The Charlotte News | November 16, 2016

The

Charlotte News Charlotte’s award-winning community newspaper

Volume LIX NumBer 9

The VoIce of the ToWN

WeDNesDaY, NoVemBer 16, 2016

A Dish From Home This

Thanksgiving

Aspiring young professionals pilot a new African diaspora health-conscious cooking show in town Page 4

What’s inside: • • •

Charlotte Fire and Rescue makes a big purchase, page 1 Students at CCS win cash, page 8 Meet the owner of Phebes Phinest Honey, page 6

CharlotteNewsVT.org

Charlotte News

The

Vol. 59, no. 9

November 16, 2016

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

Ferry dock employees robbed at gunpoint

Vermont’s largest elm recycled in an effort to save species

Owners Dave and Christie Garrett look on as the trunk of the Northeast’s biggest Slippery Elm is lifted onto the bed of a semitrailer for transport. The trunk weighed in at 24,500 pounds and required a special heavy-duty crane to lift it.

Photo by Glen Findholt

Tai Dinnan CONTRIBUTOR

The Charlotte, VT – Essex, NY Lake Champlain Ferry at dusk this fall.

Staff Report The Charlotte - Essex Lake Champlain Ferry Line was robbed at about 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 11. Police said two men, wearing hoodies and masks, forced two dock employees to turn over an undisclosed amount of cash at gunpoint. Neither of the employees were injured.

The suspects fled on foot and are believed to have

Photo by Lynn Monty

gotten into a vehicle before leaving the area, police said.

Operation of the ferry was temporarily delayed while this incident was being investigated but has since resumed. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Trooper Metayer at the Vermont State Police Williston barracks at (802) 878-7111.

Vermont Tree Goods supervised the taking down, on Nov. 1, of the Vermont Elm, the largest elm tree in the Northeast. This Bristol business will recycle the heirloom hardwood in their oversized sawmill and use the wood to build distinctive furniture. The 250-year-old elm died from Dutch elm disease.

Vermont Tree Goods will make a philanthropic gift to The Nature Conservancy based on how much product made from the Vermont Elm is sold. This will allow the conservancy to further its work to save the species by breeding and planting diseaseresistant elms. Furniture made from the Vermont

see VT Elm page 14

Fire department acquires new rescue boat Lynn Monty EDITOR IN CHIEF

Water rescue distress calls on Lake Champlain in Charlotte will be easier to handle now that the fire department has purchased an enclosed, heavy-duty rescue boat.

Training on the lake will begin in December.

Charlotte Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Rob Mullin said in the past few months there have been three water rescue calls that were out of reach due to severe weather conditions at Point Bay Marina.

“The Coast Guard is doing less and less here for us,” he said. “Their primary mission is Homeland Security with a Burlington focus, so when calls come in on this part of the lake, it’s rare that a coastguard boat will make it down here.”

Selectman Fritz Tegatz said the

refurbished Defender 250 Safe Boat was delivered Nov. 9 from California and is off to have two Honda Outboards installed at Tom’s Marine Service in West Ferrisburgh. The 25-foot safe boat was built after 9/11 and is expected to serve the town for about 20 years. The boat is similar to what the Coast Guard uses.

“This will allow us to get to people in all kinds of conditions,” Mullin said.

“We now have a capability that no other town has in this area of the lake.”

Funds used to purchase the boat did not come from the annual operational funds provided to the fire department from the taxpayers. It was purchased with special funds and donations, First Lieutenant Jon Davis said. “I don’t know the exact total amount right now as there are still

see Rescue Boat page 14

Assistant Fire Chief Rob Mullin prepares the new Defender 250 Safe Boat for a trip to Tom’s Marine Service in West Ferrisburgh on Nov. 10 where it will have two Honda outboard motors installed.

Photo by Lynn Monty

Library News 13 • Senior Center 18 • Community Events 20 • Crossword & Sudoku 21

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 3

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

Contributions in the form of articles, press releases and photographs pertaining to Charlotte-related people and events are accepted and encouraged.

For submission guidelines and deadlines, please visit our website or contact the editor at news@thecharlottenews.org.

The Charlotte News is published in Charlotte

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

Editorial Staff

news@thecharlottenews.org / 425-4949 Editor in chief: Lynn Monty Design: Anna Cyr Contributing editors: John Hammer, Edd Merritt Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Leslie Botjer, Vince Crockenberg, Carol Hanley, Edd Merritt, Janet Yantachka

Business Staff

ads@thecharlottenews.org / 343-0279 Ad manager: Monica Marshall Business manager: Shanley Hinge

Board Members

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

Carol

Hanley,

Contributors

Colleen Armstrong, Elizabeth Bassett, Jorden Blucher, Kelly Devine, Jill Diemer, Emily Greenberg, Krista Hoffsis, Jim Hyde, Alice Outwater, Leonard Perry, Mary Recchia and Laurie Thompson

Subscription Information

The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all Charlotte residences. Effective May 1, 2016, we will no longer offer bulk mail subscriptions.

Subscriptions are available for first-class delivery at $40 per calendar year. Want a subscription? Please send a check payable to The Charlotte News, PO Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445.

Postmaster

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

Copyright © 2016 The Charlotte News, Inc. Printed in Burlington, Vermont, by Gannet Publishing Services Member of the New England Newspaper and Press Association and the Vermont Press Association.

4 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Letters Heartfelt Thanks Larry Hamilton was woven strongly into the fabric of the local community and beyond. His death Oct. 6 after an illness of only a few weeks, took family and friends by surprise and left us reeling with sadness. Hadn’t it seemed like he would live, if not forever, at least several more years?

With a heavy heart, I went to the community gathering to remember Larry, Nov. 6 at the Old Lantern. By the time I left, however, not only my heart but I believe everyone else’s there was buoyed up by the outpouring of love and respect for a life well-lived. In the stories and tributes, I heard affirmations that Larry had indeed succeeded in his efforts to “walk his talk”, that is, to stay grounded in love, gratitude and good cheer, to use his head, and to be of service. We know from our various experiences with Larry that this attitude is infectious and we have all benefited from his bubbling enthusiasm.

Heartfelt thanks to all who came on Sunday, and shared so thoughtfully.

Very, very special thanks to those who made the gathering possible: Susan Crockenberg for overall organizing,

Dorrice Hammer for coordinating refreshments, John Hammer and Vince Crockenberg for facilitating the sharing circle, Evergreen Erb of playing harp, Annemie Curlin for creating a beautiful guest book, the talented cookie faeries who made sweet treats for us, Sally Wadhams for decorating, greeters and physical helpers. Key to the whole gathering was the generous and gracious hosting by Lisa and Roland Gaujac at the Old Lantern. It was a beautiful event.

At the gathering, $200 in donations in Larry’s honor was received for the Charlotte Land Trust, and $600 for the Charlotte Tree Fund. Deputy Tree Warden Sue Smith announced that Horsford’s Nursery (Charlie Proutt) will donate a Shagbark Hickory tree to be planted next spring on the Town Green in Larry’s memory, as well as the next Arbor Day tree planted at Charlotte Central School.

On behalf of myself and all of Larry’s family, I send heartfelt thanks to the people of this vibrant community, who know how to support each other, through both laughter and tears.

Linda Hamilton, Charlotte

Keep it rural, quiet and peaceful We are writing to express our strong opposition to the event barn proposed to be built at 783 Mount Philo Road. We live at 1196 Lime Kiln Road, directly east of the site. Our property abuts the Sogoloff property. While we do not directly abut the property, we will be directly affected.

Our community is rural, quiet and peaceful. As neighbors, we all respect each other’s desire to live in lifestyles conducive to our mutual peace and quiet.

The Laberge shooting range disrupts this to a certain extent, but they have been here a long time, so we respectfully accept the noise.

However, adding the event barn, in which there will be 60 events with parking for 150 vehicles, severely puts our way of life at risk. In our area, noise usually travels in a southwesterly direction. From our house, we can clearly hear traffic on route 7, music from the summer concerts at the Shelburne Museum and the whistles of trains traveling through Shelburne.

The noise from the proposed event barn will easily be heard from our house since it is actually much closer than any of the aforementioned sources of noise. Parking for 150 vehicles will add immeasurably to this sound problem, along with an unacceptable increase in the amount of traffic we already have to endure.

This part of Charlotte is agricultural/ rural. There is a strict limit to development here, by which we all abide, in order to keep it that way. Just because there is a loophole that will allow a dilapidated barn to “saved” by zoning it for business does not mean that that is what should be done. That may be good for the barn, but it will cause immeasurable damage to our community.

We agree with Teena Flood and Bonnie Sogoloff that “it simply does not belong there!”

Michael, Margaret, Allie and Micki Lazar of Charlotte

ON THE COVER: Nutritionist Prince Awhaitey cooks up a Ghanaian dish for a cooking show pilot called “Healthy Kingdom” with the help of Director Shaunese Crawford at The Clemmons Family Farm Barn House in Charlotte on Nov. 6.

Photo by Lynn Monty

Appreciation from Mike Yantachka I want to express my thanks to the voters of Charlotte and Hinesburg for giving me a strong re-election endorsement. I have always tried to represent all of you well with the understanding that there are some issues on which consensus will be hard to reach. However, I will continue to work hard to do so. I appreciate your input and want you to always feel

free to contact me anytime by email myantachka.dfa@gmail.com or phone 233-5238.

Rep. Mike Yantachka, CharlotteHinesburg (Chit 4-1)

Commentary Waking up to the reality of Donald Trump as president As we wake up to the reality that Donald Trump will be our next president, a kaleidoscope of thoughts and emotions jumbled up inside of us need expression and voice.

Here is a man of many faces and opinions that the American people and world have difficulty defining, and who himself may not be sure how he feels on important issues affecting the life of this nation. I cannot help but feel that, despite his rhetoric, there’s a part of him that is as surprised as everyone else at the outcome of this presidential campaign. Still, regardless of what we think, Mr. Trump, as of November 8, 2016, must drastically prepare and define himself for an office for which he’s had no experience or training.

He faces a nation that would have preferred better choices among candidates and, at best, regards him as the lesser of two evils; a nation of women and girls repulsed by his abusive and cavalier behavior toward females; a nation of African Americans incensed by his racist treatment toward blacks in denying them housing at Trump Village in the early 70s and in claiming that the first black president was unqualified to hold office because he was not a native-born citizen; a nation of nativeborn and naturalized Hispanic citizens outraged by his biased remarks toward Mexican immigrants; and a nation of American Muslims living in fear

of religious bigotry fueled partly by his suspicion of Islam as a source of terrorism.

While we as a nation applaud his stamina to endure the grueling schedule and rally the forces needed to win America’s highest office, we must also condemn the base tactics he employed by bullying, demeaning and vilifying his opponents to achieve his goal, tactics we condoned as avid participants in a reality TV show.

Because we were all caught up and embroiled in the vitriolic attacks of this election season, we all now wake up to the reality of knowing very little about where President-elect Trump stands specifically concerning domestic and international policies affecting our nation. The Republican Party is imploding, the Democratic Party is in mourning, and democracy as we know it will never be the same.

We are a house that has not been so divided since the Civil War. And we anxiously and prayerfully wonder if our newly-elected president has the capacity to redefine himself in ways that will heal our deep and painful divides.

God bless and forgive America.

Reverend Dr. Arnold Isidore Thomas, interim senior pastor, Charlotte Congregational Church

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

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 5

A dish from home this Thanksgiving Awhaitey’s mission is to create a series of cooking shows that illustrate how to consume food in a way that nature has provided Ever wonder what to do with all of those with the help of SC Visuals Director and pumpkin seeds after carving jack-o-lanterns Cinematographer Shaunese Crawford. They with the kids? Save them for Thanksgiving! met at Vermont Community Access Media In Ghana, they grind the seeds into a fine (VCAM). powder, mix with water These two to make a paste, then use Vermonters have as a thickener for their also partnered with Lydia Clemmons said Charlotte’s Clemmons traditional Kontomire Stew. The flavor the Farm. The she wants to support Family seeds add is incredible Clemmons family and it’s packed with whatever can create volunteered the use Vitamin C and zinc to of their kitchen in the joy in these stressful renovated Barn House boot.

Chef Prince Awhaitey times. “Today we have for filming on Nov. 6. As Lydia Clemmons, Prince Awhaitey, Jackson Clemmons and Shaunese Crawford at of Burlington is one of Vermont’s largest The Clemmons Family Farm Barn House in Charlotte on Nov. 6. these young people promoting the dish in African American- Photo by Lynn Monty his cooking show pilot, owned historic farms, and activities that celebrate farming, the can learn a little bit about their own culture here doing brave new the Clemmons also gave arts and sciences, and African American on a day to day basis,” Crawford said. “Prince “Healthy Kingdom,” in honor of his homeland things in business,” their creative support heritage. The farm is now officially part of happens to be Ghanaian and cooks Ghanaian and to promote a healthy on the concept and the the Vermont African American Heritage with a twist. The African diaspora pulls from American way of eating she said. “That’s what script.

Trail. everything, from our African roots as well as since it is the best The 148 acres has Awhaitey, 28, a Ghanaian-American, American heritage. We want to connect we are all about and been farmed since is helping his family grow their African our preventative measure, he the two and show everyone that we are a today we are coming the 1700s producing Market in the Old North End of Burlington diverse group of people with diverse ideas said.

“We are still following organic hay and by establishing a take-out restaurant and and we have a lot to offer the world.” together over food the traditional diet from alfalfa. Pine, oak and juice line. He’s a professional body builder Awhaitey and Crawford have ultimately The Great Depression hemlock are also logged and nutritionist. “I was at VCAM fumbling teamed up to create change in Vermont, and film.” where we are consuming occasionally. The Barn around with this cooking show idea when Crawford said. “We want to uplift this entire a whole lot of processed House has been slowly Shaunese offered to help me out,” Awhaitey community,” she said. “Vermont is the foods,” Awhaitey said. restored over the past said. “She asked me if I was familiar with second whitest state in America, that’s no “Today we are teaming two decades by family Adobe and I was thinking about the spice, secret.” up to put the message out there that we are patriarch Jackson Clemmons. It is now a so I said, yes, I know all about adobe. It’s a Jackson Clemmons’ daughter, Lydia supposed to be eating foods that are living.” multi-purpose venue for community events seasoning for chicken.”

Clemmons added, “Sometimes the first when Crawford, 24, is Jamaican-American and the Clemmons family goes on vacation.” lives in South Burlington. She spends her “Healthy Kingdom” co-producer Rob days using video editing software Adobe Lietar offered up a laugh as hearty as the Premiere. “I knew this nice-looking man stew brewing and said he hopes the show needed my help and I also know everyone gets picked up. “This contributes to the cultural diversity of this state which is sorely needed,” he said. “Prince has basically prepared to knock the socks off of whoever is Upcoming in front of him. He’s a dynamo.”

Public Meetings Clemmons said she wants to support whatever can create joy in these stressful Zoning Board of Adjustment times. “Today we have these young people Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. here doing brave new things in business,” she said. “That’s what we are all about and today Planning Commission we are coming together over food and film.”

Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.

Lynn Monty

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Selectboard Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.

6 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Friends of Kingsland Bay forms in response to submarine cable Emily Greenberg CONTRIBUTOR

Local sailors, kayakers, swimmers and even concerned boaters from as far as South Hero Island gathered at the Vergennes Congregational Church on Wednesday, Nov. 2, to discuss the future of water-based recreational activity in Kingsland Bay. Spearheading the meeting was the newly established group Friends of Kingsland Bay, which formed in response to an underwater power cable proposed by National Grid PLC, a British multinational electricity and gas utility company headquartered in Warwick, United Kingdom. The cable, known as the Vermont Green Line, would run approximately 32 miles under Lake Champlain with an exit point onshore at Kingsland Bay State Park. Once ashore the power cable would then pass underground through the town of Ferrisburgh before ending at a power converter station in New Haven.

“My concern goes beyond the group of boaters moored there [Kingsland Bay],” said Nick Patch, a founding member of Friends. “This route for the cable has the potential to alter the historic use of

Kingsland Bay as a safe anchorage” in both recreational and emergency situations.

The intended cable would run down the middle of the bay. The Friends group is primarily concerned with federal regulations that can prohibit anchoring in areas occupied by submarine cables. According to federal rules, boaters can also be held responsible if their ground tackle damages submarine cables or pipelines that are properly documented on marine charts, which is another concern of the organization.

Swimmers who regularly use the bay have also expressed concern in regard to swimming in an area so close to underground electrical activity. “I’m not comfortable with that,” said Kerry Malloy who keeps a sailboat moored in the bay.

“The first thing we do in the morning is jump in the water.”

Because of the possible impact on recreational activity, the Friends has proposed that the cable be routed through Hawkins Bay, just north of McDonough Point and an area that receives far less recreational use.

The founding members of Friends have met with National Grid representatives and presented their idea, but no official

Fatal accident closes Shelburne Road in Charlotte

Fifty-two boats moored at Kingsland Bay on Aug. 2. alternate route has been adopted.

“We’re not opposed to the cable,” said Roger Wallace, another founding member of the organization. “We’re opposed to the cable running through the primary recreational area of Kingsland Bay.” Friends of Kingsland Bay hopes to build the public’s awareness of the Vermont Green Line project in the coming weeks

CONTRIBUTOR

Join us for an Advent lecture by Fr. Richard Berube, SSE on Monday evening, Dec. 5 7 p.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Hall on 2894 Spear Street.

Titled, “O Mary, God has chosen you from all women of the world.” This is a reflection for Advent-Christmas, and on how Jesus and Mary both join and separate the world’s largest religions, Christianity and Islam.

There are many references to Jesus and to Maryam (Mary in the Quran (Koran). In fact, Mary is the only woman named in the Quran, where she is honored for her spiritual perfection, her fidelity and obedience

Lynn Monty EDITOR IN CHIEF

Shelburne Road between Bostwick Road and Ferry Road was closed until about 10 a.m. on Nov. 3 due to a fatal motor vehicle crash at the Crosswind Drive intersection in Charlotte.

Police said a tractor trailer traveling northbound and a passenger car traveling southbound on Route 7 collided around 1:30 a.m. The operator of the passenger car, Andrew Godaire, 22, of Ferrisburgh was killed, police said.

His 2015 Hyundai Sonata was totaled.

The crash is still under investigation.

Conditions were wet, police said.

Godaire was a 2012 Champlain Valley Union High School graduate, was a student at Community College of Vermont, and worked as a medical

assistant at The University of Vermont Medical Center Dermatology Department.

A scholarship fund has been established in his name to support medical assistant continuing education at UVM Medical Center. Donations may be made to The Andrew Godaire Memorial Fund by sending a check payable to UVM Medical Center (Andrew Godaire Memorial), 111 Colchester Ave. Burlington, VT 05401.

Jose Nunez, 50, of Cazenovia, NY, drove the now-totaled 2016 Freightliner and was uninjured, police said.

Northbound traffic in Charlotte was routed from Shelburne Road to Mount Philo Road via Church Hill Road and Greenbush Road via Ferry Road. This impacted transportation to Charlotte Central School for families living west of Shelburne Road.

Any witness are asked to contact State Police at (802) 878-7111.

and to participate in the upcoming permitting processes.

According to Friends, construction of the cable is scheduled to begin in October 2017.

To get involved with the Friends of Kingsland Bay email friendsofkingslandbay99@gmail.com.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel welcomes Father Richard Berube for advent lecture Colleen Armstrong

Ferrisburgh Firefighter Mark Chaffee directs detour traffic after a fatal crash closes Route 7 in Charlotte on Nov. 3.

Photo by Lynn Monty

Photo by Jonathan Freese

to the Word of God, and her being chosen to be the virginal mother of the Messiah, making her a contact point for dialogue between Christians and Muslims.”

Learn about your own faith while exploring the faith of others. The evening’s lecture is an opportunity to discover connections between two faiths that are frequently misrepresented as being polar opposites. Fr. Richard Berube, SSE, emeritus professor of Religious Studies at St. Michael’s College, received his doctorate in Theology at Catholic University of America, along with studies of Islam at MacDonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations (Hartford Seminary, CT).

Send us your

NEWS, PHOTOS,EVENTS news@thecharlottenews.org

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 7

Town Phebes Phinest Honey

Photo Of The Week

Phebe Hardy, 12, of Charlotte will be selling Phebe’s Phinest Honey at the Champlain Valley Union High School Craft Fair Dec. 2 and 3..

Photo by Lynn Monty

Math and money make sweet partners for local business-savvy tween Lynn Monty

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Buzzing bees behind a bedroom wall would have most children running scared, but not Phebe Hardy, 12, of Charlotte. Her daunting situation turned lucrative once she honed in on an entrepreneurial solution.

With a little help from dad, Scott Hardy, Phebe’s Phinest Honey was born this year.

Honeycombs were discovered in the walls, but the bees were nowhere to be found once dismantling ensued. “Maybe the bees were using my bedroom walls as their refrigerator,” Hardy said.

In all, the Hardy family packaged 13 boxes of 12 jars of honey to be sold. One jar is $5.25, two for $10, and a box is $60. “I had to do all of this math with my dad to get it going,” Hardy said. “And I have to pay my sister $10 an hour to work for me. When I add everything up, I get what is left over. I am going to take the money and put it into my bank account to buy clothes.”

In the process, Hardy made another fascinating discovery. “I learned that to make the honeycombs, bees have to do math,” she said. “They have to measure an area and plan the process. Bees are actually very intelligent.”

This is not Hardy’s first profitable endeavor. She started a roadside lemonade stand at the age of six that raked in about $50 a day. “I think I have always had a knack for selling things,” she said. “I like the money.

My parents buy me things I need but I have to buy the things I want. I need to have a lot of money so I can have what I want.”

When she’s not empire-building, Hardy can be found outside hiking or practicing yoga with her mom, Rowan Beck. Beck’s thoughts on her daughter’s marketing penchant, “She could sell dirt to worms,” she said.

For more information, email phebebhardy@gmail.com.

Alone and colorful on Hinesburg Road.

Photo by Edd Merritt

8 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Charlotte Town Link Trail update Laurie Thompson CO-CHAIR, TRAILS COMMITTEE

On Tuesday, October 18, more than 20 people attended the Public Meeting to discuss the next steps for the Charlotte Town Link Trail. Through a VTRANS grant, the town hired DuBois & King, an engineering firm, to scope the next two sections of the Town Link Trail.

Lucy Gibson and Sophie Sauve of DuBois & King led the discussion through the process of scoping, what will happen and when the study is taking place. The goal of the scoping project is to determine the best route for the Town Link Trail along State Park Rd. and from the Co-housing development into West Charlotte Village.

Attendees, all of whom were Charlotte

residents, voiced their support and concerns about the trail. Most in the audience were supportive of the trail, voicing an interest in walking, skiing, or biking from their homes into town (the library, post office, town hall and stores), the ball fields, or on to Mt. Philo without getting into a car or being on a road. The concerns expressed were about privacy of residents living close to the trail, minimizing impact on wildlife, and also about safety on the trail because people hunt on their properties.

This was the first meeting to kick off the scoping project. There will be two more public meetings; the first is planned for January to report on the progress of the project, and the second in May when the study is complete.

Lewis Creek Association Annual Party a success Krista Hoffsis LCA PROGRAM COORDINATOR

This year’s annual Lewis Creek Association party proved to be a successful and informative event! Over 50 people were in attendance, representing community members from LaPlatte and Lewis Creek watershed towns, municipalities, conservation commission members, and Charlotte Central School students involved with LCA’s “Ahead of the Storm” project.

This year’s event focused on introducing the community to the Ahead of the Storm project, which features 14 demonstration sites to improve water quality in the LaPlatte watershed towns of Charlotte, Hinesburg, and Shelburne. These sites, in various stages of design and construction, will display “optimal conservation practices” for flood water retention and storm water mitigation on a variety of land uses – a farm, a town park, and 3 schools, to name a few.

One of the AOTS demonstration sites is located at the Charlotte Central School, where this year’s LCA annual party was held. Three treatments have been proposed on the CCS campus, which will improve

water quality flowing into McCabe’s Brook and ultimately Lake Champlain.

The first proposed treatment is a rain garden on the east side of the campus to effectively collect water and nutrients and reduce water flow in rain events. The second proposed treatment is an infiltration trench by the playground area to improve infiltration and reduce sediment migration. Lastly, a bio-retention area and sediment forbay near the Quonset Hut west of the school is proposed to capture sediment and slow runoff prior to entering the wetland.

Highlights of the event included a tour of the proposed locations for optimal conservation practices on the school property led by CCS students helping to design and implement the project, Alysanna Lasek, Heidi Beal, Kosi Thurber, Isabella Hackerman, Finnegan Mittelstadt, and Chloe Silverman with the help of their teacher, Christa DuthieFox, and a captivating presentation about water and climate change given by state Climatologist and UVM Professor of Geography, Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux.

A huge thank you to all involved in this year’s event!

CCS students show a proposed site on their campus for stormwater mitigation Courtesy photo

PropertY TraNsfers Oct. 19 NINe CaMeLs LLC TO SCOTT aND KeNDRa BOWeN, 5.33 aCRes WITH DWeLLINg, 1453 MT. PHILO ROaD, $325,000.

NoV. 2 ROBeRT K. aND SYLVIa KNIgHT TO PeTeR G. aND SaRaH E. EMeRsON, 1.8 aCRes WITH DWeLLINg, 273 LYNRICK ACRes, $240,000.

Oct. 21 PeTeR FeNN TO FeCTeaU HOMes INC., MOBILe HOMe, 2969 LaKe ROaD, $15,000.

NoV. 3 NaNCY E. BINTeR aND BeLa RaTKOVITs TO ERa J. MaCDONaLD aND DeXTeR P. MaHaFFeY,15.29aCResWITHDWeLLINg, 490 LIMe KILN ROaD, $750,000.

Oct. 27 KeVIN THORNTON, CHRIsTOpHeR THORNTON aND FRaNCIs J. THORNTON JR TO DaVID MagUIRe aND KeRRI DONaTONe-MagUIRe, 17 aCRes WITH DWeLLINg, 4205 ETHaN ALLeN HIgHWaY, $330,000.

Oct. 31 DaNa ApgaR TO JOsepH aND CHRIsTINe GaLLese, 1 aCRe WITH DWeLLINg, 1591 ROsCOe ROaD, $250,000.

NoV. 3 STepHeN aND PaULa JOHNsON TO PeTeR aND ELIZaBeTH LaINO, 2.5 aCRes WITH DWeLLINg, 140 MCNeIL COVe ROaD, $2,530,000.

NoV. 4 WaLTeR JUDge aND JeaN O’NeILL TO JOHN aND LINDsaY PaRKeR, 2.69 aCRes WITH DWeLLINg, 380 SHeeHaN GReeN, $512,000.

8 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Education Young Writers Project provides youth a place to take creative risks, gain guidance from peers, mentors and professionals and share their best work with supportive audiences. Here are a few submissions from Charlotte Central School students.

Sky

Rory McDermott, Grade 6 The sky turns grey like an angry face and then it starts to cry Its howls whip your hair around It’s tears stream down your face You’re wet and cold The tears are transparent They look like diamonds

falling from the sky much softer though but cold and unforgiving It gets more angry and yells Words spark like electricty It yells again but in laughter Tears still sprinkle you but they also are laughter A smile like sunshine breaks through and happiness fills the air full of colors A smile soon disappears and you’re back to that same old blue sky

The Woods: The Keeper’s Job Ella Caldwell, Grade 6

Mike had been Keeper for two weeks.

During recess, he went into the woods and met with the animals. One day, a fairy asked him, “Are you having fun, Keeper?”

Mike shrugged. “I dunno. My job is basically scooping glorified animal poop.”

“You also protect us,” the fairy said. “You never know what’s out there.”

Mike nodded. The next day, Mike walked to the fence. He looked back and forth. None of the teachers were looking. Mike climbed over the fence and went into the woods. He had only been walking a little ways when he heard a branch snap behind him. He turned around. Behind him was Ms. Burns, a teacher.

“I alwayssss knew that you were a Keeper,” she hissed. Then she lunged at Mike!

Mike jumped sideways, and she crashed into a tree. She lay there, perfectly still.

“Uh, Ms. Burns?” Mike asked. He walked towards her. Suddenly, she whipped around.

Then her body changed. Wings sprouted from her back and a tail appeared. She turned into a dragon! Mike yelled. He turned and ran away.

He could hear Ms. Burns chasing after him.

A unicorn came out of the woods. It saw Ms. Burns and scooped Mike onto its back. Then it ran.

Suddenly, the unicorn tripped over something. Mike flew through the air and crashed into a clearing. He had never been to this part of the forest before. He walked over to check on the unicorn. Mike could still hear Ms. Burns coming. He looked at the unicorn.

The unicorn stood up and shook its mane as if

to say, I’m fine. I don’t need help.

Mike said, “I’m looking at what you tripped over.”

The unicorn backed up. Then Ms. Burns crashed out of the trees and roared at Mike.

“Where are they?” she hissed.

“What are you talking about?!” Mike yelled.

“The creatures you protect,” Ms. Burns said. “I musssst eat them!”

“You’re in the wrong place!” Mike yelled.

“Then I will look for them,” said Ms. Burns. She started to fly away. Mike knew he had to do something, but what? He was only eleven! “Hey!” he yelled.

Ms. Burns hissed and turned around.

“What isssss it, boy?”

Mike reached down for whatever it was that the unicorn had tripped over, hoping it would be a good weapon. It felt hard. He picked it up, a sword! Mike ran at Ms. Burns.

He stabbed at her but the sword bounced off her scales. Mike stabbed again, but the same thing happened.

Ms. Burns cackled. “Nothing can sssstop me!” she said.

Mike retreated, but tripped over a root! Part of the guard on the sword snapped off. Mike picked it up. It was a perfect circle. To Mike, it almost looked like a zero. A zero! That’s it! Mike stood up. He yelled, “Nothing can stop you? Well, here’s nothing!” He threw the piece of the guard at Ms. Burns. It hit her in the wing. From the place it had hit her, flames spread across her body. In less than three seconds, Ms. Burns was a pile of ash. Mike sighed and checked his watch. “Oh, no!” he exclaimed. “Recess is over!”

Rotary poster contest winners announced Staff Report Congratulations to Charlotte Central School’s Elyse Martin-Smith for winning first place and the $100 prize in the Shelburne/Charlotte Rotary “Get Out the Vote” poster contest.

Patcha Hennessey and Sean Gilliam won second place and $25 each for their shared poster. In addition, honorable mentions go to Jasmin Townsend-Ng, Lulu Louchheim, Sophie Pidgeon, Ben Fox, Tess Foley-Cox, Carolina Sicotte and Ulrick Meyer.

Charlotte Central School student Elyse MartinSmith won the Shelburne/ Charlotte Rotary “Get Out the Vote” poster contest.

Courtesy photo

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 9

CVU Girls Volleyball take home the crown

After three club seasons, Champlain Valley Union High School Girls Volleyball emerged victorious after a 15-10 win against Essex in the first VPA-sanctioned volleyball championships at St. Michael’s College on Nov. 5.

Photo by Heather Weeks Detch

Edd Merritt Sports Roundup

Fall sports come to a close

Have you noticed that most of the leaves are off the trees? That your lawn that you had to mow hourly is now brown and the grass is short? That you can hear the pop of rifles as hunters prepare for deer season? That your neighbor across the street has a greedy look in his eye? And, yes, that soccer, football, field hockey, volleyball and cross-country runners have hung up their special equipment in the garage, helping that space smell like the corner of the locker room?

and maneuver himself for an open shot that just cleared CVU goalie Aiden Johnson’s outstretched hand and settle under the top bar.

A close semifinal loss seals the season again for Redhawk football

Traveling to the Kingdom and St. Johnsbury Academy, Redhawk football players almost made the trip worthwhile.

They led the Hilltoppers by 12 points in the fourth quarter. However St. Jay came back with a winning touchdown and, what turned out to be equally crucial, the extra point with 27 seconds left in the game. It became the 35th point that gave the Hilltoppers the onepoint margin of victory (35-34) and sent them to the finals against top-ranked Hartford. As he has been doing all year, Braven Bose was CVU’s leading rusher with 144 yards on 17 carries.

Women’s soccer takes Burlington to a shoot out Five years as state Division I champs Cross country is came to an end for CVU women’s soccer happy at Thetford team against Burr and Burton Academy as the Bulldogs sunk four penalty kicks to Academy the Redhawks’ two following a scoreless regulation and two overtime periods that produced no goals. CVU’s freshman goalie from Charlotte, Maryn Askew, was called upon for five stops to the BBA goalie’s nine. BBA moved on to the finals against Colchester.

Men’s semi-finals also go to overtime

Fielding what is a very international team, second-seeded Burlington High School soccer knocked off the third-seeded CVU men in overtime in the state semi-finals.

Nepal native Arun Karki scored from 25 yards out, six minutes into overtime to give the Seahorses the win and sent them on to face Essex in the finals. Karki was set up by the dribbling and passing of senior striker Seraphin Iradukunda (Tanzania) who began the final play at mid field, opening up a lane for Karki to receive the ball on the left side

The Free Press headline of November 6 says it all, “CVU sweeps . . .” And that it did in the top Division of cross-country running, duplicating their Metro Division title a week ago. Tyler Marshall ran one of the fastest times in memory to lead CVU men to the state crown with teammates Baxter Bishop and Justin McAuliffe joining him among the top ten finishers. The Redhawks beat second place South Burlington by 37 points (47-84, winner being the lower score).

The women runners were again led by Charlotter Sophia Gorman who, while finishing second overall, was given the extra point as a divisional winner because the number one racer ran as an independent from Green Mountain Valley School. Ella Whitman, Willow Bertrand and Jennifer Ireland were also top-ten finishers. The margin of victory for the team was rather amazing with CVU scoring 26 points (close to its all-time low) to second place Mount Mansfield’s 89.

10 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Sports CVU Volleyhawks sweep first state championship Kelly Devine CONTRIBUTOR

The CVU boys and girls both took home the state title in the first ever, VPAsanctioned volleyball championships held at St. Michael’s on Saturday, Nov. 5.

The CVU boys came into the championship with the best record in the state with 11 wins and 1 loss. Essex, with the #2 spot for the season, were hoping for a 4th consecutive championship win.

The CVU boys fell in the first match 17– 25, but then rallied to take the next three matches and the win. Final score was 3–1 with sets: 17-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-23.

We knew it was going to be a battle with Essex, they are an awesome team,” said head coach Jeff Boliba, whose Redhawks defeated Essex in all three matchups, including Saturday’s championship match, this season.

“I’m feeling amazing, said co-captain Kevin Devine, “We just toppled the team

we’ve struggled to beat three years in a row.” Co-captain Jeffrey Boliba followed up with this, “To overcome this team is the best feeling in the world.”

Both Devine and Boliba were selected to the 2016 All State Boys Volleyball Team by the Vermont Youth Volleyball Association.

Senior Jeffrey Boliba was 100% from the serve line and delivered the game winning point. Senior Kevin Devine, with a season record of 543 aces and 181 kills, delivered a 5 point rally at a critical point in the second match to bring CVU back from a deficit and delivered at the net and with solid spikes. Noah Allen, Jacob Boliba, Storm Rushford and Baker Angstam played well for CVU as did seniors Elias Sturim, Kyle Gorman and Spencer Snipes, giving the team a winning combination of youth and experience.

Credit for the championship wins also goes out to head coach Jeff Boliba and Assistant Coach Robyn Davis.

Photos by Kelly Devine

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 11

Sports

Buccaneers celebrate first state championship Jill Diemer CONTRIBUTOR

The Buccaneers youth football team is the Division 1 Northern Vermont Youth Football League (NVYFL) state champion for the first time in history.

On Nov. 5, the Buccaneers headed to Barre to face the Burlington Seahorses in the state championship game. The game was hard fought to the end, but the Buccaneers came out victorious, 19-18.

For Nick Michaud, this win had special meaning. In 2004, after playing JV football for CVU, he and his dad, Jay Michaud, realized the need for a football feeder program and started the CSSU Buccaneers. Jay Michaud became the Bucs first head coach. Fast forward 12 years later, where Nick is now a grade 7/8 head coach whose team has won the championship game.

“My goal coming into my first season as head coach was to teach the fundamentals of football and try and win some games,” Michaud said. “Winning the championship shows the potential of this program and means so much to my family and me.”

For head coach Chris Boffa, this was an emotional win because this was his son Seth’s his last season as a Buccaneer.

“This championship represents what it means to set a goal and believe you can do it,” he said. “The kids focused on their preparation, believed they could be successful, executed and proved it on the field. A tremendous life lesson for each and every one of them. I have been coaching for eight years and have been a part of the board for six years. Saturday was my final game as a coach, but my belief in the program is strong so I plan to continue to stay on the board and help.”

For more information visit cssubuccaneers.org.

Photo: Buccaneers 7/8 Team with head coaches Chris Boffa and Nick Michaud and assistant coaches Brian Anderson, Jim Tenda and Matt Lehman.

Photo by Jill Diemer

Tell them you saw it in

The Charlotte News!

12 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Business Arabesque hosts fundraiser for Love Light Compassion Foundation Staff Report Arabesque owner Tracy Stolese hosted a fundraiser at her boutique for the Love Light Compassion Foundation on Oct. 30.

In addition to supporting the foundation through jewelry sales, guests received gift bags of soaps, lotions, chocolates, coupons and cozy winter scarves by Simply Noelle. There were prize giveaways throughout the afternoon and exclusive discounts on all things cozy, including robes, PJ’s, cashmere, throws and candles.

Skin consultations by Rodan & Fields were available, and hand massages were given by Kristin Borquist of Yoga Roots.

Inspirational talks were presented, including “Living a Beautiful Life” by Kim Dubrul.

The Love Light Compassion Foundation was formed in 2014 in Burlington to provide emergency financial assistance to patients and families experiencing a major medical crisis. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the foundation’s jewelry line—made from the purest materials and hand crafted with love by

Crowdfunder Milk Money announces new campaign Staff Report

Brianne Taylor and Tracy Appleton at Arabesque on Oct. 30.

Courtesy photo local artisans—supports this mission.

Arabesque opened in 2000 and 11 years later purchased Ink, fine stationery and wedding invitations, personal stationery, party invitations, business correspondence and do-it-yourself paper components to their offerings.

Milk Money, which allows Vermonters the opportunity to discover and invest in local businesses, announced Green Mountain Organic Creamery’s crowdfunding campaign Nov. 7. This marks the fourth Vermont small business offering on Milk Money’s Vermont-only platform.

Milk Money is an equity crowdfunding portal offering true “impact investing,” since a dollar invested in a local business generates potential financial returns as well as tangible social returns on investment. By investing in a local business, wealth will be circulated and help build a stronger community that

will foster new relationships between businesses and community members.

The Milk Money platform serves as a meeting place for Vermonters to discover local investment opportunities, such as the Creamery, which bottles and packages Kimball Brook Farm organic milk, butter, buttermilk, iced cappuccinos and iced teas; the farm also received the Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year in 2011. Vermonters who want to learn more about Green Mountain Organic Creamery can find investment details at MilkMoneyVT.com.

Milk Money LLC is Vermont’s first third-party equity crowdfunding portal.

The company’s website, www.MilkMoneyVT.com, was launched in July 2015 with a mission to put the means for creating new businesses, a strong local economy and personal wealth within the reach of all Vermonters.

Based in Charlotte it was founded by two seasoned entrepreneurs who identified a hole in the early-stage capital market and created a solution that takes advantage of the Vermont Small Business Offering regulatory updates of July 2014.

Milk Money, an equity crowdfunding portal for Vermonters, announced its fourth Invest Local campaign for Green Mountain Organic Creamery, which packages and bottles products from Kimball Brook Farm in Charlotte.

Courtesy photos

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 13

Arts

Thanksgiving from library board and staff.

socks to babies, bugs & hairy bread, join us to investigate on Friday mornings. Ages 3 to 5. Registration required.

TUESDAYS, DECEMBER 6 & 20, 9 a.m. Baby Time @ the Library! Meet other caregivers and the littlest ones in our area.

We’ll chat, sing songs, and read to Baby.

Older siblings welcome to come play with the toys. Sponsored by Building Bright Futures.

CHARLOTTE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Emily Ferris, Nan Mason, Danielle Conlon Menk, Jonathan Silverman, and Robert Smith.

CHARLOTTE LIBRARY INFORMATION: Margaret Woodruff, director Cheryl Sloan, youth services librarian Susanna Kahn, tech services librarian

ADULT PROGRAMS

Margaret Woodruff CONTRIBUTOR

KIDS ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS Tuesday, November 29, 2:15 p.m. Our New Session of Story Explorations Begins!

Stories, crafts and fun for kindergarteners and first graders. Session runs through December 20. Registration required. Please call or email the library to sign up.

THURSDAYS through 12/15, 3:15 p.m.

Coding Club. Animate and create as you hone your coding skills.

Grade 4 and up. Registration required.

FRIDAYS Through 12/23, 10:30 a.m.

Friday Free for All. From rocks, blocks &

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 7:30 p.m.

Book Discussion, “Fleeing Dictatorship: Migration Stories of Cuban and Dominican Families.” A Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao describes with hilarity and pathos the Dominican experience in the U.S. Supported by the VT Humanities Council.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 10 a.m.

Mystery Book Group: Garnethill. A modern-day thriller set in Glasgow with investigator as prime suspect. Copies available at desk. Join us for coffee & discussion.

COMING IN DECEMBER: Gift Making for Kids on December 7, Tea Tasting on December 11, library Cookie Swap on December 14. Our Mitten Tree goes up on December 1, so start gathering those toasty accessories for hanging on the branches.

The Charlotte Library will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, 11/23, and be closed 11/24– 11/26 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Happy

Christine Braun from R4K2 (Robots for Kids too) introduces the TinkerBelles to robotics. The TinkerBelles program is a series to introduce STEM topics to 3-5th grade girls at the Charlotte Library.

Courtesy photos

14 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

VT Elm CONTINUeD

FROM page 1

Elm will be on sale in the spring. Each purchase will honor the legacy of Charlotte’s remarkable tree and help establish new communities of resistant elms for future generations to enjoy.

Before tree work began, a crowd of local tree huggers gathered at the Garrett residence that Tuesday morning to celebrate the lives of two elders: The Vermont Elm and Charlotte Tree Warden Larry Hamilton who recently passed away. The crisp sunny morning created the perfect atmosphere for a ceremony filled with reverence and celebration.

Heather Furman, executive director of the Vermont Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, spoke about her organization’s efforts to breed and plant disease-resistant elms in Vermont and neighboring states. John Monks, owner of Vermont Tree Goods, announced his business’s plans to recycle the huge Vermont Elm, mill it into planks using its unique saw, kiln dry it and bring to life once more as furniture.

The Red Elm’s wood is in great shape and is beautiful, with many rosy tones.

Vermont Tree Goods hopes to have coasters made from the elm available by the end of this year. Furniture is expected starting in the spring of 2017.

Email info@vermonttreegoods.com to put your name on the waiting list!

Visit VermontTreeGoods.com for more information and updates as product becomes available.

Photo by Tai Dinnan,Contributor

Several local residents and friends of Larry, including new Tree Warden Mark Dillenbeck, neighbor Vince Crockenberg, Vermont Tree Goods Sales and Marketing Director Tai Dinnan, and neighbor Erick Crockenberg then spoke of the inspiration they found in Larry’s life-long work in support of trees and forests. Larry spent the final chapter of his remarkable life in Charlotte where he served for 21 years as tree warden, was active in a broad array of town activities and started the Charlotte Tree Fund that has enabled more than 400 trees to be planted on town land and along Charlotte roads.

The crowd was then welcomed

Send your

- Photos - Letters - News to News@ The CharlotteNews.org

forward to give the tree one last group hug. Many adults were necessary to reach around the massive trunk that was nearly twenty feet around.

Tree work began at 10 a.m. and finished at 5 p.m. Most of the wood was transported to Vermont Tree Goods’ sawmill by the end of the day. An additional crane and truck was necessary to pick up and transport the bottom 20-foot-long section of trunk, weighing in at about 25,000 lbs.

Rescue Boat

CONTINUeD FROM page 1 some changes being made to some of the equipment mounted on the boat,” he said. “In the next few weeks we will have a total cost of the boat.”

For rescuers and people in distress on the lake, this new rig might be considered priceless. Mullin said the lake incident he was called to on July 4, 2014 was, by far, the worst he’s seen. On the way to assist a sailboat in trouble on Lake Champlain, Mullin and his crew suffered hypothermia in their 21-foot fiberglass boat before ever reaching their destination.

“It was so rough,” he said. “Once we made the corner in the broad lake, we had to abort our mission on Meach Cove. We only had an open boat. Our two rescue swimmers were black and blue. There was nothing for them to sit on. They had to lay on the deck in a fetal position to avoid injury.”

With help from The Shelburne Fire Department and the coastguard, everyone survived that day, Mullin said.

“This new boat will handle any seas the lake will throw at us,” Mullin said.

The Red Elm’s wood is in great shape and is beautiful, with many rosy tones.

Vermont Tree Goods hopes to have coasters made from the elm available by the end of this year. Furniture is expected starting in the spring of 2017. Email info@vermonttreegoods. com to put your name on the waiting list!

Visit VermontTreeGoods.com for more information and updates as product becomes available.

“It’s a fully enclosed cabin so we can be out of the elements. It’s safer and warmer and we will be able to do our job a lot safer and a lot better.”

Paramedics can now go along for the ride instead of waiting on the dock. The new boat seats six people. “We can bring rescue right out to the patient if we need to,” Mullin said.

“We can start treatment inside the cabin.”

Custom modifications to make room for a stretcher in the cabin were made by Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats Unlimited, where the boat was purchased, in Harbor City, California. It’s also equipped with a thermal imaging camera to help rescuers see in the dark, and has towing capabilities.

California in the best state in the nation for boat refurbishing, Tegatz said. It’s a year-round business due to their extensive coast. Todd Reger, who specializes in military coastguard boats, did the work. “He’s the best,” Tegatz said.

Originally, Homeland Security had two machine guns installed on the boat when it was manufactured. The mounts are still there but the Gatling guns are gone. They will be replaced with nozzles for hoses to fight fires on the lake, or on land from the lake.

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 15

Charlotte Public Safety Log As submitted by the Shelburne Police Department Saturday, Oct.24–Friday, Nov. 4 Monday, Oct. 24 03:38 Agency Assist Vermont Route 22a, Panton Charlotte Fire and Rescue assisted Vergennes Fire and Rescue at a structure fire.

12:15 Medical Call One Mile Road, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Tuesday, Oct. 25 20:12 Medical Assist Green Street, Waltham Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

20:30 Medical Call Ferry Road, Charlotte Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

23:36 Medical Call Greenbush Road, Charlotte Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 08:52 Medical Assist Vermont Route 116, Hinesburg Charlotte Rescue assisted Hinesburg First Response at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

16:20 Medical Assist Shellhouse Mountain Road, Ferrisburgh Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue

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

23:58 Agency Assist Ethan Allen Highway, Charlotte Shelburne Police assisted Vermont State Police with disabled vehicle. Patients were transported to the hospital by Vergennes Rescue and Charlotte Rescue.

Thursday, Oct. 27 10:34 Medical Call Hinesburg Road, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

13:12 Medical Call Mount Philo Road, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

19:03 Fire Hazard Lake Road and Ferry Road, Charlotte Caller reported power lines down in roadway.

Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched.

GMP was notified and the hazard was removed.

20:19 Medical Assist Bisbee Road, Ferrisburgh Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

Friday, Oct. 28 15:33 Medical Assist Kelleys Field Road, Hinesburg Charlotte Rescue assisted Hinesburg First Response at a medical call. The patient

refused transport to the hospital.

Saturday, Oct. 29

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

Wednesday, Nov. 2

18:59 Medical Call Popple Dungeon Road, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

09:19 Medical Call Spear Street, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Sunday, Oct. 30

Thursday, Nov. 3

05:30 Fire Alarm Pease Mountain Road, Charlotte Caller reported fire alarm activation.

Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched.

The alarm was determined to be a false alarm.

08:47 Fire Assist North Gate Road, Shelburne Farms, Shelburne Charlotte Fire assisted Shelburne Fire at a fire alarm call.

13:18 Medical Assist Victory Street, Vergennes Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

21:22 Medical Call Popple Dungeon Road, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue, Shelburne Police were dispatched and Vermont State Police was notified. The patient was transported to the hospital.

01:28 Accident Ethan Allen Highway and Crosswind Drive, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a 2-car motor vehicle collision with injuries. Charlotte Fire, Rescue, Shelburne Fire, Rescue, Police and Ferrisburgh Fire were dispatched and Vermont State Police was notified. One patient refused transport to the hospital and the other patient was dead on the scene.

18:33 Medical Call Upper Old Town Trail, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

20:09 Medical Call Whalley Road, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

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

Monday, Oct. 31 06:35 Medical Call Fire Pond Road, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

09:07 Medical Call Hinesburg Road, Charlotte Caller reported a medical emergency.

Friday, Nov. 4 10:23 Medical Call Hills Point Road, Charlotte 911 Caller reported a medical emergency.

Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

16 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Out Doors: Stick season Elizabeth Bassett CONTRIBUTOR

Guess what? Our mothers were right!

Fresh air and exercise work wonders on mood and mental health.

During this gray time of year, when daylight hours shrink and clouds persist, it’s more important than ever to get outdoors.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of winter depression common during the dark months. The good news is that light can offer relief. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) finds than an hour’s walk in winter sunlight is as effective as two and a half hours under bright artificial light, an often-used cure for SAD. Even watery winter sunshine filtered through clouds can improve mental health.

We are lucky enough to live near some terrific places to explore, with or without sunshine.

Shelburne Farms: Beautiful in any season and safe during rifle season. Ten

miles of trails snake over hills, through woods and across open fields on the 1,400-acre working farm. Check in at the Welcome Center, open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Dogs on leash are permitted through the end of March. shelburnefarms. org The Audubon Center: Audubon Vermont posts 255 acres of hill and Trees without leaves at Charlotte Beach. river valley terrain in Huntington. Five miles of trails through a range of natural parks in seven area towns; all properties are communities, from hemlock swamp to posted. Dawn until dusk. Don’t dally after northern hardwood forest. The Sensory dark as gates are locked at night. Dogs must Trail is designed for those with visual be leashed at all WVPD properties. Please impairments. Dawn to dusk. Donations clean up after pets. WVPD properties appreciated. vt.audubon.org. include Colchester Pond, a 2.5-mile loop Red Rocks Park, South Burlington: trail in the far northern reaches of the Four miles of trails in hemlock and pine town. The 182-acre preserve is forested forest hugging the shoreline and bluffs and contiguous to protected land in Essex. above Lake Champlain. Spectacular views wvpd.org. of Shelburne Bay, the broad lake and the Burlington’s Ethan Allen Homestead: Adirondacks.

Nearly three miles of walking in the Winooski Valley Park District: Sixteen Winooski River Delta, including boardwalks through wetlands and riverside trails. These trails connect to the Intervale.

A nonprofit created to restore to fertility one-sixth of all open land in Burlington,

Photo by Lynn Monty the Intervale Center hosts organic farms and community gardens. Its mission is to strengthen community food systems and sustainable land use. Dirt roads and paths. intervale.org UVM Natural Areas: These dot the map of northwest Vermont and include Pease Mountain in Charlotte, Shelburne Pond, East Woods in South Burlington, and Colchester Bog. Properties are posted and dogs permitted on leash. uvm.edu/ envprog/natural-areas East Woods on Swift Street, South Burlington: One-mile, un-blazed trail through mixed hardwood and conifer forest to the banks of the Potash Brook. In the late 19th century two rail lines briefly crossed in these woods. Hemlocks, white pines and hardwoods tower overhead, muting the rush of traffic on nearby Route 7 and I-189.

Colchester Bog: A very short walk over floating boardwalks, but bog scenery is unusual and worth a look. If you find yourself in Colchester, detour to the bog, adjacent to Airport Park. A bog evolves where no fresh water flows. When lake levels are high the bog gets an infusion of nutrients that give traditional plants an advantage over those that thrive on suspended mats of peat, like the carnivorous pitcher plants.

Causeway Park, Colchester: A 3.2 mile crushed-gravel path built over tons of rock fill and white marble stretching into Lake Champlain. This former rail bed is flat and a sensational viewing spot for migrating waterfowl.

Our northern neighbor hosts several recreational gems: Shelburne Pond, LaPlatte River Marsh Natural Area and the entirety of Shelburne Bay Park.

Use your head when walking or hiking during rifle season, this year Nov. 1227: Wear orange or other bright colors and, please, no white gloves that might be mistaken for a deer’s tail. Remember, Vermont State Parks permit hunting.

Cotton Brook, Moscow: Miles of old logging roads frequently used for mountain biking and backcountry skiing.

Hunting is permitted.

Don’t forget Local Motion’s Trail Finder: This is a comprehensive catalog of trails throughout the region for a wide range of activities. Features include restrooms, parking, dog friendly, historic site, natural area, and wildlife area. trailfinder.info.

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 17

GMOs, a lesson in humility Jim Hyde CONTRIBUTOR

Every food is genetically modified over time by nature and/or human intervention.

GE is a term used to describe only those variants of species that do not occur in nature.

For example, I have a colleague whose dream has been to introduce an alcohol-producing gene into a tomato, thereby yielding an instant bloody Mary. Though unlikely, it’s theoretically possible. Most people use the term GMO when they mean GE. When I was asked if I would do a piece for the Charlotte News on the health effects of eating GE foods it seemed like a simple assignment. I was wrong.

Let’s start with Act 120 that passed and was signed into law in July 2016. The law required that food produced with genetic engineering be labeled as such. The law applied to raw agricultural products like corn and squash as well as processed foods such as crackers, soda and cereals. It was a huge victory for the anti-GE community. Vermont would be leading the way once again in addressing the potential health risks of GE ingredients in food. (The U.S. Congress then did what it couldn’t do on any other issue.

It passed a bill to override the Vermont law and substituted a far less stringent labeling requirement for food producers).

Although I totally support “right to know” laws, I have been skeptical about the science linking adverse health outcomes to the ingestion of GE foods. In the 20 years that GE foods have been available in the U.S. there have been no credible scientific studies that have shown that the consumption of foods derived from GE plants or organisms have caused adverse health effects.

In fact, a widely reported open letter from 107 Nobel laureates in July 2016 went even further stating that “there has never been a single confirmed case of a negative health outcome for humans or animals from (the)

consumption” of GMO produced food.

They added: “Scientific and regulatory agencies around the world have repeatedly and consistently found crops and foods improved through biotechnology to be as safe as, if not safer than, those derived from any other method of production.”

Putting aside for a moment the fact that only 38 of the 107 signers were laureates in biology or medicine, the letter received wide attention and was seen as major victory for the pro-GE community. It was also viewed as further corroboration of a report issued in May 2016 by the National Academies of Science that stated that there was “no substantiated evidence that GMO crops have sickened people or harmed the environment.”

An essential tenet of pro-GE marketing has been the claim that engineered seeds and products are necessary in order to feed the world’s starving population. GE crops held the promise of increasing yield and efficiencies by engineering varieties of corn, soybeans and wheat to be resistant to insects and disease, thus guaranteeing higher yields.

In addition, there was the implicit promise of a reduction in the volume of required pesticides and herbicides, thereby providing a collateral benefit to the environment.

One of the old bromides that I have seen demonstrated time and again over the years is this: If the claims seem too good to be true, look out, they likely are.

A recent New York Times article pointed out that in the past 20 years GE crops planted in the U.S. and Canada have neither produced increased yields nor led to decreased herbicide use. Furthermore it appears that, through natural selection, seeds that have been engineered to withstand exposure to a specific herbicide, for example Roundup, inevitably produce weed variants no longer susceptible to that specific herbicide. The result is that ever-newer seed varieties need to be engineered and ever-newer, or different, herbicides need to be produced and deployed. What’s so insidious about this cycle is that the seed suppliers (Monsanto, Syngenta, Dupont, Bayer, etc.) are also the herbicide and pesticide suppliers. It’s a “win/ win” for the major producers.

Vermont farmers are no different than the vast majority of North American farmers.

They have been quick to adopt GE corn

“One of the old bromides that I have seen demonstrated time and again over the years is this: If the claims seem too good to be true, look out, they likely are.” specifically engineered to survive specific herbicides. Not surprisingly, data from the Agency on Agriculture show a steady increase in the application of these products over the last 10 years.

While some of these data should raise red flags about the potential impact of GE crops on the agricultural environment, there has been very little work reported in the literature on collateral damage to the broader environment, for example, groundwater contamination. Data from the Vermont Agency on Agriculture from 2006-2010 notwed about 6 percent of the wells tested were already contaminated with herbicides.

It’s reasonable to infer that as more of these products are used contamination rates will increase. Clearly, the dispersal of new agents to control weeds and pests has got to be of concern to us all. It deserves far greater attention than it appears to have received to date.

So where does this leave us?

GE food crops have been around for only about 20 years—a trivial period of time in terms of evolution and environmental impact. It is unrealistic to think that the risks and benefits of such a revolutionary technology will be revealed in so short a period of time. While early data suggest that adverse health effects from ingesting GE produced foods may not be as consequential as some have feared, there is, however, growing evidence of serious effects on the agrosphere and the general environment.

New technologies rarely if ever appear without unanticipated consequences. It took several decades, for instance, for us to realize that the inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals could lead to lifethreatening, antibiotic-resistant infections.

As a consequence, there is legitimate fear that we may have already entered a post antibiotic era.Given so many unanswered questions about GE foods, we need to invoke the “precautionary principal.” Where there are threats of serious and irreversible harm we should not use the lack definitive data on that harm as an excuse for inaction or a lack of vigilance. Serious efforts should be taken to diminish the rate of use of GE products until we have a better understanding of the long-term consequences for the environment and all living things.

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

18 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Senior Center News Mary Recchia CONTRIBUTOR

Happy Thanksgiving to All! Just a reminder that the Center will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25.

Please look for our Winter Program as an insert in the next issue of The Charlotte News. In the meantime, here are a few early offerings for those of you thinking and planning ahead.

There will be a one-day Holiday Block Printing class with Elizabeth Llewellyn on Thursday morning, Dec. 1, from 9:30 to noon. Block printing is one of the oldest types of printmaking and has been around for thousands of years. In this workshop, you will be using Speedball Speedy Carve blocks, a soft, rubber-like material, to carve your design. Then the real fun begins as you experiment with various colored inks to print your very own one-of-akind holiday cards! All necessary tools, blocks, note cards, and printing ink will be

provided. Registration necessary. Limit 10.

Fee: $48 includes materials.

A Special Holiday Craft Workshop! with Lynn Cummings will be on Tuesday morning, Dec. 6 from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Learn to create unique paper that can be used as gift-wrap, for greeting cards, as decorative borders and many other items for special occasions. This will be as easy as scrapbooking, yet your projects will have your own one-of-a-kind design. A fun class, even for those who think they are “creatively challenged.” All supplies included. Bring your own scissors and X-Acto knife. Registration required. Fee: $40 A Collection of Lectures, Performances and Special Events Showcasing the Diverse Interests of Our Community Wednesday afternoons beginning at 1 o’clock. No registration or fee.

11/30: Annual Tree Decorating The smell of balsam, seasonal desserts and songs in the air will be the backdrop for you to catch some holiday spirit. All hands will be needed to steady the ladders and help fill the large tree with our hand-made ornaments while Orchard Corl encourages a sing-a-long as Carlanne Herzog tinkles the ivories.

12/7: A cello quartet for the holidays, with Judy Chaves You will delight in the three- and fourpart harmonies of this small cello choir as they play traditional holiday carols from England, France, Spain and the United States. Some will be familiar (and you can sing along!), some not so familiar, but all are guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!

Still have a bin full of apples?

Dr. Leondard Perry

HORTICULTURE PROFESSOR EMERITUS UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

Drying is an easy way to stock up and enjoy apples through the long winter months. It’s as simple as removing the water that food-spoiling microorganisms and enzymes require. It is one of the simplest, and oldest, means of food preservation. It

is much less precise than canning, allowing more flexibility. Unlike canning, containers or food storage bags of dried produce can be opened and closed repeatedly.

There are a few methods of drying. Solar drying is just that, using the heat from the sun. Unless you use the back window ledge of a closed car for 3 or 4 days, this likely won’t dry apples fast enough in the fall.

Oven drying works if your oven can be set

below 200 degrees (F), preferably 130 to 150 degrees.

If you plan to dry many fruits or vegetables in this and coming years, you may wish to invest in (or make) a dehydrator, a simple box unit with many solid mesh shelves (usually plastic) to allow air to flow. On better units it has a fan and a gentle, adjustable source of heat. Hydrators are much more efficient than ovens, requiring much less energy and drying in half the time or less, so saving money. Food from a dehydrator is less brittle, lighter and more flavorful than that dried in an oven.

Start by choosing ripe fruit, then wash and cut off any blemishes. Don’t oversoak, as this will lead to some nutrient loss and fruits will be water-soaked and take longer to dry. Peels may be left on, but they may become bitter or discolor upon drying. Then core and cut the fruit as you wish into sections or slices.

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.

Drying apples is one of the simplest, and oldest, means of preservation.

Photo by Lynn Monty Pre-drying treatments aren’t necessary as they are for some vegetables, as fruits have higher levels of sugar and acid that prevent decomposition by enzymes. However, pretreating can prevent discoloring in some varieties of apples and can reduce loses of flavor and vitamins A and C. Just realize that, if you soak apples in a solution, plan on longer times for drying.

A common dip for apples is ascorbic (also known as citric) acid, which also increases the vitamin C content. You can find this commonly among canning supplies in stores. Follow directions for mixing with water, stir the fruit until evenly coated, then remove after about five minutes. If you don’t find such a product, you can make your own dip by dissolving three crushed tablets (500-milligram) of vitamin C in a quart of water. Some use the juice from citrus fruits, but this is weaker and less effective.

Another dip that you can use, similar to that used in commercial products, is with sulfite compounds. Follow directions on products you find for sale for this purpose. Don’t use if you or others who will consume the fruit, particularly those with asthma, are allergic to sulfites.

For sweet fruit, you may wish to pretreat with sugar syrup or honey. You can use up to one part sugar to two parts water, bringing this to a boil. Add the fruit, simmer

see Apple page 19

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 19

Parenting A cocktail of love, faith, prayer and determination Jorden Blucher CONTRIBUTOR

Driving the boys to school the day after the election Noah remarked; “Dad, next election I’ll be 11 and in 5th grade.” I shuddered a little at those words. How on earth can four years seem as if they will be here tomorrow?

I am standing on the playground of the Shelburne Nursery School on a hot July day in 2012, watching Noah play with his soon to be classmates and trying, unsuccessfully, to quell the despair and anxiety that is engulfing me. How, I wonder, will I be able to continue as a stay-at-home-dad for the next four years? Though this is not a new role for me; I’d been at home since Noah was two weeks old. Yet, I am spiraling downward, franticly trying to come up with ways that I could go back to work. The previous January my father had passed away, in May we had moved from Utah back to Vermont. I was back in my home state, but everything had changed, I’d changed. I kept imagining an ink black tunnel with no end as my only path.

August 31st of this year I stood at the end of our road and watched both boys climb onto the school bus and waved as it pulled away. Noah was starting first grade and Luke was starting kindergarten.

My daily companions had moved on. The time had disappeared before my eyes and

I wondered, and still do, if I had taken full advantage of the gift that I had been given.

The first two weeks of school I had an unshakable feeling of being uncomfortable.

As my father would say, I was out of sorts. Out of sorts with the monumental change that had just taken place. Slowly that feeling began to subside. Over the last couple of months I have mapped out a haphazard rhythm in an effort to make my days and weeks more productive. At first I worked on my list of projects that I had been saving specifically for the school year. That list, though, has been whittled Jorden Blucher and his family. down to a mear nub, and I am beginning to wonder how I will fill my time after all my of love, faith, prayer, determination, normal house duties are done. I suppose I medication and counseling I finally could be productive and shop around the have come to the light at the end of the poetry manuscript that has been sitting on proverbial tunnel. Not because the boys are my desk for the last two years. We don’t in school but because I have finally become have traditional TV, so soap operas are out. comfortable and accepted the role that God If they are even still on. Recently, I picked has put me in. Up until recently I never up a little work helping an arborist, it is allowed myself to just be a stay-at-homephysical work, gets me outside and I get to dad. I always tried to attach something learn a new trade. Which is good given, that more to it, whether it be blogger, artist, after seven years of being home I don’t feel poet, designer, runner. I always needed, like I have any marketable skills. Winter, or thought I needed, something more. The however, is not an arborist’s busy time, and truth is I don’t need anything else. It is I am not looking for full time employment or even part time. Just something to fill the time and add a little to the bank account.

It has certainly been anything but easy these last seven years. With a cocktail

Apple

CONTINUeD FROM page 18 for five minutes, then drain. A honey dip, in addition to adding sweetness, can lessen browning and softening. Use one part honey to four parts water, soak the fruit, then drain well. Obviously these apples will taste of honey.

Place apple slices or sections in a single layer on trays, and dry until leathery or crisp with no moist centers. Figure on six to 12 hours, but check periodically.

Since some pieces may be drier than others, it is a good idea to “condition” fruits prior to storage. Fruits have higher moisture than vegetables when dry, so the need to condition them for best storage. This distributes moisture evenly among fruit, minimizing the chance for spoilage, and gives you a check

to make sure they are sufficiently dry.

To condition apples, as with any fruits, loosely pack the cooled and dried fruit into plastic or glass containers, filling about twothirds full. Cover containers tightly, and shake daily for about two to four days. This allows moisture from wetter pieces to be absorbed by drier ones. If water forms on the lid inside, the fruit aren’t dry enough and should be placed back in the dehydrator. Place dry and conditioned fruit in containers or freezer bags. Even if not freezing, the latter are more resistant to moisture than normal plastic bags. Store in dark, cool and dry place, such as an unheated closet or garage, or even a refrigerator if space.

“A honey dip, in addition to adding sweetness, can lessen browning and softening. Use one part honey to four parts water, soak the fruit, then drain well.”

Courtesy photo imperative that stay-at-homes have hobbies but we also need to realize what our calling is. The future, as always, is uncertain. There is always a chance I could slip back into the darkness of four years ago. However, with my change in perspective I am choosing not to live in fear of that happening. Instead I am going to embrace what I know in my heart to be true. That being a stay-at-homedad is exactly what I should be doing.

Jorden Blucher is a professional parent who fancies fedoras and fountain pens.

20 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Community Events Agricultural Literacy Week: Film and discussion from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Library on Nov. 16. Join Northeast Organic Farming Association’s Abbie Nelson and local farmer Corey Pierce for a look at revamping modern agriculture as we celebrate Agricultural Literacy Week.

Co-sponsored with the Charlotte Grange.

Located at 115 Ferry Road. Phone, 4253864.

Yoga: Yoga for Immune Support will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Yoga Roots in Shelburne Green Business Park on Saturday, Nov. 19. Yoga can be a powerful tool to use in defense of sickness. Join Sarah Cycon for a two-hour workshop to learn how to use your yoga practice to strengthen your immune system. All levels welcome. For more information www.yogarootsvt.com or call 985-0090.

Free Yoga Class: Try Kundalini Yoga with Jane Michaud from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Yoga Roots in Shelburne Green Business Park on Sunday, Nov. 20. This joyful practice will guide you toward the awakening of your true self – your Sat Nam. For more information visit www. yogarootsvt.com or call 985-0090.

Open House: An Open House is scheduled at The Arbors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 687 Harbor Road in Shelburne on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Come visit to hear about why we will provide the best care possible for your loved one. And so you will have one less thing to cross off your list for Thanksgiving Dinner, take a home-made pie home with you. For more information visit www.arborsatshelburne.com or call 985-8600.

Winter Coat Collection: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is collecting used children and adult winter coats, jackets, boots and snow pants. Please place donations in the bin in the vestibule. Located at 2894 Spear Street. Phone, 425-2637.

Mark your calendars!

Holiday Fair: Bring your family to this festive holiday fair Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 & 3 at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School. Find all your gifts from over 50 local and talented artisans, and enjoy a great variety of holiday games and activities for children. Questions? For more information call Lisa Espenshade at 985-2827 or email lespenshade@ lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org.

Craft Fair: The CSSU-CVU Craft Fair will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Gingerbread Festival: Vermont Day School will host a Gingerbread Festival from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Shelburne on Saturday, Dec. 3. The event is open to everyone. For more information visit www.vtdayschool. org or call 495-5150.

Advent Lecture: Father Richard Berube will give an advent lecture at 7 p.m. in the Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Hall on Dec. 5. Lecture will be on Advent-ChristmasChristianity and Islam faiths. Located at 2894 Spear Street. Phone, 425-2637.

Ongoing Events Dynamic Qigong: Stretching and meditative movements enhance health and well-being from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Congregational Church from on Sundays through Dec. 18. For more information call 425-3176 or visit charlottecongregationalchurch.org.

Basketball: Multi-age pick-up basketball

Local Business Directory 425-4949 To Advertise Your Business In The Charlotte News!

on Mondays at 7 p.m. at Charlotte Central School. For more information contact Nicole Conley at 425-6129, ext. 204 or email recreation@townofcharlotte.com.

Playgroup: The Charlotte Playgroup meets each Monday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at Charlotte Central School. Follows the school calendar. No playgroup when school is not in session. For more information visit buildingbrightfutures.org or contact Colleen at bbfcharlotteplaygroup@gmail.com.

Yoga: Mom and baby yoga on Tuesdays at 8:15 a.m. at Charlotte Central School. For more information contact Nicole Conley at 425-6129, ext. 204 or email recreation@ townofcharlotte.com.

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

Baby Playgroup: Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup on Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Charlotte Library. Ages 0 to 2. For more information email bbfcharlotteplaygroup@gmail.com.

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 21

Puzzles Across

Down

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

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

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

22 • November 16, 2016 • The Charlotte News

Gratitude: Time to practice reframing situations with a positive outlook

Taking Care Alice Outwater

Gratitude is a meaningful subject and I’ve paid scant attention to it in the past.

I think I’d stowed it in a category of being appreciative and thankful for blessings that came one’s way. However, it’s far richer, holding its own vibrancy and small details.

Gratitude is about observing and appreciating others and the outward things in our everyday lives. And then acting on them. I found that recognizing small details led me to want to make things better. Too often when I feel dissatisfied, I switch inward. How convenient to assign blame elsewhere—then end up feeling sorry for myself in a victim stance. A friend had forgotten to tell me about a gathering that I’d been invited to and left me disappointed.

I felt like a scold inside, am sure I scowled and wondered why life wasn’t delivering

more goodies in my direction. After all, who deserved it more than myself?

It was time to shift my attitude and practice reframing situations with a positive outlook. I needed to act more humble and recognize the multitude of daily things to cherish. Some months ago after I began this new practice, wonders of wonders, I began to notice small changes in myself.

I woke up each morning and scanned the day ahead searching for what I might do for others and what I might enjoy myself.

My observations sharpened. I began examining the details of the outside landscape with awe as I walked or drove, instead of blanking out with my own thought processes. Daily walks are essential to my well-being during every season.

Apparently the serotonin level increases in the brain and one’s mood improves. This can last for some hours. The same thing happens when one is doing something thoughtful for another person. And who wants to miss that feeling every day? It’s a gift to be savored. Once the habit becomes permanent, one’s well-being increases and increases.

The trees this fall have outdone

themselves with brilliance, running the gambit from greens to the startling yellows and reds. At first the change was almost imperceptible. The following days the whole tree would begin to dance with color and became a spectacular panorama. Then the leaves quietly slipped off one by one and floated to the ground.

My husband, John, and I always said grace before meals to remind us of the plentitude in our lives. Now before going to sleep I review the day and give thanks for opportunities that came my way or someone offering me a small gesture or kindness. These seem to be increasing in numbers such as waiting for me with a smile so they can hold the door open. I cherish such gestures and want to help someone feel the same way. Every one of us has this creative side which has endless depth.

After I had been practicing the above for some months, I decided to add another layer. Each day I began writing down these thoughts in a Gratitude Journal. I felt they took on an additional commitment to myself as well as a validity to others in my life.

I began to express more appreciation for small acts of kindness done on my behalf.

Likewise I reciprocated to those or others involved. I listened more closely, I smiled frequently and had more eye contact. I felt calmer and more at ease.

I’ve always been fascinated by friends who come into a room and the whole atmosphere softens. I want to have that magical ability that is so powerful and healing.

I knew I was making progress when two people said to me: ‘I love seeing you.

You are always so interested in my news and I leave you feeling nourished.” A new friend mentioned: “You always have so many things you’re willing to share.” That struck me as truly reassuring and I wanted to continue emulating that daily Somehow my unpleasant thoughts have sunk into the distance, replaced by ones that cast a positive energy towards others.

How magical can that be?

These were small changes in my attitude and actions and have begun to feel a healthy part of my psyche.

We know the rosebud has thorns, so let’s be happy the rose bush has roses.

The Charlotte News • November 16, 2016 • 23

Around Town Edd Merritt CONTRIBUTOR EDITOR

Congratulations Congratulations to a number of Charlotte Central School students who were recognized for their work on a Shelburne/ Charlotte Rotary project titled “Get Out the Vote.” Elyse Martin-Smith won first place. Patcha Hennessey and Sean Gilliam won second place for their shared poster. Honorable mention went to Jasmin Townsend-Ng, Lulu Loucheim, Sophie Pidgeon, Ben Fox, Tess FoleyCox, Carolina Sicotte and Ulrick Meyer.

The tree and hillside give Town Hall the look of fall.

Pumpkins and squash and flowers, Oh my!

Photo by Edd Merritt

Photo by Edd Merritt

ANSWERS TO THIS ISSUE’S PUZZLES:

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

to Jim and Anne and their children, Eric Lampman and Ellen Reed, who were all featured in the winter issue of Vermont Life magazine for their success as owners and directors of Champlain Chocolates. Started by Jim 30 years ago, the company has grown and diversified to become one of the major firms in its field in the world. Eric was the source of Champlain Chocolates latest initiative, dark chocolate bars called Blue Bandana.

While he was visiting the Dominican Republic, he studied cacao beans, brought some home and began testing them by roasting them in his kitchen oven. In the process of separating the shells, he used a hair drier to blow the pieces apart, and one day he pulled a blue bandana over his nose and mouth to keep the pieces from flying in his face – hence the name. to Cyrus Schenk, the CEO of Renoun, a company based in Burlington that makes skis designed to change with changing snow conditions for also being featured in an article in the winter Vermont Life.

After having attended several years of college studying engineering and having worked as a field-test engineer for General Electric, he decided he wanted to move on. As a result, he and five friends began Renoun, using money from Schenk’s

window-washing business to fund it. He soon decided to do it alone. Still a work in progress, he hopes it will succeed. The material he foresees for making skis will literally change from front to back of the ski as the condition under it changes.

Sympathy

Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Constance (Connie) Morrill of Charlotte who passed away November 5 at the age of 86. She lived on Old Town Trail at the time of her death. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory be made to Mercy Connections, 255 South Champlain Street, Burlington, VT 05401. is extended to family and friends of John Cleary of Boynton Beach, Florida, who passed away October 27 at the age of 88. After retiring, he and his wife Ann (Farley) Cleary divided their time between Florida and Charlotte, where he loved to golf. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or to Promise in Brevard. is extended to family and friends of Beverly Ann Duval of Burlington who passed away November 9 at the age of 79. Beverly’s surviving family includes her daughter Paula Stewart and Paula’s husband Jay along with grandchildren all of Charlotte. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory be made to the charity of the giver’s choice. is extended to family and friends of Carol Effiegenia Martin of Hinesburg who passed away November 9 at the age of 72. Her surviving family includes her son, Sam Martin of Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in her memory be made to the Children’s Miracle Network at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital.

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