The Charlotte News | October 5, 2016

The

Charlotte News Charlotte’s award-winning community newspaper

Volume LIX Number 6

The Voice of the Town

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

CELEBRATING THE HARVEST WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND FUNDRAISING Charlotte Congregational Church found success once more with its annual harvest festival fundraiser on Sunday. More photos inside!

Page 2

WHAT’S INSIDE Deb Preston retires from the post office, page 1 Ye old tractor parade cometh, page 1 Swim success from our shore to New York, page 11 Don’t forget your Milk Money, page 12 Catch up on your cop log, page 15

CharlotteNewsVT.org

Charlotte News

The

Vol. 59, no. 6

October 5, 2016

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

Debbie Preston retires as Charlotte’s chief postal officer Edd Merritt CONTRIBUTOR

Thirty-three years in the same business is enough for anyone. Debbie Preston, the current chief postal officer for Charlotte, has been in the service that long, having entered in 1983 and worked her way up, first as substitute rural carrier (because she thought driving around in all kinds of weather would be fun), then as clerk, and now in the job she holds today in Charlotte.

She decided that she still has other things she wants to do in her life, being an artist and mother, and announced her resignation several weeks ago, making September 30 officially her last day of work.

Needless to say, the postal service has come under close scrutiny during her tenure, probably the closest look at its operations occurring over the past five years. With the advent of computerized communication, the letter has become not obsolete but less the prime means of getting information from person to person, and the viability of post offices as mail houses

Senior center ready to celebrate an end to summer-long construction Lynn Monty

EDITOR IN CHIEF

The Charlotte Senior Center is not quite ready for a grand opening, but it’s in the final phase of the summertime construction project that has been underway, and underfoot, since May. Construction on a 300-square-foot addition to allow for a larger lobby and added workspace is being done by Waitsfield general contractor NECCO, Inc. It’s a $165,000 project. The nonprofit Friends of the Charlotte Senior Center raised the funds over the course of a number of years.

A mid-October completion of the project is anticipated, said Charlotte Senior Center Building Committee member Beth Merritt.

About 500 people from Charlotte and area towns come through the building

has come under question.

When asked whether she saw a major change in the system, Preston said that the number of letters were, in fact, down.

However, they were replaced in number by packages sent through the mail by organizations such as Amazon. She pointed to the amount of book mail as an item that had picked up dramatically.

When Preston started her postal work in Jim Taylor, left, and Deb Preston at the Charlotte Post Office on Sept. 21. Photo by Lynn Monty Charlotte, the post office was located in what is now the Little Garden Market Monkton and Ferrisburgh, before returning on Ferry Road, a comfortable space for home four years ago. close customer service but too small to store When asked what she liked most about many items, hence the need for the new post her postal job, she immediately said it was office that was built in the early 1990s. the interaction with people at the counter, Starting in Charlotte, Preston worked where there was a sense of connectedness in post offices in four other towns in the and camaraderie with seldom any political area, including Starksboro, New Haven,

see Preston, page 4

Tractor parade to roll into town Kali Adams CONTRIBUTOR

The 16th annual East Charlotte Tractor Parade will kick off the fall season on Oct. 9. What started as a small event with only 20 tractors now is a community gathering, last year hosting over 130 farming machines.

Owners spruce up their rigs, antique and modern, for a procession along Spear Street and the Hinesburg-Charlotte Road. And it isn’t just Charlotters who are revving their engines for this parade. Participants from other towns have been known to show up, along with tractors from New York braving the ferry to join the festivities.

The parade itself starts at 1 p.m., rain or shine.

Even if tractors aren’t your thing, come by the green at the corner of Spear Street and Hinesburg-Charlotte Road and you’ll find much more than tractors. Food and A mid-October completion of the summertime construction at the Charlotte Senior craft vendors set up on the green for all Center is expected Photo by Lynn Monty to enjoy, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year, live music will be provided by the Bulls Eye Barbershop Quartet, the Silver every week. “It will be much more comfort- door has been leveled, and steps have Leviathan Band, the Mayfly Girls and the able for everyone now,” Merritt said of the been removed. And exterior siding will be Unpredictables. Free children’s games expansion. replaced soon. and pony rides make this the perfect famiOn the inside, the carpet has been “The new space will be more than ly-friendly event. installed, painting is almost complete, and welcomed by seniors and staff alike and trim work is nearly done. On the outside, see Tractor Parade, page 22 see Senior center, page 3 the route from the parking lot to the front

Library News 23 • Senior Center 18 • Community Events 20 • Crossword & Sudoku 21

The Charlotte News • October 5, 2016 • 3

Charlotte Congregational Church Harvest Festival

The Charlotte News

Nancy Pricer of Charlotte and Gert Lotz of Shelburne at the Charlotte Congregational Church Harvest Festival on Oct. 2. Photo by Lynn Monty

Trina Webster of Shelburne said proceeds from honey sales goes to the Refugee Resettlement Program at the Charlotte Congregational Church Harvest Festival on Oct. 2. Photo by Lynn Monty

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

Sandy Riggs and Barbara Vigsnes at the Charlotte Congregational Church Harvest Festival on Oct. 2. About $1,000 is raised annually for the church at the harvest festival. Photo by Lynn Monty

Editorial

Keep the Farmall love alive My kids were teenagers the first time we attended the East Charlotte Tractor Parade.

They were a little too old for the petting zoo and face painting but just the right age to appreciate the view of their heritage rolling down Spear Street. Farmall love runs deep in our family. We no longer own any, but these tractors still live in our hearts as something to long cherish.

We shouted out the dates and models and waved to every driver that first year, as we do every year now. I always take note of the pauses in the jovial surroundings when laughter and shouting give way to moments of silence, as if we are all pondering, in unison, a simpler time in our lives. Maybe it’s the recognition and honor of the sputtering old beasts before us and vivid recollections of when we first laid our young eyes on such contraptions that have our hearts pausing together as a collective crowd.

For my husband, it’s the H. He gets excited when he tells tales of hauling chained-up log lengths on his father’s land. He was 8 years old when he was finally allowed to operate the Farmall all on his own. He spouts off about independent rear-wheel brakes, how far apart the front tires on that old thing were, and something about turning on a dime … and he lost me.

Mechanics aside, most of us who were not actively working the farm remember relatives long passed who did when we see the relics in the parade. We also go to this event to revere an era we know will soon be lost. Many of us see family traditions, like farming, fading from our lineage in this very generation.

Board Members

President: Vince Crockenberg Secretary: John Hammer Treasurer: Patrice Machavern Board members: Bob Bloch, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli

Carol

Hanley,

Contributors As we take selfies at the tractor parade each year, we know two generations from now there will be photos … there will be something to commemorate the time, but the old family farming stories we tell our children today may be forgotten. I urge you to write them down. You could even share them with me and I will print them.

The hope in East Charlotte is that maybe this annual parade is a good way to keep the Farmall love alive. (Yes, I know there are other brands. But not in my house.) In the period of time we live in now, when the pulse of progress is so forcefully pounding away at the door of our souls, it’s nice to disconnect, to put down our technology and meet up with good friends and family at the tractor parade, and hark back to a much simpler time.

Maybe our tractor parade is a muchneeded cue to work some simplicity into our daily lives. So, stop and watch the tractors, folks. See you there.

Lynn Monty, editor in chief

Follow Lynn on Twitter @VermontSongbird and email her at Lynn@TheCharlotteNews. org with your story ideas.

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

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ON THE COVER:

Henry Bunting, 2, of South Burlington mans the arts and crafts table at the Charlotte Congregational Church Harvest Festival on Oct. 2. Photo by Lynn Monty

4 • October 5, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Commentary Thoughts about Charlotte’s future

I have been hearing that we have too much conserved land in Charlotte and that the Town Plan currently up for review and comment is too “green” and anti-economic development. If the following thoughts sound slightly sentimental, please forgive your aging tree warden. This is my personal opinion.

Many of us who live in Charlotte, whether for two years, 30 years or a lifetime, feel that we have found “our place.” This is a place where we want to have roots and find a grounding sanctuary in a world of too-rapid change, of turmoil that we feel powerless to alter. As I sit here at my computer, looking out over the deck at a wonderful rural landscape, I try to analyze why I feel so fortunate that I have found my “place,” living in our town.

Two major reasons stand out from the many facets of living in Charlotte.

First, there is the physical or, more aptly, biophysical surround or habitat in which I live. The lake, hills, farms, forests, streams, wetlands, wild plants and animals, clean air and distant mountains—this environment is absolutely stunning. Yet it is more than superficial beauty to an observer, it is a habitat in which one can immerse oneself, feel bonded to this lovely creation, Earth.

It permeates all the senses: Canada geese honking overhead, barking of fox, “peent” of woodcock, autumn foliage, forest/field mosaic, warmth of summer garden soil, taste of newly picked blueberries, even smell of newly manured fields—the bonding vignettes go on and on. Here one feels connected to the real world, which is not the world of shopping, finance, political power or rushing from one meeting to another.

Rather this is the world that sustains life, provides oxygen, water, food and fiber, and acquaintance with many of the other forms of life that share this planet with us. Charlotte

Senior center

continued from page 1 well worth the challenges we faced in the process over the summer,” Merritt said.

“We applaud all who braved the disruption over the past few months to join us for our center’s classes, programs and lunches,

can provide opportunity to repeatedly re-connect with Life. Land conservation is one of the best ways of assuring that “rural” and some “wild” remain in our future.

Second, there is the human community, the potlucks, the public places such as the library, Post Office and Senior Center where you meet friends, the volunteer groups of all kinds, even our small stores such as Spears, Old Brick or Little Garden Market.

We are so fortunate in Vermont, and in our town in particular, that we can easily work with others to shape our future. We are not powerless. Government is close to us, not some distant impersonal entity or process that cannot be influenced. We may often encounter our congressional or Statehouse members, or the governor, at modest public events. Town Meeting, Selectboard meetings and hearings, Planning Commission meetings and those of Zoning Board of Adjustment, or the many volunteer committees and commissions that have been established to assist government, all are available for information and input into decision-making.

We have a Town Plan, shaped by the community to provide a vision of what we collectively want the town to remain or become over time. It is currently being reviewed. Do we want to maintain the quality of rich rural and small village living or become another example of a town that has trashed nature and the rural landscape in favor of the false idea that conversion of any agricultural and forest or wild land to development is progress, and the myth that

Upcoming

Publication Deadlines Publication date: Oct. 19 Columns/features deadline: Oct. 10 Letters due: Oct. 14 Ads Deadline: Oct. 14 Publication date: Nov. 2 Columns/features deadline: Oct. 24 Letters due: Oct. 28 Ads Deadline: Oct. 28

and we look forward to their continued participation in and enjoyment of all that happens here.”

The Charlotte Senior Center opened in 2002 and was funded by a half-million dollar donation to the town from Walter B. Irish.

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

any development lowers our taxes?

We have a choice.

The Planning Commission has worked hard to produce a valid guide (Thanks be to this group!).

This is a key document, and citizen input of all flavors is needed to make it a valid guide. We can influence the path of Charlotte continuing to be a desirable place to live and to co-exist with a rich and wonderful natural world.

Participate!

Larry Hamilton, Charlotte tree warden

The Charlotte News • October 5, 2016 • 5

Town

Lend a helping hand with Hands to Honduras-Tela Linda Gilbert HANDS TO HONDURAS-TELA VOLUNTEER

What will you be doing in February?

Shoveling snow? Putting on your fourth layer of clothes? Starting the wood stove?

Hands to Honduras-Tela (H2HT) volunteers—in February—will be working on many unique projects, learning about the Teleño culture, enjoying the warm sun and beautiful sunsets, all while “doing good” in the third-world country of Honduras. If you are interested in working with a great group of fun and dedicated volunteers, think about joining the H2HT team (ordinary people— extraordinary accomplishments!).

Meetings will be in November and

January. Dates for 2017 service trips: February 11–18 and February 18–25.

Volunteers can go for one week or two weeks.

In 2016 we completed the new construction and equipping of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a wing of the Tela hospital. In 2017, they will continue to furnish it with the needed medical equipment. They will also renovate five pediatric rooms at the Tela hospital that are in very poor condition.

They tile the floor, redo windows, add fans, paint walls and add murals attractive to children.

In addition, they will build a large classroom and a latrine in a palm plantation. Volunteers will be mixing cement, making rebar columns, laying block. At another school where they have built four

classrooms and an outdoor Honduran stove, they will be continuing with some painting.

The medical brigades— free clinics for those who don’t have the opportunity for exams—include women’s health, dental, dermatology, pediatric, blood pressure, first aid, eye glasses and possibly audiology.

Volunteers always treat the Honduran people and their culture with respect and kindness. And a must to remember is go with the flow—they are on Honduran time.

For information please email lindaggilbert@gmail.com.

Courtesy Photo

Courtesy Photo

UpcomingPublicMeetings CemeterY Commission: Oct. 6, 9 a.m.

Planning Commission: Oct. 6, 7 p.m.

SelectBoard: Oct. 13, 4 p.m.

Zoning Board of AdJustment: Oct. 12, 7 p.m.

Trails Committee PuBlic Meeting: Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Open discussionaBouttHescopingstudY for tHe neXt pHase of tHe Town Link Trail.

Preston continued from page 1 tint to the conversation as there was in other town buildings.

Her plans for the future are to remain active through her creative work (she paints, upholsters and sews). She is constructing a “tiny house” to fit on the back of a trailer and looks forward to taking care of grandchildren. She says she is fortunate that her husband, Ward, likes to cook because he fixes her breakfast each morning, giving her an extra few minutes of sleep.

Upon Preston’s leaving the office, her compatriot, Jim Taylor, becomes the officer in charge.

6 • October 5, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Come one, come all to support local trails

Submitted by the Charlotte Town Trails Committee The Charlotte Town Trails Committee has secured funds to hire consultants DuBois & King (D&K) to locate the next sections of Charlotte’s Town Link Trail.

While the two existing portions of the trail will soon be connected with an underpass under U.S. Route 7, our future plans include connecting Mt. Philo State Park to the Melissa and Trevor Mack section, and the Cohousing section to the west Charlotte village, allowing users to travel over four contiguous miles of Charlotte’s beautiful landscape without using a town road.

Discussions around these future plans are just beginning, and we are reaching out to community members to become part of the conversation. We believe the trail will be a valuable amenity for our community.

In the coming weeks D&K will be evaluating environmental and land-ownership constraints that need to be considered for the trail. In addition the Trails Committee will hold a public meeting to provide information about the work to date, to hear public concerns and to integrate suggestions into the plan. You are invited to join the conversation and participate in the development of this important community asset.

WHO: You! WHY: To facilitate an inclusive process to plan a trail network that is environmentally feasible and supported by the community.

WHAT: Discuss connections and opportunities of the Charlotte Town Link Trail WHEN AND WHERE: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Charlotte Town Hall.

Joint meeting of all committees, commissions and boards held Lynn Monty EDITOR IN CHIEF

Selectboard member Carrie Spear came up with the idea to host a joint meeting on Sept. 19 at town hall of all of the town’s boards, committees and commissions.

About 50 people were present. Town Administrator Dean Bloch said the big showing speaks loudly to the strong volunteerism and dedication to community in town.

Spear said it was a good idea for everyone to meet face to face. “We should hold these from time to time to stay connected since we are all here together making the town work.”

After savoring a slice of pizza or two, everyone settled in with one person speaking from each committee, commission and

see Joint meeting page 14

High speeds on rural roads an issue to be addressed John Hammer CONTRIBUTOR

buy the radar signs. Matt Krasnow said that sheriff’s departments can be contracted to specifically target speeders and institute a no-warning ticket policy.

Krasnow will revisit the costs of sheriffs for the next meeting. Krasnow also agreed to contact the Vermont Department of Transportation regarding possible financial aid to patrol roads parallel to the Route 7 construction zone.

In other road news Susan Ohanian presented a request from the Senior Center

Board for three crosswalks on Ferry Road, at the library, Post Office and Brick Store.

She suggested that the town investigate the multicolored crosswalks on Pine Street in Burlington. She was asked to look into the logistics for such crosswalks for possible implementation next spring.

Finally, since its impact on an Open Space Agreement has come into question,

see High speeds page 14

The Selectboard meeting of Sept. 26 was again dominated by discussions about the speeding problems on the town’s roads. For those who follow Front Porch Forum, this problem seems to be getting worse, probably exacerbated by the current construction disruptions on Route 7.

The agenda for this meeting called for discussion of speed tables on Greenbush Road, and a number of residents from the West Village turned out to express their concern about the excessive speeds they have observed between the Old Lantern and the intersection with Ferry Road.

The discussion was a replay of numerous sessions in the past about how speed bumps/ tables present problems for farm and emergency equipment.

Rob Mullin, assistant fire chief and advanced emergency medical technician, stated that emergency vehicles might be delayed by as much as 40 seconds for each TownAadministrator Dean Bloch at the Charlotte meeting of all boards, committees, and bump that must be negotiated. Further, he commissions at town hall on Sept. 19. Photo by Lynn Monty warned of additional vehicle maintenance costs caused by such road obstructions.

Others in the audience, however, argued that the additional safety afforded by speed bumps warranted the delays and costs in emergency service. Kendall Frost, a young woman born and raised in the West Village, denounced speeding as a “risk to quality of life.”

King Milne, a resident just south of the Ferry and Greenbush intersection, made an impassioned plea for the installation of permanent radar speed signs. He said that a group of neighbors would be happy to buy the signs themselves. He continually observes speed infractions as high as an estimated 80 mph and has discussed this with the state police who frequently use his drive for enforcement patrols.

The police have expressed concern over the potential for a serious accident as the result of the speeding, which led to a discussion of placing multiple permanent radar signs throughout town. Another suggestion was to designate the West Village Center roads as “No Passing Zones.” It was agreed that Mr. Milne and the town would look into the costs of these signs and present the information at the next meeting.

The discussion then turned to enforcement. Road Commissioner Jr Lewis, who is on the roads constantly, has observed that the majority of speeders are Charlotters, and he expressed a need for “more enforcement.”

Selectboard Chair Morrison mentioned that the state police contract for $30,000 per year is About 50 people were present at the Charlotte meeting of all boards, committees, and commissions often not fully spent and that at town hall on Sept. 19. Photo by Lynn Monty excess funds might be used to

Gardens of Delight at the library Ruah Swennerfelt CONTRIBUTOR

When you walk from the parking lot to the library, you’ll walk right by a little vegetable garden, and you might ask why the library would want a vegetable garden instead of beautiful flowers. Why would people want the work of planning, planting, tending, harvesting and cleaning up a garden? And in fact, who is taking care of it?

A number of years ago Transition US promoted a “May Challenge” to Transition Towns across America. The challenge was to grow food in public places to begin the transition to creating community resilience and a stronger local economy as well as living and working together as a community. It was also a challenge to use less fossil fuel by eliminating lawns that often are mowed with gasoline lawn mowers.

Transition Town Charlotte (a Vermont nonprofit organization) volunteers took the challenge, approached the Selectboard and were directed to Margaret Woodruff, the library director, who gave us a great big “Yes!” That year, to make it simple, we planted a potato garden right next to the library. We received so many wonderful, positive comments about our little garden.

And at the end of the growing season we celebrated by hosting a “Spud Fest” where people brought all sorts of potato dishes to share. It was a great evening. The potatoes from the garden were donated to the Charlotte Food Shelf.

The next year we were more ambitious and added a lovely bean teepee (where children can crawl in and enjoy the space) and some cherry tomatoes and flowers. The library employees often picked the tomatoes and put them out on the desk where

The Charlotte News • October 5, 2016 • 7 children loved sampling them. Since that second year—we’re now into our fifth year—we’ve added slicing tomatoes, greens, beets, peas, blueberries and strawberries plus a few other vegetables. The children delight in the fruits and the Food Shelf has more fresh vegetables to provide to those in need. The number of volunteers has grown, and it’s a wonderful collaboration with the library.

It’s a lovely tale, and there are three other gardens worth mentioning here. There are gardens at the Charlotte Central School, the Charlotte Congregational Church and the Charlotte Children’s Center. At all four gardens children are included in the gardening and learn so much about tender care of living plants. Hopefully, as the children grow up in a world that is likely to be quite different from the one that we know, they will look back on these experiences not only as cherished memories but also as a time when they began to acquire the skills and Transition Town Charlotte volunteers at the Charlotte Library this summer. Courtesy photo knowledge to thrive in that new world.

Moe Harvey celebrated for founding Vermont Duck Stamp program Staff report

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Vermont Duck Stamp.

Among the honorees at the event was Moe Harvey of Charlotte, who retired from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s wetlands program. Harvey was instrumental in founding the Vermont Duck Stamp program. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department held a celebration last month to highlight the successes of the program at a newly conserved property, the Mallet’s Creek Wildlife Management Area.

“The Vermont Duck Stamp program has been responsible for some of our state’s greatest conservation success stories,” said Louis Porter, commissioner of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

“The waterfowl hunters,

birders and others who have purchased a Duck Stamp within the past 30 years have allowed us to preserve a wide array of wetlands throughout Vermont that will remain forever wild and accessible to the public.”

Since 1986, the Duck Stamp Program has raised $4.5 million for the conservation of nearly 12,000 acres of wetlands and surrounding habitats on 93 separate projects. Most of these conservation projects involved partners such as The Nature Conservancy, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Vermont Land Trust and many local land trusts and landowners.

“The success of this program stems from the many groups and individuals we’ve partnered with along the way,” said Deb Markowitz, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. “We’ve worked with nonprofit and government partners to fund land purchases and carry out habitat improvements. The cooperation of many landowners throughout the state

More changes needed to Town Plan draft Lynn Monty

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Town Planner Daryl Benoit said about 25 people were in attendance at the Proposed Town Plan Public Hearing on Sept. 29.

The hearing was held to give the public an opportunity to learn about the changes to the plan and to submit further comments.

Aspects of the plan that the public feels needs

improvement will be considered by the Planning Commission before the next round of updates are added.

Planning Commission Vice Chair Peter Joslin opened the meeting with the intent to go through the Town Plan draft chapter by chapter, Benoit said. However, members of the Energy Committee were quick to address their three-page contribution to the plan. They are requesting four changes to the Key Planning Considerations and one change to the Renewable Energy section of the plan.

Another item of concern by citizens was possibly adding language to the plan that

Moe Harvey (left) with Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s Louis Porter and Natural Resources Secretary Deb Markowitz.

Courtesy photo has also been invaluable.”

“The wetlands conserved through this program not only provide habitat for waterfowl and wide variety of other species, but they also help clean up Vermont’s waterways, including Lake Champlain,” Porter said. “Wetlands provides buffer against damage from flooding by soaking up excess water before it reaches rivers and lakes.”

Members of the public interested in supporting wetland conservation can purchase a Duck Stamp at vtfishandwildlife.com.

would mitigate any damage that might occur in light of the new railroad development one town over in Shelburne and to ward off any new rail development in Charlotte.

Points about accommodating the aging sector of the population were discussed. It was mentioned that the town is not currently considering any compact development or making any effort to increase the town’s resiliency to accommodate the town’s different populations.

Benoit said there will be a period of deliberation before the plan is finished, and then it will be handed off to the Selectboard for review.

8 • October 5, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Mead appeals Department of Labor’s decision on back pay Lynn Monty EDITOR IN CHIEF

Charlotte Town Clerk/Treasurer Mary Mead has appealed the decision by the Vermont Department of Labor that ruled she is not owed back wages from 2014.

Her original complaint requested $14,963 in unpaid wages, and that was denied due to her status as a salaried employee, the ruling stated.

Mead agrees in her letter of appeal that she’s a salaried employee but points out that her approved hours had been changed from 35 hours a week to 40 hours per week in July 2014. Her current salary is $64,522. She’s held the position for two decades.

Also in her appeal, Mead requested $17,401 in unpaid wages, up from the

Education

original $14,963. This increase includes the time between her first claim and the date of her appeal. And she has also requested a raise in her annual salary to $73,341.

Mead’s letter reads, “If I had been treated the same as all other employees, I would have had a resulting pay rate of $34.57/hr. and annual salary of $71,906 with an overall increase of 16%. My pay rate would have been further increased in FY 15/16 by the 2% granted for employees with longevity, bringing it to $35.26 which is what it should be.”

Charlotte Selectboard Chairman Lane Morrison said the town received a letter on Sept. 22 that informed them of Mead’s requested hearing with regard to her case.

Department of Labor Staff Attorney Michael Hoyt has forwarded the case to an Taegen Yardley of Charlotte presented at the Department of Interior in Washington, D.C. administrative law judge within the depart- last month. Courtesy photo ment, Morrison said.

There will be a pretrial hearing on Oct. 17 by telephone, followed by a hearing to be scheduled at a later date.

“As a member of the Selectboard, I thought this issue had been settled,” Morrison wrote to The Charlotte News in an of the State and African Conservation Law email. “However, with the appeal, the board Enforcement Officers at National Geographic. will be responsive to the process and hope Staff report There she met with Bryan Christy, founder of the matter is concluded in the near future.”

Vermont Commons School student Taegen the Special Investigations Unit for National Mead declined to comment on her appeal Yardley of Charlotte is just back from a network- Geographic and author of all of the National for this story. ing trip to Washington where she made a Geographic stories about the illegal ivory trade. presentation at the International Conservation Christy requested taking the film to Chiefs Academy at the Department of Interior in the Convention on International Trade in Washington, D.C., and showed the short film she Endangered Species, which is taking place and Vermont Commons Chair of Social Studies from Sept. 24 to Oct. 5 in Johannesburg, South Mark Cline Lucey made about the ivory trade. Africa. He plans to show the movie there during The movie is called “A World with Elephants” his speech. and has gone viral in the world of conservation.

Yardley will present her latest work on Yardley was invited to speak at the Academy elephant conservation to the Vermont Commons

by William Woody, chief of the Office of Law School community next week at the all-school Enforcement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife meeting. Vermont Commons is an independent Service. The International Conservation Chiefs middle and high school, with rolling admisAcademy gathers senior wildlife law enforce- sions, in South Burlington. Serving students ment officials from around the world for two in grades 6–12, the school offers a rigorous weeks of training in an effort to gain shared academic curriculum that includes a focus on understanding and strengthen individual and community service and experiential education. international relationships.

After her presentation at the Department of Interior, Yardley was invited to a forum

Elephant activist continues work in Washington, D.C.

8 • October 5, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Get ready for the Golf Ball Drop Staff report

This year’s Charlotte-Shelburne Rotary Club Golf Ball Drop boasts a huge first prize of $5,000. Tickets are $10 and you do not need to be present to win. The ball drop will be held at the annual Shelburne Halloween parade on Sunday, Oct. 30. The ball closest to the hole wins $5,000, 2nd place wins $500, 3rd place wins $250, and farthest away gets $250.

For tickets email evanbwebster@gmail. com. All proceeds help fund the CharlotteShelburne Rotary Club’s community service projects and charitable activities.

Rec News by Nicole Conley

The 34th annual Charlotte Soccer Jamboree on September 24 was a huge success thanks to the many volunteers and local businesses that contributed items or their time to this event. This year we had over 60 teams from locals towns participate in the day-long event. We hosted over 800 people at CCS on a beautiful sunny day, with a concession stand full of food, beverages and yummy treats! The money raised goes to the Charlotte Recreation scholarship fund and to the repair and maintenance of equipment and fields.

Youth Programs Art Class: Are you ready for a creative approach to exploring children’s literature? In Literature and the Arts, with Susan Lepple, students can look forward to reading and experiencing exciting, silly, thought-provoking and creative books.

We could explore the book through movement, music and dance, or we may get inspired by the illustrations and create our own works of art using collage, sculpture, assemblage, drawing and painting. Student favorites include making hats like Madame Chapeau, movin’, groovin’ and drawing to jazz beats, “dumpster diving” for assemblage art, and painting expressively like the reptiles in Art and Max. Tuesday at 2 p.m. Grades 1–4. Cost: $110 for six weeks.

Session 1: Oct. 11–Nov. 15. Session 2: Jan. 3–Feb. 7.

Afterschool Horseback Riding Lessons: Steeple Ridge Farm will host weekly horseback riding lessons afterschool!

Ashley Meacham enjoys working with her students, bringing in a young, positive atmosphere and making sure her students feel comfortable and confident. Students will learn the basic care of the horse, including grooming, bathing, feeding and upkeep, as well as the nutrition side and anatomy side of the horse and the certain tack we use on our horses. Grades 1–12.

Tuesdays and Thursdays (5-week sessions).

Fee: $500 ($100 per week). Tuesday: 2:15 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Thursday: 3:15 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Session 1: Oct. 18–Nov. 17. Session 2: Nov. 29–Jan. 5 (no lessons Dec. 26–30).

Session 3: Jan. 10–Feb. 9.

Creative Dance Class: Contemporary dance combines music, choreography and improvisation in a fun and active art form.

In this all-levels class, students will warm up their bodies safely, practice interesting footwork and floorwork, and learn improvisational structures that draw on their own creativity and movement knowledge. Fee: $55 ($11per class). Thursday after-school session 2: Oct. 20–Nov. 17. Grades K-3: 3–4 p.m. Grades 4–8: 4–5 p.m. Location: CCS. Mini Creative Dance Class: Young movers will use imaginative movement games and dance exercises to develop

See Rec News on page 9

The Charlotte News • October 5, 2016 • 9 Mansfield 1-0, CVU being the first team season’s record to 3-1-3. Despite 18 penalty to score a goal against the Cougars since corners against Mount Abe, CVU could not Feeling pretty satisfied with its record as Mount Mansfield’s opening day. find the net and wound up without either the team hopped the bus for St. Johnsbury, team scoring. Things went a bit better the Redhawk football team continued that against Essex. However, the game again Men’s soccer not used pleasure only through the first half of its ended in a deadlock, 1-1 on first-half goals game against SJA. Trailing by less than a to a loss and two ties by both sides. touchdown at intermission, CVU ran into Soccer Central, right? That means the a strong defense and ended up on the short team perennially leads the state. But not Redhawk softball will have end of a 56-26 score between two previ- this year. The Redhawk men are looking ously undefeated teams. This is somewhat at a loss and two ties in eight games (Peter a new coach next year of a slap in the face for a team whose entire Coffey may be smiling.). Fortunately, CVU Paul Potter has been at the helm of CVU defense was highlighted as its strength by took on a rather weak North Country to varsity softball for the past four years. the Burlington Free Press’ power rankings open the month of October, and after Dillon However, he announced that he would move on the basis of its 20-0 shutout of Essex and Hamrell hit the net in the first minute of the on next year and “focus his energies on the fact that the Redhawks yielded only 15 game, the Hawks passed the scoring around new endeavors.” In a letter announcing his points in their first four games. St. Jay came among three others for a 4-0 win. Aiden move, he thanked the players in particular out steaming in the second half and scored Johnson and George Davis paired as goalies for their “hard work and dedication to the three third-quarter touchdowns to be up by to earn the shutout, and were required to team and goals of improving CVU softball.”

25 points at the end of that quarter. As he make only three stops between the two of has done much of the season, Braven Bose them. Prior to that, Middlebury had handed paced the Redhawk rushers with 156 yards the Redhawks a 1-0 upset with a goal in the on the ground. The good news for CVU is last 50 seconds of the first half. It proved to that it out gained SJA by over 100 yards, be CVU’s inability to put the ball in the net 283-178. that was its downfall as Aiden Johnson had The next Redhawk game brings only one save in goal.

Colchester to Hinesburg on Saturday, October 8.

Football says, Ouch!

Edd Merritt Sports Roundup CVU finishes one and two in major invitational cross-country meets With Charlotte’s Sophie Gorman leading the state’s women runners and CVU’s Tyler Marshall heading Vermont’s men runners, the Redhawks have been the top Vermont team in two major invitational meets featuring schools from across New England and New York. Nearly 50 schools sent runners to the recent Woods Trail Run at Thetford Academy. Gorman, who finished fourth and is a senior, said she has run this course for the previous three years and knows it well.

Marshall says he focuses more on himself and his pace rather than looking at the course to plan how he should cover certain parts of it. He placed second at Thetford, only four thousands of a second behind the winner. The Redhawks’ Calvin McClellan finished tenth. Both teams finished over 75 points ahead of their closest competition.

Earlier in September the Redhawk women won the Manchester, N.H., Invitational and the men placed second, only 7 points behind Concord, N.H. (97-90). Again, it was Gorman’s eighth place and Marshall’s runner-up slot that brought CVU the largeschool division win for the women and the second-place finish for the men. Needless to say, the Vermont Track and Field and CrossCountry Coaches Association has the CVU women and men leading the overall state power rankings.

Rec News continued

from page 8

coordination, strength and grace as they learn to work within a group. Stories, props and songs will keep energetic kids engaged and focused while learning fun choreography.

Tuesday mornings. Fee: $55 ($11per class).

Session 2: Oct. 18–Nov. 15. Ages: 3–4. Time: 4–5 p.m. Location: CCS. Beginner Guitar: Join entertainer extraordinaire Corey Gottfried in learning the basics of playing guitar. These intensive group lessons will cover basic cords, strumming and some finger picking to get you started on exploring the versatility of this popular stringed instrument. Participants will need their own guitars for this course and rehearse between sessions; acoustic or electric guitars welcome (no amp needed)! Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 31, 3–4 p.m. Ages: 7–12. Cost: $36 ($12 per session).

Location: CCS.

waste

Redhawk women’s soccer goes three and zero since last report Spaulding, Mount Mansfield and North Country are the CVU women’s soccer team’s latest victims, bringing the Redhawk record to 6-1-1. With the exception of Charlotte Hill, who scored twice, the Redhawks had single goals from two others in a 4-0 shutout of North Country to open October’s season. CVU began its shutout string by beating Spaulding 3-0, then requiring two overtimes to top Mount

Adult Programs Pickle Ball: Come join the pickle ball enthusiasts on Mondays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Beach. All levels are welcome to attend!

Outdoor Tennis: At the Charlotte Beach on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. All skill levels are encouraged to take part!

Full and partial scholarships are available for all youth recreation activities. You can find additional information on all of our programs as well as registration forms at charlottevt.org under the “Recreation” tab, or contact Nicole Conley by email Recreation@townofcharlotte.com or by phone 425-6129, ext. 204.

not

Field Hockey plays to two ties in last two games

Sitting on the back of wins over Mount Mansfield and Middlebury, the Redhawk field hockey team saw its two most recent games end in overtime ties, bringing the

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10 • October 5, 2016 • The Charlotte News

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The Charlotte News • October 5, 2016 • 11

Sports Charlotte’s David Keyes finishes 3rd in Lake Champlain Open Water Swim Staff report The annual Lake Champlain Open Water Swim is a nearly four-mile swim from the Old Dock at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains in the town of Essex, New York, across to the Charlotte public beach in September.

About 85 swimmers came from all over New England and Canada to compete.

Water temperatures for the race were just over 60 degrees. In Charlotter David Keyes’ first open water swim, he finished third in a time of 1:49.30, three minutes behind the previous course record. Keyes, who graduated from Charlotte Central School and Champlain Valley Union High

School, swam for the Burlington Tennis Club for eight years and currently swims for Middlebury College.

Funds raised from the race benefit the Lake Champlain Committee. LCC has been the lead citizens’ voice for drinkable water, edible fish and swimmable beaches. With the support of memberships and donations, LCC works to address the most pressing environmental issues facing the take and to ensure public access.

For mor e i n for m at ion v i sit David Keyes of Charlotte at the Lake Champlain Open Water Swim in September. lakechamplainopenwaterswim.com.

Courtesy Photoy

CVU Bests Essex in first official rematch since 2015 Championship Kelly Devine CONTRIBUTOR

Out of the gate, CVU’s Redhawks put away 2015 state champions, the Essex Hornets, in their first match-up of the 2016 boys volleyball season. They broke the Hornets’ four-season winning streak with a solid win over four sets.

CVU prevailed 25 to 21 in the opening set, led by starters Kevin Devine (6), Noah Allen (10), Jacob Boliba (14), Jeffrey Boliba (24), Spencer Snipes (29), Storm Rushford (32) and libero Baker Angstam (5).

In the second set Essex came back strong and took an eight-point lead, due in part to the serving power of junior Noah Eaton (9).

The Redhawks struggled to close the gap, but it widened giving the Hornets the win, 25 to 15.

CVU responded heartily with a 25-to-13 win in set three, thanks to the solid serving of sophomore and first-time varsity team member Jacob Boliba (14), protection at the net by senior Elias Sturim (21) and repeated spike attacks by senior Kevin Devine (6).

Sturim brought the game home with the winning point for the Redhawks.

The fourth set was a do-or-die match for Essex, but the Redhawks came out strong, climbing to a 10-point lead, thanks in part to solid serving from freshman Baker

Angstam (5). The Redhawks held the lead thanks to a strong effort on all fronts from the entire Redhawks squad. Devine scored the winning point to close the set and win the set for the Redhawks, 25 to 14, and the match, 3 to 1.

CVU is undefeated this season with four wins.

This game was the first official meeting of Essex and CVU following the 2015 State Championship, in which the Hornets beat the Redhawks to take the state title.

“It was a critical game to show that CVU has what it takes to be state champions in 2016,” said head coach Jeff Boliba.

This year is volleyball’s first year as a varsity sport in the State of the Vermont.

Noah Alex (10) and Kevin Devine (6) block an Essex spiker. Courtesy Photo

12 • October 6, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Did you remember your milk money?

Staff report Charlotte crowdfunding portal Milk Money has announced three equity campaigns this year. Milk Money launched last year with the mission to bolster the local economy.

Milk Money encourages local investors to learn more about Vermont companies Burlington Herb Clinic, Gringo Jack’s and Vermont Evaporator Company at

Food Shelf News Kerrie Pughe CONTRIBUTOR

Volunteers needed

Here is a great opportunity for you to get involved with a small local charitable organization! We need some help with Thursday morning distributions at the Charlotte Congregational Church, two to three Thursdays a month starting 7:30 a.m. for about two hours.

Call Karen 425-3252 if you can help.

Business MilkMoneyVT.com.

These first three equity campaigns allow Vermonters to invest in their neighbors. By supporting local business, investors help to create new jobs, circulate wealth and build a stronger community that fosters new relationships between businesses and community members, Milk Money co-founder Louisa Schibli said.

Burlington Herb Clinic is a new herbalist-owned cooperative which focuses on health and wellness. “Our clinic provides one-on-one educational services and health coaching to clients in a private and professional setting, centered on the use of herbs, nutrition and movement to encourage optimal health,” said Kate Elmer Westdijk, co-founder. “We provide accurate and insightful information on both traditional and modern evidence-based approaches to health and wellness.”

Wish list

Jack’s of Manchester and Sunderland, Vermont, is a manufacturer of chips, salsa, craft beer and barbecue sauces. Its sales have grown from $5,000 at Gringo Jack’s Bar and Grill to $500,000 in 2015 with regional distribution.

And Vermont Evaporator Company of Montpelier manufactures small, home-scale sap evaporation units for the backyard sugaring enthusiasts. This family-owned business has developed the Sapling, an affordable, wood-fired barrel evaporator made from a retrofitted 55-gallon drum and a baffled stainless steel evaporating tray. It doubles as a wood-fired grill in the off-season.

For more information visit MilkMoneyVT.com.

Shoe In program

The Food Shelf will be sponsoring the Shoe In program again this year. This program provides families with financial assistance for athletic/gym shoe purchases.

We need baking items such as chocolate chips, brown sugar, baking soda and baking powder for our parent/child baking projects.

We appreciate after-school snacks this time of year—nuts, dried fruit, cereal, peanut butter Children’s books and crackers, Goldfish, granola bars, etc. In Thank you to Susan Ohanian for the addition, we need coffee, cream and shampoo. donation of children’s books! We were able to These items may be dropped off at any of our load up backpacks with wonderful books for drop-off locations. each child in need. We’d like to continue to Grange sale/Children’s winter give the kids fun and educational books. We’d clothing drive love donations of new or very gently used The cold weather will be upon us before we children’s and young adult books. They may know it. The Food Shelf has partnered with be dropped off at any of our food donation the Charlotte Grange for the third year to help drop-off locations. outfit children with warm, gently used winter Thank you outerwear and boots. We will help outfit about Thank you for the beautiful tomatoes 20 kids this season. The Grange fall sale will from Jeanie McDonough, Diane Cote and the be held Friday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. community gardens at the Congregational and Saturday, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. until noon.

Church and Charlotte Library. Our table at distribution was filled with tomatoes, yellow squash, peppers, eggplant, onions and beets.

Thank you to all the generous gardeners for the fresh produce. In addition, we thank Laura White for the generous support.

A big thank you to the following volunteers for your hard work this summer: Peggy Sharpe, Nancy Bloch, John Lavigne, Cindy Tyler, Laura White, Marilyn Holmberg, Sharon Richardson, Liz Foster, Janet Landrigan, Jerry Schwarz, Josie Kaestner, Jackson Kahn, Patsy Farr, Laura White, Diane Cote, Cindi Robinson, Nancy Barnes and Liz Deslauriers.

Annual Meeting

Jack Gilbert from Gringo Jack’s, Katherine Elmer from Burlington Herb Clinic, Kate McCabe (and her children, her best brand ambassadors) from Vermont Evaporator Company. Courtesy photo

assistance ($1,375) in other ways, such as help with fuel/utility bills in emergencies and funds for the Shoe In program. We maintain a balance in savings for emergencies. Currently we are saving to replace our commercial freezer and refrigerator, which are nearly 15 years old and require regular maintenance.

Donations

We are a volunteer organization, and all donations you make to the Food Shelf go directly for food and/or assistance to our local neighbors in need. Thank you so much for considering donating today. Checks may be mailed to Charlotte Food Shelf & Assistance, P.O. Box 83, Charlotte, VT 05445.

Donated food drop-off locations

All nonperishable food donations may be dropped off at the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (main entrance) or at the Food Shelf during the distribution mornings. We request that all fresh foods be dropped off at the Food Shelf before the Wednesday distribution hours or before 7:30 a.m. on the Thursday distribution mornings.

New Facebook page

“Like” us at our new Facebook page, Charlotte Community Food Shelf and Assistance, to see photos and get updates on all the Food Shelf activities.

The Charlotte Food Shelf is located on the lower level of the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry. Distribution days/times are posted in this newspaper and on the bulletin board in the Charlotte Congregational Church Hall. You may also call the Food Shelf number (425-3252) for a recording of the distribution times.

We are open to all community residents. Privacy is very important and respected in our mission of neighbor helping neighbor.

For emergency food call John 425-3130.

For emergency assistance (electricity, fuel) call Cindi at 425-3234. For more information call Karen at 425-3252.

The Food Shelf Annual Volunteer Meeting was held September 22 at the Senior Center.

We reviewed financials and discussed future plans. During our fiscal year, September 1, 2015, through August 31, 2016, we collected $29,658 in donations. That is up about $2,525 from the previous year total yet down from a high of $34,667 in 2012–13 fiscal year. Our cash donations come from local businesses, community members and SCHIP’s grants. In addition, we collect the equivalent of about five grocery bags of food each week from our very generous community. The bulk of our Important Upcoming Charlotte expenditures this fiscal year ($19,915) were for food purchases from the Vermont Foodbank, Food Shelf Distribution Dates Costco and Hannaford. We provided financial Wed., Oct. 5 & 19, and Nov. 9 & 30, 5–7 p.m.

Thurs., Oct. 6 & 20, Nov. 10 &Dec. 1, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

The Charlotte News • October 6, 2016 • 13 What causes SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder Kelly Rohan CONTRIBUTOR

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder. People with SAD regularly experience clinical depression in certain seasons that then goes away in the opposite seasons. Winter-type SAD is overwhelmingly the most common pattern, involving depressive episodes during the fall and winter months with a return to normal mood in the spring and summer.

Depression symptoms of SAD are the same as those in non-seasonal major depression: feeling down or depressed, loss of interest in normal activities, severe fatigue, significant (usually increased) appetite or weight change, significant change in sleep length (usually increased), difficulty concentrating, a sense of worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. Most people at a high latitude experience SAD symptoms to a certain extent, but only those who have clinical depression in the winter (including distress and impairment) are considered to have SAD. SAD is much more serious than simply not liking winter or having the “winter blues.”

How prevalent is SAD? Based on questionnaire surveys, estimates of SAD prevalence increase with latitude in the general population and range from 1 percent in Florida (Key West is at 24 degrees north latitude) to 10 percent in Alaska (Anchorage is at 61 degrees; for comparison, Charlotte is at 44 degrees). The correlation with latitude suggests that the number of daylight hours from sunrise to sunset is related to the onset of symptoms.

SAD is at least twice as common among women as among men and has also been reported in children and adolescents.

during the symptomatic months. Clinical practice guidelines for SAD recommend Although SAD symptoms appear to be daily light therapy from the onset of symptriggered by shorter days in people who are toms in the fall or winter through spontavulnerable to winter depression, we don’t neous remission in the spring of each year. know the specific cause of SAD. We know Light boxes are commercially available it runs in families, suggesting that genet- without a prescription. However, it is best ics play a role, but the specific genes that to use light boxes under the supervision of increase risk for SAD remain unknown. a mental health provider with expertise in Circadian, or daily, rhythms have been light therapy for two reasons. First, side the focus of much SAD research, but studies effects are possible—usually mild ones are inconclusive on whether the biological like insomnia, headaches, eye strain and clock truly runs slower feeling wired, but during winter in people sometimes serious with SAD as compared Seasonal Affective ones like increased to those without SAD. Disorder (SAD) is thoughts of suicide or There is some evidence mania. Second, the for a longer “biological much more serious intensity, time of day night” (meaning that than simply not liking and duration of light the hormone melatonin winter or having the therapy needs to be is produced for a longer individually adjusted period of time at night) “winter blues.” to each patient.

A large number of during winter in people with SAD than in those without. Research clinical trials from around the world support supports that negative thinking styles light therapy, if used properly and regularly, (including negative thoughts about the as an effective treatment for SAD. Because winter) and avoidant behaviors (such as light therapy is a daily treatment that involves withdrawing from one’s usual activities and a time commitment and must be repeated people) help to maintain SAD symptoms each year, however, it is not for everybody. once they begin.

treatment for SAD. In clinical practice, SSRIs are frequently used as an adjunct to light therapy. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Wellbutrin XL (bupropion HCL extended-release tablets) specifically for prevention of major depressive episodes in patients with a history of SAD. For the past 16 years, my laboratory at the University of Vermont has been developing and testing a novel cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for SAD, with promising results. CBT is a type of “talk” therapy that has been used and researched extensively for non-seasonal depression since the 1960s, but we are the first group to apply it to SAD. CBT involves changing thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression.

Specifically, it seeks to identify, challenge, and change overly negative thoughts and increase time in pleasurable activities to improve mood.

My latest study was a clinical trial of 177 community adults with SAD (primarily Vermonters) who were treated with either CBT or light therapy and then followed for two years. The study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, and the results were published in two papers in the American Journal of Psychiatry in What other treatments are used 2015 and 2016.

What is light therapy?

We found that CBT and light therapy for SAD? were both very effective in initially treating The most widely used and studied A class of antidepressant medications SAD but that those who received CBT had treatment for SAD is light therapy—daily, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibsee Health Matters, page 17 scheduled exposure to bright artificial light itors (SSRIs) are another effective line of

14 • October 5, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Joint meeting

continued from page 5 board to share what their work entailed and to offer up ideas and suggestions.

Deputy Health Officer Joe Rheaume had nothing serious to note other than there being about one dog bite reported annually in town, excluding the FedEx driver. “He gets bit all the time and never reports them,” he said.

Rheaume spoke of the importance of water testing. Wells should be tested every few years for coliform, alpha radiation and organic chemicals; those tests could cost homeowners hundreds of dollars, which is not cheap. And as a result most homeowners are not testing their well water regularly, it seems.

As for the water at Charlotte beach, Recreation Coordinator Nicole Conley said it is tested once a week during the summer and is never an issue. “We have more flow here in Charlotte and no blue green algae at the beach,” she said.

Recreation Committee Chair Bill FraserHarris said, “We are proud that there is some very serious work being done here in town, and we take no part in that.” Laughter erupted. His position may be to create amusing, jovial events in town, but it’s important to note that the Recreation Commission is one of the only revenue-generating commissions. The beach alone makes $18,000 in revenue annually by charging $2 a pop for parking, he said.

Margaret Russell from the Trials Committee directed everyone to visit CharlotteTrailsVT.org to see what they are all about. “People pass me running on the trail while we are working on it and that makes me very happy,” she beamed.

It was suggested that the Trails Committee and Conservation Commission work together to site trails in locations that aren’t disruptive to wildlife habitat, and better coordinate how the Planning Commission and Zoning Board review proposed development.

Every committee was represented and spoke at the meeting, after which, Jenny Cole from the library said it would be helpful for all boards, committees and commissions to be able to share resources, such as lists of trusted contractors and vendors, to share equipment and to designate a storage area where shared tools could be stored.

“People do a lot of work and have a lot of responsibility, and I’m looking for ways to make that easier,” she said.

Assistant Town Clerk Christina Booher agreed, “There has to be a better way than 50 shovels being owned by 5 different committees.”

Chair of the Conservation Commission Amos Baehr offered up a brush puller, used to pull invasives, for anyone to use at any time. “Anyone in town can use it,” he said.

Bloch said he would follow up on the requests and some other issues brought up throughout the night, like whether the Open Meeting Law allows committee members to pass around a working document; making all committees aware of the Purchasing Policy requirements; better coordinating the hiring of services (e.g. for land maintenance); and educating board members to not discuss substantive topics with a quorum of other board members outside of a warned meeting.

“Both I and the Selectboard appreciated the willingness of board members to come out for another meeting on a nice evening,” Bloch said.

High Speeds continued

from page 5

the issue regarding the deposition of concrete rubble from the Route 7 reconstruction has been deferred to the Planning Commission.

The Tractor Parade was approved as a “town-sponsored event” again this year. It will involve road closures on the roads leading into Baptist Corners from 1 to 3 p.m. on Oct. 9.

The Selectboard approved the reimbursement to Assistant Town Clerk/Treasurer Christina Booher of 50% of her tuition costs for an UVM accounting course. A policy

will be developed to ensure that future applicants receive a passing or B (or better) grade from an accredited institution. The course must enhance the employee’s skills necessary in his/her position.

A contract was approved to the firm of Lamoureux and Dickinson to consult on applications for wastewater and potable water supply permits.

In a quick action the Selectboard switched the positions of health officer and deputy health officer. Joe Rheaume is now health officer and Cali Griswold is deputy.

The next regular Selectboard meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13.

The Charlotte News • October 5, 2016 • 15

Charlotte Public Safety Log As submitted by the Shelburne Police Department Saturday, Aug. 27 13:23 Medical Call QUINLAN FARM LN, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

Sunday, Aug. 28 Medical Call SPEAR ST, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Medical Call. WESTGATE RD, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

21:53 Medical Assist VT ROUTE 116, Hinesburg Charlotte Rescue assisted Hinesburg 1st Response at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

Monday, Aug. 29 12:52 Medical Assist PARKS HURLBURT RD, Monkton Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

14:32 Medical Assist US ROUTE 7, Ferrisburgh Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

Wednesday, Aug. 31 08:03 Fire Assist BARN VIEW RD, Shelburne Charlotte Fire and Shelburne Fire at a fire alarm call.

21:17 Medical Assist WHITE ST, Vergennes Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

Thursday, Sept. 1 12:28 Agency Assist ETHAN ALLEN HWY & CHURCH HILL RD, Charlotte Shelburne Police assisted Vermont State Police with a traffic stop.

Charlotte Rescue Paramedic assisted Hinesburg 1st Response at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by St. Michael’s Rescue.

08:51 Fire Assist BALDWIN RD, Hinesburg Charlotte Fire assisted Hinesburg Fire at a motor vehicle crash.

Sunday, Sept. 4 08:28 Fire Alarm SLATE FARM RD, Charlotte Caller reported fire alarm activation. Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched. The alarm was determined to be a false alarm.

Tuesday, Sept. 6 11:37 Medical Call DART HILL, Monkton 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

Wednesday, Sept. 7 16:45 Medical Call BITTERSWEET LN, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Thursday, Sept. 8 20:43 Fire Alarm MCNEIL COVE RD, Charlotte Caller reported fire alarm activation. Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched. The alarm was determined to be a false alarm.

Friday, Sept. 9 07:15 Medical Assist SYCAMORE ST, Shelburne Charlotte Rescue assisted Shelburne Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

17:04 Medical Call SPEAR ST, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Saturday, Sept. 10

12:04 Accident MOUNT PHILO RD & SPEAR ST, Charlotte Vermont State Police requested EMS for individual involved in motor vehicle crash. Charlotte Rescue 13:15 Medical Call ETHAN ALLEN HWY, Charlotte was dispatched. All patients refused transported to the 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte hospital.

Rescue and Fire were dispatched. The patient was 13:04 Medical Assist SAND RD, Ferrisburgh transported to the hospital.

Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a Friday, Sept. 2 medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

06:33 Medical Assist VT ROUTE 116, Hinesburg

17:42 Fire Alarm MCNEIL COVE RD, Charlotte Caller reported fire alarm activation. Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched. The alarm was determined to be a false alarm.

Sunday, Sept. 11 05:11 Medical Call FERRY RD, Charlotte Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

07:07 Agency Assist S GATE RD, SHELBURNE FARMS, Shelburne Charlotte Fire and Rescue assisted Shelburne Fire and Rescue at a structure fire.

09:38 Medical Assist SPEAR ST, Shelburne Charlotte Rescue assisted Shelburne Rescue at a medical call. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

Monday, Sept. 12 00:22 Medical Assist S MAPLE ST, Vergennes Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

07:00 Medical Call FLAT ROCK RD, Charlotte Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

10:22 Fire Hazard LAKE RD, Charlotte Caller reported strong smell of gas in the area.

Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatch. Hazard was removed.

15:55 Medical Call DART HILL, Monkton Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

Tuesday, Sept. 13 13:08 Medical Assist PANTON RD, Vergennes Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

14:20 Medical Assist PANTON RD, Panton Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

Wednesday, Sept. 14 18:21 Agency Assist GREENBUSH RD & FERRY RD, Charlotte Shelburne Police assisted Vermont State Police on a traffic stop.

Thursday, Sept. 15 11:34 Fire Alarm FERRY RD, SENIOR CENTER, Charlotte

Caller reported fire alarm activation. Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched. The alarm was determined to be a false alarm.

20:18 Medical Assist RUBY BRACE RD, Starksboro Charlotte Rescue assisted Bristol Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

Saturday, Sept. 17 00:04 Medical Call STONE WALL LN, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

17:24 Medical Call COVERED BRIDGE RD, Monkton 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Sunday, Sept. 18 03:19 Medical Assist SAND RD, Ferrisburgh Charlotte Rescue Paramedic assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Vergennes Rescue.

11:16 Medical Call LAKE RD; CHARLOTTE BEACH, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue, Fire and Shelburne Rescue were dispatched.

The patient refused transport to the hospital.

Monday, Sept. 19 13:20 Medical Assist EAST ST, Vergennes Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

Thursday, Sept. 22 16:18 Fire Call GREENBUSH RD, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a brush fire. Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched. The fire was extinguished, no reported injuries.

23:48 Medical Assist WALKER AVE, Vergennes Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

Friday, Sept. 23 15:23 Medical Assist ADIRONDACK WAY, Bristol Charlotte Rescue Paramedic assisted Bristol Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Vergennes Rescue.

22:18 Medical Alarm DART HILL, Monkton Caller reported medical alarm activation. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched and upon arrival it was determined to be an accidental alarm.

16 • October 5, 2016 • The Charlotte News

The Conservation Commission evolves to meet the future Mel Huff CONTRIBUTOR

At Town Meeting in 1989, Charlotte voted to establish a conservation commission.

The new commission’s work was to include “maintaining an inventory of the Town’s natural resources, receiving gifts of land for conservation purposes, assisting the Planning Commission on natural resource issues and promoting public understanding of local natural resources.”

The commission no longer receives gifts of land—the Charlotte Land Trust fills that role—but in 1998, when the conservation commission adopted by-laws, it added maintaining an inventory of “land-related social resources” (historic, cultural, educational

and archeological resources) to its portfolio.

The current commission’s approach to maintaining an inventory of natural and cultural resources has evolved with technology and with awareness of future threats, but it is grounded The Conservation Commission, which received complaints of algae blooms in Town Farm Bay this in the article adopted at the1989 summer, is bringing together local and state officials to try to find solutions. Photo by Meg Berlin, Town Meeting. a Charlotte Conservation Commission member.

In 1994, commissioners partnered with the Charlotte Historical Society on plans to move the Quinlan School was the completion of an online Significant overlays to the parcel map. to the Town Green. In 2004–2005, the Wildlife Habitat Map. Its layers of forest, The Significant Wildlife Habitat map commission had studies done on the wildlife aquatic, persistent shrubland and linkage was originally based on “Seven Ecological and habitat of areas of special significance, habitat that can be laid over the town parcel Principles Relevant to Wildlife Habitat and including Thorp Brook, Williams Woods and map enabled townspeople to identify natural Its Conservation” that focused heavily on the Ploofe Lane Natural Area; they also had resources on their land. As a result of this conserving wildlife. The working group wetlands, forests and groundwater mapped. accomplishment, the Association of Vermont suggested placing greater emphasis on An ongoing activity carried forward Conservation Commissions recognized protecting the ecological systems upon from the work of earlier commissions is Charlotte’s Conservation Commission as the which wildlife—and human life—depend. the summer removal of frogbit in Town Outstanding Conservation Commission of This led to developing a new long-range plan Farm Bay. The invasive plant lacks natural the year. to guide the commission’s work for the next controls, crowds out native plants and reduces Last summer the commission welcomed five years. biodiversity. A long-term collaboration with several new members on board and began a Some of the initiatives in the new longthe Lewis Creek Association in removing process of taking stock of town issues in the range plan include mapping green infrafrogbit is showing some success, although light of anticipated ecological threats. structure, developing fluvial erosion hazard the annual summer project illustrates In response to the explosion of information zones, assessing the quality and condition of the sustained effort required to control newly available through GIS (geographic riparian zones and developing a management invasive species. information system) mapping, a working plan for town-owned lands.

The crowning achievement of 2008 group was formed to develop additional The Conservation Commission’s Education and Outreach working group, which welcomes townspeople who are not commission members, is documenting the rehabilitation of the Seguin Covered Bridge through a photo essay and is considering a “visual ecology” project that would communicate ecological concepts through photographs, graphics and videos. Local artists, videographers, writers and others interested in participating can contact Mel Huff (425-2854; mhuff@gmavt.net) and Meg Berlin (425-5083; megandco@gmavt.net).

Facebook users can find the commission’s new Facebook page by searching for “Charlotte Conservation Commission,” and townspeople are invited to post nature sightings on the commission’s iNaturalist site.

For information and help opening an account, call or email Meg Berlin.

Townspeople are also urged to contact commission members with their conservation concerns. Members’ contact information is posted in the commission’s section of the town website: http://www.charlottevt. org/. The public is invited to attend commission meetings, which normally are held at the Town Hall at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

Agendas are posted 24 hours in advance at the Town Hall.

The Charlotte News • October 5, 2016 • 17

Have canoe, will travel Bradley Carleton CONTRIBUTOR

The old green Mansfield canoe glides silently through the bay, its bow pointing toward the narrow ribbon of moonlight reflecting on the water. Reeds brush gently by the gunwhales as we maneuver our way down the murky channel and into the cattails.

We can hear the raucous laughter of mallards from a pool deep in the swale grass behind the trees. We whisper to one another “That’s right!” at the same time.

Whistling wings whiz by our heads as we turn into the small slot in the puckerbrush.

The sides of the canoe squeak uncomfortably loudly against the ragged edges of the woody branches, like nails on a chalkboard.

I am hunting with my friend John Lesher in a new spot. The water level in the lake is so low this year that we had to forego the blinds we normally build in the larger backwaters. This year is going to be all about

adaptation and honoring our canine partner of 12 years.

We slide out of the canoe in our waders as quietly as we can, mud swallowing our feet in the decaying detritus of swamp gas and pungent wetland vegetation. We have to lean forward with each step to navigate the morass, our rear feet making a deep sucking sound when they are finally freed from the primordial ooze.

I love this. I love everything about this sport. The mud, the smells, the sounds, even the challenge of setting decoys in a small pool of water surrounded by muck.

We get the wood duck decoys situated to the side, greenwing teal to the rear and mallards to the front of a “J” hook pattern, the top of the letter facing into the wind, creating a landing zone in the crook of the bottom of the pattern.

We retreat to the canoe and comfort John’s 12-year-old yellow lab, Remi. This will be his last season. He will not be asked to retrieve or suffer the indignities of getting stuck in the mud chasing a duck. This year John and I will retrieve the birds and offer them to him in a gracious manner of consent that he has been a great partner for 12 long years, retrieving hundreds of birds, and

Yellow lab, Remi, hard at work for John Lesher. Courtesy Photo

as he always has, guarding the ubiquitous donuts. Remi will be our guest of honor this season, allowing him a chance to bask in the glory of what he has most loved during his glorious dozen seasons with us.

As the dark purple horizon begins to show shades of sage and burnt orange, the swamp awakens.

We still can’t see the birds, but we hear them landing in the decoys and flying just over our heads along the tree line. Legal shooting time is 6:32 a.m. on Opening Day, and we stare at our watches, hearts racing in time with the sweep second hand. There are a half dozen birds in the spread, and although we can see the wake caused by their swimming bodies, we cannot distinguish the species.

We wait impatiently. The cup of coffee is sitting on its side amidst the oak ribs of the hull, black liquid mixing with the mud in the bottom of the boat. The time has come.

On the count of three we rise to our knees and raise our shotguns in unison.

Nothing moves. The birds continue to swim in the decoys.

Remi whines and trembles in anticipation. Although he cannot see the birds he knows they’re there. Likely he can smell their oily undercoat.

Suddenly a flock of teal strafe our spread, miniature fighter jets, their wings tearing the cool morning air. They circle back to land at the rear with the plastic deceivers.

As they make their final approach, we both

shoulder our guns and fire.

The season has begun.

Remi smiles.

Bradley Carleton is executive director of Sacred Hunter.org, a nonprofit that seeks to educate the public on the spiritual connection of man to nature and raises funds for Traditions Outdoor Mentoring.org, which mentors at-risk young men in outdoor pursuits.

Health Matters

continued from page 13

fewer relapses of their SAD and less severe depression symptoms two winters later than those who received light therapy.

This pattern of results is consistent with a broader literature that shows CBT has an enduring effect beyond the end of formal treatment that serves to keep people well over time, including those with eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. We believe this is because people learn skills in CBT that they then use to cope with stress and mood changes in the future, protecting them against relapse.

Kelly Rohan, Ph.D., is professor of psychological science and director of the clinical psychology graduate program at the University of Vermont. She lives in Charlotte with her husband, Steven Cooley, and their two children.

18 • October 5, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Senior Center News

Mary Recchia CONTRIBUTOR

Fall Hikes in the Champlain Valley with Marty Morrissey continues on Tuesday, Oct. 11, with a destination of Barn Rock Bay, Essex N.Y. (note 8:30 start). A full description and the degree of difficulty are available at the host desk. Please bring water, food and good hiking or walking shoes for departure from the Senior Center at 8:30. Trip #4 will be on Tuesday, Oct. 18, to Preston Pond, West Bolton with a 9 a.m. departure. Registration required. No fee.

Caitlin Herr, Charlotte Rescue Chief, will offer a CPR Refresher Course on Thursday, Oct.13, from 8 to 10 a.m. Everyone should know that calling 911 is the first thing to do if a spouse or friend is suddenly stricken with a possible heart attack or stroke. But did you know that there are simple things you can do while waiting for help to arrive to increase the chance that someone who is stricken recovers? Recent research has shown that simple hands-on-chest compression can make an important difference in aiding people who have stopped breathing. The Senior Center in conjunction with Charlotte Fire and Rescue will be conducting a program entitled “Hands on CPR.” Caitlin Herr, a certified instructor trainer with the CF&R, will lead this two-hour workshop. All are welcome, and you are encouraged to bring a spouse or friend if possible. Registration required. No fee.

We will be showing the 2016 Documentary Feature Oscar Nominees on Tuesdays from 1– 3 p.m. Oct. 18, 25 and Nov. 1, 8 and 15.

From over 100 films, the Academy whittled choices to 15 and the red carpet was rolled out last February for the final five films.

While the outcome is history, you can be the judge this fall as we show all five final nominees for your enjoyment. Will our Oscar

to inform seniors about common internet 10/19: Flu Clinic With Rite Aid scams, computer viruses, malware and The requirements for receiving a shot at other suspicious electronic happenings. this clinic are being 18 years of age or older Offered by the Community of Vermont and having Medicare B, a Medicaid card, Elders (COVE) and the Vermont Attorney BC/BS, MVP or $32 in cash or check.

General’s Consumer Assistance Program, a representative will share current fraud scams, trends and show how to identify and protect yourself from common scams, spam vote go to The Look of Silence, Cartel Land, and viruses on the computer. The Savvy Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom, Seniors will also make an appearance with What Happened, Miss Simone? or Amy? the “Canada Goose.” news@charlottenewsvt.com Registration required. No fee.

Hank Kaestner will lead another Birding Expedition on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m.

Please meet at the Center so we can carpool together to the location Hank has scouted for spectacular bird watching. Good views are guaranteed through Hank’s “Oh my God” telescope with one more bird to spot as we try to beat last year’s total of 101 species of birds in one year! Please register so if we have to change the date due to bird migration or weather, we will call you. No fee.

Do you love Italian food? Are you curious to know more about Italy and different styles of cooking? Have you always wanted to try to cook your perfect Italian meal?

Join Barbara Colombo on Friday, Oct. 21, from 1–4 p.m. in the café for this fun culinary event, Italian Cooking and Culture!

Barbara Colombo, who trained at the Italian Culinary Institute in Milan, is an Italian who relocated to Vermont two years ago. She will lead you on this exciting cooking journey.

Together we will cook, and then share, a typical Italian meal. You will also learn the basics for having an Italian pantry, shopping like an Italian chef and picking your favorite regional dish. Buon appetito!

Registration required. Max. 15. Fee: $12.

Send us your NEWS,PHOTOS, EVENTS

A COLLECTION OF LECTURES, PERFORMANCES AND SPECIAL EVENTS SHOWCASING THE DIVERSE INTERESTS OF OUR COMMUNITY Wednesday afternoons beginning at 1 p.m.

No registration or fee.

10/12: Safe Use Of The Internet

This educational program is funded by FairPoint Communications and Google

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 office for more information.

The Charlotte News • October 5, 2016 • 19

Local Business Directory

20 • October 5, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Community Events Community Events

Basketball: Multi-age pick-up basketball on Mondays at 7 p.m. at Charlotte Central Tractor Parade: The 16th annual East School. For more information contact Charlotte Tractor Parade from 11 a.m. to Nicole Conley at 425-6129, ext. 204 or 5 p.m. on Oct. 9. Parade starts at 1 p.m. email recreation@townofcharlotte.com.

What started as a small event with only 20 tractors is now a community gathering that Playgroup: The Charlotte Playgroup hosted more than 130 farming machines meets each Monday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the multipurpose room at Charlotte last year.

Central School. Follows the school Garden Club: The Shelburne Charlotte calendar. No playgroup when school Garden Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. on is not in session. For more information Tuesday, Oct. 11. A tour of Twin Craft visit buildingbrightfutures.org or Soap Company in Winooski is planned. contact Colleen at They will carpool from the parking lot of bbfcharlotteplaygroup@gmail.com.

Pet Food Warehouse on Shelburne Road.

For more information call Ann Mead at Yoga: Mom and baby yoga on Tuesdays at 8:15 a.m. at Charlotte Central School. For 985-2657. more information contact Nicole Conley at Trails Committee Public Meeting: Open 425-6129, ext. 204 or email recreation@ discussion about the scoping study for the townofcharlotte.com. next phase of the Town Link Trail at 7 p.m.

Baby Playgroup: Building Bright Futures at town hall on Oct. 18.

Baby Playgroup on Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Charlotte Library.

Ages 0 to 2. For more information email Apple Pies: For sale on Wednesdays and bbfcharlotteplaygroup@gmail.com.

Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Charlotte Congregational Church. Yummy crust and Writing: Exploring the Methods of Writing Vermont apples. For more information Prose, with Sabina Evarts, at the Senior contact Martha Perkins at msperkins@ Center from 1 to 3 on Friday afternoons.

Dates: 10/14, 10/28, 11/11. Cover the gmavt.net. mechanics of writing and expressing Dance: After-school dance at 3 p.m. on thoughts. Currently writing stories and Thursdays at Charlotte Central School. For poetry herself, Sabina was a high school more information contact Nicole Conley at English teacher and has been published in 425-6129, ext. 204 or email recreation@ a number of poetry magazines and in the townofcharlotte.com.

Ongoing Events

Seasonal flowers in Charlotte.

Photo: Lynn Monty

Book Review: They deserved to be remembered “Upon Us Rests the Burden” Mel Huff CONTRIBUTOR

Dan Cole is well known in Charlotte.

During his working years, he carried the mail in town. In retirement, he has acquired another identity: author.

Upon Us Rests the Burden, Cole’s history of Charlotte as it experienced the years of the Civil War, was nominated by the Vermont Historical Society for its Richard O. Hathaway Award, given for “making an outstanding contribution to the field of Vermont history.” This vivid recreation of the reality of the war seen through the lens of one small and distant town deserves a wide readership.

Reflecting on the war at the beginning of the fall legislative session in 1862, the Speaker of the Vermont House told legislators, “Imperiled as [our country] is by the ambitious designs of traitorous demagogues, and involved in a most disastrous and needless war, let us not forget that upon us … rests the burden … of this tremendous struggle.”

It was a burden that Vermonters readily took up. “The state sent more than 34,000 to serve, out of a total population of about 350,000 citizens,” according to Wikipedia.

“Vermonters suffered a total of 1,832 men killed or mortally wounded in battle, and another 3,362 died of disease, in prison or from other causes, for a total loss of 5,194.

More than 2,200 Vermonters were taken prisoner during the war, and 615 of them died in or as a result of their imprisonment.”

When Cole began working on his family’s genealogy, he discovered he had ancestors who had fought in the Civil War. One was killed at the age of 16 in his first engagement with the enemy. The boy’s brother, wounded in the same battle, was sent to the notorious prison at Andersonville, released in a prisoner exchange and died on the way home. Perhaps because of them Cole is emotionally attuned to the events he relates.

Cole has organized his book around the experiences of some of the hundred Charlotte men who volunteered for what they believed would be a brief war. The narrative weaves together letters, excerpts from diaries, articles from the Burlington Daily Free Press, officers’ reports, pension records and other primary sources to recreate the immediacy of the soldiers’ lives and the struggles of the families they left behind.

Cole makes it clear that the burden of war was borne not only by the young men—and they were young—who slogged through knee-deep mud, suffered from diarrhea (disease caused three out of five deaths), and on one occasion marched for three days with nothing to eat but ground coffee beans. The burden was also borne by their families, many struggling to avoid financial ruin. When Cassius Newell went off to war, the next oldest brother left to run the farm was 12 years old. The heavily mortgaged

Vermont Writers collection. Registration required. Limit 10. No fee. For more information contact Sabina at 985-4099.

Fitness: Fitness at any age, with Ginger Lambert. Tuesday mornings at the Senior Center from 9:15 to 10. Dates: 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: $10/class. 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. 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 9 a.m. departure from the Senior Center (8:30 a.m. for Oct. 11 hike). Registration required. No fee. For more information contact the Charlotte Senior Center at 4256345. Tuesdays. Oct. 11: Barn Rock Bay, Essex, N.Y. Oct. 18: Preston Pond, West Bolton. Oct. 25: TAM – Blue trail.

farm was ultimately foreclosed on and the proceeds used to pay the family’s debts.

“I felt that the people who have become anonymous over the years should have recognition,” Cole said, explaining why he undertook this nearly decade-long project.

“They were just average people, but I thought their stories needed to be told …

They deserved to be remembered.”

Charlotte residents will recognize many family names in the book: Spear, Varney, Williams. Cole notes that we walk in the same places the soldiers and their families walked: the Old Brick Store, the Charlotte Congregational Church and the Town House (as the original Town Hall, now the Charlotte Historical Museum, was called).

Homes of soldiers’ families still stand and are lived in. The war’s dead are buried in our cemeteries.

But for all this, Cole’s story is not parochial. Like The Red Badge of Courage, the iconic Civil War novel about a soldier in a fictional New York regiment, Upon Us Rests the Burden speaks to all Americans. By grounding his book in the deeply felt particular, Cole has written a book that transcends its subject matter.

Upon Us Rests the Burden, the first of two volumes, is available locally at The Flying Pig in Shelburne and in digital and print versions from Author Dan Cole wrote a book about Charlotte’s Civil most online booksellers.

War history. Courtesy Photo

The Charlotte News • October 5, 2016 • 21

Puzzles Across 1. Holy man 5. Annoyances 10. Like some columns 14. Baker’s need 15. Fancy tie 16. Stalactite site 17. Sandwich bread 18. Bathroom item 19. Hands 20. Indian restaurant fare 23. Coarse file 24. Disaster 25. Fragrant oil 28. Canal site 30. Bloodstream fluid 34. Start to like 36. Miss-named?

38. “___ Time transfigured me.” - Yeats 39. Fine produce 43. Apply 44. Flatter, in a way 45. Building blocks 46. Fine thread 49. Polar worker 51. Idiotic 52. Gorbachev was its last leader (abbr.)

54. Floating, perhaps 56. Celebratory meal, probably 62. Basil, e.g.

63. Accustom 64. Enthusiasm 66. Advocate 67. One who makes dreams come true 68. Dead against 69. Rude person 70. Good point 71. Bit of choreography

Down 1. Chop (off) 2. Tel ___ 3. Allot, with “out” 4. Word riddles 5. Yesteryears 6. Break 7. One who crosses the line?

8. No charge on the bridge?

9. It is best stainless 10. Absorb 11. Henry VIII’s last wife 12. Always 13. Wet, as morning grass 21. Third of nine 22. Newspaper div.

25. Bad

26. Foot bones 27. Genealogical diagrams 29. Sweetheart 31. Peach dessert 32. Dress up 33. Literature Nobelist Hermann 35. Lab eggs 37. Flight board abbr.

40. Table centerpieces 41. Bye word 42. Windfalls 47. Felled trees 48. Medium ability?

50. Imaginary land of supernatural beings 53. Goatlike antelope 55. Precipitation 56. Great Lakes fish 57. Deli sandwich 58. Jason’s ship 59. Women in habits 60. Tiny payment 61. Can’t take 65. Mouth piece Crossword and Sudoku BY MYles Mellor.

Answers to our puZZles can Be found near tHe classifieds.

22 • October 5, 2016 • The Charlotte News

OutTakes Commentary

by Edd Merritt

Time well spent at the Frog Pond Edd Merritt CONTRIBUTOR

“Stayin’ up for days in the Chelsea Hotel writing ‘SadEyed Lady of the Lowlands’ for you . . .” (Bob Dylan’s Sara) It was the summer of 1968. I had just been released by the Navy, done my time on Treasure Island and then driven up to Vancouver and across Canada, ending up eventually in “The City.” Of course I had to follow Bob Dylan and Mark Twain and the raft of other celebrities who stayed at “the Chelsea Hotel.” I hung out with my Navy friend in the Village and explored that part of New York City. I had not quite made it to the alphabets, but I was close—somewhere below 14th Street, near 1st Avenue.

I had come back to this country during a time in its history similar to today’s. War was a central feature of the culture, and for my generation, anti-war was often the motivating factor for action. I’d spent two years off the coast of Vietnam, passing on secret documents to our pilots who were at first bombing Hanoi and later running strikes against the Vietcong coming down the Ho Chi Min Trail. On my breaks from the office I’d have a cigarette on the ship’s afterbrow and wish I could leap off it and swim to the coast, finding myself a hospital where the American nurses worked. I had an old girlfriend from my post-high school days we called “Busty Dusty” stationed there, and I would willingly have given a lot to see her again. Maybe I could have talked myself into time in the brig for the opportunity.

I had joined the Navy because I didn’t have the guts to beat it to Canada, and I figured I needed to be involved in the war before I could oppose it with a full sense of honesty. I believed that I could quit the service once I saw how horrible it was for both soldiers and country-people. How dumb was that wish?

While there was a lot of anti-war activity in New York, it was also a cultural haven for young people. The Village contained a variety of bars, restaurants and music

Tractor Parade

continued from page 1 Even though the Tractor Parade started as a very small, very local event, it has grown into something greater. Farmers get to have one final huzzah before the harvest season is over, while the rest of us can take a moment to reflect on our agricultural roots

venues that could not help but appeal to the Vietnam generation.

Uptown gave people a view of the other end of the spectrum. Columbia University had an active chapter of Students for a Democratic Society that discovered the school was involved in a collaboration with the Institute for Defense Analysis, a weapons research group working with the country’s Department of Defense. The university had not divulged this connection to the public by 1967 when a SDS member discovered it. Active hell followed. You could tell the FBI agents mingling in the demonstration by their suits and ties.

I, on the other hand, was happily discovering drinking holes. What activated my memory recently was a New York Times article on the reopening of Chumley’s Restaurant on Bedford and Barrow streets.

In my day, Chumley’s, a former speak-easy, was almost invisible to those not in the know. It looked like any city house from the front and was accessible through a back door only by crossing an unmarked courtyard that was also the backyard for several apartment buildings. It served grand food, and we made it our favorite hidden spot where we could show visitors that we knew a secret Village site.

Then there were the bars—Pete’s Tavern, McSorleys with its sawdusted floors, and The White Horse where the literati hung out. I lived around the corner from Max’s Kansas City, which at the time had a house band called the Velvet Underground led by a guitar player, songwriter and singer named Lou Reed. We went there because it was groovy. Early in my Village life, I saw Jerry Garcia playing an acoustic guitar and members of the San Francisco Mime Troupe dancing to his beat. It was actual flamenco as opposed to “Friend of the Devil.” I saw Janis Joplin sing herself sweaty with “Cry Baby.” Mort Shuman and friends entertained me with “Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris” at the Village Gate, and Slugger Ann, an Andy Warhol compatriot, served me beer at her bar.

Several of the daily newspapers were repositories of excellent journalism along with the weekly Village Voice. The afternoon New York Post complimented the morning New York Times. The Post ran regular columns by two of the best and most thoughtful writers around, Pete Hamill and Murray Kempton.

Hamill asked his readers to “sing him no more sad songs—it was September and the Mets were leading the league.”

This was before Rupert Murdoch unfortunately bought it and turned it into a tabloid of major garbage. WNEW was the radio station of choice with the sultry voice of the “Night Bird,” disk jockey Alison Steele, wafting over the waves, sending many of us into the sublime. DJ Jonathan Schwartz savored our desire for classic rock.

A true watering hole in the Village (even named the “Frog Pond”) became my regular evening watch. A college friend pointed me there to discover that it was the after-work and bask in the coming fall season.

“It is a very happy event,” said Carrie Spear, founder of the parade. “It is a unique thing and it brings people together.”

This distinctly Vermont tradition is a wonderful experience for young and old alike, and we hope to see you enjoying the local gathering and watching the procession this year.

Photo of the week Gia loves basking in the Charlotte sun

Gia Krasnow, 11, of Charlotte is a long-hair Chihuahua that loves walks up Mount Philo. Here she is seen basking in the sun at her home last week. Photo by Emilie Krasnow

stop for cops and firefighters who lived in Brooklyn and on Staten Island. Although hardly a terrorist stronghold, it was owned by a couple of Albanian brothers and a Brooklynite who happened to be three of the friendliest people I met in the city.

It was also the center of my education into the operations of New York. The cops and firemen were open in their explanations of how their departments worked, what went wrong with them and why Staten Island was a great place to plant their roots. (They said that the “mob” members who moved there upgraded their neighborhoods quickly and passionately, no more ghettos for them.

They kept their noses clean—it was smallcity life without leaving the “big one;” Tottenville was theirs.)

The City may have educational institutions equally important as my bars. I’m sure it does. But finding the great bars was, to me, half the fun. It also served to confirm my belief (shared with the head of Columbia University’s Department of Education at the time) that learning occurs in many settings outside of schools. While few bars have beer as good as McSorley’s, they do offer cultures that can lead to learning if the learner is inquisitive and enjoys interesting people.

After all, there’s a full load of “Fugs” there.

SportStyle is looking for an outgoing, career minded fashion consultant.

This position will be filled by someone who has a professional and accommodating demeanor.

This position will give an established person a means to express their stylish creativity. The ideal candidate must be successful in retail sales and have outstanding customer service abilities.

Around Town Edd Merritt CONTRIBUTOR

Congratulations to Andrea and Caleb Longe of Charlotte on the birth of their daughter Sloan Elizabeth Longe on July 18. to Charlotte-headquartered EatingWell that joined forces with Belisio Foods to offer frozen entrees in more than 5,000 retail stores nationwide according to a recent announcement in the Burlington Free Press.

Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Edythe Cohen Wool of Shelburne and Hutchinson Island, Florida, who passed away September 21 at the age of 90. Her surviving family includes her son Michael Wool and his wife, Martha, of Charlotte.

At present 32 hours is needed but with proven success more hours may become available.

For serious inquiries call Peggy at 860-2802 Monday, Wednesday or Friday

Lakewood Commons • Shelburne Road So. Burlington, VT • 802.860.2802 M-W 10-6, Th-F 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5 www.sportstylevt.com • @sportstylevt

Feeling snappy? Send us your photos! news@thecharlottenews.org

The Charlotte News • October 5, 2016 • 23

News from the Charlotte Library Tuesday, Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m. French Country Table. Come enjoy a potluck of French country dishes. We’ll set the table, you choose the recipe and bring a dish to share.

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. Baby Time @ the Library! A chance to read, sing and play for babies and parents or caregivers.

Margaret Woodruff CONTRIBUTOR

OCTOBER @ THE CHARLOTTE LIBRARY

Thursday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Book Discussion “Fleeing Dictatorship: Migration Stories of Cuban and Dominican Families.” We start with How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents.

Supported by the Vermont Humanities Council.

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. Great Decisions: U.S. & Cuba. A conversation about our nearest offshore neighbor. Meets at Senior Center for this session only.

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 3:15 p.m. Afterschool Activity: Tie-Dyed Tees. Using Sharpie permanent markers and a bit of magic, get messy and create colorful T-shirts. Grades 3 and up.

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. “The Eddy Family of Spirit Mediums.” Jacob Smiley introduces the Vermonters who garnered attention around the globe as séance guides.

Co-sponsored with the Charlotte Historical Society.

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Vigil: The Poetry of Presence. Pam MacPherson shares her collection of poems based on her work as a hospice volunteer.

Thursday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. Yoga @ the Library! Join Lynn Alpeter and Heidi Bock of Yoga Roots for an introduction to yoga and why it might be great for you!

Fridays beginning Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m.

Books To “Fall” For… Friday Free for All. From rocks, blocks Adult Books and socks to babies, bugs and hairy bread, join us to investigate on Friday mornings.

Lost Champions: Four Men, Two Teams, Ages 3 to 5. and the Breaking of Pro Football’s Color Tuesday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. Great Decisions: Line, by Gretchen Atwood, shows how Climate Geopolitics. Our discussion of efforts to integrate sports sits within the U.S. foreign policy focuses on America’s often-ignored history of the civil rights approach to climate change. Materials movement in the 1940s. The four players faced animosity and death threats for their available at the desk. role in integration while they and all black Wednesdays, Oct. 12 & 26, 5:30 p.m.

Americans were threatened in 1946 by a Library Knitters. Join us to knit, chat and spike in lynchings, threat of legal expulsion compare fiber notes. Bring a project or we from their own homes and segregation all can help get you started. the way down to the simple act of going to Saturday, Oct. 15, 10:30 a.m. Seed Saving an amusement park for a bit of relaxation.

Workshop. We’ll be restocking our seed Into the Sun by Deni Ellis Bechard. When library (and yours!). Bring your seeds to a car explodes in a crowded part of Kabul sort and share. ten years after 9/11, a Japanese-American Monday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. Mystery Book journalist is shocked to discover that the Group: A June of Ordinary Murders. passengers were acquaintances—three Victorian Dublin is the setting for our next fellow ex-pats who had formed an unlikely love triangle. Drawn to the secrets of these mystery. Copies at the desk. strangers and increasingly convinced Tuesdays beginning Oct. 18, 2:15 p.m. the events that led to the fatal explosion TinkerBelles. Explore the world of women weren’t random, the journalist follows a in STEM careers. Grades 3-5. Registration trail that leads from Kabul to Louisiana, required. Funded by a grant from John and Maine, Québec and Dubai. In the process, Alice Outwater.

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.

the tortured narratives of these individuals become inseparable from the larger story of America’s imperial misadventures.

Trespasser (Dublin Murder Squad #6)

by Tana French. Antoinette Conway, the tough, abrasive detective from The Secret Place, is still on the Murder squad, but only just. She’s partnered up with Stephen Moran now, and that’s going well—but the rest of her working life isn’t. Antoinette doesn’t play well with others, and there’s a vicious running campaign in the squad to get rid of her. She and Stephen pull a case that at first looks like a slam-dunk lovers’ tiff, but gradually they realize there’s more going on: someone on their own squad is trying to push them towards the obvious solution, away from nagging questions. They have to work out whether this is just an escalation in the drive to get rid of her—or whether there’s something deeper and darker going on.

Northmen: The Viking Saga, 793-1241 AD

by John Haywood. In 800 the Scandinavians were barbarians in longships bent only on plunder. But as these Norse warriors left their northern strongholds to trade, raid and settle across wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic, their violent and predatory culture left a unique imprint on medieval history. So much so that by 1200 the Viking homelands had become an integral part of Latin Christendom. Northmen tells this story.

The Paris Librarian by Mark Pryor. Hugo Marston’s friend Paul Rogers dies unexpectedly in a locked room at the American Library in Paris. The police conclude that Rogers died of natural causes, but when his girlfriend is also found dead Hugo is certain mischief is afoot.

Classifieds Reach your friends and neighbors for only $7 per issue. (Payment must be sent before issue date.) Please limit your ad to 35 words or fewer and send it to The Charlotte News Classifieds, P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 or email ads@thecharlottenews.org.

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Prefer non-drinker/smoker with excellent Youth Books references. $850.00. Contact Linda at Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln? (802) 734-2617.

by Kate DiCamillo. Baby Lincoln’s older sister, Eugenia, is very fond of telling Baby what to do, and Baby usually responds by saying “Yes, Sister.” But one day Baby has had enough. She decides to depart on a Necessary Journey, even though she has never gone anywhere without Eugenia telling her what to take and where to go.

The Scourge by Jennifer Neilsen. As a lethal plague sweeps through the land, Ani Mells is shocked when she is unexpectedly captured by the governor’s wardens and forced to submit to a test for the deadly U scourge. She is even more surprised when the test results come back positive, and she is sent to Attic Island, a former prison turned refuge—and quarantine colony— Publication date: Oct. 19 for the ill. However, Ani quickly discovers Columns/features deadline: Oct. 10 that she doesn’t know the whole truth about Letters due: Oct. 14 the scourge or the colony.

Ads Deadline: Oct. 14 They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel.

The cat walked through the world, with its Publication date: Nov. 2 whiskers, ears, and paws…. In this glorious Columns/features deadline: Oct. 24 celebration of observation, curiosity and Letters due: Oct. 28 imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the Ads Deadline: Oct. 28 many lives of one cat and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?

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