The Charlotte News | September 21, 2016

The

Charlotte News Charlotte’s award-winning community newspaper

Volume lIX Number 5

The VoIce of The TowN

wedNesday, sepTember 21, 2016

Race VeRmont Rules the Road Hundreds crossed Holmes

Covered Bridge in the Race

Vermont Charlotte Covered

Bridge 5K, 10K and Half Marathon on Sept. 10.

Page 10

What’s InsIde U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Archaeology Month with Jenny Cole, page 1

Enter our Gourd, the Bad, and the Ugly Contest, page 1 Where the Rubble Meets the Road, page 4 Meet Sweetheart Tom Murphy, page 8

Mount of Friendship with Elizabeth Bassett, page 16

CharlotteNewsVT.org

Charlotte News

The

Vol. 59, no. 5

September 21, 2016

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

Step back in time with Jenny Cole

The gourd, the bad and the ugly

Lynn Monty EDITOR IN CHIEF

C

harlotte librarian Jenny Cole opened a handwritten book from the 1800s to a lemon ice recipe. Sweet pickles were in there as well. Cherished recipes passed down from generation to generation, no doubt. The book was nameless, worn, and held within its pages a lock of brown curls, perhaps from a young Charlotter’s first haircut more than 150 years ago.

This book, and a plethora of other items, were loaned to the library in honor of Archeology Month. This nationwide effort is designed to educate the public about the past. Archeological sites hold clues of how people lived, whether thousands or a hundred years ago. Vermont has a number of sites dating back to the early 18th century— military encampments, residential sites, and industrial sites from mills to mines.

Charlotte Historical Society’s generosity allowed the library to put the items on display. Most were from the Charlotte Poor Farm on Thompson’s Point Road. A bean pot, mason jars and even a preserved ear of corn were locked behind glass next to the checkout counter for the month of September.

Cole said the Poor Farm has since burned to the ground, but these special items still remain. “These items are important, and Archeology Month is an important time, because it gives people a sense of time and place.”

In celebration of Archeology Month, Gregory Sharrow of the Vermont Folklife Center will speak from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Charlotte Library on Thursday, Sept. 22. He will explore the fabric of farm culture in the past and probe its relationship to the world of Vermont today. For more information call the Charlotte Library at 425-3864.

Scarface, the not-so-ugly gourd. Photo by Lynn Monty Join us this harvest season in The Charlotte News’ First Annual Ugly Gourd Instagram Contest! Tag your ugliest with #CharlotteUglyGourd on Instagram, and we will award the winner with a $25 gift card to a local vendor! Contest starts now and ends Nov. 1. Visit us on Instagram at instagram.com/thecharlottenews.

See you there!

Economical Housekeeper, a book published in 1845, is on display at the Charlotte Library for Archeology Month.

Photo by Lynn Monty

“ American Pickers”

might be coming to town

M

Press Release

ike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and their team are excited to return to Vermont!

They plan to film episodes of the hit series “American Pickers” throughout the region this fall.

“American Pickers” is a documentary series on the History channel that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking.”

The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hit the back roads from coast to coast, ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

“American Pickers” is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collecCharlotte Librarian Jenny Cole opens a calligraphy and recipe book with a lock of hair tion or accumulation saved in it from Charlotte in the 1800s. Photo by Lynn Monty

of antiques that the pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-old-rust.

American Pickers is produced by Cineflix Productions for the History channel. New episodes air Wednesdays at 9 p.m.

Library News 4-5 • Senior Center 18 • Community Events 20 • Crossword & Sudoku 21

Courtesy photo

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 3

Editorial

Cheers to waking up to Charlotte News and a cup of java

By Lynn Monty EDITOR IN CHIEF

C

offee bubbled up into a crystal-toppered percolator on the stove. I watched the brew escalate as my grandmother cooked our eggs. Grampa grabbed the newspaper and patted his knee, which was my signal to come sit, eat, and read with him.

Eating our eggs and reading the newspaper together each summer morning of my youth was the norm. Day in and day out, my grandparents were conventional and predictable. I developed the finest parts of myself in their home. I found comfort in predictability, and safety in conventionality.

My love of newspapers started on my grandfather’s lap. With a full belly, I took his paper with me onto the porch as he left for work. I still had more reading to do before I helped Gram with housework. Soft, floppy, white paper, black ink on my fingers, the puzzle of words, sentences, and paragraphs back then shaped me into the reader, writer, and lover of newsprint I am today.

The past has shaped me, and I look forward to making more memories to cherish as I accept the honor of writing and editing for The Charlotte News. It’s a challenge that suits me well as I head into my late 40s. I am banking my digital-savvy ways will bolster the groundwork laid so soundly by the editors before me.

Hinesburg has been my home for two decades, but I have covered stories in the

town of Charlotte for more than ten years, from milkman Peter Carreiro early in my career, to the oil tanker troubles of late. Most of my time as a journalist has been toiling at the state’s largest daily, the Burlington Free Press.

I received my journalism and mass communication degree from St. Michael’s College with help from the J. Warren and Lois H. McClure Journalism Scholarship.

For my work with Tanzania’s Illula Orphan Program in Africa, I was awarded the 2007 New England Press Association Feature Photography Award, and in 2009, I received the New England Associated Press News Executives Association First Place General Interest Weekly Award for my leadership in developing a weekly community news section for the Burlington Free Press.

Through my ongoing efforts in reporting hunger issues in the greater Burlington area, I was Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf’s 15th Annual Ben Blood Anti-Hunger Award recipient for Making a Difference in the Community in 2011.

Awards aside, I am most proud of my children, who are fifth generation Vermonters, and my 24-year marriage to their father. These three are the loves of my life. They have supported me through thick and thin and continue to do so no matter the circumstance. They sometimes even make me breakfast and read the paper with me!

So here’s to family, fond memories of old, and to rising to the challenges The Charlotte News will bring in this next chapter of my career!

Upcoming

Publication Deadlines Publication date: Oct. 5 Columns/features deadline: Sept. 26 Letters due: Sept. 30 Ads Deadline: Sept. 30 Publication date: Oct. 19 Columns/features deadline: Oct. 10 Letters due: Oct. 14 Ads Deadline: Oct. 14

Please welcome our new Layout Manager Eileen Sinopoli!

Eileen Sinopoli is a graphic artist and layout designer with a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of Connecticut. She moved with her family from the metro New York area to Vermont 11 years ago to pursue winter sports and graphic design. In addition to being a freelance graphic designer, she teaches skiing and snowboarding as well as adaptive skiing and snowboarding at several area mountains. She is also a wife and a parent to two CVU students.

The Charlotte News The Charlotte News is a nonprofit communitybased 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.

Editorial Staff

news@thecharlottenews.org / 425-4949 Editor in chief: Lynn Monty Layout Manager: Eileen Sinopoli Contributing editors: John Hammer, Edd Merritt, Ruah Swennerfelt Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Leslie Botjer, Vince Crockenberg, Carol Hanley, 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, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli

Carol

Hanley,

Contributors

Reminder!

We’ll have a few staff changes in the next couple weeks, but please continue to submit your writing and photos as usual. The general email, news@thecharlottenews.org will continue to be used by Lynn Monty, the new editor in chief.

If you’d like to reach out-going editor, Alex Bunten, his personal email is al.bunten@gmail.com.

SEND US YOUR NEWS,

PHOTOS, EVENTS Lynn Monty at Nick Cowles’ Shelburne Orchard. Courtesy photo

News@charlottenewsvt.com

Bradley Carleton, Dee Carroll, Nicole Conley, Rick Devine, Carrie Fenn, Larry Hamilton, Jim Hyde, Leo LaBerge, P. Brian Machanic, Susan Ohanian, Mary Recchia , Margaret Woodruff

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.

Postmaster

Send address changes to: The Charlotte News P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 Telephone: 425-4949 Circulation: 3,000 copies per issue.

Copyright © 2016 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.

4 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Commentary Latest trends in overused vocabulary: judicious, democratic, fair and equitable, and unbiased A fter unfortunately attending the last Selectboard meeting on Sept. 12 to listen to yet another amendment for the “Salary Administration Policy,” I can only say, “Holy bat logic!” In a nutshell, the board was discussing how in the world to handle grievances to the pay grid, pay grade placements, etc. Apparently, meeting with an employee, going through the steps of the Palmer Survey, listening to the person describe their job and then making a decision is not even a consideration because of the possibility of bias. So this is how the board is going to handle it: 1. Employee meets with the Selectboard and subjects themselves to an evaluation process using the Palmer Survey (Holy fateworse-than-death) which has 21 categories to go through. They assign points for each category to arrive at the total grade for the position.

Pardon our dust!

Construction has begun on a barn to overwinter our new herd of Belted Galloways. This summer we welcomed 20 head of cattle onto the property from Meadow View Farm in Lyndonville.

The new pack barn will house our herd the following fiscal year to be voted on the of cattle and our pigs over the winter. following March.

The Belted Galloway (Beltie for Are you following all this so far? If you short) is a heritage beef breed of cattle would like your job re-evaluated in May originating from Galloway in the west 2016, and the revision includes a change in side of southern Scotland. They are grade, it will be up for review by the new well-suited for grazing pasture and Selectboard in March 2017. If the new can be seen grazing the property from Selectboard agrees to the pay grade adjust- Mt. Philo Road. We use regenerative ment, that revised salary will be put into planned grazing techniques, moving the budget to be voted on in March/April of our cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry in a 2018. (Not sure what happens if they don’t rotational system. agree—maybe a do-over?). I think if each Working with our partners at The Selectboard member was asked what this amendment means, how it would actually Weather Hill Company, the barn design work, they would all have different inter- will match the other historic barns on pretations. Legislation at its best (Holy the property and will blend into the complications!). And this is apparently the iconic Vermont landscape. For more most democratic, judicious, fair and equi- information visit philoridgefarm.com. table and unbiased procedure to address employees’ concerns (Holy semantics!).

Ed Pitcavage

A healthy sense of humor is a must for 2. The following March, this re-graded any of you out there thinking town governjob is in the budget, but with the unrevised ment is for you! salary (I think, but that wasn’t clear).

Mary Mead, Town Clerk

Letters to the Editor Good karma on Lake Champlain Thank you to all who came out for Karma Yoga this summer to support the Charlotte Recreation Scholarship Fund! What a wonderful opportunity for all to enjoy yoga and the beautiful views of Lake Champlain on our very own Charlotte Beach!

Also a warm welcome to Anna, at the Yoga Hub! Yoga Roots believes the more people doing yoga makes the world a better place.

Thanks again to our Charlotte community!

Lynn Alpeter Charlotte resident Owner of Yoga Roots in Shelburne

Philo Ridge Farm

3. In March, we vote on new town officers but we do not vote on the town budget any longer (charter).

4. After the March election, the new Selectboard (which may or may not be new) looks at the points and grade that the previous Selectboard came up with for the aggrieved employee.

5. In April (?) the town votes the town budget by Australian ballot.

6. Let’s simplify and say the budget passes.

The new Selectboard now meets and decides whether they like the pay grade for the aggrieved employee. I wasn’t clear on whether they would subject that employee to yet another evaluation to re-check the numbers or they would just vote yes or no.

7. If the new Selectboard agrees with the revised pay grade, that budgeted figure for the new pay grade is put into the budget for

Philo Ridge Farm. Courtesy Photo.

Letters Policy: The Charlotte News welcomes signed letters to the editor and commentaries on any subject of interest to the community.

To allow the publication of a diverse selection of views in each issue, please limit letters to a 300 word max. and commentaries to a 800 word max. Include your full name, town of residence and phone number. The editors reserve the right to edit for clarity, English usage and length or to publish submissions in full. Have your say—email news@thecharlottenews.org.

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 5

Town Where the rubble hits the road John Hammer CONTRIBUTOR

The Selectboard meeting of September 12 was consumed to a large degree by a question of where to dispose of rubble generated by the Route 7 reconstruction project. At issue primarily was the right of the contractor to crush the unused concrete and place it in a depression behind the barn at 5692 Ethan Allen Highway. The owner, John

Crabbe, had agreed to allow the deposit of the rubble on his land. This land, however, is subject to an Open Space Agreement signed in 1987 which specifically restricts anyone from “filling, excavating … or change(ing) the topography of the land in any manner.” (http://bit.ly/2d5hn1t) The state (VTrans) has sought locations for disposal at 14 locations within town, but only two have been agreed on to receive soil or material because of archeological, wetland or prime agricultural land considerations. These sites are considered critical to the contractor’s attempt to complete this three-year project within two years. They estimate that at least 1,000 truckloads are necessary to remove the waste concrete material, and by disposing of it in town,the

see Rubble, page 14

NEW TITLES TO TRY @ THE LIBRARY Adult BooKs

Margaret Woodruff CONTRIBUTOR

Upcoming @ The Charlotte Library Tuesday, Sept. 20: Story Time Begins!

Lunch Box Story Time for Preschoolers, at noon. Pack your lunchbox and join us for stories, songs and fun. For 3- to 5-year-olds who are comfortable in a story time setting with or without parent or caregiver.

After-school Story Explorations, 2:15 p.m. Take the bus from CCS and explore the world of stories! For kindergarten and 1st grade students.

Story time runs every week from 9/20 to 11/16; no story time on 10/11. Registration required. Please call or email the library to sign up: 425-3864 or youth.charlottelibraryvt@gmail.com.

Thursday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m.: A Sense of Place: Vermont’s Farm Legacy. Gregory Sharrow of the Vermont Folklife Center explores the fabric of farm culture in the past and probes its relationship to the world of Vermont today. A Vermont Archeology Month event. Supported by the Vermont Humanities Council.

Sept. 25–Oct. 1: Banned Books Week.

Celebrating the Freedom to Read. Stop by to see what you would be missing!

Tuesday, Sept. 27: Voter Registration Day. Make sure your voice is heard on Election Day. Register to vote at Town Hall

by November 2.

Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m.: Great Decisions—United Nations Past & Future. During this fall’s four-part session we look at the future of the United Nations, climate change policy, U.S. and Cuba relations and the Koreas. Meeting dates: 9/27, 10/11, 10/25; 4th session TBD. Materials available at the library desk.

Tell them you saw it in The Charlotte News!

Cooking for Picasso by Camille Aubray.

The French Riviera, spring 1936: It’s off-season in the lovely seaside village of Juan-les-Pins, where 17-year-old Ondine cooks with her mother in the kitchen of their family-owned Café Paradis. A mysterious new patron who’s slipped out of Paris and is traveling under a different name has made an unusual request—to have his lunch served to him at the nearby villa he’s secretly rented, where he wishes to remain incognito.

The Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jeffries.

Nineteen-year-old Gwendolyn Hooper is newly married to a rich and charming widower, eager to join him on his tea plantation, determined to be the perfect wife and mother. But life in Ceylon is not what Gwen expected. The plantation workers are resentful, the neighbors treacherous. And there are clues to the past—a dusty trunk of dresses, an overgrown gravestone in the grounds—that her husband refuses to discuss.

Commonwealth by Ann Patchett. One Sunday afternoon in southern California, Bert Cousins shows up at Franny Keating’s christening party uninvited. Before evening falls, he has kissed Franny’s mother, Beverly, thus setting in motion the dissolution of their marriages and the joining of two families.

Let’s Cook French by Jacques Pepin and Claudine Pepin. “The moment for a child to be in the kitchen is from the moment they are born.” This colorful and lively title is a fun, interactive, bilingual cookbook for families that introduces the art and joy of French cooking…. Featuring classic, simple dishes inspired by French cuisine, each recipe is shown in both French and English and accompanied by charming illustrations.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

The story of Count Alexander Rostov.

When, in 1922, he is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, the count is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him a doorway into a much larger world of emotional discovery.

Youth BooKs Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty.

Like her classmates, builder Iggy and inventor Rosie, scientist Ada, a character of color, has a boundless imagination and has always been hopelessly curious. Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific, toe-curling smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the

see Library, page 5

6 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Town plan to address traffic data

Staff report Daryl Benoit and his counterparts at Planning and Zoning want folks to know the new Town Plan is a rewrite that places policy and strategy up front while preserving the history of the document. The update is required by state law and further requires public input before being formally adopted by the town on Town Meeting Day, 2017, Benoit said.

The hearing to be held on Sept. 29 is an opportunity for the public to submit their comments about the proposed plan to the Planning Commission. Aspects of the plan that citizens feel need adjustment or improvement will be considered by the commission before its next round of updates are added, Benoit said.

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission, the Addison County Regional Planning Commission, the State ACCD and the abutting municipalities will all have the opportunity to comment on the Town Plan. The plan is available at this link: https://is.gd/4jOqB1.

PROPERTY TRANSFERS Aug. 29. Robert C. Ullrich Revocable Trust and Sonja M. Ullrich Revocable Trust to Bruno and Tara Murphy, 140.96 acres with dwelling, 69 Ashe Road, $1,175,000.

Library

continued from page 4

source. What would you do with a problem like this? Not afraid of failure, Ada embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery.

The Deadliest Creature in the World

by Barbara Guiberson. Which creature is the deadliest? Is it the insect that bites, the ostrich that kicks, the snake that squeezes or the shrew that paralyzes? Is it the most venomous, the most poisonous or the one that infects its victims with a fatal disease?

Fascinating facts and spectacular illustrations will inspire young readers to choose which creature they think is the deadliest.

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir.

Elias and Laia are running for their lives.

After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.

Laia is determined to break into Kauf— the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison—to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars’ survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.

Notice of Lister Vacancy In accordance with 24 VSA §961, the Town of Charlotte Selectboard hereby provides a notice of vacancy for one of three lister positions.

The position has a three-year term; however, in accordance with 24 VSA § 963, the Selectboard can make an appointment only until the next election, after which the position will be posted for election. The position requires 8–10 hours per week and pays an hourly wage. No benefits are offered at this level of employment.

The Selectboard invites applicants wishing to be appointed to the vacant position until the next election to submit a letter of interest. Inquiries regarding what the position entails can be made by calling the Lister Office at 425-3855, ext. 3. The start date is October 3, 2016, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Letters of interest should be submitted to Charlotte Town Office, Attn: Town Administrator, P.O. Box 119, Charlotte, VT 05445 or by e-mail to dean@townofcharlotte.com

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 7

So, what does a tree warden do?

Longstanding questions remain

Larry Hamilton CHARLOTTE TREE WARDEN

Vermont State Statutes (Title 24, Chapter 67) provide for a tree warden to “have control” over shade and ornamental trees in public places and public ways.

Public ways are those town roads and their rights-of-way, roughly 25 or 33 feet from the road centerlines, depending on the original road width taken by the town.

Public places in Charlotte include all townowned land such as the Town Green, the Thompson’s Point forest, the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge, the Town Beach Park and a few other parcels such as Whalley Woods, a small area on Mutton Hill and the town cemeteries (Barber and Bradley, aka West and East Burying Grounds). Fines are provided for those marring or cutting such trees.

That’s fairly straightforward, but how does it translate into actual duties or tasks?

Perhaps the best way to illustrate this is to present some recent doings by the Tree Team (tree warden and two deputies) in the form of a tree warden log of recent events.

Some of these follow: • At the Seguin covered bridge repair site, managed to get State Transportation Agency official and the job contractor to

John Hammer CONTRIBUTOR

The Seguin Covered Bridge repair site. Photo by Mark Nash of Charlotte modify plans and remove the roof without cutting the large 100+ year old oak tree at the northern edge. Removal of two lower limbs proved to be sufficient. (See photo.)

• Checking the beaver injury to lakeshore trees at the Deer Point landing at Thompson’s Point. Any bank erosion problem was minimal; no fines were levied against beavers, and no trapping.

• All three of the Tree Team are members of the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge

Oversight Committee and attend meetings that are currently concerned with updating the management plan. We met with Marty Illick in the Ahead of the Storm Program to implement a contractor’s plan for two pilot erosion-control projects at the park.

• With the state forest pathologist, reluctantly marked for removal the American

see Tree Warden, page 14

A marathon meeting for the Charlotte Selectboard on September 12 was consumed, in the main, by three issues, none of which were resolved. The elephant in the room was a question concerning disposal of waste material from the current Route 7 reconstruction (covered elsewhere in this newspaper). The second and third issues involved the continuation of long-standing questions regarding the town’s Salary Administration Policy (SAP) and the illegal separation of Thompson’s Point lots 127 and 128.

A recent pay grade grievance by Assistant Town Clerk Christina Booher raised a question as to how it should be handled within the SAP. At the August 30 Selectboard meeting, at which Ms. Booher’s pay grade was reviewed, the board that the SAP needed a change to the grievance “procedure and timeline.” Accordingly, Matt Krasnow proposed a change, calling for the decision made by a Selectboard to be confirmed or denied by the succeeding Selectboard, after which it would be included in the next budget. The intent, according to Krasnow, was to avoid any bias that might exist toward the employee. Both Ms. Booher and Ms. Mead argued forcefully that such a change would delay resolution for as long as two years before the change might be reflected in the employee’s pay. With that, Mr. Krasnow agreed to reformulate his change.

Ms. Kelly Kindestin, from the insurers of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, discussed a potential claim by Paul Arthaud against the town, relative to Thompson’s Point lots 127 and 128. These lots were illegally allowed by the Selectboard in 2014. When a zoning permit was denied, it rendered his plan to develop valueless, depriving him of an estimated $75,000 in potential financial gain. Ms. Kindestin had been called in to render judgment as to where insurance coverage applied. It was clear that a mistake had been made and that the question as to the amount owed and by whom will be a focus of further investigation.

Charlotte School Board Chair Mark McDermott was asked to explain the reason why the educational component of town taxes rose this year. He hastened to explain that the Charlotte Central School budget that the voters approved this year was lower than last year’s. He was unable to explain the education component of taxes coming from the state, saying that it was out of his board’s hands. Further discussion among the audience revealed that the homestead component comes out late in the year and is a function of each town’s Common Level of Appraisal, which is averaged over three years. The school district consolidation,

see Long-Standing, page 7

8 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Long-standing

continued from page 6 voted in earlier this year, will not take effect until July 1 of next year, after which there is an expected reduction in school taxes.

The rest of the meeting was followed by a welter of lesser issues that included agreement to accept the responsibility for the contractor’s construction bond for the Senior Center. The board also approved $5,000 for participation in a coalition of lakefront towns seeking tax revenues from the proposed Transmissions Developers Inc. electric transmission cable down the middle of Lake Champlain.

A request from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation to restrict parking along town roads near Mt. Philo State Park was met with a counter proposal that the park open up parking on the grassy park land just inside the entrance. There was, however, general approval of the long-range management review presently underway for the park. The park is at its limit of carrying capacity.

In another road issue, Selectman Tegatz reported that the cosmetic repair to the guardrail on Bridge 14 (Spear Street over the LaPlatte River) has finally been completed.

The Selectboard went on to support the generation of a “Spiller Pays Ordinance.”

Among other administrative actions, the board approved a three-year cost proposal from Sullivan, Powers & Co. for municipal auditing services and renewed its contract for FY 2017. One-year preventive maintenance agreements for HVAC in Town Hall, library and Senior Center were renewed with Climate Systems, Inc. and Patterson Fuels.

A vacancy has opened in the Listers’ Office for which Dean Bloch was authorized to publish an advertisement seeking a replacement for the term ending in March 2017.

The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on September 26.

Photo by Lynn Monty

Construction Update Charlotte Roadwork

Project Location: U.S. 7 from the Ferrisburgh/Charlotte town line north for three miles to the Ferry Road Intersection.

Project completion is scheduled for 2018.

Night Work: See details below about culvert installation work that will include working 24 hours a day from Thursday to Saturday. Expect traffic delays Thursday through Saturday.

U.S. 7–East Thompson’s Point Road to the Wildwood West development: Crews will complete the construction of the detour for the spring 2017 work.

U.S. 7–5866 Ethan Allen Highway to East Thompson’s Point Road: Crews will be fine-grading in anticipation of paving.

Work will also include placing topsoil in various areas.

U.S. 7–Ferrisburgh/Charlotte town line to 5866 Ethan Allen Highway: Crews will be working toward completing the reconstruction work this week and preparing for paving. More concrete barriers may also be removed this week.

Night Work: Crews are planning to install a pre-cast concrete box culvert north

of Yandow Sales & Service over a 2- to 3-day period starting Thursday (9/22) and extending through Friday (9/23) and possibly into Saturday (9/24). Crews are expecting to work around the clock, including nights, to complete the task.

Expect traffic delays.

Driveways and side roads within the construction area will remain accessible.

Alternating one-way traffic may be used throughout the week. Traffic control will be present to assist in maintaining traffic flow. Two-way traffic will be maintained as much as possible.

Motorists can expect delays during daytime work hours.

It is illegal in VT to use handheld portable electronic devices while driving. The law carries fines of up to $200 with points assessed if the violation occurs in a work zone.

Contact Francine Perkins, Project Outreach Coordinator, FRP Enterprises LLC with questions or concerns about the project at 802-479-6994, or to view recent updates visit roadworkupdates.com.

General Election – Absentee Ballots and Voter Registration Mary A. Mead CLERK/TREASURER

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8, this year, which means the last time to register to vote is Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 5 p.m. If you’re not sure whether you have registered with the town or not, just give us a call or email us at the Clerk’s Office (4253071 or mary@townofcharlotte.com). It’s a good idea to check on your registration, especially if you have registered through the Department of Motor Vehicles as sometimes we do not receive that information in a timely fashion. Sometimes people think that they are automatically registered to vote when they move into town, and that is not the case. Currently we do not have same-day registration in Vermont. If you were not registered to vote for this past August primary and are intending to vote in the general election, now is the time to get your application in so you will be all set in November.

Our absentee ballots should be available on Friday, Sept. 23. You may request an absentee ballot by phone, e-mail, online or in person at our office. Absentee voting is available through Monday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m.

All absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, in order to be counted.

Property Taxes Property tax bills for 2016 were mailed out in early August. We are required to mail tax bills to the owner of record as of April 1 each year. We try to send a duplicate to bill to any new owners for properties that have transferred after April 1. If you have not received a tax bill as yet, give us a call at the Clerk’s Office so we may update your address and get your bill out to you.

8 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Education CVU Communications: Looking Ahead

In May and June 2016 you read a two-part series focused on an overview of standards-based learning, followed by a closer look at how CVU supports students to meet the standards identified as critical to future

success. This month, we wanted to begin with an overview of our recent graduates.

We wondered where do our students go after they graduate from CVU. Thanks to Patti Tomashot, CVU Direction Center director and her colleagues, we are able to answer this question.

We learned that, according to the CVUHS 2014-2015 School Profile, 70 percent of the 276 CVU graduates headed off to fouryear colleges, and 2.9 percent of graduates planned to go to two-year schools. Along with those who went to in- and out-ofstate colleges, from Maine to Virginia to Wisconsin, some students chose to study in Canada and Ireland. Many students had their sights set on a liberal arts degree, while others pursued courses of study that would lead them to career in the military or in the field of technology. Still others chose to take a gap year, and some went directly into the workforce.

The 2015-2016 School Profile revealed the percentage of students planning to attend four-year colleges had increased from 70 to 78 percent, while another two percent of students planned to pursue two-year degrees. As we saw in the 2014-2015 Student Profile data, students continued to choose a wide range of schools across Vermont and the United States, and a few chose to study out of the country. A scan of the data seems to indicate even more students are choosing technical education; among the institutions our graduates selected were Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Wentworth Institute of Technology and Vermont Technical College.

The 80 percent of CVU graduates choosing college in 2015/16 is an increase of 6.1 percent from the previous year. Given what the data show about the relationship between attending college and the ability to earn a good income, this is clearly good news. However, CVU is always looking to improve outcomes for all of our children, both those who go on to college as well as those who pursue other pathways after graduation.

In our next installment, we will hear from CVU Principal Adam Bunting. We want to know how it feels to be a seasoned veteran

after a full year as principal and what his vision is for the coming year (or years). The CVU faculty and staff do so much to support our students; we are looking forward to learning what the future may hold.

CVU School Board Communications Committee Lia Cravedi, School Board Director, Hinesburg, lcravedi@uvm.edu; Kim Schmitt, School Board Director, Shelburne, kschmitt@cssu.org.

Local hero visits Charlotte Central Staff report

Sweethearts & Heroes co-founder Tom Murphy spent the day campaigning against bullying at Charlotte Central School on Sept. 20.

Murphy co-founded Sweethearts & Heroes in 2011 with Jason Spector. Both are local Vermonters. Sweethearts & Heroes a nationwide, action-based program that focuses on victims and bullies and the bystanders who can be empowered to make a difference. The crux of Murphy’s presentation at CCS were the five Bully Buttons that combine to form a call to action against bullying.

Murphy also embarked on a Swim for Hope in September where he swam ten miles from Port Kent to the Burlington waterfront to raise awareness for his cause.

“Whenever I visit schools, kids who are bullied tell me they feel like they’re drowning, or that they can’t breathe, because of what’s happening to them,” said Murphy, a husband and father. “So in light of those remarks, I wanted to choose something that

see Local hero, page 14

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Chittenden South Supervisory Union CHILD FIND Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston The Chittenden South Supervisory Union is interested in locating preschool age children (3 to 5 years) who live in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston, who show a developmental delay in the areas of speech/ language, social adjustment, adaptive behavior, self-care, gross/fine motor coordination, and cognitive development.

Charlotte Central School – 425-2771 Hinesburg Community School – 482-2106 Shelburne Community School – 985-3331 St. George/Williston – Allen Brook School – 878-2762 The Chittenden South Supervisory Union is interested in locating all school age children/adolescents with disabilities living in the towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George and Williston, who are not currently attending school, are attending a private school by parent choice or are being home-schooled. If you know of such a child/adolescent, please call Meagan Roy, Director of Student Support Services at Chittenden South Supervisory Union at 383-1234.

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 9

Be someone who matters to someone who matters Wendy Bratt,

CONNECTING YOUTH MENTORING COORDINATOR AT CHARLOTTE CENTRAL SCHOOL

Mentoring is a unique way to make a difference in the life of a child, and the Connecting Youth mentoring program at Charlotte Central School is growing.

Mentors volunteer one hour of their time on a weekly basis to establish a lasting friendship with 5th through 8th grade students.

One mentor explains why: “I feel that giving of one’s time to a young person is among the greatest gifts. I have seen it and experienced it to be life changing for both mentor and mentee.”

All children benefit from the extra attention of a caring adult. The Connecting Youth Mentor Program pairs students nominated by teachers, counselors, parents or themselves with an adult volunteer from the community. The CY mentor program offers a friendship that can be a source of

support as students navigate the sometimes challenging years of middle school. One person who has been a mentor for four years says, “I thought I would be the role model for my mentee, but she turned out to be my awesome inspiration! Spending time with her I learned more about myself than I ever anticipated. I always enjoy the time I spend with my mentee, and she always seems happy to see me, too.”

Adult volunteers are given training and support to begin this trusted relationship. The most important quality an adult must have is a commitment to mentor for one school year, which will begin this fall. Mentors meet students at the school during an hour that works for the student, mentor and teacher.

The cozy mentor loft at CCS offers a place to play games, do arts and crafts or plan projects. There is a kitchen available for cooking projects as well as ping pong tables, gym and the school yard for active connection.

The mentor program is currently looking for adults to become mentors and be part of

this successful and rewarding program. At this time we are in need of male volunteers, but women are, of course, always needed too! If you are interested in becoming a mentor or have questions about the program, please contact Wendy Bratt at wbratt@cssu.org or 425-6642. Connecting

Youth is a prevention program housed at each of the CSSU schools, and its mission is to promote a culture that develops in our youth the power and conviction to make healthy choices. Be someone who matters to someone who matters!

10 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Race Vermont runners win big

Sports

to take a different route to the Quinlan and Sequin covered bridges, but due to rehabilitation efforts there the race was moved to the Holmes Creek Covered Bridge on Lake Road at Charlotte Beach.

“This route is so beautifully scenic,” Talley said. “It starts at Shelburne Beach, which is a perfect venue for families. And how can you beat this scenery?”

Sierra Trading Post was the underwriter for the race. Winners received $250 gift cards, Vermont Teddy Bears and more.

Lynn Monty For more information visit RaceVermont.

EDITOR IN CHIEF com. For the overall finish list for the Charlotte Covered Bridge race visit ltocumulus clouds lined up over racevermont.com Charlotte Beach in a periwinkle sky as if spectating when 400 or so runners raced to make their mark in the Charlotte Covered Bridge 5K, 10K and Half Marathon in Charlotte on Sept. 10.

Rayne Herzog of Race Vermont is the local personal trainer who brings these runners through town every year. He is the race director and the health club general manager at Shelburne Health and Fitness.

“It was a very well organized event,” Alex Bunten of Charlotte said. “Rayne Herzog does an excellent job making sure everyone is clued up and ready to run. The course was very flat with lovely views of the Adirondacks here and there.”

Bunten is the previous editor in chief of Charlotte News. He came in third in his age group in the half marathon.

Race Vermont volunteer Ute Talley said helping Herzog run his events are the high points of her year. Race Vermont hosts about eight races annually, she said, as she Alex Bunten of Charlotte, previous editor-insnapped pictures of runners entering the chief at The Charlotte News, took 12th overall Holmes Covered Bridge. in the half marathon. Photo by Lynn Monty The Charlotte Covered Bridge race used

A

Michael Lewis of Cambridge, MA, and Steven Shlivko of Brooklyn, NY, run in the Race Vermont half marathon on Sept. 10. Photo by Lynn Monty

SEND US YOUR NEWS, PHOTOS, EVENTS news@charlottenewsvt.com

Lauren Eastwood of Plattsburgh, NY, at the Charlotte Covered Bridge 5K, 10K and Half Marathon in Charlotte on Sept. 10.

Photo by Lynn Monty

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 11

Football Redhawks catch the Raiders in their claws

Edd Merritt Sports Roundup Redhawks rely on defense Football is often a game of defense, and that was the case against South Burlington and Rice in the last two weeks. It worked for CVU as they topped the Rebels 20-9, giving them their second victory of the season. As proof, the Redhawks held the Rebels scoreless until the game’s final minutes. Meanwhile, reserve quarterback Graham Walker, stepping in for the injured Jake Evans, had help from an experienced line in front of him and several strong runners in his backfield, plus a good start as the Redhawks marched 62 yards for a touchdown on their first possession. As they had in previous games, Braven Bose with 10 carries for 59 yards, Collin Vincent (13 carries, 65 yards) and Jacob Griggs (12 carries, 48 yards) led the CVU attack. As a defensive back, Griggs intercepted a Rebel pass in the second quarter and returned it for a TD and a 13-0 lead going into the second half.

In a low-scoring defeat of Rice (6-0), it was again CVU’s defense that carried the game, according to coach Williams.

Braven Bose and Collin Vincent led the way on offense, running for 81 and 75 yards respectively. Several defensive plays were critical to the Redhawk win. Graham Walker intercepted a Rice pass in the end zone with just under five minutes to play, and Sommer MacKillop also intercepted with 1.5 minutes left in the game to secure the victory. After its opening-season win over defending state DI champ Rutland, the next two victories give CVU a 3-0 record for the early season.

The latest Burlington Free Press rankings of high school cross-country teams has CVU men and women in the top slot of Division I as measured by the Vermont Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. CVU opened the season capturing both ends of the Essex Invitational meet before traveling to Saratoga, New York and finishing a close second to that state’s Colonie High School that was ranked tenth in New York’s ratings of the top runners.

CVU women lead Mount Mansfield Union, Essex, St. Johnsbury Academy and North Country for the Division I top five ratings. Charlotte’s Sophia Gorman, Meara Heininger, and another senior Julie Sulva are mentioned as key returnees.

The Redhawk men, led by Tyler Marshall, are currently rated by the coaches as tops in the power rankings. They are cited for their victory in the Essex Invitational. Senior Jack Koskinen from Charlotte is noted as a “Key Newcomer” by the Free Press.

Following Tyler Marshall’s winning pace at Essex were CVU’s Jared Leonard, Justin McAuliffe and Baxter Bishop clustered in 13th, 14th, 15th.

Soccer teams also pick up high state rankings

CVU’s men and Redhawk women are both ranked number one in the state’s top division. Beginning with the Jay Brady Classic tournament in Essex, CVU men were declared winners by the goal differential. In wins over Rice and Rutland it combined for 9 goals against its opponents’ none. Brock Warner and Max Akey accounted for the three tallies against the Green Knights. Goalie Aiden Johnson had to make only one save to his Rice counterpart’s 12. The Redhawks were not so fortunate in their next two games, tying Essex and South Burlington and leaving their record at 2-0 and 2. The Essex game saw a pair of goals for each side. However, the most deflating feature may have been what looked to be a rather severe leg injury to CVU’s junior captain, Nate Coffin. He collided with a Hornet player in the second half, halting play. A strong Stowe squad

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met CVU on September 17 to take on the Redhawks and give them their second tie 1-1. Scoring their single goal with 18 minutes left and stopping a penalty kick late in regulation time saved Stowe from defeat.

Outshooting their Seahorse opponents, but unable to find the net, CVU women tied 0-0 in their third game of the season.

As the Free Press reported, 100 minutes of soccer yielded no goals. Like their brothers, the women have shown a strong defense, not allowing a goal yet this season while earlier collecting 9-0, 2-0 and 6-0 wins over Essex, Rice and Mount Abraham. Offense was spread around with Signy Shumway scoring and Charlotte Hill scoring in the Essex and Mt. Abe games, Abba Weimer and Lindsey Albertelli hitting two unassisted goals against Rice. The Redhawks are 3-0-1 with Burr and Burton coming up.

Field hockey touches all possibilities

A loss, a tie and a win in CVU field hockey’s last three games puts the team record at 1-1-1. Kelsie Saia’s two-goal effort led CVU over Burlington 4-1 in a game dominated by the Rehawks. Goal tender Kristy Carlson was called upon for just a single save while the Seahorse net minder stopped 12. CVU had previously tied Colchester 1-1 and was shut out by Essex 4-0.

12 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Business

Youth Catalytics helps young women at risk of early pregnancy Staff report Youth Catalytics, a Charlotte-based nonprofit, was recently awarded $2.7 million, one of five federal capacity-building grants through the Office of Adolescent Health intended to boost the performance of its grantees serving young people at risk of early pregnancy.

Youth Catalytics was chosen for this role not only because of its long history of working with disadvantaged young people and the organizations that serve them but also because of its recent success overseeing federally funded, teen pregnancy-prevention programming. In addition, YC formed a unique partnership with the D.C.-based Spitfire Strategies, a for-profit strategic communications firm that has the potential to engage the private business sector in ways most nonprofits miss. Melanie Goodman, YC’s executive director, and Meagan Downey, principal at the Shelburne-based Praximity Consulting Group and project director for YC, will oversee and coordinate this work.

“We are so excited to share our expertise with programs around the country and to invest in the future sustainability of high-quality sexuality education,” Downey said.

Between 2010 and 2014, teen pregnancy rates in the U.S. dropped by 29 percent. This was due in part to a growing emphasis at the federal level on funding programs that are proven to work and on testing ways to tailor those approaches to young people who are most at risk of early pregnancy.

Youth Catalytics itself was part of the last group of federal grantees that served roughly 500,000 youth in 39 states. New grantees are expected to reach approximately 1.2 million young people at high risk for early pregnancy. Vermont itself has a relatively low teen birth rate; still, in 2011 there were 375 births to teen mothers in the state, and estimates suggest that teen parenting costs the state about $17 million each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Early parenting has been linked with

a range of poor outcomes, both for young parents and their children, which include lower rates of school completion and reduced lifetime earnings for mothers, and increased chances of school failure, abuse or neglect, health problems, incarceration and early pregnancy for their offspring, according to the Urban Institute.

Melanie Goodman is executive director of Youth Catalytics in Charlotte.

Courtesy photo

Art AD PLACEHOLDER

Champlain Valley Quilters are all jazzed up Staff report The Champlain Valley Quilter’s Guild presents its 33rd show, “All That Jazz.”

The show is a long-standing autumn tradition and will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Oct. 22, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction. Admission is $8 and free for children under 12.

The show will feature a spectacular display of over 100 quilts, from traditional to contemporary, and will include youth quilts, themed contests, special displays, award ribbons, ongoing demos, several vendors, a raffle quilt, and crafts for sale. This is a kid-friendly Champlain Valley Quilter’s Guild Quilt Show Committee event. members Linda Lane and Donna Pittman, both of Charlotte, The Green Mountain Rug at a September committee meeting. Photo submitted by Hooking Guild will host Laura Clements “Hooked in the Mountains Rug Show and Fiber Arts Exhibition” during the Quilt Show. An admission discount will be provided for attendees of both shows. For more information visit the Champlain Valley Quilt Guild’s website cvqgvt.org.

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 13

Health Matters What grandparents can teach their children and grandchildren about sex Jim Hyde

CONTRIBUTOR

If you were told that there was a safe and effective way to prevent several types of cancer in men and women, wouldn’t you want to make sure your children and grandchildren got it?

As grandparents, we are often remembered for sharing with our grandchildren “tribal knowledge” like how to make cookies and fish or about family traditions.

Is it possible that there is an opportunity for us to have a significant impact on our grandchildren’s lives that goes beyond food and fishing? The answer is yes, and oddly enough it concerns sex.

If you are a grandparent, you were born before the era of HIV/AIDS (1981) and more likely during the age when polio, measles, mumps, German measles, chickenpox, hepatitis, meningitis and flu were ever-present health concerns. It is truly remarkable that, with the exception of HIV/AIDS, vaccines have been developed to prevent all of these. What surprises so many of us who lived through that era with real fear and anxiety is why so many among us continue to resist vaccine use. To be sure, there are legitimate medical reasons that some people should not be receiving a particular vaccine, but by and large, the vast majority of us can benefit from their use.

The human papillomavirus vaccine In 2006 a new vaccine was licensed in the U.S. that was shown to be effective in preventing human papillomavirus (HPV), which is associated with cervical and vaginal cancer in women, penile cancer in men, and oral pharyngeal and anal cancers in men and women. In total, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 15,000 HPV associated cancers in women and 7,000 cancers in men could be prevented each year in the U.S. were the HPV vaccine widely used. As an added bonus the vaccine also appears to prevent genital warts, a common consequence of HPV infection.

HPV encompasses more than 100 different subtypes of virus. These viruses are very common and can be transmitted from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact but most commonly through sexual activity. It is estimated that more than half of us will become infected with the virus at some point in our lives.

People who become infected with HPV usually will have no symptoms, and the virus will be cleared by the body’s immune system without difficulty. A few HPV subtypes, however, can persist and lead to the development of cancer. Since there is currently no treatment or cure for HPV infection itself, the goal is to reduce the likelihood of persistent HPV infection. This is precisely what the vaccine has been shown to do both safely and effectively.

Two different vaccines are currently available, one (Gardasil) first approved and licensed in the U.S. in 2006, the other (Cervarix) in 2009. Acceptance of these

vaccines has been gradual but slow. Recent CDC data show that nationwide only 42 percent of girls and 28 percent of boys have been fully vaccinated. The data for Vermont are better: 54 percent and 41 percent for girls and boys respectively. However, these rates are substantially below those for other vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) (95 percent) and polio (97 percent).

Two states, Rhode Island and Virginia, and the District of Columbia have mandated vaccination for HPV. Why has adoption of this vaccine been If you were so slow?

If you were told that there was a safe and effective way to prevent several types of cancer in men and women, wouldn’t you want to make sure your children and grandchildren got it?

Why has adoption of

this vaccine been so slow?

To answer this question we need to look at the current vaccine guidelines adopted by the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, among many others. These guidelines recommend that both girls and boys be vaccinated beginning at age 11 or 12 with three doses over a six-month period in order to be fully protected. The vaccine may be administered up to age 26 in women, but obviously the longer told that one waits the more likely infection will have there was a safe and HPV occurred already. effective way to The reasons HPV prevent several types vaccine has been such a sell are complex. of cancer in men and tough First, there is what has women, wouldn’t you been called “vaccine hesitancy.” This is the relucwant to make sure tance, especially in recent your children and years, of people to accept grandchildren got it? the science and clinical research studies that

demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. While 10 years of data-monitoring on safety and effectiveness have shown the vaccine to be safe and effective, this concern persists, fueled by web-based anecdotes and pseudoscience.

A second barrier is the requirement for three separate injections over a six-month period. Clearly this presents difficulties, as it is not simply a matter of “one shot and done” but rather returning for two additional injections. The best way to overcome this barrier is to ask parents to consider the benefit obtained in exchange for the inconvenience.

A third factor is cost. Vermont provides vaccine directly to virtually all health providers at a subsidized cost through a CDC vaccine procurement program. While a fee may be charged for administration of the vaccine, the fee is usually modest and may be covered by insurance.

Finally, there is the issue of sex. The current HPV vaccine age guidelines force parents to look at their preadolescent children as sexual beings. This can be exceedingly difficult for many of us to do, as we still tend to look at our 11- and 12-year-olds as “children” not incipient

see Grandparents, page 15

14 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Tree Warden

continued from page 6

elm tree in front of east wing of Town Hall, as being infected with Dutch elm disease.

A swamp white oak is proposed as a replacement.

• Attended a gathering at the now-dead Big Tree champion red (or slippery) elm at Garretts on Thompson’s Point Road with The Nature Conservancy, Vermont Tree Goods (who will take down the tree for making furniture) and WCAX, which will present a TV program on “the big tree.” A formal wake and tree cutting will be held sometime in October.

• Gave a talk to the Thompson’s Point Association on the status of the emerald ash borer and methods of keeping it contained by careful firewood procurement.

• Met with Vermont Urban and Community Forestry staff to initiate a hazard ash tree survey on town property.

• At the request of the Cemetery Commission, assessed maintenance problems for two large trees in Barber Cemetery on Greenbush Road. Met with two arborists to obtain recommendations for reducing their hazard to the fragile old grave markers and extending their venerable lives.

• Travelled the town roads with a GPS contractor to locate, identify and map all of the trees planted along roadsides under the

Rutter Family Roadside Tree Restoration Program since 2006. Updated previous mapping.

• Marked four dying American elms on Greenbush Road that will be replaced and two hazard trees on Mt. Philo Road for cutting by Green Mountain Power.

• Watered newly planted trees through drought at Town Beach playground and the Burns property.

• Investigated a road hill visibility and hazard situation on Lime Kiln Road involving a large, healthy 36-inch diameter white pine. Recommended warning signs rather than removal of the tree.

• Finally, since the tree warden believes that part of the mission of the Tree Team is to increase among Charlotters an understanding and love of trees, continued writing monthly columns for The Charlotte News, with the most recent titled “What’s in a name?”

This log does not include the regular flow Local Hero of requests for information about firewood continued from page 8 suppliers and arborists, alerts about actual I didn’t think I could do and train for it.” or potential hazard tree situations, and Over the last five years, Sweethearts oddball questions about trees. The Tree Team is continually monitoring/assessing & Heroes has connected with more than trees as we move around the town, as we a million stu-dents in schools from New hope other residents do also.

The Tree Team is Sue Smith, Mark Dillenbeck and Larry Hamilton. We hope this article helps give you a clearer picture of what we do.

other location would increase the number of trucks significantly. continued from page 4 In preparing for this project, the state has already obtained all the environmental the number of truck trips through town to permits except for an amendment to an Act other locations would be minimized. Any 250 permit. This is close to accomplishment.

Rubble

However, the open space agreement, issued by the Town Planning Commission, prohibits the disposition action.

The intended disposal would fill two acres of depressed land with about 7,500 cubic yards of “rubblized” concrete. The concrete would be covered with a minimum of four feet of clay or capping material and then further covered with topsoil to a depth where the topography of the depression would be eight feet above the previous grade level. The plan is to fill the depression such that it would form a continuation of the

England to Hawaii. Murphy and Spector are hoping to connect with 500,000 students during this school year. They are off to a good start with 30 schools—including some in Vermont—on their schedule between now and November.

slope to meet that of the lot to the south.

Mr. Crabbe and the state maintain that the new land level would be more useful as an agricultural parcel. The question was raised as to whether the concrete contained any toxic materials that might leach out into the water table. A previous request to include “rubblized” blacktop (bitumen) was withdrawn, as that material will be recycled.

Clark Hinsdale, who was instrumental in establishing the open space agreement, made the point that it was important to include the town’s Planning Commission in the negotiations leading to a release from the provision prohibiting changing the landscape. A number of neighboring landowners had been sold property depending on the provisions that were stipulated in the open space agreement. He went on to say that open space agreements have formed an integral part in the maintenance of Charlotte’s rural landscape.

The Selectboard requested that the state resubmit its request in writing after meeting with the town’s Planning Commission.

Further, it requested a toxicology test be made on the concrete to accompany a full set of documentation on all permitting actions made so far.

In a related matter, a number of neighbors came forward, contesting the state’s use of the barn and adjoining lands as project offices and staging areas for construction equipment. The use contravenes covenants originally made to the land and barn that restrict use to residential uses only.

Occupation of the barn by project offices and staging areas is subject to legal action.

Some discussion followed on the possibility of re-routing truck traffic through the adjacent Palmer homestead property to the north. This matter is strictly a private matter and would not require any action by the town.

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 15

Grandparents

continued from page 13 adults. It’s natural that this should give us pause. So taken together with the aforementioned factors we may temporize and delay in making this important decision.

What can grandparents do?

This is where those of us who are grandparents come in. Our message to our children on behalf of our grandchildren should be: “Get over it.” Your children are going to have sex. While this vaccine won’t protect them from all of the potential adverse consequences of those actions, it will afford them long-term protection from several important ones.

Here’s what you can do to promote the health of our children.

1. Do some research and read up on HPV and the HPV vaccines. Places to start include the U.S. CDC website, the Vermont Department of Health and the Mayo Clinic websites. (These and other links are provided online at The Charlotte News website: charlottenewsvt.org).

2. Ask your son and or daughter if your grandchildren, assuming they are at least 11 or 12 years old, have received the HPV vaccine. If yes, give them a big pat on the back for being on top of things. If not, urge them to consider at least talking to their child’s health provider about getting vaccinated.

Grandparenting can be tough, especially if it goes beyond baking cookies, fishing and preserving family history. However, here’s something you can do that may well protect your children and grandchildren

from years of suffering in the future. Don’t you think that’s worth your time?

Jim Hyde lives in Charlotte and is emeritus associate professor of public health at the Tufts University School of Medicine.

“Start spreading the news...”

Let’s be honest, you’re probably not leaving to New York anytime soon, so we’d love to have you help us spread the news.

Every other Thursday, we need volunteers to drive papers around to businesses in and around Charlotte. Frank would approve.

425-4949 | news@thecharlottenews.org

16 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Out-Doors Mount of Friendship Elizabeth Bassett CONTRIBUTOR

Many know that Mount Philo was Vermont’s first state park. Others know its geology and natural history: an island in Lake Vermont and near the shore of the Champlain Sea. Mount Philo hosts 60,000 paying visitors each year, and a counter reveals that 70,000 scramble up the trails annually. But it is also a place of friendship, sustenance and solitude. Here’s a snapshot of our beloved Mount early on a few recent September mornings.

Every morning, year round, John Gargano walks for one-and-one-half to two hours, doing laps and loops to add distance—and he walks fast! The retired New York native lives in Monkton. “Sometimes I walk an uphill stretch backwards—it’s good for the quads, shins and hamstrings.”

Lynda Moureau often joins John on his walks. “John and I met on Mount Philo and we’ve become friends. I am a lifelong Charlotter,” Lynda says. “I used to smoke and have a type of emphysema. After three or four years of walking I am in shape and no longer need two of my inhalers,” she

says. “This is a mountain of friendship and a magical sanctuary. Currently my siblings and I are caring for my mother at home on hospice care. When I get a break I come here to exercise and sweat and to savor being healthy. I can face anything after I’ve been to the mountain.”

South Sigler lives on Dorset Street.

“I alternate between walking the road and the trail,” he says. “In winter my son and I skin up and ski down—when there is snow, of course!”

At about 7:15 a.m. each day Liz Robert arrives with her Australian shepherd Zuheros and occasionally with her granddog Hudson. “I come here every day of the year,” Liz says. “If it’s icy I use ice crampons from L.L. Bean. Although I bike, I don’t run anymore, so this is my weight-bearing exercise,” says the CEO of Terry Bicycles. A glance at Terry’s website reveals that in 2014, Zuheros, the Australian Shepherd, was named New Terry Director of Happiness! Perhaps I should have asked for his paw print.

A Shelburne woman walks with her daughter’s dog. “Sometimes I come in the evening with a 50+ Meet Up group.

It’s easier to walk up the road with a large group. I also come in winter using my Micro Spikes.”

On weekends and his days off Marty Dion walks from his house on One Mile Road, up and down the mountain and back home, always wearing a New York Yankees cap. Sometimes he also sports a Yankees T-shirt, a Yankee jacket or both. “I think I walk about five miles round trip,” he says.

“Go Yankees!”

“I’ve made friends here,” says Dee Dee O’Brien, who walks her dog on a leash. “First we learn each other’s

Courtesy photo of Lynda Moureau dogs’ names and then, after a few more conversations, we exchange human names.”

Dee Dee walks from May to October. “I’m a California girl,” she says. “Besides, people get hurt in winter.”

“We have a ‘Mom’s’ group text list,” says Susie Therrien, who lives on Mt. Philo Road. “After we drop our kids at CCS we meet here, around 8:15 a.m. We try to walk Monday to Friday throughout the school year. There are a few who run but most of us walk. Many of our dogs have become friends, too.”

Kim from South Burlington walks before work to tire her puppy. “I alternate between the trail and the road. I come here in March and April,” she says, “to get in shape for hiking season. I love the communion of this place, the quiet beauty. When my daughter

was very little she was struggling up the last steep part of the road. A man came along and said to her, ‘I am 80 years old. You can do it, just like me. One step at a time.’”

Suzanna Kahn, technology librarian at the Charlotte Library, walks her golden doodle on Mount Philo several days each week. “I have my Friday walking friend and my Sunday walking friend, and some days I walk alone.”

Lisa and John Hauenstein walk two or three days a week with their chocolate lab.

“I walk the 7 a.m. shift,” Lisa says, “before I go to work. In summer we always come before the park opens, but in winter we can come any time because we don’t need to leash our dog. I prefer the quiet of winter.

Mount Philo is close, it’s quick, and it’s aerobic!”

Jon Frigault and his wife, Kim, are Mount Philo’s park rangers. “We think we have reached an artful compromise on the subject of canines,” Jon says. “We aspire to achieve balance and harmony among park users and their four-legged friends.” The policy is clear: dogs in state parks must be leashed at all times. “We cannot possibly police the park with the staff that we have. I hear walkers at 5 a.m., before it’s even light,” Jon says. Mount Philo’s unwritten policy: well-behaved dogs may enjoy the park off leash before the park opens at 10 a.m. “After that, we have to talk to people. Some don’t like it, but 99 percent understand.”

Send us your NEWS,PHOTOS, EVENTS news@charlottenewsvt.com

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 17

Obituary MaryLouiseRobinsonAdsit

July 27th of that year in Burlington’s First October 16, 1923 – September 11, 2016 Congregational Church. Together they raised four sons and were totally immersed in their lives and in their community.

A dedicated mother and fan, then grandmother and fan, Mary Lou was often found courtside watching a son or granddaughter play tennis, afield cheering another’s football game or in the bleachers supporting a family member on a basketball, softball or soccer team. She carried family picnics to many locations, to horse shows, to the slopes in winter, later to the back deck at Indian Creek for the growing young Adsit families and the friends she made everywhere.

Mary Lou was extremely proud of all her grandchildren, supporting their many accomplishments, attending their school events, respecting each unique individual. Family celebrations often included extra members of what became a very extended family.

Editors note: Bob and Mary Lou Adsit She enjoyed many years partnering and were summer residents at Thompson’s travelling with Bob during his long associPoint, as had been Bob’s parents Robert ations with the Vermont Paper Company, Adsit Sr. and his wife Mary Wright Adsit. Burlington Tennis Club and the Champlain Many family members currently reside in Valley Exposition and in their many trips to town, including David and Jennifer Adsit, the racetrack in Saratoga to watch son Eric, Brownie Adsit and his wife Deborah, and and later granddaughter Abigail, make their their daughter, Emily Adsit. marks as trainers.

Mary Lou, along with Bob, enthusiasMary Louise Robinson, born in tically served the Friends of the Vermont Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was the daughter Statehouse for many years. Involved in of E.J. and Edna Lewis Robinson. She was countless committees throughout her life, educated in Milwaukee, later moving to she volunteered at First Congregational Longmeadow, Massachusetts and then to Church, assisted those in need, raised Vermont. Mary Lou graduated from the funds for the Louisa Howard Chapel at University of Vermont in 1946 and was a Lake View Cemetery, the hospital, the member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority there. Fletcher Free, UVM Special Collections In her last year, she met the love of her life, and South Burlington Libraries. Her love Robert J. Adsit, Jr., whom she married of flowers and arrangements grew into

Complete veterinary care including endoscopy, ultrasound, exotics and boarding

Dr. Patrick Leavey, Dr. Rich Armstrong, Dr. Ellen Foster, Dr. Ben Hale, Dr. Matt Quinn www.hinesburgbristolvet.com

a long involvement with the Burlington Garden Club. Mary Lou’s glass was never half empty.

Mary Louise was predeceased by her husband, Bob, in 1998 and by her brothers Edwin J., William and Adair Robinson and their respective wives, Marie, Henny and Dottie, also by Bob’s beloved “adopted” brother, Guy Cheng and his wife Barbara.

She leaves behind devoted sons John and his wife, Gretchen, Robert “Brownie” and his wife, Deborah, David and his wife, Jennifer, and Eric and his wife, Jean. She is survived by grandchildren Justin Adsit and wife, Lisa, Evan Adsit, Sara Adsit and wife, Tara McCuin, Emily Adsit, Mariel Adsit and husband, Sam Piotrowski, Abigail Adsit, Catherine Whiteman and husband, Brian, Matthew Spear, Jesse Spear and wife, Tammara, and Daniel Spear and wife, Kimberly.

Mary Lou leaves behind seven great grandchildren: Shaela, Kaden and Corbin Adsit, Nora Louise Piotrowski, Lana and Shia Spear, and Remington Spear.

She will be missed by her nieces and nephews, her Indian Creek and Pillsbury neighbors, her church family, lifelong friend, Margery McLeod Glass, and dear friend, Maura Fitzgerald.

Special thanks to Audrey Thompson, granddaughter Emily, Dr. Mark Pitcher, the team at Burlington Health and Rehabilitation, the staff at Pillsbury Manor South, and the VNA, each for their loving care.

A celebration of life was held at the First Congregational Church on Sept. 15.

Gifts in Mary Lou’s memory may be made to The First Congregational Church of Burlington, 38 South Winooski Avenue, or to the Friends of the Vermont Statehouse, 9 Baldwin Street, Montpelier VT 05633.

18 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Senior Center News

Mary Recchia CONTRIBUTOR

Fitness At Any Age with Ginger Lambert has switched to Tuesday mornings from 9:15–10, from September 13 through October 18. We all have different body types and fitness experience but know that being strong and fit helps us to live our lives

to their full potential. Using timed intervals and a series of stations this class will incorporate body weight, light weights and other cardio/strength building tools to boost strength, cardiovascular fitness, agility and flexibility. Some active games will be included to make this a fun and interesting workout. Joint and ligament issues will be taken into account. Every exercise can be

modified for any ability or level of fitness. If you have been looking for a class that challenges you but doesn’t leave you in the dust, then this is for you. Registration required.

Limit 10. Fee: $10 per class.

A COLLECTION OF LECTURES, PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL EVENTS SHOWCASING THE DIVERSE INTERESTS OF OUR COMMUNITY

Mark your calendars for the first Fall Hike in the Champlain Valley with Marty Morrissey on Tuesday, Sept.

27, with a destination of Falls of Lana and Rattlesnake Pt., So. Middlebury. A full description and the degree of difficulty is available at the host desk. Please bring water, food and good hiking or walking shoes for departure from the Center at 9 a.m. Trip 2 is Tuesday, Oct. 4, with our destination TAM–Wright Park, No. Middlebury. Registration required. No fee.

Wednesday afternoons beginning at 1 p.m.

No registration or fee.

Aging Gracefully 102 Healthy Body, Healthy Brain with Nancy Somers, life skills coach and certified yoga instructor, will take place on Monday afternoons from 1:30–2:45. Dates: October 3, 10, 17 and 24.

Come and learn how to achieve a healthier and more fulfilling third act. Nancy will share 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 how 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, Ms. Somers has been a respected teacher and lecturer featured on radio, television and in print media. Please call Nancy with any questions at 658-3766.

Registration required. Max. 20. Fee: $45.

Sept. 21: SEASCAPES: Seeing the Ocean Through a Wet Lens with Jim Squires With nearly three-quarters of our planet hidden beneath the sea, a whole new world waits to be discovered. Stunning seascapes, sunken shipwrecks, psychedelically colored fish and unusual animal behaviors lie just below the surface. Jim Squires describes himself as a “self-mistaught” photographer, progressing steadily from his childhood Brownie and Polaroid cameras into the digital age. As a scuba diving instructor for over 30 years, underwater photography combined two of his passions into a dream hobby. Jim brings you a breathtaking view of this unseen part of our world!

Sept. 28: VERMONT POSTAL HISTORY with “Doc” Paul Abajian Currently a stamp dealer, Paul will give a brief history of the Vermont Postal Service, beginning with the first outgoing letter mailed in 1791. On display will be old letters and postage stamps from his United States collections, including a Charlotte collection from George Hadwen that had been donated to the Senior Center.

Have something to say?

Send your letters to news@thecharlottenews.org

Get involved in the Town!

The Selectboard is looking for interested citizens to fill the following vacancies: •

• •

Recreation Commission—3 vacancies with terms ending in April, 2017 (1) and 2019 (2) Energy Committee—1 vacancy with a term ending in April, 2017 Trails Committee—1 vacancy with a term ending in April, 2018 Charlotte Park & Wildlife Refuge Oversight Committee—1 vacancy

Interested applicants should contact Dean Bloch by e-mail (dean@townofcharlotte.com), phone (425-3533) or stop by the

Local Business

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 19

20 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Calendar of Events

Upcoming Public Meetings Selectboard: Sept. 26, 7 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment:

Sept. 28, 7:10 p.m.

Conservation Commission: Sept. 27, 7 p.m.

Planning Commission Public Hearing on the 2016 Town Plan: Sept. 29, 7 p.m.

We make every effort to give correct meeting times, however they are subject to change. Check the town website for more info: charlottevt.org.

Have your say | Selectboard Members | Chair, Lane Morrison, 425-2495 Matthew Krasnow, 922-2153 Carrie Spear, 425-4444 Jacob Spell, 425-6548 Fritz Tegatz, 425-5564 Selectboard Regular Meetings are usually at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. If you would like to bring an issue to the attention of the Selectboard, contact the board chair or administrator Dean Bloch at 425-3071, ext. 205.

Photo by Lynn Monty

Local Events

| CCS School Board | Basketball: Multi-age pick-up basketball on Mondays at 7 p.m. at Charlotte Central School. For more information contact Nicole Conley at 425-6129, ext. 204 or email recreation@townofcharlotte.com.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 After-school dance at 3 p.m. at Charlotte Central School. For more information contact Nicole Conley at 425-6129, ext. 204 Playgroup: The Charlotte Playgroup or email recreation@townofcharlotte.com. meets each Monday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Charlotte THURSDAY, SEPT. 22 Central School. Follows the school A Vermont Archeology Month event, calendar. No playgroup when school is not Gregory Sharrow of the Vermont Folklife in session. SPECIAL: Playgroup will meet Center will speak from 7 to 8 p.m. at at Philo Ridge Farm, 2766 Mt. Philo Road, the Charlotte Library. He will explore to meet a chicken on Sept. 26. For more the fabric of farm culture in the past and information visit buildingbrightfutures.org probes its relationship to the world of or contact Colleen at Vermont today. For more information call bbfcharlotteplaygroup@gmail.com. the Charlotte Library at 425-3864.

Yoga: Mom and baby yoga on Tuesdays at 8:15 a.m. at Charlotte Central School. For FRIDAY, SEPT. 30 more information contact Nicole Conley at Celebrate school spirit at Rally in the 425-6129, ext. 204 or email recreation@ Valley from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the townofcharlotte.com. gym at Champlain Valley Union High Baby Playgroup: Building Bright Futures School. For more information email Baby Playgroup on Wednesdays from dshepardson@cssu.org.

9 to 10 a.m. at the Charlotte Library.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30 Ages 0 to 2. For more information email Saturday, September 24. Rummage Sale bbfcharlotteplaygroup@gmail.com.

Bliss! 9 a.m. to noon. Lake Champlain Writing: Exploring the Methods of Waldorf School, Grade School Campus, 359 Turtle Lane, Shelburne. Items from over Writing Prose with Sabina Evarts at the 200 families, impeccably organized for Senior Center from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday your shopping pleasure. Lots of furniture, afternoons. Dates: 9/23 10/14, 10/28, rugs, books, boutiques, sporting goods and 11/11. Cover the mechanics of writing and kitchenware ... room after room of stuff expressing thoughts. Currently writing priced to go! Free. For more information stories and poetry herself, Sabina was a high school English teacher and has email lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org. been published in a number of poetry SUNDAY, OCT. 2 magazines and in the Vermont Writers The Annual Harvest Festival at the collection. Registration required. Limit Charlotte Congregational Church will 10. No fee. For more information contact begin right after service. For more Sabina at 985-4099. information call 425-3176.

Theater: Neil Simon’s comic farce Rumors at the Shelburne Town Center, 5420 Shelburne Road, Sept. 23, 24, 29, Apple Pies: For sale on Fridays from 4 30 and Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, to 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Congregational Church. Yummy crust and Vermont apples. Sept. 25, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for evening shows and $12 for the Sunday For more information contact Martha matinee. They can be purchased in Perkins at msperkins@gmavt.net.

Ongoing Events

advance at Shelburne Market or reserved at shelburneplayers.com or by calling 3432602. Open seating.

Fitness: Fitness at any age class with Ginger Lambert. Tuesday mornings at the Senior Center from 9:15 to 10 a.m.

Dates: 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, and 10/18. Using timed intervals and a series of stations this class will incorporate body weight, light weights and other cardio/strength building tools to boost strength, cardiovascular fitness, agility and flexibility. Some active games will be included to make this a fun and interesting workout. Registration required. Limit 10. Fee: $60. For more information contact the Charlotte Senior Center at 425-6345.

Yoga: Aging Gracefully, Healthy Body, Healthy Brain with Nancy Somers, life skills coach and certified yoga instructor.

Monday afternoons at the Senior Center from 1:30 to 2:45. Dates: Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Come and learn how to achieve a healthier and more fulfilling third act.

Registration required. Max. 20. Fee: $45.

For more information call Nancy at 658-3766.

Hikes: Fall Hikes in the Champlain Valley with Marty Morrissey. Please bring water, food and good hiking or walking shoes for departure from the Senior Center at 9 a.m., except for trip Oct. 11. Registration required. No fee. For more information contact the Charlotte Senior Center at 425-6345.

Tuesday, Sept. 27: Falls of Lana & Rattlesnake Pt., So. Middlebury Tuesday, Oct. 4: TAM – Wright Park, No. Middlebury Tuesday, Oct. 11: Barn Rock Bay, Essex N.Y. (Note 8:30 start) Tuesday, Oct. 18: Preston Pond, West Bolton Tuesday, Oct. 25: TAM – Blue trail

Chair, Mark McDermott, 425-4860 Vice Chair, Erik Beal, 425-2140 Clerk, Jeff Martin, 425-4319 Kristin Wright, 425-5105 Susan Nostrand, 425-4999

| CVU School Board-Charlotte | Lorna Jimerson, ljimerso@wcvt.com Lynne Jaunich, lmjau@gmavt.net

| Planning Commission | Zoning Administrator & Deputy Health Officer, Joe Rheaume, jrheaume@townofcharlotte.com Town Planner, Daryl Benoit, dbenoit@townofcharlotte.com Chair, Jeffrey McDonald, 425-4429 Vice Chair, Peter Joslin Members: Gerald Bouchard, Paul Landler, Charlie Pughe, Donna Stearns, Marty Illick

| VT Government | VT Senate (Chittenden District) Tim Ashe, D/P-Burlington, 318-0903, tashe@leg.state.vt Philip Baruth, D-Burlington, 503-5266, pbaruth@leg.state.vt.us Virginia “Ginny” Lyons, D-Williston, 863-6129, vvlyons@leg.state.vt.us Diane Snelling, R-Hinesburg, 482-4382, dsnelling@leg.state.vt.us Michael Sirotkin, D-South Burlington, 999-4360, msirotkin@leg.state.vt.us David Zuckerman, P/D/W-Hinesburg, 598-1986, dzuckerman@leg.state.vt.us Vermont House Mike Yantachka, D-Charlotte, 425-3960, myantachka.dfa@gmail.com

| U.S. Government | U.S. Senators Patrick Leahy, 863-2525, leahy.senate.gov Bernie Sanders, 862-0697, sanders.senate.gov U.S. Congressman Peter Welch, 652-2450, welch.house.gov

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 21

Puzzles

Across 1. K follower 5. Said sheepishly?

10. Big laugh line (slang) 14. Old World bird 15. Charles de Gaulle’s birthplace 16. ___ Danger 17. Convention city for felines?

20. Pang 21. Masses formed by heating 22. Downer 25. Brahman, e.g.

26. 1935 Triple Crown winner 30. Ancient Greek weight 33. Lifeboat lowerer 34. Fair share, maybe 35. “My man!”

38. Class for teen felines?

42. But, to Brutus 43. Jack-in-the-pulpit, e.g.

44. Kind of wave 45. Of a great range 47. Wee 48. Big sheet 51. Dalai ___ 53. Ham it up 56. Santa’s original reindeer, e.g.

60. Feline in a Salinger title?

64. Cornstarch brand 65. Mushroom caps 66. Dangerous biters 67. Capital of Rhône 68. Light parody 69. Dutch painter, to friends

Down

1. ___-Atlantic 2. Risk prison 3. Little impressionist?

4. Anastasia’s father, for one 5. More gloomy 6. Balloon filler 7. “Aladdin” prince 8. Building additions 9. Kosher ___ 10. Diminutive 11. Double-reed instruments 12. Bat an eye?

13. Band on a shield 18. As yet 19. Creep 23. Cleave

24. Slow but steady 26. Ends partner 27. Filly’s mother 28. All fired up 29. Certain retrovirus 31. She has a degree 32. Certain refrigerant, briefly 35. Dwell 36. Bookbinding leather 37. The “O” in S.R.O. 39. “Awesome!”

40. Hook up 41. 20-20, e.g.

45. Cooling system (Brit.)

46. Wyle of “ER” 48. Central 49. Egg producer 50. “Take your hands off me!”

52. Recurring theme 54. Eur. think tank 55. Field ___ 57. Heavy furniture wood 58. European language 59. Ilk 61. 1969 Peace Prize grp.

62. “The Matrix” hero 63. Cousin of -trix

Crossword and Sudoku by Myles Mellor.

Answers to our puzzles can be found near the classifieds.

22 • September 21, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Taking Care

Photo of the week

Dear Diary, It’s about my mother, part II

Alice Outwater CONTRIBUTOR

I woke up this morning with an epiphany about my mother, Agnes. A few weeks ago I had gone to the bookstore and for two days had pulled out every book dealing with the loss of a parent, from the practical to the spiritual. Now I recognize I’ve been grieving, feeling guilty and was scared of losing her. I grasped that it’s up to me to do the changing and gently guide her during this last chapter of her life.

I’d been arrogant to think she could do much adjusting. My own life was overwhelmed with responsibilities, yet I’d never considered my own mortality; that was decades off. I suppose you might say I was in denial.

This interpretation was a recipe for anger and frustration. I would be responsible for her decline, and this resulted in friction for us both. A tectonic shift needed to take place if our relationship was going to survive this last transition.

Some weeks later Mom must have sensed this new tenderness towards her. She’s beginning to tell me how she feels, what she can do and not do, and now I’m listening.

Why shouldn’t her pace be slower and her memory faulty? She’s reaching out to me and asking for help.

Recently we’ve been adopting a new routine. What a relief it is. I’m setting aside time together, with quieter activities. I’m expecting less. I must admit it feels good.

We even laugh together.

I occasionally take her out to her favorite lunch place where she used to go with Dad. She loves this thoughtful attention, and we even spring for an occasional mini-expedition. And of course she attends regular activities at the Senior Citizens Center.

Our children visit her from time to time for short periods. I don’t allow them to race around in a raucous way. They bring her something to share from school, a project or paper they’re working on. We’re a high-energy group; each of us is learning how to calm down to meet her pace.

My thoughtful husband has a “date luncheon” with her every two weeks, which ranks high on her list. Now I can ask questions about her fears and share my own.

I assure her I’ll be there for her and we’ll manage nicely together. I could see the relief in her face and was surprised how open she’s becoming. Neither of us has to pretend or avoid topics to discuss.

Yesterday we got out her advanced directive so she could be clear about what she wants at the end of her life. How does she prefer to die? It was awkward at first, but as we went through the questions it became a matter-of-fact discussion. I was surprised how definite she was: If her quality of life can’t be good, she doesn’t want extraordinary measures to keep her alive. I couldn’t believe we were actually addressing these uncomfortable issues in a relaxed way.

I now recognize how anxious I’ve been about losing her. When we talk more openly we’re able to express our love for each other.

As we do this, childhood memories return: we laugh about my naughtiness and how independent and difficult I could be. I tell her I used to compare her to other mothers and how cool she was. My friends just loved her. We both cried about that.

What a thoughtful mother she has been. I don’t think I’ve ever given her credit for her sacrifices on my behalf. She and Dad made the rules together, and followed through.

I didn’t always appreciate that at the time.

They always encouraged me to strive and do my best in school. Finally I am aware of the challenge of raising my own children.

Our lives are lived in chapters; I need to face the realities in a calm, yet spirited way. We’ll go hand in hand. I’ll do my best to take care of her as well as my family and myself. It’s all important. I want to enjoy these last years together and not complain it’s a burden, or fuss about this or that.

There’s medical help when she needs it, and my family understands their contributions to making her life the best it can be.

This is not going to be a smooth passage.

It will have its hazards, but I’m determined to handle it with kindness and compassion.

At the end I want us all to be proud of our behavior and our part in fulfilling Mom’s wishes. We’ve been blessed with this opportunity.

“To come through a great sorrow is to be born in a new world.”

Photo by Eileen Sinopoli This Gray Treefrog greeted the staff of Charlotte News at the door on the morning of production this week! Did you know this frog species deposits

about 2,000 eggs in clusters of 10 to 40?

Their tadpoles are distinguishable by reddish-orange tails. They live all over Vermont but are most common in lowlands.

The Charlotte News •September 21, 2016 • 23

SCHIP Fall Grant Deadline

Classifieds

may not exceed $3,000 per request, and only one grant can be received within a year by any one entity.

Applicant requirements: Be a 501(c)(3) or submit the application through such an organization.

Projects must serve residents of Shelburne, Charlotte and/or Hinesburg.

Funds may not be applied to annual operThe fall deadline for SCHIP ating budgets or permanent staffing. grant applications is Friday, One application per organization per calendar year.

September 30.

Grants deadlines are January 31, May 31 and September 30. To obtain an appliSince SCHIP began making grants, cation go to goo.gl/IljTLS. Or stop by the many nonprofits have used their awarded shop—the distinctive yellow house—at funds to continue their mission to improve 5404 Shelburne Road, Shelburne. the lives of our neighbors and strengthen our communities. Grants range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Grants

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.

Mt Philo Inn—A unique hotel situated at the base of Mt. Philo State Park with stunning panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Spacious 3 bedroom suites with 2 bathrooms and a complete kitchen. Thoughtfully designed for casual elegance. Privacy, space, tranquility.

Bigger on the inside. MtPhiloInn.com, 425-3335

Need some advice?

You’ll find the help you need right here.

Rummage Sale Bliss at Lake Champlain Waldorf School. Saturday, September 24, 9 a.m. to noon. 359 Turtle Lane (Off Harbor Rd), Shelburne. 200+ families donate furniture, household items galore, books, children’s clothes, toys, boutique and more. www.lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org 802-985-2827

Get connected with customers— Contact Monica at ads@charlottenewsvt.com

ANSWERS TO THIS ISSUE’S PUZZLES: Editor’s note: Our puzzles are coming up for subscription renewal after one year with Myles Mellor. What do you think? Keep them going? Try something different? Get more difficult Sudokus? Send us your thoughts—news@thecharlottenews.org.

Upcoming

Publication Deadlines Publication date: Oct. 5 Columns/features deadline: Sept. 26 Letters due: Sept 30 Ads Deadline: Sept. 30 Publication date: Oct. 19 Columns/features deadline: Oct. 10 Letters due: Oct. 14 Ads Deadline: Oct. 14

Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF CHARLOTTE PLANNING COMMISSION PROPOSED TOWN PLAN

The Table of Contents for the proposed Town Plan contains the major topic headings:

2.2. Historic & Cultural Resources

1. Charlotte Tomorrow:

2.4. Housing

Pursuant to 24 VSA Chapter 117 the Charlotte Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday September 29, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the Town Offices, 159 Ferry Road on the proposed draft of the 2016 Charlotte Town Plan. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comment on the proposed Plan, which was released to the public on August 18, 2016. Note: This replaces a previous notice, which warned the hearing to take place on September 15th.

1.2 Future Land Use

The Town Plan includes development policies for the Town, and further provides a basis for bylaws and other municipal ordinances, which implement the Town Plan. The proposed Town Plan affects all land within the Town.

1.12 Energy

1.1. Vision and Goals 1.3 Regional Context 1.4 Natural Resources 1.5 Lake & Shoreline 1.6 Agriculture & Forestry 1.7 Historical & Cultural Resources 1.8 Demographics & Housing 1.9 Economic Development 1.10 Utilities, Facilities, & Services 1.11 Transportation 1.13 Implementation 2. Charlotte Today/Community Profile: 2.1. Natural Resources & Physical Conditions

2.3. Demographics 2.5. Economic Conditions

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2.6. Utilities, Facilities & Services 2.7. Transportation 2.8. Energy 2.9. Existing Land Use 3. Charlotte Yesterday 4. Glossary 5. Appendices Comments may also be submitted in writing in advance of the hearing. An electronic copy of the proposed Town Plan was posted on the Town’s website at: http:// charlottevt.org/ on 18 August 2016, and will continue to be available in electronic and hardcopy form prior to the scheduled public hearing at; The Town Clerk’s office, Planning and Zoning office, and the Town Library during regular business hours.

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