capital city 34. Central points 35. In the preceding month: abbr.

36. Ready for battle 40. Whisper sweet nothings 41. Wild about 42. “___ So Vain”

Down 1. Narrow margin 2. West Samoan monetary unit 3. Freudian topics 4. Aboriginal tribe 5. Don’t cut 6. See-through wrap 7. Banned apple spray 8. Confined 9. Secret society: var.

10. “She flies with her own wings” is its motto 11. Student of Seneca 12. Hydroxyl compound 13. .9144 meter 19. Incursion 21. Engaged 24. Old adders 25. Trace mineral

26. Cowell 27. World govt. in TV’s “Futurama” 28. African primate 29. Lingering trace 30. Braid 31. The “U” of UHF 32. Early anesthetic 34. Like some memories 37. Soldier’s helmet, slangily 38. Drawing 39. Age 44. Disentangle

45. C2H6 46. Climbing herbs 48. Noted caravel 49. Joins 50. Bypass 51. Important Indian 52. “Good shot!”

53. “Go ahead!”

54. Homebuilder’s strip 55. It was introduced in 1912 56. Butcher’s offering 57. Like pie

22 • March 22, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Stone Walls of New England

Roel Boumans CONTRIBUTOR

This time of the year I tend to walk around my place a lot collecting maple sap.

I often pass by a curious remnant of a stone wall hidden all other times of the year by either snow or vegetation. I fancy this wall was built many years ago by a farmer who needed either to delineate his property or to keep his animals from wandering around— or he simply needed a place to dump the rock that he was digging out of his fields. I like that wall to be there as I think about the many historical and natural changes that the landscape has undergone. I also appreciate that for well over 100 years, the wall has provided great hiding habitat to small critters so they can survive and prosper.

While trying to find out more about my wall and who might have built it, I consulted Robert Thorson’s book, Stone by Stone: The Magnificent History in New England’s Stone Walls. I learned that although walls were built from the time of the first settlement to the end of the pioneering stage, the most wall-building activity took place during the half century between the end of the American Revolution and the construction of the railroads (1775–1825).

In 1872, right after the Civil War, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated

Local Business Directory

that there were a mere 240,000 miles of stone walls east of the Hudson River. Writers other than Thorson think this estimate is an understatement and claim that the number of miles could be at least twice as much. Either way, a tremendous amount of stone was hauled around during this 50-year period.

The construction of the countless miles of stone walls happened simultaneously with the vast deforestation that took place as more and more settlers came to the brand-new United States. Initially the early farmers cleared land for their small, diverse farms, treating the wood as inexhaustible.

Then, starting in the early 1800s, as the demand rose for wool and sheep farming became very profitable, they cleared every possible acre for sheep pasture. For 50 or more years, right up to the time of the Civil War, the land was given over to sheep.

And what happened to the soils back then? The destruction of the vast forest cover and the increased disturbance caused by grazing and plowing the fields severely eroded the thick, insulating organic soils that had accumulated, undisturbed, since the last Ice Age. This likely caused the sub-soils to freeze up more severely every winter, which caused the buried rocks to migrate more rapidly toward the surface.

There was now plenty of opportunity to use the stone for replacing wood as a major fencing material and plenty of hardship while managing the rocky farmland (though rock walls were not effective in containing

the sheep).

This all changed after the Civil War, when many farmers lost their lives or they moved on to the next great frontier, the grasslands farther west that were just opening up for settlement. Throughout New England a serious depression set in; farmers abandoned their lands or sold them if they could and moved away. The forest grew back.

With the re-growth of the northeastern forests, the soils once more began to rebuild. When leaves and all other plants

fell to the ground, they stayed there; rain fell and sank into the soil. In many places, like in the woody area of my property, a blanket of insulating soils is slowly being established. And guess what? The little critters that scurry around my fence and dig around the stone are in effect causing the wall to sink back into the sub-soils. At some time evidence of the wall will have disappeared, but somehow I expect when that happens, I will not be collecting maple sap anymore.

“I fancy this wall was built many years ago by a farmer who needed either to delineate his property or to keep his animals from wandering around.”

Courtesy photo

The Charlotte News • March 22, 2017 • 23

Around Town Edd Merritt

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Congratulations:

to CCS students who celebrated Mardi Gras/Carnival as part of their French and Spanish programs by parading through the school in their masks, speaking in the languages of the festival and baking crepes. Students in Spanish class won several prizes for their masks. The winners were Elena Haire, Maria Taylor, Paco Jacobs and Sierra Manning. to the following CCS students who participated in the regional math counts competition held February 18 at the University of Vermont: 8th graders Ella Haire, Lulu Louchheim, Else MartinSmith and 6th grader Hadley Stockwell.

Special congratulations go to Lulu who will advance to the state competition later this month. to Laurie Stavrand (a former Charlotter) and Milissa O’Brien who organized a production called “The Fashion Show,” which was held at Burlington International Airport on March 18. The models came from this country and abroad and 17 local retailers donated clothes and jewelry, which the models wore. The fashion show hoped to raise $50,000 from ticket sales and donations to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program. Milissa was quoted in Friday’s Free Press as saying that beyond raising money, the event will “provide a better understanding of our community’s new American neighbors.”

Sympathy:

is extended to family and friends of Ellie Banks of Middlebury who passed away March 1 at the age of 83. Her surviving family includes her daughters Libby Cable and Caroline Slater of Charlotte. Friends and families are invited to remember her by planting memorial trees in their communities.

is extended to family and friends of Louise Mary (St. George) Plant of Charlotte who passed away March 10 at the age of 83. She was born in Charlotte to Walter and Alma St. George and married to Richard Plant in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. She and her younger sister, Lucia, remained close and both built homes beside their parent’s Charlotte farm. In addition to Lucia, she is also survived by her daughter Renee Plant and Renee’s partner Lucas Adler of Charlotte. The family asks that those wishing to make donations in her memory consider doing so to the Humane Society in their area. is extended to family and friends of Cecile “Sis” Clark of Burlington who passed away March 5 at the age of 97. Her surviving family includes her niece Peg Blanchette and Peg’s husband, Joe. Instead of flowers, her family asks that donations in her memory be made to St. Stephen’s Parish, 115 Barlow St., Winooski, VT 05404 or to the Converse Home, 272 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401. is extended to family and friends of Mary Lighthall who passed away recently.

Active in the Charlotte Historical Society, Mary was a photographer known for her pictures of “Snowflake” Bentley’s flakes from his glass molds. She also edited and contributed notes to the text of Around the Mountains,” published by the Historical Society and written by W.W. Higbee.

One of Mary’s favorite claims to fame is that she owned a “hot car” when she was young and single. is extended to family and friends of Dick Hess of Charlotte who passed away March 16 at the age of 65. Dick owned the Queen City Tavern in Burlington and later Archie’s Grill at two places off Shelburne Road. His surviving family includes his wife Meghan and his daughters Hannah and Emma of Charlotte.

Charlotte Public Safety Log

SENIOR CENTER

continued from page 20 of your paintings to share at the first class.

Please make sure you receive the materials list at least a week prior to the first class by contacting Lynn at Lynn.Cummings@uvm. edu. A kit of 12 or more colors and some basic brushes is available from the instructor for a separate fee. Registration necessary.

Max. 12. Fee: $154.

Spring Tea. Come join Liz Fotouhi and Friends on Thursday, April 6, beginning at 11:30 a.m. While delighting in fragrant tea, savory treats and sweet confections we will welcome and celebrate the return of the lovely lady we call spring. We will be reading and discussing poems about spring by some of our favorite writers. Bring your favorite poem to share, whether from a beloved poet or one you have penned yourself; all are welcome! Registration necessary. Max. 25.

Suggested donation: $4.

Vermont Birds in Coloured Pencil with Elizabeth Llewellyn returns on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon on April 13, 20, 27 and May 4. Colored pencils are nontoxic, clean, inexpensive, portable and don’t require any complicated setup or cleanup. In this four-week class we will learn the basics of coloured pencils, including the most popular techniques: layering and burnishing.

Working from the instructor’s photos, we will complete several portraits of beautiful Vermont birds. This class is open to those with some drawing experience. Please bring whatever coloured pencils you have, an HB graphite pencil and a kneaded eraser to the first class where more instruction on supplies will be provided. Registration necessary.

Limit 10. Fee: $85.

A collection of lectures, performances and special events showcasing the diverse interests of our community Wednesdays beginning at 1 p.m. No registration or fee.

3/22: Accessing Charlotte Library Services 24/7 with Susanna Kahn Find out about the many online services the library has to offer, from downloading ebooks and audiobooks to learning a language to researching genealogy. Bring your own device (smartphone or tablet) for hands-on help getting started. Don’t have a library card yet? Stop by the library or Susanna can get you set up after the talk.

As submitted by the Shelburne Police Department

Wednesday February 25 - March 7, 2017 Saturday, Feb. 25 21:15 Medical Assist Falls Rd., Shelburne.

Charlotte Rescue assisted Shelburne Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Shelburne Rescue.

Wednesday, March 1 10:07 Medical Call Panton Rd.; Whispering Pines, Panton. Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

22:54 Medical Call Spear St, Charlotte.

911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue and Charlotte Fire were dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Thursday, March 2 10:30 Medical Assist North St., Little City Family Med., Vergennes. Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call.

The patient was transported to the hospital

by Charlotte Rescue.

Sunday, March 5 16:43 Medical Assist Jockey Ln., Monkton.

Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient left the scene in a personal vehicle prior to EMS arriving.

A second 911 was received from the patient in the vehicle. The patient stated they were on Spear Street heading northbound, but refused to stop. All EMS units were canceled

and the patient was transport to the hospital by a family member.

Monday, March 6 13:37 Medical Assist Charlotte Rd., Hinesburg. Charlotte Rescue assisted Hinesburg 1st Response at a medical call.

The patient refused transport to the hospital.

Tuesday, March 7 17:50 Medical Assist Wile St., Hinesburg.

Charlotte Rescue assisted Hinesburg 1st Response at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Shelburne Rescue.

Classifieds Reach your friends and neighbors for only $7 per issue. (Payment must be sent before issue date.)

Please limit your ad to 35 words or fewer and send it to The Charlotte News Classifieds, P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 or email ads@ thecharlottenews.org.

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Bigger on the inside. MtPhiloInn.com 802425-3335 Let Lupine Painting help warm up your home this winter with a fresh coat of paint or brand new look. Trusted and stress-free painting for 20+ years. Call for a free consultation (802)598-9940.

Tree Service . Lot clearing. Tree and

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