The Charlotte News | August 9, 2017

The

VOLUME LX NUMBER 3 | WEDNESDAY, AUG 9, 2017

Charlotte News Charlotte’s award-winning community newspaper

Full Steam Ahead!

North American Steamboat Association convenes on local shores pages 2, 12 & 13 Neighbors speak Youth Catalytics to Renewable energy out about Arthaud appeal federal grant opportunity rejected settlement page 1 termination page 5 page 7

CharlotteNewsVT.org

Vol. 60, no. 3 August 9, 2017

Charlotte News

The

Flat Rock Road neighbors question Arthaud settlement Keith Morrill STAFF WRITER

Questions about lot 128 on Flat Rock Road linger even after the town settled a legal dispute involving the camp last month just prior to a court-ordered mediation. The settlement compensated leaseholder Paul Arthaud to the tune of $30,000, which allowed him to walk away from his lease, restored control of the lease and ownership of the camp to the town, and saved both parties any further legal fees. It seemed the ideal end to the yearlong dispute.

Yet not everyone is content with the outcome. Arthaud’s neighbors, Valerie and JC Biebuyck, were to take part in that court-ordered mediation and are now feeling stilted, having been deprived of an outlet for what they say is a backlog of unaddressed grievances.

The focus of their displeasure is a oneroom building on lot 128 that once served as a guest house for the camp on lot 127.

The building has stood abandoned for years, falling into disrepair and spoiling the aesthetics of Thompson’s Point for both residents and the many who enjoying walking the three-mile road loop on the point.

Furthermore, the cabin presents an everincreasing hazard, drawing animals who take up residency both beneath and inside the building. In October of last year, the Biebuycks called 911, claiming the gas tank on the premises had sprung a leak.

Records at Charlotte Fire and Rescue show that no gas leak was found on the property.

The Biebuycks are not alone in their complaints. In August of 2015, 17 Thompson’s Point leaseholders, including the Biebuycks, sent a letter to the town requesting action to either raze or renovate the structure. The letter stated that the structure was in violation of the lease agreement, which says that all point lessees must “maintain the leased premises or any improvements constructed on it in a safe, orderly, and habitable condition.”

“The town isn’t enforcing the lease that it has,” JC Biebuyck said.

The town maintains it had no reason to act because, at the time, Arthaud was already selling the lot to a couple interested in removing the structure and replacing it with a new camp. The Biebuycks were vocal in opposing the project house, as it clearly stood in violation of Charlotte

see ARTHAUD page 18

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Fifth annual Diamond Island Regatta Submitted by Timothy Etchells Many of the top sailors and fastest boats on Lake Champlain will be taking part August 19 in the 2017 Diamond Island Regatta, hosted by the Royal Savage Yacht Club (RSYC) and Point Bay Marina.

Again this year, proceeds from the event will benefit the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (LCMM) in Ferrisburgh. LCMM is dedicated to maritime education and the preservation and management of the lake’s historical shipwrecks and underwater cultural resources. Entry for the fifth annual Diamond Island Regatta will be free, with money raised through the sale of race-themed merchandise to sailors and racing fans, and the sale of professional photographs of the boats taking part in the race. Last year, the regatta raised more than $1,000 for the museum.

In just five years, RSYC’s Diamond Island Regatta has become one of the biggest sailing regattas on the Lake Champlain summer schedule; last year, the event attracted more than 30 boats.

The race is part of the Lake Champlain Championship Series (LCCS), a series of races featuring boats from clubs in

Dueling spinnakers highlight a near photo finish at the end of the Diamond Island Regatta in 2016.

Photo by Buzz Kuhns Vermont, New York and Quebec. Regatta org. Learn more about the LCCS at results will count toward both the LCCS lcchampionshipseries.org.

Cannon Series and the Champlain Racers are invited to a breakfast (free Series. Details and registration info for the regatta can be found at rsyc. see REGATTA page 21

In its diamond jubilee year, The News moves into the West Village Rick Detwiler, Vince Crockenberg and Patrice Machavern, Ad Manager Monica Marshall, and 20-somethings On Wednesday, August 2, a hot Erick Crockenberg and Natty summer day, The Charlotte Fuller, who did all the heavy News moved from the lifting—lugging desks and filing obscurity of the Ferry Road cabinets and other heavy objects Business Center on the other down narrow stairwells from side of the railroad tracks up the old second-story office, then the hill to the historic white carting them up even narrower house at 2848 Greenbush stairwells to our new second Road, in the center of the West story office in Strong House.

Village diagonally across from Before abandoning our old digs, the Old Brick Store. we dumped numerous excess The move comes as we copies of past issues and other begin our Diamond Jubilee — aging records into the recycling our 60th year as “The Voice dumpster.

“What a great feeling of the Town—and has added to get rid of so much paper,” meaning because the building John Hammer sighed as he we’ve moved into is owned wiped the sweat from his brow

by Andrew Thurber, the son and contemplated removing and of the founding editor of the The new News office is on the second floor corner, with views wringing out his sopping shirt. paper, Nancy Wood, and his wife Kit Perkins. The house, out to Ferry and Greenbush roads. Photos by Vince Crockenberg While the new office isn’t yet completely decorated, and moving built circa 1805, housed the it the Strong House in honor of early boxes filled with office supplies remain Deerpath School from 1991 to 2001 resident Mike Russell.

(More on this in stacked along one wall, the desks are in but then remained vacant until Andrew the next issue of The News.) place, the computers and printers are and Kit purchased it in 2007, restored it The move involved two pickup all connected, and our editorial team is (and in the process removed the hedge trucks, two SUVs and a work crew of that had totally isolated the house from its neighbors) and moved into it as seven: board members John Hammer, see MOVE page 20

Staff report

their residence in 2009. Andrew and Kit converted the house to office space earlier this spring and will be naming

Education 10 • Sports 11 • Real Estate 18 • Senior Center 22

2 • August 9, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Editorial Welcome North American Steamboats P a n c a k e breakfasts with real maple syrup at the River’s Edge Campground on Otter Creek, and daily tours to Lake Champlain, have the North A m e r i c a n Lynn Monty S t e a m b o a t EDITOR IN CHIEF Association coming back year after year. This marks two decades of the Vermont meet. They even had the T-shirts to prove it this year. About 17 steamboats hit the lake this July.

This actually marks my fourth year joining mechanical engineer Russ Steeves and his companion Joyce Chambers on their pleasure launch Redbud. We first met when I was on assignment for The Burlington Free Press. This year, we took a tour of Otter Creek to Vergennes Falls together, but the two journeyed out into Lake Champlain several times throughout their week-long stay. Joyce with her parasol and Russ with his straw hat … it tends to take a person back in time. And there’s a modern steampunk element to the whole thing that draws attention from a younger crowd.

Be sure to view the video of my adventure on The Charlotte News Facebook page where I give you an inside look at a functioning steam engine.

Thompson’s Point used to be home to steamboats like Redbud. Take a peek on pages 12 and 13 of this edition for old photos and a look back with our

Local Church Services

The Charlotte News

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

Back in the early 1900s, steam provided the most modern mode of transportation.

Photo by Lynn Monty

local historian Dan Cole. English-style Redbud is a re-creation of an affluently owned pleasure boat of the 1890s. The fastest it travels is about 8 mph. At 19feet long, this steamboat is a little below average length. Most are about 23 feet.

And of course it’s wood-fired and steampowered.

Cornelius P. Van Ness ran the Lake Champlain Steamboat Company that built several steamers in Vergennes between 1815 and 1820, Cole said. Van Ness owned an interest in the American

Hotel in Burlington that later became known as the Van Ness House and was one of the officers of the University of Vermont in 1823.

Back in the early 1900s, steam provided the most modern mode of water transportation. Today steamboats on the lake are a rare spectacle, but for retired couple Russ and Joyce they are an avid summertime hobby. “One thing about steamboats is they are quite forgiving,” Russ said. “They will slow down but they will keep going.”

Charlotte Congregational Church, UCC 403 Church Hill Road, 425-3176 Regular Sunday service: 9:30 a.m.

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

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

The Charlotte News is published in Charlotte

by The Charlotte News, Inc., a Vermont domestic 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation.

Distribution is made every other Thursday to all households and businesses in Charlotte and to more than 50 outlets in Shelburne, Hinesburg, North Ferrisburgh, Ferrisburgh, Vergennes and Burlington. The Charlotte News relies on the generous financial contributions of its readers, subscriptions and advertising revenue to sustain its operations.

Editorial Staff news@thecharlottenews.org / 425-4949 Editor in chief: Lynn Monty Layout manager: Anna Cyr Staff writers: Keith Morrill, Heather McKim School board correspondent: Gail Callahan Outwater interns: Sarah Wolverton, Morgan Magoon Contributing editor: Edd Merritt Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Vince Crockenberg, Edd Merritt, Janet Yantachka Business Staff ads@thecharlottenews.org / 343-0279 Ad manager: Monica Marshall Business manager: Jessica Lucia Board Members President: Vince Crockenberg Secretaries: Rick Detwiler, Carol Hanley Treasurer: Patrice Machavern Board members: Rachel Allard, Bob Bloch, Rick Detwiler, Carol Hanley, Gay Regan, Louisa Schibli Contributors Elizabeth Bassett, Susan Blood, Timothy Etchells, Chris Falk, Krista Hoffsis, Heather Morse, Alice Outwater, Linda Patterson, Mary Recchia, Sarah Soule, Kate Strousse and Ethan Tapper

ON THE COVER:

Russ Steeves and Joyce Chambers on their pleasure launch Redbud.

Photo by Lynn Monty

Send us your news story ideas! news@the charlottenews.org

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The Charlotte News • August 9, 2017 • 3

Letters Mt. Philo Hops Farm concerns Patrice DeMarco, Charlotte “Reintroducing a historical crop” to Vermont, supporting the growth of even more locally produced ingredients to our world class beer industry, is extremely exciting, and I would love to support it.

There are particular concerns, however, about the siting of this Mt Philo Hops farm: 1. While John Bethune comments that hops are a very low impact crop, “not smelly like cow manure,” Heather Darby, lead researcher on growing hops in Vermont state, said “One of the primary reasons hops aren’t grown in Vermont are the pests. It is a crop that requires a lot of management; it’s not like growing corn or soybeans.”

Manure and even pesticides to protect corn and hay crops are typically applied only a few times each year. Hops, however, require intensive and frequent (every oneto-two weeks) application of chemicals.

These chemicals are irritants to skin and the respiratory system of humans and animals. Copper fungicides do not dissipate in the soil but rather accumulate over time. Mt. Philo Hops is sited between two neighborhoods, which includes young children who wait by the farm for the school bus, playing and riding their bikes along the farm daily. Many neighbors have their wells on this property; there are concerns about well contamination from the chemical load.

2. Directly bordering this hops operation are two organic farms. Like the potential hops operation, they too provide valueadded products from their farm, including wheat, honey and animal meats, in addition to maintaining the scenic views and vistas of this “most scenic road.” What effect will all these chemicals have on the health of their bees, and on the organic status of their crops and soils that they have worked years to maintain? What about the waters of the hops operation which will drain into Thorpe Brooke? What is the effect of such an enormous increase in the pesticide load to the aquatic life there, the hawks and osprey on the property and the animals they eat?

3. While Elise Annes of Vermont Land Trust states that conservation does not protect views, the Town of Charlotte, in every decision for at least the past 20 years, has protected this most scenic view from Mt. Philo. It is a particular view not just treasured by the neighbors of the hops operation but the entirety of Charlotte and visitors to Mt. Philo at the top.

While for a couple months of the year,

when the hops are at their full height, the hops yard may appear like a huge forest, for most of the year, about 1300, 18-foot poles connected vertically and horizontally with wiring will look like three large industrial parks. You might look online to view hops yards in winter or when the hops are young or dormant. This might be farming, but in this viewscape, it is tragic.

These are just a few of the concerns. I haven’t even talked about the potential effect of the hops farm’s huge need for water (over a half-million gallons per week in a dry season) on the neighboring farms and wells.

While farming should be protected in Vermont and the growth of business should be encouraged, the health of our children and the livelihoods of already established well-producing farms should also be protected.

of the big box stores in Williston? Can we create solar panels on stilts that can reside in parking lots? Can we partner with farmers and place solar panels in sheep pastures, providing shade that the animals appreciate in the heat of summer and electricity for us humans?

I appreciate and applaud those who are moving effective carbon reduction forward in Vermont. I applaud Vermont’s industries that strive toward implementing strong clean-energy standards. For the sake of my grandchildren, I hope our state will be a model by striving to become 100 percent renewable, like our largest city, Burlington, became the first in the country to use 100 percent renewable energy for its residents’ electricity needs. The movie, “An Inconvenient Sequel,” reminded me that this is absolutely possible. I hope you’ll see it when it shows at the Roxy in Burlington.

Moving effective carbon reduction forward in Vermont

Hops farm comparison like apples to walnuts

Wendy Bratt, Charlotte As members of VPIRG (Vermont Public Interest Research Group), we had the good fortune of seeing the early showing of Al Gore’s second documentary about climate change, An Inconvenient Sequel, at the Majestic 10 in Williston. The movie was hopeful despite the alarming statistics. Al Gore has been speaking out about climate change since his days as a freshman congressman in 1976 and beyond his eight years as vice president of the United States. He continues to be a centerpiece in the movement, receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in 2007.

The movie re-inspired my conviction that we must find ways to reduce our carbon footprint, despite the new roadblocks from our political systems. I want our historically progressive little state to work its magic in ending our dependence on fossil fuels. I think that putting a price on carbon pollution through taxes is a good idea because most of us want to be rid of dirty fossil fuels in exchange for affordable clean energy.

Money from this tax can be used to lower other taxes or to invest in renewable energy systems for households, businesses and public buildings/transportation systems.

Personally, each time I see a solar or wind farm I feel inspired that we are one (albeit tiny) step closer to a carbon-neutral world. I think as a culture it’s important that we begin to see the site of wind and solar arrays as something we appreciate on the landscape because of what it is harvesting on our behalf, not as an eyesore.

Can solar panels be placed on the roofs

Jorden Blucher, Charlotte The neighborhoods of Big Oak and Palmer Lane, as well as our neighbors on East Thompson Point Road would like to respond the article “Mt. Philo Hops Farm Sparks Debate” in the July 26 issue of The News.

Our main concerns with the industrial hops yard is not the marring of the bucolic view that we, visitors to Mt. Philo and anyone who travels East Thompson Point Road now enjoy. Rather it is the obvious lack of planning that has gone into this endeavor, the fact that our already low producing wells could be adversely affected and, most worrisome of all, the chronic exposure to chemicals that our families, gardens, pets and farms will be subject to because of the need for spraying to keep this hops yard viable.

The article stated that “…any worry about straining the water table or use of pesticides is mostly moot, since the land in question was already being used for hay and corn production.”

Comparing a hay and corn field to an industrial hops yard is comparing apples to walnuts. The corn and hay that have traditionally been planted on these parcels do not require even a fraction of the amount of water that hops do. UVM Extension hops research shows that hops need 16–20 gallons of water per plant per week. That equates to 700,000 gallons per week needed for 35 acres of hops. Thus far the owners have dug two 6,000 gallon retaining ponds and put in titling. This means that the hops

yard will need to find additional water, which will require pulling from the ground water, thus impacting already low-flow wells. In addition, hay is not chemically treated, and corn is sprayed perhaps once a year. Hops, however, require spraying at least 20 times a season.

Regulations state that the pesticides used have restricted entry intervals for the workers to go back into the fields, anywhere from four hours to a week.

Given that the owners of the hops yard do not know what kind of chemicals or even plants they plan to use, we have no idea how bad the exposure could be. We do know that the hops plants will be 18 feet in height, thus requiring a blast sprayer more akin to an orchard operation than a corn field. A study out of Mississippi has found that when pesticide application boom height was increased from 18 inches to 36 inches it resulted in a 350 percent increase in pesticide drift at 90 feet away. Given the hops will be six times the height of the study and the close proximity of homes and farms, exposure to these chemicals is guaranteed.

There seems to be no thought-out plan on the part of Mt. Philo Hops. Rather they are “planning on-the go” in a reactive way and moving forward with infrastructure without planning for the full build-out. It was concerned neighbors, not Mt. Philo Hops, who initiated contact over this project. Furthermore, the more we look into the town rules, documents regulating the conservation easement and various other sources, we have found that Mr. Briggs has not followed the necessary procedures on more than one occasion. It seems that he is of the mind set to act first and then ask for forgiveness later.

This is not a case of NIMBY. None of the parties concerned are anti-farming.

This, however, is not a simple farm. It is an industrial hops yard that is greatly at odds with our town plan, which states the need for the compatibility of agriculture operations with residential, scenic resource, and water quality. This is a case of uncharted territory in terms of our agriculture laws and regulations; it is a case of preserving existing farms and making sure that homes do not become uninhabitable because our wells go dry.

Most important it is a case of protecting our children, ourselves and our environment from chronic exposure to harmful chemicals.

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4 • August 9, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Around Town Edd Merritt

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Congratulations:

to Marty Illick and the Lewis Creek Association who received the eighth annual GMP-Zetterstrom Environmental Award. Named for Meeri Zetterstrom from Milton, it recognizes organizations that deal effectively with ospreys. Marty’s Lewis Creek Association is known for its maintenance of high water quality and conservation. to Marcia Vogler whose artwork was featured in the August 2 Seven Days as part of an exhibit titled “UNBOUND Vol. VII” at ArtisTree Community Arts Center and Gallery, South Pomfret, VT. The exhibit looks at books, what they are and what they can be. Marcia’s two pieces are called “Time Travels” and “Transverse Universe.” “Time Travels” was awarded second prize and is made out of a shredded book; the shreds are linked together, and they coil to look something like a snake. to Stephen Kiernan and David Seaver whose involvement in recent books was listed among “Recommended Summer Reading” in the July 27 Burlington Free Press. Kiernan’s novel, The Baker’s Secret, published

by William Morrow/Harper Collins, is set in a bakery in Normandy near the beach the allies would use to invade France to free it from Nazi Germany.

Seaver’s photographs appear in a book by Lisa Cassell-Arms, titled Seasons in a Vermont Vineyard: the Shelburne Vineyard Cookbook (Arcadia Publishing). It is to be used, not to be read at leisure.

to Putnam Pane and his wife, Dr. Kelly Pettijohn, on the birth of their daughter Roslin Joy (Rosie) Pane on July 16.

The proud grandparents are Elizabeth Bassett and John Pane of Charlotte who will fly to California to meet the new granddaughter.

Photo of the Week

to the following students at Rice Memorial High School who earned placement on honor rolls for the fourth quarter of 2016-2017: First Honors Cooper Harvey Andrew Slauterbeck Second Honors Moira Brown Hana Couture Mahntra Hennessey John Merrill Hadley Murphy Alexa Pughe Anna Schibli Grace Slauterbeck Honorable Mention Daniel Boardman Elizabeth Breen Santiago Vazquez to Chiara Hollender who graduated cum laude from Ithaca College’s School of Humanities and Sciences with a major in theatre studies. She received her degree in May of this year.

Sympathy:

is extended to family and friends of Robert Allen Haight of Vergennes who passed away July 25 at the age of 68. He was born in Burlington, but the family moved to Charlotte and he attended Charlotte Central School and CVU High School. He is survived by his mother, Jacqueline Haight of Charlotte. is extended to family and friends of

Personal Service, Professional Results Personal Service, Professional We’ve Moved!

Results

The sun sets at Charlotte Beach in August.

Photo by Lee Krohn

Rosalie M. Lavigne of Richmond, VT, who passed away July 25 at the age of 73. Her surviving family includes her son, David Lavigne, and David’s wife, Denise, of Charlotte. The family asks that those wishing to make memorial contributions consider contributing to the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495-1460.

superintendent, principals and boards. He was a proponent of further consolidation.

Regional Bite: New chief operations officer of Chittenden South Supervisory Union (CSSU)

Seven Days recently ran a section titled “All the Best.” It was a list of readers’ responses to “best items” in an extensive list of categories. Several “Bests” were connected to Charlotte. Mount Philo State Park was listed as the Best State Park, called “the perfect high altitude locale for picnics with friends.”

As of July 1 Jeanne Jensen has been CSSU’s chief of operations, replacing Bob Mason who held the position for a number of years. Bob served 10 years on CVU and CSSU boards, five years as the chair of the consolidated union board. Prior to that he worked at Aerospace General for 10 years in manufacturing management, overseeing 900 employees. At CSSU Bob was very interested in improving student outcomes in the K–12 grades. He believed that five separate schools in the supervisory union reporting to seven separate school boards produced a confusing overlap among

Jeanne has many years of financial experience at IBM and Global Foundries. She, too, served on and chaired both CVU and CSSU boards.

Town Bites

Josie Leavitt gained the most votes for Best Standup Comic. A very funny lady, Josie “almost single-handedly (is) responsible for launching a standup comedy scene in Vermont.”

Jim Lampman’s Lake Champlain Chocolates won for Best Housemade Ice Cream. “Burlington’s premiere chocolatier has something for everyone.”

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The Charlotte News • August 9, 2017 • 5

Municipal tax rate set for next fiscal year Heather McKim STAFF WRITER

At a special meeting of the Selectboard on July 30, board members voted to set the municipal tax rate for 2017/18 at $0.1719, a reduction about one-half of one cent on last year’s rate of $0.1767.

Town Clerk/Treasurer Mary Mead said the tax rate calculation included a correction that had been made due to a legal settlement, an abatement of rent with interest, and sewer with interest that had been escrowed but was still on the books as receivables and deferred revenue. “There are still more bills to pay for 2016/17, so the financials of course are not a finished product, and there will be auditor’s adjusting entries as well,” Mead said.

The total budget for 2017/18 is $3,0846,847.

The 411 Report for the grand list, Vermont state education tax rates, a balance sheet report, and the budget status report were used in setting the rate, Mead said. The grand list report shows a municipal grand list figure of $9,212,666 which is used in the calculation. At Town Meeting time the estimate for the grand list was $9,205,667.

Compared to last year, the homestead rate is significantly decreased. It was $1.6272, compared to $1.4301 this year. The non–residential rate last year was $1.5655, compared to $1.5505 this year.

“Keep in mind that the money raised for municipal taxes is about 10 percent of the total taxes raised by the town,” Selectboard Chair Lane Morrison said.

The remaining 90 percent of the taxes that homeowners pay comes in the form of the mandated state education tax rate. Last year, that number was $1.8039, Morrison said.

For 2017/18, taxpayers will be seeing a total tax rate for municipal and education of $1.6020, meaning there has been a 12 percent reduction in the property tax rate from 2016/17. That reduction came about due to a decision made by voters last year.

“The reason for the reduction in the state education tax is because our town voted to consolidate school districts last year,” Morrison said.

“Therefore our tax rate is the average of the consolidated district. Last year Charlotte was higher than the average; therefore, this new rate is a benefit to us. Additionally, there was an incentive from the state to consolidate, and that is also included in this lower average rate.”

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Town

Charlotte’s Youth Catalytics appeals federal grant termination Lynn Monty EDITOR IN CHIEF

Young people in every zip code should have access to the vital information and resources they desperately need in their exploratory and sometimes angstfilled time of growing and learning. Teen pregnancy, homelessness and abuse are some of the issues Charlotte nonprofit Youth Catalytics has been tackling since the early 1980s through schools, clinics and on the streets in Vermont and beyond.

Last month the Office of Adolescent Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services informed Youth Catalytics that it was rescinding a $2 million-plus federal grant they had been awarded for pregnancy-prevention work.

This five-year grant began in 2016 with $564,000 in funding. The remaining four years of the grant have been terminated.

Scheduled training and research was halted just when new programing was gaining momentum, said Meagan Downey, Youth Catalytics Director of Special Projects.

Along with her colleagues and legal counsel, Downey, of Shelburne, has reviewed the Health and Human Services federal regulations and policy procedures.

As a result of this research, a letter of appeal has been sent. “This is not something they can do according to their own regulations because they gave us no substantive reason,” Downey said. “Our legal counsel is on it, and we would like to exhaust every administrative remedy.”

Nationally there has been a 41 percent decline in the teen pregnancy rate from 2010 to 2016, according to Downey.

“That’s impressive, but the work isn’t done,” she said. “One in four teen girls will get pregnant before she’s 20, so having the program cut off at the knees like this was a shock to everyone involved.”

Youth Catalytics isn’t alone. More than 80 other organizations nationwide will

Attendees share resources at a national training led by Youth Catalytics for more than 200 adolescent health professionals in March.

Courtesy photo lose about $200 million in teen pregnancy prevention grants. Of these, Youth Catalytics and four others with related grants were cut off this year, while others will not be cut off until next year. The reason for this is unknown, Downey said.

“We were coming off of a really awesome first year, and some of our staff were still working, collaborating with the federal government before the July 4 holiday, so we were clearly confused to hear the news,” she said.

Requests for assistance still flood the Charlotte office. The nonprofit had just delivered a successful national training to over 200 youth-serving professionals and was working collaboratively with partners and federal staff to produce resources to build healthier communities for young people nationwide. “We are really trying to find some private donations to help us be more nimble to help,” Downey said.

With the Trump administration many feared looming proposed cuts, Downey said. “But what is really unusual here, and troubling, is these were actual cuts that were made before they were authorized by

Congress,” Youth Catalytics is not currently in litigation. “We are attempting to resolve the matter to help them understand that they are in violation of their own rules,” Downey said of the Health and Human Services decision. “We are helping them to see that they made an error.”

In an open letter Youth Catalytics announced, “We hope to resolve this matter with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services quickly so that we can return to our work supporting evidence-based programs. In the meantime, we applaud Sen. Patty Murray and other legislators who are publicly questioning Secretary of Health and Human Services Price about this decision, and more specifically about why the notification seeking to end grants

see YOUTH page 7

6 • August 9, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Town Lewis Creek Association celebrates Submitted by Krista Hoffsis Shelburne Vineyard’s “First Thursday Concert,” which featured the Lewis Creek Association as the nonprofit partner, was a success. Residents of Shelburne and neighboring towns listened to fantastic music by artist Whetherman, enjoyed Polish food and local ice cream, and got to learn about the water quality improvement projects LCA is up to in the area. Between donations, a raffle and a percentage of the drink proceeds, LCA was able to raise money that will be put towards its “Ahead of the Storm” program, which focuses on storm water mitigation and flood resilience in the LaPlatte River watershed. A big thank you to all who came out to support us!

Photos of the event submitted by Krista Hoffsis

Extreme weeds grow along shoreline Submitted by Linda Patterson

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The summer of 2016 saw near-record low water levels in Lake Champlain due to drought conditions. Those conditions, following a winter of reduced ice cover, produced extreme weed growth along the shoreline. The proliferation of weeds made it difficult, and at times impossible, for residents and visitors to enjoy boating, swimming and other water activities.

Although this summer has been much wetter than last, with less nuisance from weeds, the overall increase in weed growth has been apparent in the past several years and will likely continue.

Property owners on Long Point in North Ferrisburgh decided to form a “Weed Committee” to study the problem.

After many months of research into causes and weed-control methods, and after speaking with their neighbors and other lake associations, the committee

decided to organize an education event to inform lake users about the weed problem.

On Saturday, Aug. 12, at 9 a.m. Meg Modley, Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist, Lake Champlain Basin Program, will share her knowledge on the types of weeds we are seeing, their origins, the factors that encourage them, the steps the state is taking to control them and the steps we can take as concerned citizens to manage weeds along the shore.

The event will be held at the North Ferrisburgh Methodist Church on Old Hollow Road in North Ferrisburgh. The event is free and open to the public, with refreshments served and ample time for questions and answers.

For more information, please contact Linda Patterson, lindapatterson313@ gmail.com.

The Charlotte News • August 9, 2017 • 7

Town YOUTH

continued from page 5 was made in advance of Congressional action on FY 2018 appropriations.”

More than 35 United States senators, including Vermont’s Pat Leahy and Bernie Sanders, signed a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price last week. They called the decision to rescind the grant “short-sighted and puts at risk the health and well-being of women and our most vulnerable youth.”

Though the name and some programs have changed over the years, Youth Catalytics mission stays the same, to serve youth who need a lifeline. At home, youthserving organizations like Spectrum and Lund benefit from their work.

Spectrum Director of Development and Communications Sarah Woodard said, “Many nonprofits use all of their available resources on direct services to their clients, and so organizations like Youth Catalytics are a key resource for nonprofits who want to provide quality services but don’t have the capacity to create new programs from scratch, or who need help, as we did, with a thoughtful strategic planning process.”

And nationally, Youth Catalytics touches lives as far away as Texas.

Courtney Peters of North Texas Alliance to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy in Teens, has personally worked closely with Downey. “Youth Catalytics abruptly lost their funding, and my organization lost its funding effective July 2018,” she said. “It is absolutely devastating. From a public health perspective, it is beyond

“We are attempting to resolve the matter to help them understand that they are in violation of their own rules,” Meagan Downey of Youth Catalytics said of the Health and Human Services decision. “We are helping them to see that they made an error.” disheartening that such amazing work has been cut short. Teens and families were and are counting on us, and our hands are tied.”

Research proves teen pregnancy prevention works, Peters said. “It is reckless to cut a program short right in the middle of its implementation,” she said.

“Prevention saves taxpayer dollars and improves the lives of teens and families in this country. We need to move forward, not backward, and we cannot succeed as a nation if we refuse to fund evidence-based programs that make a true difference.”

PUBLICATION DATES Publication date: Aug. 23 Columns/features deadline: Aug. 14 Letters due: Aug.18 Ads deadline: Aug. 18

Publication date: Sept. 6 Columns/features deadline: Aug 28 Letters due: Sept. 1 Ads deadline: Sept. 1

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Mt. Philo summit’s westward view protected Keith Morrill STAFF WRITER

A serious blow has been dealt to a Vermont company’s plans to build solar panels in Charlotte. On July 21, the Public Utility Commission adopted a proposed decision denying the company’s permit, thereby casting a potentially permanent shadow over the project.

Peck Electric had hoped to build a 650-panel solar array along the eastern edge of Route 7, in a field just south of State Park Road, precisely eight-tenths of a mile from Mt. Philo Park. The town and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources opposed the project because they said it would have stood directly in the summit’s westward view, marring the scenery and therefore compromising public enjoyment of the park.

Peck Electric first filed for the permit in 2015. At that time, the Vermont Public Service Commission flagged the project for potential conflict with several ordnances and assigned John Gehard as a hearing officer to investigate the case.

In May, after two years of hearings, site visits and motions, Gehard returned a proposed decision advising that the board deny the application request on two grounds: that the project would interfere with the public’s use and enjoyment of Mt. Philo State Park and that it would adversely affect the aesthetics of the area in violation of Vermont ordnances.

All parties filed comment on the proposed decision on June 13, and on July 21 the board upheld the proposed decision. The commission made its decision based solely on the grounds that the installation would interfere with public enjoyment of the park and therefore issues of aesthetics required no attention.

“We are keenly aware of the unique nature and special status of Mount

Philo State Park and what a valuable natural resource and significant public investment it is for the state,” said the report. “The record is replete with examples of Mount Philo’s special features: it is the oldest park in the state park system; it is one of the four most visited state parks in Vermont; it is widely renowned for its views west from the summit of the pastoral landscape and of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains; it is the only state park with a summit easily accessible to all Vermonters, regardless of age or physical abilities. In addition to the unique nature of the Park, we find the testimony and arguments of [the Agency of Natural Resources], the governmental entity charged with preserving and protecting Vermont’s state park system, to be particularly persuasive in determining that the Project would have an undue adverse effect on Mount Philo State Park.”

Peck Electric’s president Jeff Peck offered comment on the commission’s decision. “While Peck Electric respects the Public Utility Commission’s process, we are disappointed in the decision,” Peck said. “Peck Electric works hard to accommodate local concerns when planning projects like this one, and we genuinely believed this was a well-sited and well-planned solar array.”

He disagreed with the assessment made by the hearing officer and adopted by the commission, saying the scale of the project was modest and the distance from Mount Philo was sufficient. “If anything, I believe a small-scale clean energy project would have complemented the vista, and served as a small visual representation of the value that Vermonters place on buying locally produced clean energy.”

While all parties have 20 days to file motions, Peck said the company is still reviewing its options and hasn’t decided whether it will take further action.

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Town

The importance of the logger Submitted by Ethan Tapper CHITTENDEN COUNTY FORESTER

Whether you are the owner of a half-acre or a hundred-acre woodlot, at some point you might start thinking about whether some of your trees should or could get cut.

Maybe you’d like to mill some ultra-local wood for a building project, harvest some culled trees for firewood, encourage your maples for a future sugarbush, or create some young forest for wildlife habitat.

If you have a tractor, an ATV or a strong back and a chainsaw, you may be able to harvest some trees yourself. At some point, however, when the trees are just too big or too many or too far away, you might want to consider calling in an expert. You’ll want to appeal to an endangered species, the Vermont logger.

At this point I’ll make a quick plug for my trade— and suggest that your first call is to a forester. Foresters act on the behalf of landowners to make sure that timber harvesting is done in accordance with best practices and with the forest’s health in mind. They will help you hire a trustworthy, skilled logger and sign them to a contract that articulates their responsibilities and ensures that everyone is being paid fairly for their services. The forester will mark the trees to be cut and supervise the harvest to make sure everything is going smoothly.

While it is possible to skip this step and go straight to the logger, you have a better chance of things going well for you and for your forest if you involve a forester.

When the word “logger” comes out of my mouth is often when landowners’ faces drop. Many are intimated by loggers and by the concept of logging; they have seen photographs of harvests gone wrong, read news articles about loggers fined for misconduct, and heard the frustration of their friend’s or neighbor’s experience.

These stories give landowners second thoughts about bringing in a logger to cut their precious well-cared-for land.

However, this public perception is highly misleading. What you don’t hear about in the news is the harvests that go well. These successful harvests, which exponentially outnumber the problematic ones, leave the forest in good shape, looking well-tended and well-stocked with healthy, productive trees.

But why do we need loggers? Forests do not “need” to be cut to be healthy, right? The answer is yes, and no, and “it’s complicated.”

Forests in the northeast are certainly capable of looking after themselves.

While human management of some sort has been occurring in Vermont’s forests for thousands of years, and certainly well before European colonization, forests are able to grow, reproduce and be healthy without human intervention. However, as I often tell landowners, the untended forest will not necessarily do these things on our (human) terms.

For example, consider what will happen if we don’t thin our forests. “Thinning,” “tending” or “intermediate” treatments are systems of harvesting timber to free-up growing space in an immature stand. In the course of a thinning we cut some trees to reallocate growth potential (i.e. light, canopy space, soil minerals and other resources) to trees of our choosing. In the process, we make some tough choices, deciding which trees to retain based on their health, species, wildlife utility, aesthetics, and their ability produce valuable timber or some other forest product (such as maple sap) in the future.

If we do not think of our forests, will they still be able to grow, reproduce, provide wildlife habitat and look beautiful?

Absolutely. But they will not necessarily do these things and produce trees of

Ethan Tapper, Chittenden County forester. commercial value (or of some other human value) and do so as quickly as possible.

Our intervention helps us to create a system where we can protect the ecological importance of the forest while extracting an economically and culturally important sustainable resource.

Which brings us back to the logger.

While landowners and foresters may have some pretty fancy ideas about how to manage forests, we can only actualize these visions in partnership with loggers.

After all, it is the logger who has the equipment and the know-how to actually cut the trees we choose and to get them out of the woods. Without loggers, there is no way to turn your trees into a property tax payment, a new shed or a warm fire in your woodstove.

So is the only purpose of forests to provide landowners with economic benefits?

Of course not. Forests in Vermont provide a multitude of services to all of us in the state. Some of these services (clean

Courtesy photo

air, clean water, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat for game species, tourism) provide humans with a clear benefit.

Others are just as important but not so obvious. We humans (and especially we foresters, loggers and forest landowners) need to walk a fine line of preserving these benefits while recognizing that producing a sustainable resource lowers the impact of humans on our environment and that producing income for landowners lowers development pressure on our precious forests. High quality forest management walks this tightrope and can only be realized with the help of skilled loggers.

And so, as spring approaches, I would invite you all to thank your local loggers and recognize the assets that they are to our environment and our community.

Ethan Tapper is the Chittenden County Forester for the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. His office is at 111 West Street, Essex Junction. He can be reached by phone at (802) 585-9099 and by email at ethan.tapper@vermont.gov.

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Town Vermont Department of Taxes launches listening tour

Natural beauty!

Submitted by Kate Strousse VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF TAXES

The Vermont Department of Taxes is pleased to announce a statewide listening tour for small businesses. The public meetings, which will be held in St. Johnsbury, Montpelier, Burlington, Rutland and Bennington, are designed to let the department leadership hear from businesses.

“We at the Department of Taxes are eager to hear from businesses across Vermont about how we can help them navigate the sometimes complex Vermont tax code,” said Commissioner Kaj Samsom. “This listening tour and the working group will result in a report to the Vermont Legislature. This is an opportunity to express feedback to the department and also suggest larger scale changes for the Legislature to consider.”

“The Legislature asked for a report on outreach and education for small business owners. Instead of just guessing about what businesses need, we decided to go out and listen,” said Jeffrey Dooley, the Vermont Taxpayer Advocate and lead on the Small Business Taxpayer Outreach and Education Working Group. “I hear from taxpayers every day who are eager for more information about how to comply. The department has made great strides recently, but there are still gaps. I look forward to working with everyone to figure out how to handle those areas.”

The department has planned five locations across Vermont for the listening tour: August 10: 10 a.m.to noon, NVDA, St. Johnsbury; 2 to 4 p.m., State House, Montpelier August 11: 3:30 to 5 p.m., Jeffords Hall, UVM, Burlington August 24: 10 a.m. to noon, GMP Energy Center, Rutland; 2 to 4 p.m., Fire Facility, Bennington Feedback from these sessions will be incorporated in the taxpayer advocate’s annual report, as well as in a report due to the Legislature in November on specific recommendations for small businesses.

If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, you may submit feedback via email at tax.taxpayeradvocate@vermont. gov.

A monarch butterfly enjoys sun on an echinacea plant. Photo by Lee Krohn

For more information, visit tax. vermont.gov and search “Small Business Listening Tour,” or contact the Commissioner’s Office at 802-828-3763.

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10 • August 9, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Charlotte Semester 2 CVU Honor Roll

Education Lion King to roar into town Staff report The first-ever Champlain Valley Union High School summer musical, The Lion King, will be performed Aug. 11–13. Carl Recchia is the choral director at CVU and musical director for this production. His son, Ben, a 2016 CVU grad, is directing.

Benjamin directed two shows at Charlotte Central School, Peter Pan and Seussical.

Mary Recchia is the costume designer/ builder.

Ben, 19, said his duties include everything from choreography to production design.

His biggest challenge has been “learning to communicate with so many different people for countless components of the show. In learning how to do this, I feel that I have gained a lot of confidence that I use often in other times of my life.”

Speaking of challenges, they chose Lion King because it is challenging, has a valuable message and provides opportunities for a hard-working ensemble to shine, Ben said.

“Portraying a classic movie on the stage is difficult, and trying to emulate a Broadway show is even harder, so we have done neither. We decided to create our own Lion

The first-ever CVU Summer Musical, The Lion King will be performed Aug. 11-13.

Courtesy photo King by emphasizing characters and plot points that really communicate the message of the show.”

The cast is comprised of all rising

freshmen and sophomores. Shows are Aug. 11–13 in the CVU Theater. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Reserve tickets at cvuhs.org.

What should rising seniors do now to prepare for the fall?

Sarah Soule CONTRIBUTOR

It’s only midsummer, but before we know it students will be returning to school.

What should rising seniors be doing now to prepare for the fall and the onset of the college

application season?

On Aug. 1, the Common Application, commonapp.org, will go live with pertinent information for fall 2018 entry to college. It was possible for students to begin the Common App early with general information such as name, home address, high school address and dates of attendance, counselor, parent/guardian information, activities and academic course listing. But after Aug. 1 students can officially start applying using the

Common App. The Common Application has an online virtual counselor and a useful help desk that is chock full of FAQs. Their website is filled with information for both students and parents who are entering into the process. Students should also speak to their school counselor with any questions they might have as they fill out the application. The key is to start early, as it can be a time-consuming process filling out the Common Application.

An important aspect of applying, using the Common Application, is the essay. The essay is a way for students

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In addition to the change in school board membership, study committee members also outlined tax incentive savings the merger brings. Jeanne Jensen of Williston sat formerly on the CVU School Board and also was on the merger study committee.

Jensen, who now works as the chief operations officer for the district, pointed out that the five communities that comprised CSSU were on tap to receive five-year tax

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The Champlain Valley School District board has, as of July 1, fully replaced the individual Chittenden South Supervisory Union boards. Voters approved the merger of the six independent school districts into one body in June 2016 after the CSSU Union Act 46 Study Merger Committee supported the unification of the district based on educational and financial benefits.

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The Charlotte News • August 9, 2017 • 11

“Fanny Pack” Dragonheart victory

Sports Edd’s Sports Report Edd Merrit

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Sixty-fourth Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl goes Green

Vermont’s Maple Sugar Bowl football team handed it to its New Hampshire rivals by a score of 19-0 last Saturday at Castleton State University. This was the second year in a row that they have done so and the first back-to-back wins since the 1975 through 1977 victories went three-in-a-row for Vermont.

CVU’s Chris O’Brien started at left guard for Vermont, the lone Redhawk on either opening offensive or defensive unit. Two others from CVU were also on the squad, Jacob Griggs and Charlotte’s Zach Toensing. Zach recognized his freshman football coach, Rahn Fleming, as a major influence in his interest in excelling at the sport. Rahn told him to work hard and he would make the Shrine team, and it paid off.

Losing its initial game, it came back to beat Brattleboro before being eliminated

by Colchester in the double-elimination tournament.

The ultimate winner from Vermont that advanced to the Northeast Regional Tournament was Franklin County Post 1. It was one of 64 teams nation-wide, out of roughly 3,600 totally, to earn a regional tournament bid. In the region, Vermont lost 15-4 to Maine and 8-7 to Rhode, eliminating them from further advancement.

Machavern runs second at Road America

Dillon Machavern and his driving partner, Dylan Murcott, finished in a strong second place at the Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin’s Road America track in their RS-1 YouRutz Porsche. That placing moves them into the lead in the driver championship points’ standings with just three races remaining in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge this season.

Dillon’s car, #28, held the lead for the first 30 minutes of the race. Unfortunately, heavy rains and lightening caused all the cars to return to their pits, and with the clock ticking down, the Series’ directors called the race.

Fairhaven High School’s Dylan Ellis scored the games two lone touchdowns, one on a pass and a spinning move from 11 yards out, the other on a counter run from New Hampshire’s 14-yard line.

Mill River’s Mike Morgan kicked two field goals to secure the victory.

Dillon Machavern 2nd place at Road America.

Courtsey photo

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S.D. Ireland loses out in state American Legion baseball

The local American Legion baseball team, sponsored by S.D. Ireland Construction, Co., played a strong second half of the regular season in order to make the state tournament.

Charlotter Carol Talley (front right) and her team, the “Fanny Pack” from UVM Medical Center Fanny Allen Rehabilitation Center and friends won the Division C championship at the Dragonheart Festival at the BurlingtonWaterfront last weekend.

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12 • August 9, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Steamboats on Lake Champla a brief history Dan Cole

T

CONTRIBUTOR

he first steamboat on the lake was the wood hulled Vermont I, built in 1808 in Burlington

by John and James Winan, who had worked with Robert Fulton on America’s first steamboat in 1807, the Clermont. Lake Champlain was used extensively for early travel and trade, as the roads were poor and rail was non-existent, and most of the trade was with Canada. But the vagaries of the wind on the lake made sailing difficult. The problem with early steam vessels, as noted with the Redbud in our page 2 editorial in this edition, was their slow speed. The Vermont I could make about 5 knots on a good day—if it didn’t break down, which it did regularly. The quality of their construction improved and owners added cozy and well-appointed cabins to attract travelers.

Charlotte was caught up in this industrial revolution on the lake because of the McNeil ferry crossing to Essex, N.Y. The McNeils quickly saw the advantage of steam and began to use steamboats by 1821.

The Champlain Transportation Company began operation in 1826 and by 1835 had purchased all the steamboat companies, except one (the Grand Isle Steamboat Company) to create a virtual monopoly.

The new railroads became their primary competition for freight, and then the powerful Delaware and Hudson Railroad bought up the Champlain Transportation Company. Steamboats began to turn to excursions and the tourist trade, offering comfort, luxury and superior accommodations to what rail travel could provide.

When Thompson’s Point became a magnet for the summer cottages of the leading businessmen of the area, thanks in no small part to a major dock facility, they would commute to work and return to their camps aboard the Chateaugay and then the Ticonderoga, which were among the first steelhulled steamboats on the lake, or in other small steamers and naphtha-powered steam launches that brought campers back and forth to Vergennes, Burlington or Westport, N.Y. By 1895, one of the occupants was Justice D. J. Brewer of the U.S. Supreme Court.

President Theodore Roosevelt visited Thompson’s Point in 1902 as a guest aboard Dr. William Seward Webb’s steam yacht, the Elfrida.

Back in the early 1900s, steam provided the most modern mode of water transportation. The North American Steamboat Association met at The River’s Edge Campground July 28. They took several trips to Lake Champlain during their week-long stay.

Photos by Lynn Monty

RIGHT: Circa 1910, the Ticonderoga approaching the dock at Thompson’s Point, with the Point’s motor launch Elsa tied to a small dock.

Used with permission of the Charlotte Historical Society

The Charlotte News • August 9, 2017 • 13

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14 • August 9, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Business of the week: Horsford Gardens and Nursery Morgan Magoon NEWS INTERN

Horsford Gardens and Nursery, located on Route 7 in Charlotte, is a vibrant nursery with thousands of plants. Vast display gardens show off a spectacular array. There are glass greenhouses for annuals as well as a garden gift shop.

Owners Charlie Proutt and Eileen Schilling purchased the business in 1986 and have completed extensive work on its 42 acres of fields, greenhouse operations and perennial production. Horsford is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Office Manager Jessica Becker answered some questions Aug. 2.

Charlotte News: Approximately how many types of plants do you have?

Jessica Becker: We have over 2,000 different varieties of plants. We have the plants separated into different categories. These include deciduous trees, evergreens, flowering trees, roses, fruit trees, perennials, groundcovers, vines, annuals and vegetables.

CN: Why is Charlotte a good place for Horsford to be located?

JB: There has been a nursery here since 1893. It’s the oldest nursery in the state. Frederick Horsford (the original owner) could have had a nursery anywhere, but he chose Charlotte. It’s a great area because it is slightly outside the valley, it’s close for gardeners, and the soil is fertile and drains well.

CN: According to Horsford’s website, the nursery grows 90 percent of the plants they sell. Where do the other 10 percent come from?

JB: We will buy from certain nurseries that sell small plugs. The nurseries we buy from have a similar climate to ours.

We buy small plugs as well as fully grown plants.

CN: On your website it also states that you sell to landscapers. What are

The Horsford team (above) and special flora on the grounds this summer (right). For hours and more information visit www.horsfordnursery.com.

Courtesy photos

some local landscapers that you usually sell to?

JB: We sell to Distinctive Landscaping, Church Hill, and Heritage.

We sell to the city of Burlington as well.

There are a lot of landscapers that we sell to, the list is very long.

CN: At Horsford your employees help customers with deciding what plants to get. Can you talk more about that?

JB: Our staff will help customers with trouble spots in their garden and things like that. The staff is here to help and guide them. They will ask customers

what plants they like and what they need in their garden. The staff can help the customer find what types of plants are best.

CN: What usually are the bestselling plants at Horsford?

JB: Native plants are very big right now. Lots of people will get what

butterflies and bees like. A lot of the time people buy what’s in bloom. For example, there are different plants that are in bloom in August compared to other months. Pollinator plants are very popular as well.

The Charlotte News • August 9, 2017 • 15

16 • August 9, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Rust Never Sleeps

he popular image of a farm has always included animals in the fields and seeds in the soil.

But when you think of a modern farm you also envision machinery: tractors and conveyor belts and harvesters.

T

Kids are born with a fascination for farm machines. Even city kids want to drive the tractor.

Some grow to realize this dream, working a farm with a variety of fantastic equipment, large and small. Farm labor isn’t always a dream, however, and the farmer and equipment eventually yield to its wear. The farmer might eventually retire to a front porch rocker and the tractor to a sunny patch of field.

Photos by Chris Falk

And so machines that once challenged Mother Nature now meekly submit to her, grasscovered and rusty. Far from useless, these plows and balers and spreaders now stand as monuments to Charlotte’s agricultural progress.

To see more of Chris’ photos go to our website at www.TheCharlotteNews.org.

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Our 166 Athletic Drive | Shelburne, VT 05482 | tel 802.985.4440 23VT San Remo Drive SouthPrograms Burlington, VT 05403 | tel 802.865.0010 166 Athletic Drive 05482 | tel| 802.985.4440 personalized programs are | Shelburne, tailored to the 52 Farmall Drive| |tel Hinesburg, VT 05461 | tel 802.482.2200 www.DeePT.com •802.865.0010 Strength & Conditioning 23 San Remo Drive | South Burlington, VT 05403 www.DeePT.com specific needswww.DeePT.com of your child are designed 52 Farmall Drive | and Hinesburg, VT 05461 | tel 802.482.2200 • Board Certified Therapists 166 Athletic Drive | Shelburne, VT 05482 | tel 802.985.4440 166 Athleticall Drive | Shelburne, VTIf 05482 | tel 802.985.4440 to help their goals. you 166 Athletic Drive | them Shelburne, VT 05482 tel 802.985.4440 23 achieve San Remo Drive || South Burlington, VT 05403 | tel 802.865.0010 • Athletes Treating Athletes 10/26/16 23 San Remo Drive | SouthDeePT_Goal_5x7.75_REV_1.indd Burlington, VT 05403 | tel 802.865.0010 52 Farmall Drive | Hinesburg, 05461 |1tel 802.482.2200 23 San Remo Drive your | Southchild Burlington, 05403 | tel 802.865.0010 want to getVT BETTER, thenVT it’s time 52 Farmall Drive | Hinesburg, VT 05461 | tel 802.482.2200 • Three Convenient 52 Farmall Drive | Hinesburg, VT 05461 | tel 802.482.2200 Locations for Dee PT! DeePT_Goal_5x7.75_REV_1.indd 1

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11:13 AM

The Charlotte News • August 9, 2017 • 17

Jumping spiders, there’s more than meets the eye Susan Blood CONTRIBUTOR

I’m not a huge fan of spiders. My mother-in-law, Lillian, never kills them when she finds one inside because she thinks spiders are amazing! She either just lets them be or gently moves them outside. I try to emulate her now and then, but most times, I just don’t want them inside!

A few months ago my son started taking close-up pictures of leaves and flowers and insects, and the most interesting pictures were of spiders! Observant readers will know I’ve already made a mistake.

Spiders are not insects. They are arachnids, which have eight legs instead of six.

Ticks and scorpions are also arachnids, and in total there are about 45,000 species of spiders!

The spiders most willing to model for him were jumping spiders. It turns out these are fascinating little creatures. At no larger than half an inch long they are the little spiders you sometimes find inside jigging and jagging around. They don’t live in webs but can produce silk if need be as a dragline to catch themselves if a jump is off target.

Here in Vermont, a few species of jumping spiders are common. One you might find on an outside wall or other vertical surface is a tan jumping spider—which isn’t exactly tan but a mottled mix of black, gray and white. The zebra jumper is mostly dark gray with white, zebra-like stripes on its abdomen. The

most common jumping spider in Vermont and also North America is known as the bold jumper. There are two distinguishing characteristics of this species: they are mostly black with a white, orange or red triangular patch on its abdomen, and their jaws are iridescent in colors like blue or green. Of course, you’d only notice this if you got up close and personal with your local jumper!

The most amazing thing about jumpers, and one you’d never know if you didn’t look at magnified pictures, is that jumping spiders have four pairs of eyes! Actually most spiders have eight eyes, but as a hunting spider, rather than a web-weaving spider, jumpers have excellent vision so they can pounce precisely on their prey.

They don’t have eyeballs like us, but they can focus on different objects (or prey!) by moving the retina at the back of these long tubular organs. When you see a jumping spider it will, supposedly, track you, either by moving its body or moving its retina, so you’re in its field of vision.

They are watching you!

If they are such good hunters, what are they hunting? They like to eat other spiders and insects, such as crickets, moths, flies and grasshoppers. Many web-building spiders wrap their dinner in a web so it can’t get away, but jumpers inject their prey with a venom that paralyzes them.

Then they can take their time and eat their meal in peace. Should we be worried about getting immobilized by these spiders? No, there’s not concern about that since they are so small, and we, even as children, are much larger!

I wondered if spiders have friends. It turns out that once they are large enough

In this shot you can see how hairy many jumping spiders are as well as the four eyes on the front of their cephalothorax.

Photo by D. Satchel Blood to leave the place they were born, they are on their own. The one exception to this is when a male spider dances for a female spider. It seems like she takes her time as she decides whether to mate with a fellow or not, and much of this decision is based on how well he dances! Feel free to put down The Charlotte News for a moment and look for videos of jumping spider-mating dances. The male will stick his front legs up in the air and wave them around and point them at the female as if he’s putting her under a spell, which he is in a way. If his dance is sufficiently mesmerizing, then rather than running away when he approaches the female will allow

him to mate with her.

So take a second look the next time you see a little spider and see if it’s a jumper. Some of the information on these spiders come from pest-control websites.

One says they are “intelligent, colorful, and have distinct personalities.” I’m not sure about how much of their personality you’ll be able to discern, but either way, now you know a little more about them!

Susan Blood is a Charlotte resident and a member of the Charlotte Conservation Commission. This group meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday at the Town Hall at 7 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.

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18 • August 9, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Real Estate

arthaud

continued from page 1

Home purchasing, soup to nuts One of the best parts of my job is the moment I get to hand my clients the keys to their new home.

But this is just the final moment in the home buying process and one that takes several Heather Morse steps and a lot of CONTRIBUTOR hard work to get to. Here’s a look from start to finish at what you can expect your home buying process to entail.

The first step of the home buying process is pre-approval. This is vital for a couple of reasons. It tells you what you can afford, and once you find your dream home you’ll need to write an offer on it, which cannot be done without a letter of pre-approval. Sellers need to confirm that a prospective buyer is qualified to make the offer that they have. Now to go about getting pre-approved you’ll need to make an appointment with a lender, a bank or mortgage company. When you make the appointment they’ll let you know what pertinent financial information to bring along. Your lender will want to confirm your income, debts and credit score. From there they’ll determine the magic number that is your pre-approval amount. You’ll want to search for homes at this price point and lower.

Now for the fun part, house hunting!

First, you and your realtor will discuss what you’re looking for, such as location, number of bedrooms, acreage, etc. Your realtor will use tools such as MLS to compile a list of homes that match your criteria. From there they will schedule showings for any property that interests

Courtesy photo you. See a listing that you’re curious about but not sure you’ll love it? Ask your realtor for a showing! Sometimes the least likely listing can turn out to be the one.

So you’ve found the perfect house and you’re ready to place an offer. With the help of your realtor you’ll submit an offer that will include the offer amount, any stipulations or necessary addendums, financing contingencies, and the projected contract and closing dates. Sometimes sellers send back a counter offer, and you can counter back and forth until you have agreed-upon terms or you decide to walk away. But once accepted, you’ll officially be under contract.

Congratulations! While being under contract is an exciting milestone in the home buying process it’s also a point where there’s much to be done. Now is the time to call your lender, an inspector and an attorney. The inspection will come first as the findings will allow you to proceed under the currently agreed-upon terms, renegotiate or walk away if necessary.

Moving forward, your lender will order an appraisal to make sure you’re not paying more for the property than it’s worth. Your attorney will perform a title search to confirm there’s nothing in the property’s history that would prevent it from being sold. And your lender will be busy going through all of your financial information and getting your mortgage ducks in a row.

This stage certainly takes a village and you’ll likely encounter some bumps in the process, but your realtor is there to help

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you every step of the way. Afraid you can’t meet the inspector? Need to know the last time the oil tank was filled? These are exactly the types of issues realtors handle every day for their clients.

Finally, closing! Once all the inspections, appraisals and seemingly endless amounts of paperwork are done, you and your lender will schedule a closing date. Prior to this date a final walk-through will be conducted to ensure the property is in the agreed-upon condition. On the closing date you and your realtor will meet with the seller, their agent and your lender. You’ll need to bring your license and checkbook for the closing costs. At long last you’ll sign your loan and receive the deed and keys to your new home. And that’s it, you’re a homeowner!

This is just a general description of each step. Once you’re ready to begin the home-buying process you’ll want to sit down with your realtor who can get much more specific about each step and answer any questions you may have. Your lender will be another excellent resource to fully explain the financial process, the different types of loans offered, and what you qualify for. Never hesitate to ask questions! This process requires a lot of support, and the more you understand the easier it will be for you.

Heather Morse of Charlotte is a Greentree Real Estate agent. For more information email heather@ vermontgreentree.com.

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New England Post and Beam

Chris von Trapp, REALTOR® (802) 343-4591 ChrisvonTrapp.com

This 3 story Gambrel Colonial was beautifully handcrafted with exposed oak and hemlock framework and custom woodwork throughout. $549,500 | MLS# 4622492

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Don’t Buy a Fake Home !!

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zoning and land-use regulations. Valerie Biebuyck exhaustively researched the subject in order to present the town with data and regulations showing just that, and in the process discovered that the Selectboard had erred in 2014 when it allowed Arthaud to divide his original lease in two, allowing him to sell both of his lots, 127 and 128, separately.

The Selectboard thanked Valerie for her work, but what the Biebuycks really wanted was a solution to the ongoing problem.

When Arthaud appealed the decision to Vermont’s environmental court, casting both the lease and the lot into legal limbo, Town Administrator Dean Bloch said the town could take no action. The court ordered the town, Arthaud and the neighbors to mediation. “We were initially worried about the mediation,” JC Biebuyck said. “But the judge said to us … your concerns will specifically be addressed.”

It seemed the Biebuycks would finally have a chance to get the audience—and action— they’d been seeking. “So that was our hope, that it would just be a more constructive dialogue than all of the attorneys going back and forth,” Biebuyck said.

But when Arthaud and the town settled just days before the mediation was scheduled to begin, the Biebuycks felt cheated.

“What’s it going to take?” Biebuyck asked.

He remains frustrated over what he says is the town’s continued inaction. “It feels like they can’t make a decision—a good decision— because the mediation would have solved everything. We’re reasonable people. All we want is safety and some aesthetics next to us, which we haven’t had for 20 years, and we just want it safe for everyone. And I don’t think it’s unreasonable for the neighbors to want that.”

The Biebuycks have since filed a complaint with the state and are exploring options for filing a larger complaint. “After all, the town is a landlord,” Biebuyck said.

“There are plenty of laws that protect as us tenants.”

Bloch said the town is looking to move forward with lot 128, though it remains unclear in what direction. “I believe a Selectboard member will be reaching out to them in the near future,” Bloch said. “We are going to wait until [the case] actually settles.

Even though it’s been settled verbally, documents haven’t been signed by the judge yet, so we’re going to wait till that happens.”

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Built in 1830 and still going strong, this classic beauty is a Real Home built with real wood, by real hands, really well!

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Chris is an award-winning Realtor® and a proud member of the von Trapp family, depicted in the movie, The Sound of Music.

The Charlotte News • August 9, 2017 • 19

Outdoors Too much radio, television and head-splitting news?

Elizabeth Bassett CONTRIBUTOR

There’s nothing like a walk in nature to restore the soul. Take walk in our beautiful state!

Alburg Dunes State Park. Want to wiggle your toes in a natural sand beach on the shores of Lake Champlain? Get thee to Alburg Dunes State Park, a small beach on the southern edge of the Alburg peninsula where wind and water-driven sand have accumulated. This half-mile long sandy beach is at the northern edge of a long stretch of Lake with predominantly south winds that have delivered sand to the beach. vtstateparks.com Battell and Means Woods. If the Sheldon Museum or the Middlebury Art Museum draws you to Middlebury, take a walk while you are in town. Both of these are short trails accessible from a parking lot off of Seminary Street Extension, east of town. For a longer walk consider walking a segment or two of the 16-mile trail around Middlebury (TAM). More information at MALT, Middlebury Area Land Trust.

Colchester Bog, Causeway and Pond.

Rich resources these in our neighbor to the north, Colchester. The bog is adjacent to Airport Park and the Causeway originates at Airport Park and follows the former rail bed that leads across the lake toward the

Champlain Islands.

Colchester Pond Natural Area is in the north east of Colchester and is contiguous to the Indian Brook Reservoir Park in Essex. Managed by the Winooski Valley Park District, wvpd. org, a 2.5-mile trail encircles the pond on this 694-acre preserve.

Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area. Spanning the three towns of Bridport, Addison and Panton, this 2,858-acre preserve hosts over 200 species of birds and waterfowl over the course of a year. There is a modest amount of walking but fantastic viewing, particularly in the spring and fall. Hunting, fishing and trapping are allowed on various parts of the preserve and the water level is actively managed, so the two one-mile walking trails are not always available. The fall migration of Canada and snow geese is particularly impressive. vtfishandwildlife.com.

Eagle Mountain. One of the highest points along Lake Champlain, at more than 500 feet, Eagle Mountain towers above the shore in Milton. Conserved by the Lake Champlain Land Trust, this 226-

acre preserve has a network of trails that total about two miles, most of them in 10 to 25 minute loops.

Round trip walk from the parking area to Hoyt Lookout is about one mile, with a 150-foot elevation gain. Please tread Courtesy photo thoughtfully as this preserve protects forests of statewide significance as well as rare plants and animals.

Robert Frost Interpretive Trail. Worth the voyage to Ripton, this one-mile gem combines the poetry of Frost, which appears along the trail, with the landscape that inspired it. A shorter segment of the trail is an accessible boardwalk. Frost spent 23 summers in a small cabin not far from here.

Part of the 335,000-acre Green Mountain National Forest, the trail crosses a wetland, threads through the woods and passes through open fields dotted with ripening blueberries and huckleberries. The trailhead is on Route 125, 5.8 miles east of Route 7.

Green Mountain Audubon Nature Center. Nestled in the valley of the

Huntington River in Huntington, the Audubon Center welcomes visitors on five miles of trails on their 255 acres of northern hardwood forest and hemlock swamp. The Sensory Trail, at 2/3 of a mile, allows those with visual impairments to touch, smell, taste and hear the sounds of field and woodland.

More than 100 species of birds overwinter or breed, as do amphibians, and beavers live on this conserved property year round. Open for walking from dawn to dusk. vt.audubon. org. Donations are appreciated.

History Hike via Hedgehog Hill Trail.

Besides being alliterative, the History Hike in Little River State Park is one of my favorites in any season. A beautiful 3.8-mile walk loops through woodlands that have grown up since the Flood of 1927 destroyed the hill farms that used to populate these narrow valleys. Subsequently the Waterbury Dam was built on the Little River, and in 1962 the state park was created. Pick up a map and historical guide to the trail at the park entrance. Along the trail you can find remains of these farmsteads: dooryard lilacs and day lilies, butternut trees, wells and two cemeteries.

Another time we’ll progress to the letter “I,” and I’ll have to decide whether to shine a spotlight on Indian Brook Reservoir, Mount Independence or the Island Line. In the meantime, happy trails.

Lewis Creek Association receives Governor’s Award Lewis Creek Association received a “2017 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence” on Aug. 4 at the State House in Montpelier.

The Vermont Governor’s Awards were established in 1993 to recognize the actions taken by Vermonters to conserve and protect natural resources, prevent pollution and promote environmental sustainability. The award was given for

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LCA’s “Ahead of the Storm” project, which combines data collection, planning, implementation and education to help communities change the way storm water is managed on a range of property types.

Program Coordinator Krista Hoffsis and Executive Director Marty Illick accepted the award on behalf of LCA. LCA was one of nine 2017 award recipients.

20 • August 9, 2017 • The Charlotte News

COLLEGE PREP

continued from page 10 to share something about themselves with the admission committee during the application review process. In addition, colleges will consider the applicant’s transcript, letters of recommendation, extra curricular and athletic involvement, employment and leadership opportunities.

The Common Application essay prompts 2017-18: 1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback or failure.

How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3.Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking?

What was the outcome?

4. Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma—anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

5.

Discuss an accomplishment, event or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea or concept

you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt or one of your own design.

Students only have to answer one of the above questions and must do so in less than 650 words. I encourage students to review these questions and to draft a response and create a working essay that they can review over the course of the coming weeks. The same essay is sent to all colleges a student applies to on the Common Application. Please note that some colleges do require supplemental essays that are specific to them and address questions that they are want answered on the Common Application.

Summer is an ideal time to review college websites, tour campuses and read admission literature. Students can begin to narrow down their list of choices of where they will ultimately apply after carefully evaluating the institutions that they are considering.

Take time to enjoy the summer, but also gear up for the important approaching process of applying to college.

Native Charlotter Sarah Soule has 35 years of experience working in the field of college admissions. She served as a senior member of the admission staff at Champlain for 20 years and is currently the post-secondary planning coordinator at Middlebury HS where she guides students to college. She has been quoted in the nationally published Princeton Review’s The Portable Guidance Counselor and The College Finder. She advises students individually as an educational consultant on the process of applying to college. She resides in Shelburne.

Puzzle

SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 23

MOVE

continued from page 1 working productively in the new space.

In addition to housing The News, the building is also home to Mike Russell’s law office, Pease Mountain Law, to Tanya Srolovitz’s massage therapy practice and to Punch Pass, a software company that works with small businesses to manage schedules,

customers and attendance. The building also includes a rental apartment.

Our new office, which has windows facing onto both Ferry and Greenbush roads, has already generated a feeling of greater involvement in town activities.

As Patrice Machavern observed, “Being ‘downtown’ feels like home already.”

Erick Crockenberg (in the white T-shirt) and Natty Fuller tie down the first load before driving up the hill to our new office.

Photo by Vince Crockenberg

CVSD UPDATE

continued from page 10 incentives.

One of the most challenging aspects of the consolidation stemmed from questions regarding how the consolidated district would handle repairs to school buildings that are spread across the newly created district.

This was highlighted when board members met this July 19 at the central office in Shelburne to award an array of contracts for construction projects in Williston and Charlotte, as well as for the CVU library renovation. In Williston, the board awarded an $895,823 roofing

contract to AC Hawthorne and a $198,016 exterior metal siding contract to Brusco Contracting. It also awarded a $139,600 PCB abatement contract to AAC Contracting, along with a commissioning services contract to CX Associates for the amount up to $32,750.

Turning to CVU, the board voted to award a $22,500 library renovation contract to Metro Walls.

Then school directors awarded a $34,125 carpet replacement contract to New England Floor Covering for the Charlotte Central School library and a $27,175 contract for the 1939 Charlotte Central School building roof to Friends Construction.

Providing Repair, Refinishing, Restoration and Transport

George & Pam Darling P.O. Box 32 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT gdarling@gmavt.net

Send us your news story ideas!

news@ thecharlottenews.org

The Charlotte News • August 9, 2017 • 21

Taking Care Alice Outwater, PhD CONTRIBUTOR

It takes courage and stamina to age.

More so than I thought. I realize the many nuisance habits that never served me when I was younger are still staring me in the face.

In fact some have become quite a vexation.

At college I procrastinated about starting assigned papers but always managed to skid in before the deadlines. The papers could have been outstanding if I’d allotted more time to research parts of them. This trait was coupled with my lackadaisical selfdiscipline.

These same irksome motifs still cling to me like sticky tape I can’t peel them off.

And now, when my memory isn’t as sharp and energy is lessening, these idiosyncrasies tug me backwards. I’m taking a hard look and am determined to straighten these inclinations out. But with decades of use, the changes become more arduous.

These patterns can affect my decision-

REGATTA

continued from page 1 for RSYC members and $5 for visiting sailors) the day of the race at the RSYC tent at Point Bay Marina. Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m., with registration from 8:30–9:30 and a skippers meeting at 9:30. The race gets under way at 11. The awards ceremony will take place at the annual RSYC Lobster Fest, also under the tent, at 6 p.m. Visiting sailors are invited to join the evening festivities, paying the

Summon up a bold spirit making. I must be clear about constructing wise choices. My husband previously handled the purchase of cars and managed our investments while running them by me.

Somehow I’ve bumbled along and managed without John, thanks to having good people advise me.

I remind myself to keep my eye on the larger picture and overall goals: myself and our children. I prefer letting options sit for a while and returning to them several times a week. I talk them over with people I trust.

New possibilities sometimes come up. And then finally I act.

Nothing is 100 percent, so if you settle for 80 percent or more, you’re doing well.

Then let any regrets go. Once you’ve gone through the steps and acted, the time for what-ifs has passed and becomes wasted energy.

This method worked out well for me in selling my two properties: being clear – and realistic. Both properties were too large for me; the upkeep had become daunting and I couldn’t do it properly. Repairs and seasonal chores were also expensive. On and on. But I needed new courage to act alone. At times doing nothing seemed the easiest route. I forced myself to get out of old habits and create a new future for myself. Once the

buyers came and the contracts were signed, the rest was momentum. I had to get down to the task of emptying the houses.

I reread some of my favorite poems of Robert Frost recently and knew he was writing “The Road Less Traveled” for me.

How I’ve loved through the ages that fork in the road and taking the one less traveled. I’ve always longed for adventure and still do, but I must be cautious and, heaven forbid, not rash. The familiar path now is likely the better choice. Yet I yen to welcome new possibilities, a fresh landscape that creates untried ideas.

To pursue such a path involves decision making. When younger I could let some things slide, with few consequences. Now I feel more compelled to set things right.

Recently I was at the gym and saw a much younger friend lifting his 50-lb. iron weights. I knew he had admirably handled many difficult personal and family matters thrust at him. I asked if he had come to peace with his mother who had lived nearby.

They’d had an antagonistic relationship, and being overwhelmed himself, he had given up on her. The years had run by with no communication.

In a daring move he finally contacted her.

By then she was frail and in a retirement

RSYC member price of $25 for a whole lobster, steamers, corn and all the fixings.

To reserve your place for Lobster Fest, please sign up by Aug. 17 at the RSYC website, rsyc.org.

The race is scored using the Lake Champlain PHRF ratings, which allow sailboats of all sizes and speeds to compete against one another. The event will include separate classes for boats flying spinnakers and those using just mainsail and jib, but all boats will sail the same course, chosen from among several options on the day of the race based on the wind direction and speed. The courses, all

starting in Town Farm Bay, which sits between Charlotte and Ferrisburgh, range in length from 6.6 to 13.8 nautical miles, and can run from Charlotte and Essex, N.Y., in the north to Basin Harbor in the south.

Host Royal Savage Yacht Club (rsyc. org) is named for the schooner Royal Savage, which served as Benedict Arnold’s flagship during Revolutionary War battles with the British on Lake Champlain. Point Bay Marina is a fullservice marina on Thompson’s Point Road in Charlotte (pointbaymarina.com).

Puzzle Across 1. Stewed fruit 8. Bolivian ___ 13. Mild laxative 15. Laughs, maybe 17. Tasty treat 19. Grad 20. Content of some bags 21. Start of some cloud names 22. Sapporo sash 24. It’s definite 27. Car nut 28. Tasty treats 34. Not digital 35. Arise 36. Little kick 37. Class-conscious grp.

38. “O Sanctissima,” e.g.

42. Way to walk 45. Charge 47. Tasty treat 51. General in gray 52. Tropical snake 53. Possessive pronoun 54. Some bends 56. Taboos 58. Beach item

62. Tasty treat 67. Folklore creature 68. Nodule 69. Certain print 70. Deflects Down 1. A sparkling wine 2. Shade of blue 3. Remote control button 4. Overly decorous 5. Salad topper 6. Bus. card abbr.

7. Related on one side 8. Grand ___ (“Evangeline” setting) 9. Common Market letters 10. 1986 #1 hit for Starship 11. Simple eyes 12. Carved figure 14. Coupling 16. Smoke and fog mixtures 18. Chain 22. Sean ___ Lennon 23. Breathalyzer attachment

facility. He began to see her regularly—and was amazed how pleasant these drop-in visits became. Undoubtedly they both had changed. “I took my iPad and would play her favorite music. We talked about the happier times as I grew up. I was startled how proud she was of me. She died recently,” he said quietly.

I didn’t need more details but found my eyes tearing up. “That first visit must have taken tremendous courage,” I said.

He nodded and added, “Yes, I was finally able to summon up a bold spirit within me.

I was surprised I had it. And it makes a huge difference to me now that she’s gone.

At last I have a feeling of completeness.”

He bent down to pick up the weights. I returned to the rowing machine and thought how powerful reassessing relationships and opening one’s heart can be.

It’s prudent, if not urgent, to check your own connections to others and find areas that need tidying up before more time passes. Start brushing out those nooks and crannies. It may give you a fresh take on your life and allow you to welcome new possibilities into those cleared-out spaces.

All hands on deck as one boat gets ready for roundingamarkduringtheDiamondIsland Regatta in 2016. Photo by Buzz Kuhns

SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 23

25. Dupes 26. Easily tamed bird 28. Dracula, at times 29. “___ Ng” (They Might Be Giants song) 30. Photographer Goldin 31. Star in Perseus 32. Back in?

33. Copper coins 37. Caribe 39. Away 40. D.C. setting 41. Science writer, Willy 43. Colo. neighbor 44. Blood-typing letters 45. Nest builder 46. Good buddies use them 47. Smart guys?

48. City in Ontario 49. Jai alai ball 50. Smell the coffee 55. Sean Connery, for one 57. Baseball great 58. Engine sound 59. Fungal spore sacs 60. Beach site 61. Dregs

63. Crumb 64. Get prone

65. Second degree?

66. Across, in verse

22 • August 9, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Community Events Basketball: Charlotte multi-age coed pickup basketball is back. The floors are refinished! This event is healthy recreation for all who wish to play basketball in a non-coached setting. Serving age range 12 to 65+, but will accommodate as needed.

Full-court games of fully mixed ages and abilities. Currently do not allow dunking, but 3 point shots are encouraged. Every Monday and Wednesday night, CCS gym, from 7 to 9 p.m. Free for all Charlotters and guests. See you there!

Musical: The first-ever CVU summer musical, The Lion King, is happening Aug. 11–13. Carl Recchia is choral director at CVU and musical director for this production. His son, Benjamin, is directing.

Benjamin directed two shows at CCS, “Peter Pan,” and “Seussical.” Mary Recchia is the costume designer/builder. More information: email cmbr@gmavt.net.

Soccer: Early soccer registration deadline is Aug. 19. Season starts Sept. 9 and will end Oct. 7. Soccer practices for the teams will be set by the coaches based on their availability. Final registration deadline is Sept. 1. For more information email recreation@townofcharlotte.com or visit charlottevt.org.

Free market: Spear’s Corner Store is having its first “Free Market on the Green” from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 19. This once-a-summer event will be a yard sale / free market for anyone wanting to sell anything from jams and crafts to the last bit of goods that didn’t make your spring yard sale. To register, email Emily at ejadsit@ gmail.com. Twenty spots are available, and the deadline is Aug. 12.

Summer tai chi: Open to all adults whether beginners or advanced. Designed to keep you engaged and current in your practice. All programs offer a falls-preven-

Senior Center News

tion component and are safe for persons with inflammatory joint conditions. Classes will be held on Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m. through Aug. 14 at the Charlotte Congregational Church. To register please contact Mary West at (802) 922-0498 or email igolflikeagirl@gmail.com.

Music: Morning Music for Little Farmers at Philo Ridge Farm from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 19. This event is part of Vermont Open Farm Week, a statewide event that provides a behind-the-scenes look into Vermont’s vibrant working agricultural landscape. Rain or shine; advance tickets are encouraged. For more information call (802) 735-6904.

Museum: The Charlotte Museum, on the corner of Church Hill Road and Hinesburg Road, will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. each Sunday through Aug. 26. New exhibits this year include a recently acquired portrait of Henry and Elizabeth (Palmer) Thorp, who at one time owned the Thorp Barn in the Charlotte Park & Wildlife Refuge, as well as information and early photographs of the Prindle family, one of Charlotte’s significant early families. This includes Cyrus Guernsey Pringle, renowned botanist who chose to use the old-fashioned surname spelling. For further information, contact Dan Cole at (802) 425-3105 or by email at colelogcabin@gmavt.net.

Bake off: A maple-themed bake off is scheduled to happen at the East Charlotte Tractor Parade on Oct. 8, hosted by Spear’s Corner Store. Bakers are urged to sign up now. Visitors will judge and vote on their favorite baked good from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Maple syrup (or flavor) must be an ingredient in the baked good. Please register with Emily at ejadsit@gmaill.com. Deadline is Oct. 1.

Fun times baking at the Senior Center this summer.

Mary Recchia CONTRIBUTOR

Mark your calendars for the annual Senior Center BBQ Celebrating Summer on Friday, August 25, beginning at 5 p.m.

Join us to celebrate the lazy, hazy days of summer. Bring your family and friends for a great time. Rain or shine the party will begin with appetizers at 5 and dinner “hot off the grill” at 6. Registration necessary.

Fee: $12 per person.

New Session Added! Are you ready for an active summer? Join Ginger Lambert for Fitness for Every Body on Tuesday mornings from 9:15–10 for the month of August. Using timed intervals and a series of stations this class will incorporate body weight, light weights and other cardio/strength building tools to boost strength, cardiovascular fitness, agility and flexibility. Joint and ligament issues will be taken into account. Every exercise can be modified for any ability or level of fitness. If you have been looking for a class that challenges you but doesn’t leave you in the dust, then this is for you.

Registration necessary. Limit 10. Fee: $10 per class.

Also continuing for the month of August are our regular classes: Gentle Yoga, Chair Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Strength Maintenance. For a listing of

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off

Courtesy photo

specific days and times for these classes, please call the Center or visit our website at charlottevt.org.

The next Birding Expedition with Hank Kaestner will be on Wednesday, August 23. Please meet at the Center at 9 a.m. so we can carpool together to the location Hank has scouted for spectacular bird watching. Good views are guaranteed through Hank’s “Oh my God” telescope.

Register for this event, and if we have to change the date due to bird migration or weather, we will call you. Registration necessary. No fee.

Calling All Creative Spirits! The Senior Center Community Art Show, now in its 11th year, has become a favorite among our community of artists. The show will be held during the month of September and is open to everyone 50 years old or older. All mediums are welcome, and we will have a two-piece limit so everyone will have a chance to see their work displayed in the Great Room.

Registration forms with specific details are available on the foyer table, and the deadline for submitting is Friday, August 25. A reception for the artists, friends and relatives will be held on Wednesday, September 27 at 1 pm.

The Charlotte News • August 9, 2017 • 23

Charlotte Public Safety Log

As submitted by the Shelburne Police Department

Wednesday July 8 - July 17, 2017 Saturday, July 8. 13:44 Rescue Call LAKE CHAMPLAIN; POINT BAY MARINA, Charlotte. Caller reported unmanned boat idling at the dock and no one around. Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched and Vermont State Police was notified. A body was located in the lake and recovered. The incident is being investigated by the Vermont State Police.

13:50 Fire Hazard Charlotte. Multiple reports of trees or power lines down.

Charlotte Fire, Rescue and Ferrisburgh Fire were dispatched to Ethan Allen Hwy and Spear St. 14:16 Medical Assist SHELBURNE RD, Shelburne. Charlotte Rescue assisted Shelburne Rescue at a motor vehicle crash. The patients were transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue and Shelburne Rescue.

17:55 Fire Hazard LIME KILN RD & MOUNT PHILO RD, Charlotte. 911 Caller reported strong smell of gas in the area. Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatch. The area was checked, but unable to locate any hazards.

Sunday, July 9. 20:18 Medical Assist SOUTH RD, Ferrisburgh. Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

Monday, July 10. 07:03 Medical Call DORSET ST, Charlotte. Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

11:22 Medical Assist GREEN ST, Vergennes. Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Vergennes Rescue.

12:21 Medical Assist MCKNIGHT LN, Waltham. Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

20:05 Medical Call GUINEA RD, Charlotte. 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Tuesday, July 11. 14:17 Medical Call CARPENTER RD, Charlotte. Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Wednesday, July 12 08:10 Medical Assist KELLYS FIELD RD, Hinesburg. Charlotte Rescue assisted Hinesburg 1st Response at a medical call.

The patient was transported to the hospital

by Charlotte Rescue.

10:38 Medical Assist S MAPLE ST, Vergennes. Charlotte Rescue Paramedic assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Vergennes Rescue.

18:09 Medical Call HINESBURG RD, Charlotte. 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue was dispatched. The patient was transported to the hospital.

Friday, July 14. 12:33 Fire Call GREENBUSH RD, Charlotte. 911 Caller reported an oven fire. Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched. The fire was extinguished, no reported injuries.

17:10 Fire Assist PINE HAVEN SHORES RD; SHELBURNE BAY, Shelburne.

Charlotte Fire assisted Shelburne Fire at an elevator emergency.

19:11 Fire Assist HARBOR RD, Shelburne Saturday, July 15. 16:03 Accident PI MOUNT PHILO RD, Charlotte. 911 Caller reported a 2-car motor vehicle collision with injuries. Charlotte Fire, Rescue and Shelburne Rescue were dispatched and Vermont State Police was notified. The patient were transported to the Hospital by Charlotte Rescue and

Katie Manges

Shelburne Rescue.

21:40 Medical Call THOMPSONS POINT RD, Charlotte. 911 Caller reported a medical emergency. Charlotte Rescue and Fire were dispatched. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

Sunday, July 16. 06:21 Medical Assist COMFORT HL, Vergennes. Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

08:17 Accident PI HINESBURG RD, Charlotte. 911 Caller reported a 2-car motor vehicle collision with injuries.

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

10:58 Medical Assist GREEN ST, Vergennes. Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

Monday, July 17. 00:09 Fire Alarm SPEAR ST, Charlotte. Caller reported fire alarm activation. Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched. The alarm was determined to be a false alarm.

11:22 Medical Assist LITTLE CHICAGO RD, Charlotte. Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient refused transport to the hospital.

13:14 Medical Assist SECOND ST, Charlotte. Charlotte Rescue assisted Vergennes Rescue at a medical call. The patient was transported to the hospital by Charlotte Rescue.

21:08 Fire Alarm COUNTRY CROSSING DR, Charlotte. Caller reported fire alarm activation. Charlotte Fire and Rescue were dispatched. The alarm was determined to be a false alarm.

ANSWERS TO THIS ISSUE’S PUZZLES FROM PAGE 21:

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

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

Summer house cleaning available Honest, dependable, and reasonable rates. Call or text 802-349-9775. Please call me at the number listed with any questions.

Since 1977, Lafayette Painting has been providing top quality interior painting services. Our experts will complete your job quickly and the finished project is guaranteed to look great. Call 863-5397 or visit LafayettePaintingInc.com Redstone: Affordable small office spaces available on Ferry Rd. Starting at $250.00 including all utilities. For more information or to schedule a tour call 658-7400.

Interior and Exterior Painting If you’re looking for quality painting with regular or low voc paints and reasonable rates with 35 years of experience call John McCaffrey at 802-999-0963, 802-338-1331 or 802-877-2172.

ZEN CENTER CRAFT, YARD AND BAKE SALE Shop for treasures large and small while munching on delicious baked goods, also for sale. This year the sale will be inside the Center, so no need to worry about weather or bugs! Included in the sale: Artwork, antiques, pottery, sporting goods, books, clothing, jewelry, electronics, toys, tools, collectibles, household furnishings, and much more! Also, original handmade arts and crafts will be on sale for the first time!

When: Saturday, August 19 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (no early birds, please) Questions: Please call 310-4074 Vermont Zen Center Vermont 480 Thomas Road, Shelburne Does your home need a fresh coat of paint or brand new color? Lupine Painting can help with any of your painting needs. 20+ years of stress-free painting. Call for a free consultation (802)598-9940.

Tree Service. Lot clearing. Tree and brush removal. Local and fully insured. Call Bud 802-734-4503.

Offices For Rent in West Charlotte village, SW corner of Greenbush and Ferry. Lake views, basic Internet included, common kitchen, deck and showers, $300-$525/ month, contact 802-318-6228 or 2848.

Greenbush@gmail.com.

Ser vices: GARDENING. Could you use some help with your garden? Sunnyside Gardener is now open for the season. We can assist you with planting, weeding, edging, mulching, vacation watering and care. Now in our ninth year of operation.

Master Gardener trained. Call 864-3268.

REMEMBER The Date - REMEMBER Them GENEALOGY//DAY is always August 9th and is open to the community. This traveling exhibit will be in Vergennes at Ken. Bros. noon until 8 pm. Even if you can’t attend, mark your calendar(s) for this new holiday. finalfreedom.om/genealogy Ceal is Host & Proud VT - FCGS Member

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