The Charlotte News | October 4, 2017 by The Charlotte News

The

VOlUMe LX NUMBeR 7 | WeDnesDaY, OCT. 4, 2017

Charlotte News Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award-winning community newspaper

East Charlotte Tractor Parade set to roll Details on page 2

Maplefields: Folks Farm Series: Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Young Writers Project: debate pros and cons celebrate Fat Cow Farm Save your prompts! page 1 page 7 page 15

CharlotteNewsVT.org

Vol. 60, no. 7

October 4, 2017

Charlotte News

The

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

Community speaks up about new Maplefields development was to provide critical feedback to the sketch plan—or as town planner Daryl Benoit advised, it “should be treated as a brainstorming session.” R.L. Vallee The Planning Commission meeting on owner and CEO Rodolphe “Skip” Vallee Sept. 21 marked the first public discussion was in attendance, and stressed that his on a proposal to build a Maplefields at company was interested in ensuring that the corner of Route 7 and Church Hill the project fit the town’s aesthetics and Road. The intent of the meeting was to practical sensibilities. review the sketch plan submitted by R.L. But, once the discussion opened Vallee, the Vermont company behind the to public comment, it seemed largely convenience-store chain, but after the monopolized by citizens who had come to committee turned the discussion over to express their concerns about the proposal public comment, it turned into a debate and share their hopes and ideas for what which was at times contentious and the lot could be. emotionally charged. CONCEPT 1 - RENDERING Those ideas ran the gamut from The proposed project would bring a NTS suggesting alternate business models to 5,200-square-foot Maplefields with gas Vallee to offering alternate businesses and diesel pumps, parking for cars and entirely. Some attendees were concerned trucks, a restaurant, and outdoor space the proposal was too commercialized or for a farmers’ market. At the outset of provided services that were redundant the discussion at 7:30, members of the with other businesses in town like the Planning Commission advised that the Old Brick Store and Spear’s Corner purpose of the meeting was only the first Store. Others criticized the proposal’s in a three-step process the project must auxiliary features, questioning whether a go through in order to get a green light. gas station was the ideal place for either The purpose of the sketch plan review a restaurant or a farmers’ market. Others

Keith Morrill

STAFF WRITER

Tony Dungy’s CVU visit sparks controversy CONCEPT 1 - FRONT ELEVATION NTS

PJM CJG DSM

282 S

2 - RENDERING R.L.Vallee, the Vermont company CONCEPT behind the Mapleﬁelds chain, has submitted sketch NTS plans to the town for the construction a 5,200-square-foot structure to support a gas station, a snack bar or restaurant, retail space, and administrative ofﬁces. The plan also includes a visitor’s booth, parking for both trucks and commuters, and space for an outdoor farmer’s market. Courtesy photo

still were concerned that the station’s presence would disrupt the flow of traffic, making an already dangerous intersection even more so, or that a 24-hour operation would create potential security issues.

C MA

3171 CH

Yet not all were in opposition. A number of attendees came out in support of the model, saying that bringing gas pumps

see MAPLEFIELDS page 18

Charlotte Beach closed due to cyanobacteria CONCEPT 2 - FRONT ELEVATION NTS

LOCAT

07/20/17

CONC REND ELEV

07/20/20

CONCEPT 2 - FLOOR PLAN

CONCEPT 1 - FLOOR PLAN

CONCEPT 2 - BUILDING WAS PERMITTED AND CONSTRUCTED IN NORTH ELBA N.Y. (LAKE PLACID)

Sportscaster and two-time NFL Super Bowl champion Tony Dungy spoke at Champlain Valley High School in Hinesburg on Sept. 22. Courtesy photo Lynn Monty EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sportscaster and two-time NFL Super Bowl champion Tony Dungy spoke at Champlain Valley Union High School for only about 13 minutes on Sept. 22. “The assembly was scheduled for 45 minutes, and I did not want to dismiss students a half hour early, so I took the mic,” Principal Adam Bunting said. Bunting was surprised Dungy’s message was so brief. When he took the mic he thanked Dungy and spoke

NTS

CONCEPT 1 - BUILDING WAS PERMITTED IN PERU N.Y.

about how proud he was of the students. Preparing them for Dungy’s visit made it a “fascinating week,” he said in an interview with The Charlotte News. So fascinating that he considered cancelling the assembly earlier in the week. “While many were excited to hear a person who broke so many color barriers and accomplished so much, others expressed concerns about his views on gay marriage,” Bunting said. “Instead of simply disengaging, protesting or fighting,

see DUNGY page 18

17160

Charlotter Louisa Schibli said the water looked clear last Tuesday and people were swimming at Charlotte Beach even though warning signs were posted. Photo by Lynn Monty Lynn Monty

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Charlotte Beach was rated “high alert” last week on the Vermont Department of Heath’s Blue Green Algae Tracker. Charlotte Deputy Health Officer Joe Rheaume closed the beach on Sept. 25. Rheaume also serves as the town zoning administrator. “The Department of Health contacted me on Monday in the afternoon and I went down and posted signs,” Rheaume said. “At this time I do not have enough

Trails Talk 8 • Education 12 • Sports 13 • Real Estate 20

information to say if this is an increasing problem or a one-time incident due to a number of conditions happening at once.” Charlotter Louisa Schibli said the water looked clear on Tuesday of last week and people were swimming at Charlotte Beach even though warning signs were posted. Skin exposure to cyanobacteria can cause allergy-like symptoms and rashes. If ingested, more severe symptoms could

see ALGAE page 18

2 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Editorial Leave your mark, red marks and all We are proud to announce The Charlotte News has won “Distinguished Newspaper” in our category in Lynn Monty The New England Newspaper & EDITOR IN CHIEF Press Association “Newspaper of the Year” 2017 competition. This was made possible by the culminating efforts of our editorial staff, business staff, board members (all listed to the right of this column), The Friends of The Charlotte News, and almost 150 contributing writers and photographers who volunteered countless hours to making our “little paper that could” truly shine this year. Most of these contributors are listed on the facing page. Look for your name! If you don’t see it and would like to, please email your story submissions to Lynn@ TheCharlotteNews.org or call me at 4254949. I would love to hear from you. And if I missed your name, I will run a correction in our next edition. While I highlight the great work we have accomplished together, it brings to mind that in order to keep moving forward, some of us are fighting off self-doubt at every turn— otherwise our ambition and motivation would have hit a brick wall. Achieving this award means we pushed through, even on our worst day. In the past year I have found that a common theme among most of our writers here has been self-doubt—the fear of making mistakes, of not being good enough, and of being rejected. I often think of my eighth grade English teacher, Mr. Keefe, who gave me my very first red marks. The paper looked as if it had been through a war. I remember it like it was yesterday. I felt like a failure that day but this teacher told me, “When you fail you learn.” He challenged me to be my best self and to leave my mark. Those first red marks in middle school were a gift because I set my sights on becoming a better writer. I set goals from then on, and I have even achieved some of them. Author Lucy Maud Montgomery tell us, “Oh, it’s so delightful to have ambitions … and there never seems to be any end to them—that’s the best of it. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higherup still. It does make life so interesting.” In the Native American culture, giving of yourself to the community is expected of everyone. Our entire team of about 200 souls here at The News gives of themselves richly in one way or another. It’s an honor to witness. I have deep and abiding gratitude for these sacrifices of time, resources and energy. Our culture often teaches us not to give anything away and to acquire as much as we can to get ahead. Apparently, this doesn’t hold true for some in our little town of Charlotte, or for this newspaper. Here at The News we have ambition. Not for power, not to be king of the hill,

The Charlotte News

but for moving forward, each on our own journey, each reaching our individual set of goals within the confines of this steadfast publication. For 60 years now the people who make this paper happen have taken great pride in a job well done. It’s the job to inform, to get it right, to highlight what

works and doesn’t work in our community so hopefully amicable solutions can be found. We are one small, yet resolutely functioning, cog in the wheel that is Charlotte, Vermont. We are a remarkable group of individuals who truly care about something. It’s a noble endeavor—red marks and all.

17th Annual East Charlotte Tractor Parade

Above: These silos are gone but the parade will roll on! It will be held at Spear Street and Jackson Hill Road in East Charlotte on Oct. 8. Food vendors, a petting zoo and more will be set up by 11 a.m. and the parade will begin at 1 p.m. Below Left: Lydia Smith of Vinegar Ridge Farm in Charlotte with Saanan/Alpine cross Darlene, 3 weeks, at the tractor parade in Charlotte last year. Below Right: Carrie Spear throws a ﬁst full of candy at the tractor parade. Bottom: Last year, The East Charlotte Tractor Parade boasted a whopping total of 129 tractors. Photos by Lynn and Peter Monty

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

Contributions in the form of articles, press releases and photographs pertaining to Charlotte-related people and events are accepted and encouraged. For submission guidelines and deadlines, please visit our website or contact the editor at news@thecharlottenews.org. The Charlotte News is published in Charlotte by The Charlotte News, Inc., a Vermont domestic 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation. Distribution is made every other Thursday to all households and businesses in Charlotte and to more than 50 outlets in Shelburne, Hinesburg, North Ferrisburgh, Ferrisburgh, Vergennes and Burlington. The Charlotte News relies on the generous financial contributions of its readers, subscriptions and advertising revenue to sustain its operations. 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 Archives: Liz Fotouhi 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 Amos Baehr, Elizabeth Bassett, Trina Bianchi, Cindy Bradley, Nicole Conley, Mark Dillenbeck, Linda Hamilton, Laurel Lakey, Heather Morse, Melissa O’Brien, Alice Outwater, Mary Recchia, Denise Shekerjian, Laurie Thomas and Jennifer Whalen Subscription Information The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all Charlotte residences. Subscriptions are available for first-class delivery at $40 per calendar year. Want a subscription? Please send a check payable to The Charlotte News, PO Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445. Postmaster/Send address changes to: The Charlotte News P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 Telephone: 425-4949 Circulation: 3,000 copies per issue. Copyright © 2017 The Charlotte News, Inc. Printed in Burlington, Vermont, by Gannet Publishing Services Member of the New England Newspaper and Press Association and the Vermont Press Association.

The Charlotte News • October 4, 2017 • 3

Thank you contributors!

We celebrate the 60th year of serving as “The Voice of The Town” with much appreciation

60 th

A N N I V E R S A RY

We have counted a total of 145 contributing writers and photographers who have volunteered their time to create valuable content for The Charlotte News over the past year, making this a truly local paper created by the people and for the people. Hats off to all of you! Albertson, Jeff Alfred, Carol Alpeter, Lynn Armstrong, Coleen Bagnato, Sage Bassett, Elizabeth Beck, Rowan Berlin, Meg Bernstein, Bunky Bianchi, Trina Blood, Susan Blucher, Jorden Bock, Catherine Boffa, Nan Bonilla, Makayla Boumans, Roel Bradley, Cindy Bratt, Wendy Bunting, Adam

Cahners-Ford, Laura Canty, Donna Carleton, Bradley Carroll, Dee Cartelli, Carina Carter, Rachel Clark, Wendy Claussen, Bryan Clemmons, Lydia (the elder) Clemmons, Lydia (the younger) Cole, Dan Cole, Jenny Conley, Nicole Cravedi, Lia Crockenberg, Susan Crockenberg, Vince Curran, Ann Davis, Chris Davis, Jon Deale, Debbie Demick, Peter Devine, Kelly Devine, Rick Dhoor, Chol Diemer, Jill Dillenbeck, Mark Dinnan, Tai DuBrul, Marianna Etchells, Tim Falk, Chris Fenn, Carrie Fischer, Michelle Fleming, Kathleen Flynn, Liz Fongemie, Michelle Fox, Jeffrey Fraser-Harris, Bill Gould, Timothy Graham, Rosalyn Greenberg, Emily Hamilton, Larry Hamilton, Linda Hammer, Dorrice

Hammer, John Hass, Kristin Haulenbeek, Andrea Hill, Dorothy Hoffsis, Krista Huber, David Huff, Mel Hughes, Catherine Humphrey, Megan Hyde, Jim Illick, Marty Jones, Steve Keppel, Woody Kiedaisch, Jean King, Molly Krasnow, Emilee Krohn, Lee Laberge, Leo Lafreniere, Joanne Lakey, Laurel Lampton, Katherine Larsen, Sheri Lasek, Joe Lawrence, Barbara Lazar, Alexandra Longe, Lindsay Machanic, P. Brian Mack, Sallie Manely, Hannah Martin, Jeff McCargo, Diane Mead, Mary Menard, Nancy Miller, John Morse, Heather Mueller, Jason Mullin, Rob Myers, Lily Nardozzi, Charlie O’Brien, Melissa Ohanian, Susan Outwater, Alice Padula, Candy

Patterson, Linda Patton, Lisa Perkins, Francine Perry, Leonard, Phillips, Beth Pitcavage, Ed Preston, Deb Pughe, Kerrie Radimer, Linda Recchia, Mary Robinson, Cindi Schmitt, Kim Shekerjian, Denise Sherman, Karen Silverman, Julie Simon-Nobes, Vera Sloan, Cheryl Smith, Gregory Smith, Lindsey Smith, Meg Snow Lathrop, Amy Soule, Sarah Spencer, Katie Stein, Hannah Strada, Naomi Strousse, Kate Sutkoski, Matt Swennerfelt, Ruah Tapper, J. Ethan Thibault, Sue Thompson, Laurie Trageser, Alice Trono, Genevieve Van Vleck, Mary Wagner, Kathy White, Julianna Wood, Nancy Woodruff, Margaret Yantachka, Mike Zulkoski, Vicki

South Starksboro, VT Homeowner Recommends Bristol Electronics Bristol Electronics installed our 20 panels quickly, efficiently, courteously and just the way we wanted them. Our roof is a difficult one due to our post-andbeam construction, but nevertheless, the crew was friendly, informative and just great people. Then even in the cloud cover, we began immediately to generate electricity! Furthermore (and most importantly for others deciding to install solar), the price was fair, competitive and honest. If we had another home, I’d want them to put the solar panels on that one, too! We recommend solar and Bristol Electronics without reservation! Lawrence & Cynthia Jones ~ South Starksboro

802 . 453 . 2500 BristolElectronicsVT.com FREE SITE EVALUATIONS

4 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Around Town Edd Merritt CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

a way other than striking? On whom does the greatest impact of a strike fall?

Photo of the Week

Congratulations:

Commentary: “We’d Rather Teach.” So there was this picture that ran in the September 19 issue of the Free Press showing a person standing behind a sign that read, “WE’D RATHER TEACH.” My first reaction was to ask, “Who decided not to?” (The person holding the sign was, in fact, teaching at the time, since she taught in South Burlington.) The Burlington teachers made the decision. They were the ones who struck, not the board. I am not getting into reasons about what is good and what is bad with our education system. My family went the public route, and their lives—work life and family life—were apparently both positively receptive. Because learning happens through a constellation of activities, their schooling produced only a part of their learning outcomes. However, it did appear to have contributed to, what I sense to be, a good result. I do think, though, that the logic portrayed in the paper’s picture might be addressed somewhere in the system. Who created what the sign refers to as the preferred action? Who struck? And if you’d rather be teaching, could you find

to the following Charlotte Central School students who earned placement on the CCS teams for the Champlain Valley School District’s annual spelling bee to be held Oct. 6. Representing the CCS 5th and 6th graders will be Josh Batchelder, Sam Dore, Hannah Stein, Nik Blasius and alternates Nina Cusick and Shana Mester. The 7th and 8th grade team will be composed of Heidi Beal, Grace McNally, Hadley Stockwell, Isabella Hackerman, Chloe Silverman, Jacqueline Postlewaite, Innogen Naylor and Aidan Devine. to Charlotte resident Sheila Burleigh who coached field hockey, basketball and softball at South Burlington High School for 43 years (1973-2016) and was recently one of the inductees into the South Burlington Athletic Hall of Fame. Sheila was respected as a coach and a major contributor to the teams’ successes in her sports programs.

Sympathy: is extended to family and friends of Liddell Eardensohn of Charlotte, who passed away September 14 at the age of 90. Following her marriage to Gene Eardensohn who was a member of the U.S. Air Force, they moved around this

RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

Featuring Environmentally Friendly Flooring Solutions

Hardwood • Bamboo • Cork • Marmoleum • Rubber • Wool Locally Owned & Operated

802-658-9336

257 PINE STREET, BURLINGTON • www.NEFCVT.COM

Tiny mushrooms on a path atTen Stones.“They were probably one inch high, and in the morning light I think they look pretty neat!” Photo by Susan Blood country as well as spending time in Paris, France, before settling in Vermont in 1970, where at first they ran a bed and breakfast in Fayston before moving to Charlotte. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory be made to the McClure Miller VNA Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446.

Town Bite: It’s Williams Stage II Fun Home, a musical play by Bolton’s Alison Bechdel, based on her novel of growing up, opened at the Circle-in-theSquare Theater in New York in 2015 and won a Tony Award for Best Musical. One of the actors in the original production was Charlotte resident Oscar Williams, then 11 years old, son of Tom and Zoe Williams, who portrayed Bechdel’s younger brother, Christian. Being successful does have its drawbacks, and Oscar had to leave his part behind because he physically outgrew the

character. Now the Vermont Stage Company is reproducing the play at the Flynn Theatre running from tonight, Oct. 4, through Oct. 29. Perhaps ironically, Oscar’s younger brother Rowan, 8 years old, will play Christian’s younger brother, John, in the Vermont production. Seeing his picture in the September 28 Burlington Free Press, it is uncanny how similar the two boys look. Rowan is not new to the stage. He began with the Very Merry Theater’s production of Miss Saigon when he was only three and has been in nearly 20 productions since then. In another local connection, Randal Pierce, who grew up just over the Charlotte town line in Shelburne, is the musical director for the local Fun Home. He may have taken a lead from his older brother, a Broadway playwright, and from his uncle, a professional actor.

The

Charlotte News

IT’S OUR JUBILEE YEAR!

Thank you for 60 years of support! Please send your story ideas and photos to:

Lynn@TheCharlotteNews.org

Send donations to: The Friends of the Charlotte News PO Box 211 Charlotte, VT 05445 Contributions are fully tax deductible and we welcome donations in any amount. Please do your part to ensure that we can continue to remain The Voice of the Town, as we have been since 1958.

The Charlotte News • October 4, 2017 • 5

Accidental Pastor: the ferry tale Melissa O’Brien CONTRIBUTOR

When I first returned to Charlotte after mostly being away for the past two years, I was staying in a place where I could see the ferry making its rounds, back and forth, across the lake. And I was reminded of how wonderful a thing that is, that Charlotte has a ferry tale as part of its story. The lake, of course, is magnificent in and of itself, but the ferry is a special thing. Many times in my life when I told someone that I lived in Charlotte it would jog a ferry memory for them; “I think I took the ferry there once ...” Then came the train whistle. Laying in bed one night I heard the train whistle, like a sigh in the distance. “Ahh,” I thought, “the train.” Really, is there anything more wonderful in this life than the sound of a train making its way across some unseen landscape? Next came the thing I have always referred to affectionately as FFD—or the First Flight of the Day. I was aware of it when I lived on Whalley Road, but it was later, when I was on Church Hill, that I really noticed it: the first plane out of the Burlington airport, heading south, flying overhead. I imagined it filled with folks on their way to New York City and then points beyond. It used to pass overhead at a little after 6 in the morning, and if I wasn’t up by then it was the indication that it was time to rise. Recently I noticed the flight going overhead a little after 5, and it made me wonder if things had shifted in the world of transportation aviation. I left Charlotte two years ago to become the pastor of a Congregational church in southern Vermont. A lovely church in which I had once been married and my boys baptized. It was a homecoming of sorts for me and truly an unexpected twist in the adventure called My Life. Life, as we know, often conspires to move us in directions we do not plan or wish to go. It’s best, I’ve learned, to stay in the flow and to look upon the shifts with curiosity and not fear or disdain. And so I find myself returned to this little piece of bucolic landscape, tuned into the modes of transportation that move people in, around and through its waterways, tracks and air. It’s funny, the things we become used to and don’t notice much until we leave from and return to a place. The little things. Which are, of course, the things that really matter. The distinguishing features, the sights and sounds of life humming in a place. I took my first flying lesson the other day at the Shelburne Airport. I don’t imagine that I will learn to pilot a plane all by myself, but I do want to reach some level of proficiency. I have

Town

no idea what compelled me to do this. I suspect it’s the sands of time and the way it feels to be 52, wanting to do and learn as much as possible before it’s all over. Maybe it’s because I spend so much time with people in hospice care. For me, the jig is up. I know with great certainty that I am going to die and I’m OK with that; it makes me love life that much more. It makes me listen for train whistles and wonder where everyone on a 5 a.m. flight is headed. And it makes me want to learn about things that seem interesting. I have flown in small planes in the Caribbean, from island to island. And in Alaska, from Fairbanks up into the Arctic Circle and a few times for a closer view of Mt. McKinley. I love the sensation of being in a tiny plane, inspecting the world from above. The flight I took up and over Shelburne and Charlotte last week was no less fun than all the other ones I’ve taken. Only this time I got to drive the thing, and that was ... well, language falls short here as it so often does in this life when something is truly transcendent. We soared over the farms and the houses and the lake on a perfect blue-sky, no-wind afternoon. I felt like a little kid, learning a whole new way to move a mechanical object, with the very best view imaginable. Most of you probably know what this place looks like from up in the sky. Most of you know what the Charlotte shoreline looks like when you are on the ferry and heading west. Some of you may even remember when there was a commuter train that went from Charlotte to Burlington and may have ridden the rails then. And so you don’t really need me to tell you, but I will anyway, that this place is extraordinarily beautiful. On the ground, at times, we become embroiled in our daily travails, some of which bring us in conflict with our very neighbors. We get caught up in what we believe to be right and wrong, mine and yours, fair and unfair. We spend a lot of time looking at our screens, watching our kids play sports and instruments. We go to work and come home from work. And in those hours it’s easy to forget the tremendous blessing bestowed upon all of us by this landscape, this place, by the water and the air and the dirt that surrounds us. Those are, of course, the things that make us and keep us human. Leave for any stretch of time and come back to a place you once called home and I guarantee you will notice all the little things. With fresh eyes you will see what drew your heart in the first place. Here is what I said when a friend asked me how it was, after I returned to the ground after my first flying lesson: Now I know why the bird are always singing. Amen.

Municipal budget presentations have begun Heather McKim STAFF WRITER

Three budget presentations for fiscal year 2019 were made at the Sept. 25 meeting of the Charlotte Selectboard. The Recreation Capital Reserve Fund, Tree Warden and Lewis Creek Association were the subjects of those presentations. Tree Warden Mark Dillenbeck went first in addressing the board. During a brief presentation before the Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services (CVFRS) quarterly report, Dillenbeck highlighted his proposed budget. The request was for level funding, which is $1,500. There would be a slight shift in how the Tree Warden money would be used. Dillenbeck said that a shift away from mileage reimbursements would be made, because the current team has tended to favor applying that money to other things. Instead, more money is slated for equipment/miscellaneous focused on tree care and workshops/professional development. The Recreation Capital Reserve Fund was presented later in the meeting. The primary expense coming up is for the tennis courts. Two years ago, the courts sustained damage and the asphalt cracked. They are now in need of being re-covered, repainted and relined. However, there are also ongoing structural issues with the tennis courts as well. The Recreation Committee

would like to address those problems. Patching of the courts could continue. However, in order to truly fix the courts, drainage issues would have to be addressed and the surface pulverized, proper drainage installed, and the surface reconstructed. It would not be asphalt, however, because those are no longer installed due to issues such as those facing the ones in Charlotte. Another issue on the horizon for Recreation is upgrading the Town Beach. During the Sept. 25 meeting, it was described as being underutilized. There is a desire to make it a more positive asset in terms of revenue flow. However, since federal money was used for the beach, there seems to be a caveat that there not be a business located there—somewhat narrowing options for generating funds. Lewis Creek Association rounded out the budget presentations at the meeting. The group is requesting $600 this year as it has for the past several years. This would help fund the special projects that the association does in Charlotte. Decisions going forward about FY19 will have to be weighed carefully. Selectboard member Matt Krasnow said during the Sept. 25 meeting that there is a forecast of a decreased tax overall for the municipal budget. It is something that he believes the board will probably need to be cognizant of going forward in the budgeting process.

Web Site! Check Us Out!

TheCharlotteNews.org

Stay warm this winter order your SEASONED AND/OR DRY FIREWOOD $250.00 PER CORD

Call Chris at 802-425-3846

6 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Town Girl Scouts to produce and present public service announcement

Nicole Conley RECREATION DIRECTOR

Charlotte Soccer Jamboree. The 35th Annual Charlotte Soccer Jamboree on Sept. 16 was a huge success. Over 50 teams from neighboring towns joined us for a fun day of soccer on a beautiful day. I would like to thank Spear’s Store, McKenzie Country Classics, Recreation Commission members, soccer families, coaches and all the volunteers who donated their time or items to our annual fundraiser. We look forward to another great jamboree next season!

News

Charlotte Girl Scout Troop 30066 started oﬀ its scouting year with a trip to WCAX-TV, where members had a very interesting and informative tour of the television station. They were able to meet many of the people, both in front of and behind the cameras, who work together to help produce our local news. The girls are currently working on abadge learninghow toproduceandpresenttheirownpublicserviceannouncement. Submitted by Cindy Bradley

Hillclimb to temporarily close mountain road and hiking trails The Sports Car Club of Vermont will present the Mt. Philo Hillclimb in Charlotte Oct. 13, 14 and 15. The Mt. Philo mountain road and hiking trails will be closed to the general public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The park will also be closed to cars at noon on Friday while the SCCV

sets up safety equipment on the hill. A hillclimb is a speed event up the mountain road with drivers racing against the clock. If you are interested in driving or working, please visit SCCV.org. For more information call 777-1000 or email sccVermont@aol. com.

Integrating compassion, expertise and service • Advanced surgical and Medical Care • Exotics and Companion Animals • Evening Hours Available

205 Commerce Street Hinesburg | 482-2955

The

Charlotte News INTERNS NEEDED: If you are interested in writing and photography and would like to apply for a paid internship here at The Charlotte News please email Lynn@TheCharlotteNews.org

Yoga for Sports Injury. Rowan Beck will teach a yoga class specifically designed for the teen/tween athlete. Due to longer seasons our athletes are getting injured from the combination of overuse and overtraining their rapidly growing bodies. Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. (6-week sessions). Session 1: Oct. 11– Nov. 15. Session 2: Nov. 29–Jan. 17 (no class during school break). Location: CCS. Cost: $66 Charlotte Recreation Basketball. The season starts Dec. 4 and ends Feb. 17. Practice will take place on weeknights between 6 and 7:30 and/or Saturday mornings from 8 till noon. Times will be posted as coaches determine their

availability. Kindergarten: Practice will be on Saturday mornings at 8. Grades 1 and 2 Teams will practice once a week with games on Saturday at 9 a.m. Grades 3–5 Teams will practice twice a week with games on Saturdays. All teams are dependent on roster size and volunteer coaches. Early Registration: Oct. 9– Nov. 10; Fee: $50—subtract $5 if you don’t need a T-shirt. Late Registration: After Nov. 10; Fee: $65—subtract $5 if you don’t need a T-shirt. Registration deadline: November 24. Indoor Pickle Ball. Come join the pickle ball enthusiasts on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 6 p.m. at CCS. All levels are welcome to attend! Flip, Dance And Circus!! Tumble, dance, juggle and spin! This great noncompetitive class is for all levels and keeps kids MOVING! Grades: K-4. Session 2: Tuesdays, Nov. 7–Dec. 19. Times: 2–4 p.m. Session Cost: $66 (6week session). Location: CCS. Afterschool Horseback Riding Lessons. Tuesday 2:15–5:30 p.m., and Thursday 3:15–5:30 p.m. Session 3: Tuesday, Nov. 14–Thursday, Dec. 21. Fees: $500 ($100 per week). Location: Steeple Ridge Farm. Full and partial scholarships are available for all youth recreation activities. You can find additional information on all of our programs and registration forms on our town website at charlottevt.org under the “Recreation” tab or contact Nicole Conley by email Recreation@townofcharlotte. com or by phone 425-6129 ext. 204.

CVFRS slightly over budget Heather McKim STAFF WRITER

The Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services presented its quarterly report to the Selectboard at the board’s Sept. 25 meeting. CVFRS presented the unaudited 2017 end of year numbers and the potential impact for the fiscal year 2019 budget. For the year, CVFRS is slightly over budget. Expected expenses had been $667,615, while actual expenditures came in at $722,281. A large chunk of CVFRS’ revenue is provided from the Town’s budget. In FY18 (the current fiscal year), the Town is providing $611,812 out of $726,116 (i.e. 84%) of budgeted operating revenue, in addition to $120,000 to the capital reserve fund (to pay for apparatus and equipment). Payroll and health insurance costs were among the major expenditures. Compensation to Rescue played a significant role in driving overall costs.

CVFRS members answered questions from the Selectboard, including what happens if a second call comes in while the ambulance on a call. They explained that, if the ambulance is out when there is an emergency, either a second ambulance would be deployed or mutual aid from a neighboring town would respond. One of the big things is to have staff and volunteers trained to take that second ambulance out to respond to a call. On the revenue side, ambulance fees are set to rise. This had not been calculated into the FY2018 budget. Increased fees will be a positive for the town. Selectboard member Matt Krasnow, who chaired meeting, said that CVFRS had come in reasonably on budget given the amount of “really positive growth” that has been happening with Fire and Rescue. Also, he added, “It is not costing the town any more money than the town had budgeted for.”

The Charlotte News • October 4, 2017 • 7

THE FARM SERIES My three sons and Fat Cow Farm

Trina Bianchi CONTRIBUTOR

Editor’s note: In an effort to support local farmers the Charlotte Grange has volunteered to feature a new farm story each month in The Charlotte News. Here is part five of the series. If you would like to be a featured farm in a future issue please contact Lynn@TheCharlotteNews. org. What’s a dad to do? Peter Trono has two businesses and three sons. Lucas, son no. 1, is running the fuel business. Derek, son no. 2, has the apartment rental business. And Zach, son no. 3, will soon graduate from college. Plus, Dad is too young to retire, and neither Lucas nor Derek need him anymore as they have the two businesses under control. What to do? How about raise a few fat cows? Peter’s dad started the fuel business in 1946, and Peter, already busy with apartments and real estate in the Burlington area, took it over in 1982. Managing both businesses kept him busy, but as his sons grew and started working with him, Peter realized a time would come for him to step away and let Lucas and Derek run the fuel and real estate businesses. That time came in 2011. Zach liked farming, and Dad, a UVM College of Agriculture graduate, needed something to keep him busy. At the time, Clark Hinsdale’s plans for a “mega” farm did not get approved, and Peter bought the 82 acres on Bingham Brook Road that had been earmarked for this project. Already on the property were large feed bunkers and a barn. It was now simply a matter of what to raise that would be productive, provide a sense of purpose and, hopefully, become profitable. Peter and Zach started with Scottish Highlanders but soon decided they would prefer to deal with a breed that didn’t have such prominent horns. Enter Scott Barnes who had some Herefords and was willing to trade 20 of his herd for the Highlanders. Scott also had a bull, so Peter and Zach started a breeding program with an eye toward producing local beef. Always exploring different avenues and educating themselves in the farming industry, the Tronos learned about Kobe beef, which is a product of the Wagyu breed. This Japanse breed is prized for its superior meat quality and ease of calving. The beef has a buttery, tender texture and is known for its superb flavor. The fat from Kobe beef is also high in Omega 3s and 6s, and a steak of the same weight as a piece of swordfish has the same fat values as the swordfish. Peter and Zach decided to add Wagyu to their herd and four years ago purchased two bulls to breed to their Hereford heifers. Later this year the Tronos’ second generation of Hereford/Wagyu crosses—75 percent Wagyu and 25 percent Hereford—will be processed and

marketed as American-style Kobe beef. All their beef is processed in Milton at the LaPlatte processing facility. They sell it at the farm store on the property and at Spear’s Corner Store, and La Villa Restaurant buys the ground beef. Fat Cow Farm also has a unique breed of sheep, Dorper, which are raised for meat, not wool. These sheep, which Trono got from Roland Ayer in Ferrisburgh, have hair as opposed to wool so require no shearing. The breed originated in South Africa by crossing the Blackheaded Persian sheep from Arabia with Dorset Horn rams, which produced the high quality lamb the consumers desired. Maintaining a small breeding flock, Fat Cow primarily sells their lambs to the local Muslim community. Trono has also added pigs to the farm, buying piglets in the spring, letting them free range for seven to nine months when they will dress out at about 200 pounds. To accommodate 130 to140 head of cattle, another couple dozen sheep and the pigs, Trono purchased another 20 acres in Charlotte on Hinesburg Road, leases 60 acres by the solar farm on the same road and has another couple dozen steer at Dylan Preston’s farm. The Farm Store, also on Bingham Brook Road, is not only a showcase for Peter’s propensity for hunting, it has a working wood stove and a commercial kitchen along with a cooler and freezer from which to sell product. Wendy, Peter’s wife, and Gen, his daughterin-law, manage the store, and Gen handles the website. Even the grandsons are involved as they, when they have chickens, collect eggs! With Zach’s passion for the farm taking over, Peter once again finds himself without a job. He has discovered that the only place he is his own boss is when he’s alone, driving his truck. What will he find to do now?

To accommodate 130 to140 head of cattle, a couple dozen sheep and the pigs, Peter Trono added 20 acres to Fat Cow Farm on Hinesburg Road, leases 60 acres by the solar farm on the same road and has another couple dozen steer at Dylan Preston’s farm. Courtesy photo

Pas

***

Providing Repair, Refinishing, Restoration and Transport

George & Pam Darling P.O. Box 32 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT

Whole & Half Cows & Pigs For Sale! Stock your freezer for the winter with a whole / half cow or pig or one of each. Pork is $3.00 per pound average hanging weight - 230 lbs.

Beef is $4.00 per pound

average hanging weight - 700 lbs. STORE HOURS

gdarling@gmavt.net

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays • 3:00-6:00pm (802)355-6661 | 800 Bingham Brook Rd, Charlotte fatcowfarmstore@gmail.com • fatcowfarm.com • Fat-Cow-Farm-Charlotte-VT

8 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Town

Trails Talk: Part 3 Laurie Thompson CHARLOTTE TRAILS COMMITTEE

Welcome to Trails Talk, Part 3. In this column we will finish answering the questions posed on the website, orchardroadcomputers.com. The first 10 questions were answered in the Sept. 6 and 20, 2017, editions of The Charlotte News. Trails Talk will continue but will take a new path with other informational articles in the future.

: Which properties have you not received easements from? Which are in phase 1, 2 and 3? If the home owner who gave approval sells their house, can the new homeowner decline access in the future?

: For phase 1 of the Town Link Trail along State Park Road, we have all the easements necessary to build the trail. Once an easement is given to the town on a particular piece of property, the easement goes with the property for future owners as well. For phases 2 and 3 the actual trail placement from cohousing to West Charlotte Village has not been determined, and currently no funds are available for these phases. Once the location of the trail is determined, the town will seek easements if the trail goes across private property, and the town will apply for grant funds to finance the construction.

: Have you determined how many nonresidents will use this path? Have you determined how many nonresidents will use our town beach? Will nonresidents

be charged to either use our paths or our town beach?

: Unless a trail is within a state or national park that requires entrance fees, trails in Vermont are open to all with no fee. There is, however, a fee for nonresidents and residents (beach sticker) at our beach.

Q A

: Will dogs be permitted on this path?

: Dogs, on leash, will be permitted on this path. There are currently signs, and new signs are being added, at all parking areas and side trail entrances,

To Advertise in

Charlotte News

The

reminding users that dogs must be leashed.

Q A

: Who will be responsible for picking up any trash left behind?

: The Trails Committee does have maintenance work days and can clean up along the trail. Also, some people who use trails sometimes bring a bag to pick up any trash on their daily/weekly walks.

Q A

: How much will our taxes go up each phase?

: For the current phase 1, our taxes will not go up. Please see previous questions for information about phases 2 and 3.

Courtesy photo

: We have the Little Garden Market, the Brick Store, the new law office and USPS as businesses in West Charlotte. How many business people do you think will use the trail system to go to work?

: There is a CCTA bus that stops at the old “Steve’s Citgo” on Route 7 weekdays to bring commuters to Burlington and Middlebury. Charlotters can use the trail to walk/ride to the library, Senior Center, post office and the other businesses as well as head to the CCTA bus to go to Burlington or Middlebury for work or enjoyment. Thanks for all the questions! Stay tuned for more articles and trails information in Trails Talk.

Corn on the corner

Contact ads@TheCharlotteNews.org

Rick Tenney sells his daughter’s corn on the corner of Hinesburg Road and Spear Street. He said his truck was out of commission, so this big piece of equipment had to work to hold the corn for sale! ‘Tis the season for delicious corn—and theirs is excellent! Submitted by Wendy Bratt

The Charlotte News • October 4, 2017 • 9

Town Charlotte News

The

Vince Crockenberg

PRESIDENT OF THE CHARLOTTE NEWS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lynne Jaunich

PRESIDENT OF THE FRIENDS OF THE CHARLOTTE NEWS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

To date we have raised $13,000 of the $20,000 we need from you, our readers, to finish the year with a balanced budget. If you have made your annual contribution to support The News, thank you. If you haven’t done so yet, please consider a contribution in any amount. You can contribute at

Fundraising Update

our website, charlottenewsvt.org, or by mailing a check to The Friends of The Charlotte News, P.O. Box 211, Charlotte, VT 05445. All contributions are fully tax deductible. We are now in our 60th year of continuous publication, making us the oldest nonprofit community newspaper in Vermont. Since 1958 we have depended on our advertisers and our readers, together, to pay for the costs of producing, printing and mailing The News to you every two weeks during the year. We could not produce our paper without your financial help. Your contributions will ensure that we continue to do so for the next 60 years.

A word from the Charlotte Tree Warden Mark Dillenbeck TREE WARDEN

There are several interesting things going on with the Tree Warden Program. Charlotte’s Big Tree Roster. Many Charlotters have contacted us with candidate trees for our update of the Big Tree Roster. Vince Crockenberg, Deputy Tree Warden Sue Smith, Meg Berlin and I have been having fun visiting neighbors, stomping around in the woods, and measuring large trees. Vince, who has been coordinating the update on behalf of the Tree Tribe, has been gathering information and photographs for the new list, which will appear in a special section of The Charlotte News website later this week. Check it out at charlottenewsvt. org. Meg Berlin of the Conservation Commission continues to work in tandem on a project collecting beautiful photographs of venerable town trees for a calendar she is producing. Proceeds from sales will be donated to the Rutter Tree Fund to support the planting and maintenance of roadside trees. Thanks, Meg! Firewood suppliers list updated. With the help of Front Porch Forum users I have updated the list of people who supply firewood to Charlotte. This list is posted on the bulletin board in the Town Hall and is available online in the Tree Warden section of the town website. Please contact me if you want to propose additions or changes to the list. Remember, a state quarantine is in effect that prohibits bringing untreated firewood into Vermont. This is to hinder the spread of dangerous pests—in particular, the emerald ash borer. Buy local! Arborist list updated. I have also posted an updated list of arborists active in Charlotte. This too is available in the Tree Warden section of the town website. We are fortunate in having several excellent

arborists working in our town. Tree watering. A wonderful crew of volunteers has been keeping recently planted roadside, park and other town trees alive and healthy by watering them when needed. Sue Smith and Jenny Cole have been lugging water to a remote elm planting site in the park. Abby Foulk has been tending to trees at the Charlotte Central School. Greg Smith has been dutifully watering the new trees at the beach. In addition, Bill de Vos of Tree Works has been watering roadside trees at well below commercial rates. Emerald ash borer preparedness plan. This is a heartbreaking thing to report, but five of the six species of ash (Fraxinus spp.) occurring in the United States and all ash species in Vermont are now classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on its Red List as being critically endangered. This is the last category of threat before extinction. While many ornamental ash trees will be kept alive with once every two year injections of insecticide, the affected ash species are expected to become functionally extinct in the near future—probably within the lifetimes of most people reading this article—due to the rapid spread of the invasive emerald ash borer. To prepare for this eventuality, we are assembling a small group to develop a preparedness plan. At this point the group is composed of myself, Selectboard member Matt Krasnow and former UVM professor Dale Bergdahl. We will be working closely with Road Commissioner Junior Lewis. Basically there are two elements to planning. One is to prepare for the removal of large numbers of dead ash trees that will threaten our roads or public areas. The other is to make provision for ongoing treatment of select ash trees that we want to preserve. We welcome input and ideas.

Benefit concert for victims of Hurricane Irma The Old Lantern Inn and Barn is holding a benefit concert from 6 to 11 p.m. on Oct. 6 to benefit victims of Hurricane Irma on St. John and St. Thomas islands. The concert will feature Josh Panda, one of Vermont’s premier rock and roll artists, with a night of dancing, fun and food donated by La Villa in Shelburne, Juniors Downtown and the Old Lantern. Cash bar. Tickets are $30 per person, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to St.

John Rescue and the Reform Church of St. Thomas. The Reform Church of St. Thomas has been providing food, supplies and support to victims of Hurricane Irma. Doors open at 6 p.m. SunCommon is sponsoring a special viewing of the short documentary film “Hurricane to Climate Change” starting at 6:15. Music begins at 7. For more information visit stthomasreformedchurch.org.

Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services to host Public Safety Day Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services invites you to its Public Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 21. CVFRS is located at 170 Ferry Road in Charlotte. This day will be educational as well as fun for all ages. Visit with public safety providers and watch live demonstrations to include K-9, CPR, vehicle extrication, fire demos and more. Also, see Charlotte get recog-

The

nized as a HeartSafe community. Lunch will be sold from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds from lunch and a 50/50 raffle will go toward the purchase of an automated external defibrillator for the rescue marine unit. Contact Rescue Chief Kevin Romano or Assistant Fire Chief Rob Mullin at 425-3111 for more information.

Charlotte News INTERNS NEEDED: If you are interested in writing and photography and would like to apply for a paid internship here at The Charlotte News please email Lynn@TheCharlotteNews.org

10 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Town Halloween fundraiser coming to town Staff report The Mahana Magic Foundation’s Monster Bash will be held at The Old Lantern in Charlotte on Oct. 27 from 7 to 11 p.m. The nonprofit foundation supports children who are coping with a parent or loved one with cancer. Its mission is to empower them through compassionate meetings with a childlife specialist, confidence-building ropes courses and new art-therapy opportunities. About 50 people visit the haunted house and more than 400 adults attend the monster bash annually. The twoday event is Mahana Magic’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Previous years’ events raised close to $41,000. Tickets are now on sale. For more information visit mahanamagic.org. The bulk of the funding needed is for a grant that funds the child-life specialist position at the UVM Medical Center. This person works with the Cancer Patient Support Program to provide family-centered care to patients diagnosed with cancer who have children. Foundation founder Greg Couture lived three years after his cancer diagnosis, just long enough

Butchers Annalise Unger, 17, of Burlington, Clare Sheahan, 17, of Shelburne and Carolyn Cutting, 17, of Ferrisburgh volunteered in a fundraiser for Mahana Magic at The Old Lantern in Charlotte last year. Photo by Lynn Monty to get the foundation going. He wanted support for his children and others going through a similar experience.

Mahana Magic is named for his daughters, Makena and Hana.

The Mahana Magic Foundation’s Monster Bash is an adultonly, colorful night filled with food, dancing and incredible costumes. All proceeds from the Monster Bash benefit the Mahana Magic Foundation, which oﬀers support to children who are coping with the fear and uncertainty of having a parent or caregiver with cancer. Previous year’s events raised close to $41,000. Tickets are now on sale. This is held at The Old Lantern in Charlotte on from 7 to 11 p.m. on Oct. 27. For more information visit mahanamagic.org.

Charlotte Tree Tribe crowns new champions Tree Tribe Since the publication of the last Charlotte Big Trees update in late summer, the Tree Tribe has crowned two new champions: Patricia Lander’s Silver Maple measuring 164 inches in circumference at 826 Carpenter Road, and Matt Donaldson’s Burr Oak measuring 183 inches on Garen Road. If you have a candidate for champion status, including one for a species

RAISE YOUR HAND

not yet on the roster, contact Tree Tribe members Vince Crockenberg at vince.crockenberg@gmail.com or Sue Smith (who is also deputy tree warden) at ssmith@gmavt.net to set up a visit to confirm the tree’s identity and circumference. The News maintains a complete list of Charlotte’s champion trees on our website, charlottenewsvt.org. The list will be updated whenever a new champion is certified.

Try our faster speeds FREE for 60 days! SPEEDS UP TO 1 GIG!*

It’s time to get your hands on much faster Internet! Don’t settle for yesterday’s Internet speed when you have a home full of today’s devices. Upgrade now to the incredible speed you need for maximum enjoyment when multiple people are streaming, downloading, gaming and more. *Service availability and Internet speed will depend on location. Contact us for details!

www.greenmountainaccess.net

Try Our Faster Internet Speeds FREE for 60 Days! Call 888.321.0815 to start enjoying more.

I F YO U N E E D MOR E I N T E R NE T S P E E D

Patricia Lander’s Silver Maple. Courtesy photo

The Charlotte News • October 4, 2017 • 11

Town

Donations needed for Charlotte Cemetery Commission Support the commission and receive a complimentary copy of the book Fences in the Landscape Talk – Are We Listening? Linda Hamilton CONTRIBUTOR

Be one of the first 25 people to make a tax-deductible donation of at least $25 to the Town of Charlotte Cemetery Commission for its “Fix the Fence” in West Burying Ground and other projects and receive a complimentary copy of the book Fences in the Landscape Talk – Are We Listening?, a whimsical photographic essay with text and photos by Larry Hamilton and completed after Larry’s death by Linda Hamilton. This book will change the way you look at the landscape. You will start noticing fences more. And you will wonder about why they are there and who built them. You will notice how they are built and from what materials. In other words, you will pause and

listen for the interesting stories fences can tell. Larry’s charming photographs from around the world highlight both familiar and unfamiliar types of fences. With historic background and commentary that is sometimes whimsical and sometimes provocative, you are invited to observe and reflect. Make your donation to Town of Charlotte Cemetery Commission and receive your copy of the book at the Charlotte Senior Center on Wednesday, Oct. 18, after the lunch program or at the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours. For information about the “Fix the Fence” and other projects, contact Cemetery Commission Chair Viki Zulkoski at 236-2813. Copies of Fences in the Landscape Talk – Are We Listening? are available for sale at Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne.

Get involved in town government! The Selectboard is looking for interested citizens to fill the following vacancies: West Charlotte Village Wastewater Advisory Committee—1 vacancy with a term ending in April 2019 Energy Committee—1 vacancy with a term ending in April 2019 Trails Committee—1 vacancy with a term ending in April 2019

Upcoming Meetings in the Town of Charlotte: Planning Commission: Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Planning Commission for the proposed Town Plan: Oct. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. Selectboard: Oct. 9 and 23 at 7 p.m. Conservation Commission: Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.

Conservation Commission—1 vacancy with a term ending in April 2021 Interested applicants should email, call or stop by the office for more information. Dean Bloch, Town Administrator Charlotte Town Office, P.O. Box 119, Charlotte, VT 05445 E-mail: dean@townofcharlotte.com Phone: 425-3533

Publication Dates Publication date: Oct. 18 Columns/features deadline: Oct. 9 Letters due: Oct. 13 Ads deadline: Oct. 13 Publication date: Nov. 1 Columns/features deadline: Oct. 23 Letters due: Oct. 27 Ads deadline: Oct. 27

Charlotte Democrats elect town committee officers Charlotte Democrats met on Sept. 20 to conduct the biennial reorganization caucus for the purpose of electing officers and members of the Charlotte Democratic Town Committee as well as delegates to the Chittenden County Democratic Committee. State Representative Mike Yantachka was elected chair, with outgoing chair Ed Cafferty moving to the post of

secretary. Leo Laberge continues in the post of treasurer while Braxton Robbason was elected vice chair of the committee. Six delegates to the county committee from Charlotte will meet with delegates from around the county in October to elect county committee officers. Political parties in Vermont are required to reorganize every two years between election years.

Check Us Out On the Web!

TheCharlotteNews.org The

Charlotte News

IT’S OUR JUBILEE YEAR!

Thank you for 60 years of support! Please send your story ideas and photos to:

Lynn@TheCharlotteNews.org

12 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Education Get ready for Rice Memorial High School’s Stunt Night

Bids for CVSD transportation route study to be accepted Gail Callahan

CVSD CORRESPONDENT

The Champlain Valley School District Board voted unanimously Sept. 19 to authorize the district’s chief operations officer to request bids for a transportation route study. Jeanne Jensen, who was named chief operations officer following Bob Mason’s retirement earlier this year, is reviewing firms that could undertake the project. She hopes to have one selected by the end of October. This study needs to be completed and reviewed by the board by midJanuary to have an influence on the budget. The study’s aim is to make sure CVSD is using an efficient route model in transporting students to and from school. The consolidation vote in June 2016 helped contribute to the start of the study. “Transportation is one of the items where we hope to realize savings,” Jensen said. “It has been made more urgent by the statewide bus-driver shortage.” At the meeting Chairman Dave Connery asked Jensen how this study will differ from the one done in the spring. Jensen said one of the recommendations to come out of that first inquiry is to see if the district is providing transportation in the most efficient and effective manner. “What we are considering now is a very specific review of routes to see if

we can squeeze any efficiencies out of the system,” Jensen said.

This could result in consolidating the number of school bus stops. “In my neighborhood, we had one or two stops,” Russ Caffry of Shelburne said. “Now it’s like door-to-door service. We’re probably making more stops and picking up more kids than we were 15 years ago, and I’m curious if that’s part of what we’re looking at.” Student representative to the board, Thomas Daley, said many CVU students drive to school, resulting in “about maybe 10 kids” riding on each bus. Courtesy photo Rice Memorial High School Presents Stunt night on Nov. 21. There will be four unique musical comedies featuring the incredible talents of Rice Memorial High School students. This has been a Rice tradition for 88 years! There will be shows on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m., tickets $17, and at

Meeting Schedule CVSD Committee Meetings will be held at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month, excluding December and January, at CVU High School in rooms 160, 162 and 165. CVSD Regular Board Meetings will be held at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month, excluding November, December and January, at CVU High School in room 160. The November meeting is on Nov 14.

How to ace the SAT essay exam Denise Shekerjian CONTRIBUTOR

What’s Your Goal? What’s Your Goal?

What’s Your Goal? What’s Goal? What’sYour Your Goal?

We’ll Help Your Student Athlete Get BETTER! We’ll Help Your Student We’ll Help Your Student We’ll Help Your Student Athlete Get BETTER! Athlete Get BETTER! Athlete Get BETTER! Dee PT has the experience and expertise to We Offer:

Dee PT has the experience and expertise to We Offer: provide your student athlete with the best care • Physical Therapy possible. Our therapists athletes and know • Personalized Dee PT has the experience and expertise to Weare Offer: Treatment Plans what it takes to help your child recover from Dee PT has the experience and expertise to We Offer: provide your student athlete with the best care • Physical Therapy rovide your student athlete with Dee PTthe hasbest thecare experience and expertise • Physical Therapy to We Offer: • Sports improvement an injury or simply improve their game. Our provide your student athlete with the best care • Physical Therapy • Personalized possible. Our therapists are athletes and know your student with the best care • Physical Therapy • Personalized ossible. Our therapists areprovide athletes and knowathlete Programs Plans to the •Treatment Personalized personalized programs are tailored possible. therapists are athletes and what itOur takes to help your child recover from • Personalized possible. Our therapists areTreatment athletes and know know Plans • Strength & Conditioning what it takes to help yourwhat child recover from • Sports improvement Treatment Plans an itinjury or simply improve their game. Our specific needs of your child and are designed to your child Treatment Plans • Board Certified Therapists • Sports improvement what it takes takes to help help your child recover recover from from •Programs n injury or simply improve their game. Ourimprove Sports personalized programs aretheir tailored to Our the to help them achieve all theirimprovement goals. If you • Athletes Treating Athletes an injury or simply game. Sports improvement Programs • •Strength & Conditioning an injury or simply improve their game. Our Programs ersonalized programs are tailored to the specific needs of your child and areyour designed want child to get BETTER, thenTherapists it’s time • Three Convenient Programs personalized programs tailored to the Certified •are Strength & Conditioning personalized programs are tailored toyou the ••Board Strength & Conditioning to help them achieve all their goals. pecific needs of your child and are designed Strength & Conditioning • •Athletes Treating Athletes Locations specific needs of your child and are for Deedesigned PT!IfTherapists • Board Certified • Board Certified Therapists specific needs of your child and are designed wantgoals. your child to get BETTER, then it’s time • •Three Convenient Board Certified Therapists o help them achieve allhas their If you to help them achieve all their goals. If you Dee PT the experience and expertise to • Athletes Treating Athletes • Athletes Treating Athletes to for help them We Offer: Dee PT! achieve all their goals. If you •Locations Athletes Treating Athletes want your child get then it’s want your child to get BETTER, then it’s to time Convenient •with Threethe Convenient wantstudent your child to get BETTER, BETTER, then it’s time time Three Convenient provide your athlete best care •• Three • Physical Therapy Locations for Dee PT! Locations or Dee PT! Locations for Dee PT!

We’ll Help Your Student Athlete Get BETTER!

possible. Our therapists are athletes and know • Personalized Treatment Plans what it takes to help your child recover from www.DeePT.com • Sports improvement an injury or simply improve theirwww.DeePT.com game. 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

10/26/16 11:13 AM

8 p.m., tickets $19. This will take place at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main Street, Burlington Please visit flynntix.org or 86-FLYNN for tickets. Visit rmhsvt.org for more information. Tickets go on sale at the Flynn Box Office beginning Oct. 23.

11:13 AM

Ready. Set. 50 Minutes—Go! The SAT Essay exam is optional, but it’s a good idea to take it even if your desired schools do not require it as you may add new colleges to your list or transfer later. If you take it now, you won’t have to take the entire test again just for that essay. Good news! The exam is predictable, which means that it is perfectly possible to be well prepared. What’s involved? You are given a speech, editorial, comment or section of a longer work and asked to analyze and communicate how the author has attempted to persuade the reader. That’s it: persuasion. Did you understand what you read, can you analyze, and can you communicate in a logical, clear and engaging manner? Here are some of my best tips: Know the rather daunting instructions cold and you can skip them to save time. “As you read the passage below, consider how [the author] uses evidence, such as facts or examples, to support claims; reasoning to develop ideas and to connect claims and evidence; and stylistic or persuasive elements, such as word choice or appeals to emotion, to add power to the ideas expressed.” Begin at the end and read the prompt.

It spells it out exactly what you’re looking for when you read. Here’s an example: “Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade his audience that [the author’s claim will appear here, such as, the decline of reading in America will have a negative effect on society, or kids watch too much television . . . ].” This exam is all about the author’s attempt to construct a compelling argument. Your opinion is irrelevant as are facts not covered by the material. So stick to what is written. Study the persuasive techniques you are expected to detect and discuss. The exam instructions cite three categories (evidence, reasoning, stylistic elements), but to break it down turns up some 20 factors you should know: repetition, rhetorical questions, word choice, humor, emotional appeal, statistics, authoritative sources, counterclaims, plain old facts, logic and more. Memorize how you will discuss each technique. It is a huge timesaver and comfort to have the very best explanations ready to pull out as needed. Be an active reader, annotating as you move along the text. Organize your essay into the classic, five-paragraph format.

see SAT page 17

The Charlotte News • October 4, 2017 • 13

Sports Edd’s Sports Report

Edd Merritt

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Sports at CVU “ain’t what they used to be!”

As we move along in the fall sports season, it is interesting to note in the years since my sons played for the then “Crusaders” how new teams have developed. Both of them played soccer in the days when CVU actively focused on the sport, both men and women. “Soccer Central’s” men’s coach managed to keep football off the gridiron for fear of losing some of his players. Golf and volleyball were not yet on the horizon. I believe field hockey had begun, even though it held the lower hand, and cross-country running was gaining real prominence. I am going back to the 1990s, however, which seems a century ago

Women’s soccer has yet to hear the word “lose.”

This year the Redhawk women’s soccer team stands without a loss through the end of September, even though it took two overtimes Saturday to finally beat South

Burlington 1-0 on Sara Kelly’s goal. Prior to that, CVU gained a shutout over Essex, 2-0. Charlotte Hill and Natalie Durieux were the two goal scorers, but, again, the Redhawk defense stood its ground, as two goalies combined for only one save while the Essex tender was called upon for 18. The same sort of strong midfield play was apparent in the Hawks’ previous win against South Burlington as the two CVU goalies combined for three stops, the Wolves’ goalie, 15.

Men’s soccer bites the pipe for the first time

While their female counterparts rolled over the Hornets in a shutout, the men, too, ended in a shutout but at the wrong end. Essex gained a 1-0 win to split the season series with CVU at one game apiece. Both goalies made five saves, showing the closeness of the contest.

Back from an injury, Nate Coffin shows his stamina

The Burlington Free Press sports section of September 27 featured Nate Coffin, a CVU soccer senior who returned this year from a season-ending leg injury last year in which he suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his right leg from crashing with an Essex player. As of the Free Press article, midfielder Coffin had scored three goals while adding two assists.

Birding at Catamount Staff report

Bradley Carleton of Charlotte said he spotted blue-headed vireos, whitethroated sparrows, song sparrows, lots of blue jays and chickadees, an osprey, a couple of yellow-rumped warblers and a flock of Canada geese at the Green Mountain Audubon Society and L.L. Bean Catamount September Birding Walk on Sept. 23.

“My favorite was the yellow-rumped warbler,” Carleton said. “He had this tiny little rump, and he loved to wiggle it up and down and side to side.” The morning of birding was sponsored by the Green Mountain Audubon Society and L.L. Bean at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center. Carleton is an L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School leader and customer service representative.

A Blackburnian Warbler at the Green Mountain Audubon Society and L.L. Bean Catamount September Birding Walk on Sept. 23. Photo by Jeff Hullstrung

CVU golfers are Northern Vermont Athletic Conference (NVAC) champions

Thirteen high schools sent golfers to the NVAC Championships in Williston near the end of September. CVU came out victorious through its consistency. Ben Gramling and Hank Caswell needed only 83 strokes over 18 holes; Andrew Wilkinson and Nate Godbout each shot 84s. The medalist from South Burlington shot a very low 77. In a women’s tournament at West Bolton, the Redhawks placed second among seven schools, paced by Elena Godbout’s 48 for nine holes, followed by a 67 from Alexander Wainer.

Field Hockey stays even

After splitting its late September games into a win and two losses, the Redhawk field hockey team stood at three wins and four losses at the end of the month. Their final loss came at the hands of Essex who, through the 2-0 win, extended their victory streak to seven. In the prior game, a late period 2-1 win over Colchester on Lydia Maitland’s penalty-corner, CVU had evened its year series to date.

Coaches rank CVU women’s cross-country team number 1 in the state.

CVU runners are gearing up for the state and the New England tournaments as two of their top runners from last year’s team that took both tournament titles will return.

Burlington passes CVU by in football

Passing was the name of the game for both teams last Friday as the

Seahorses bested the Redhawks 27-7 on the Hinesburg field. The win helped Burlington improve its season record to five victories and no defeats. It is fair to say that CVU was without its starting quarterback, Graham Walter, and its starting split end, Liam McCue. Backup QB Jake Sweeney did throw a 66yard pass to Tommy Zych that knotted the game in the second quarter. CVU’s running game, however, was stymied by the Burlington front seven who made the Redhawks rely on passing. The Seahorse defense down field was stubborn.

14 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Sports Local spin raises funds and awareness for celiac disease research

Annual ride raises more than $521,000 for adaptive sports, ski racing safety

Champlain Valley Union High School senior Tori Bergstein of Charlotte with the CVU varsity and JV volleyball team members at the Spin for Celiac. Courtesy photo

Staff Report Tori Bergstein of Charlotte raised more than $9,500 for celiac disease research as her Graduation Challenge project. She combined her interest in medicine and her love for her sister, Rachel, who has celiac disease. Her successful spin-a-thon for celiac disease research was held at The Edge in Essex on Sunday, Sept. 17. Spin for Celiac brought to light for

PLANTS RO CKS W AT E R

many who were previously unaware that celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where your body treats gluten (found in wheat, rye and barley) like poison, damaging the small intestine and leading to severe long-term health conditions. “My sister, Rachel, was diagnosed with celiac disease when she was five and has lived with the disease for nine years now,” Bergstein said. “We are so grateful to the many local Vermont companies that make fantastic glutenfree products that make living with celiac so much easier.”

At Church Hill we love to combine plants, rocks and water in ways that transform your home and inspire how you live. We have a steadfast dedication to true craftsmanship while building superior client relationships. We'd love to hear about your project.

802-425-5222 www.churchhilllandscapes.com

The Kelly Brush Ride draws 810 cyclists. Staff Report The 12th Annual Kelly Brush Ride, powered by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, drew 810 cyclists and 40 adaptive athletes who raised more than $521,000 to empower those with paralysis through sport and recreation and to prevent ski racing injuries. The event was held Sept. 9. Kelly Brush is a Charlotte resident as are her parents Mary and Charlie. “This incredible level of support from participants, and those who supported them, will help us continue improving the lives of those with paralysis through sport and recreation and further our mission to prevent ski racing injuries,” said Zeke Davisson, executive director

Courtesy photo of the Kelly Brush Foundation. “Last year we had nearly 200 requests for assistance purchasing adaptive gear, and we expect that number to grow this year, as it has every year since we started the foundation more than a decade ago.” To date, funds raised from the event have contributed to the purchase of more than 475 pieces of adaptive sports equipment such as handcycles, sport wheelchairs and monoskis to adaptive athletes in 47 states. In addition, the foundation has supported ski clubs and race organizations across the country in efforts to improve ski racing safety, helping protect thousands of racers around the country with safety netting, trail widening projects and awareness campaigns.

The

Charlotte News SEND US YOUR SPORTS PHOTOS!

Are you proud of your little sluggers and want to see your children featured in the newspaper? Send your sports photos to Lynn@TheCharlotteNews.org

We would love to publish them!

The Charlotte News • October 4, 2017 • 15

The prompts are here!

Young Writers Project Weekly Writing Challenges About Young Writers Project: Young Writers Project is an independent nonprofit that engages students to write, helps them improve and connects them with authentic audiences through more than 20 Vermont newspapers, YWP’s web site, youngwritersproject.org, and the YWP monthly digital magazine, The Voice, The Crow on medium.com, and other partners, including VPR. net and VtDigger.org. ANYONE from ANYWHERE can join the site and will be considered for publication in the digital magazines and YWP’s annual Anthology. A team of editors, mentors and student leaders choose the best each week for publication—including submissions to these WEEKLY CHALLENGES as well as daily challenges on the home page of youngwritersproject.org. Check out the full list of weekly writing challenges at https://youngwritersproject.org/ prompts17-18. How to submit: Students from elementary, middle and high schools are encouraged to submit their best writing, photos, audio and video from inside or outside school for publication and/or presentation. For information on how to sign up for an account, submit work, and get published, go to youngwritersproject. org/publication. Support: YWP is supported by this newspaper and foundations, businesses and individuals who recognize the power and value of writing. If you would like to contribute, please go to youngwritersproject.org/support, or mail your donation to YWP, 47 Maple St., Suite 106, Burlington, VT 05401. Contact: Executive Director Geoffrey Gevalt: ggevalt@youngwritersproject.org; (802) 324-9537; or Publications Coordinator Susan Reid: sreid@youngwritersproject. org; (802) 324-9538.

Challenges: 1 General. Write about anything in any genre. Due anytime. 2-5 Past Due 6 Photo2–Friends. Write about the friendship between these two leaves, both fallen, but one wrinkled and crumpled, the other still vibrant and colorful (YWP Photo Library, photo by Tapan Napal). Alternates: Sound1–Play. Listen to the audio for this challenge on youngwritersproject.org. Record your own sounds of a park, recess, a sporting event. Take photos to accompany your soundtrack. Post your slideshow and audio on your YWP blog. OR: Go. Today, your usual way to school is unavailable, and you really need to get there! It’s up to you to find an alternative. Write about your experience traveling by foot, bicycle, school bus, city bus, pony, skateboard (anything other than a car). What and who do you see along the way? How is it different from your usual trip? Do you learn something cool or surprising? Real or imagined. Vermont writers! Bonus: Your stories

Photo2-Friends. YWP Photo Library, photo by Tapan Napal will be considered for publication during Vermont’s Way To Go! challenge Sept. 25–Oct. 6 in local newspapers, vpr. net and VtDigger.org. Go to https:// waytogovt.org/ for more information! Due Oct. 13. 7 Winter/17. Tell a story about your experience of winter in short descriptive poetry or prose. Be original. Tell a story. And avoid cliches, (please, no hot chocolate, no snowmen). The best will be selected for presentation by the Vermont Stage Company at its annual Winter Tales production at FlynnSpace in Burlington in December. Alternate: Color. If you had to give up seeing one color, which color would it be and why? Due Oct. 20. 8 Power. You have developed an odd but somewhat useful superpower. Maybe you have the superpower to never get bug bites, or you have the power to predict traffic jams or the power to clean your room by blinking three times. What would your odd superpower be? Alternate: Advice. Share the single best piece of advice you’ve ever received—or figured out yourself—about performing. Describe a time when this advice helped you overcome stage fright or another challenge. Due Oct. 27. 9 I am. Start or end a piece of writing with the line, “I am who I am.” Alternates: Sound 2-Bells. Your character is walking, hands in pockets, when they hear this sound, or they are on a bike speeding past a field. Let this sound and setting inspire your story. https://freesound.org/people/ RCA/sounds/14463/. OR Fractured. Write a fractured fairytale, a reimagining of an established fairytale—aka, Peter Pan is a girl, Alice in Wonderland is set in 2017, Little Red Riding Hood is set in New York City, etc. Due Nov. 3. 10 Photo3–Diner. Write a story based on this photo (YWP Photo Library, photo by Grace Safford). Alternate: Inspired. Find a piece of writing you like on YWP. Create a piece of art —a drawing, a

photo, a painting—based on that piece. Include a link to the piece that inspired you. (And send a comment to the author to let them know.) Due Nov. 10. 11 Once. What is the one thing you think everyone should do at least once in their life? Write from your own experience or research. Alternate: Don’t. Don’t run with scissors. Don’t chew with your mouth open. Don’t talk to strangers. What is another ‘don’t’ tip you’ve learned—maybe the hard way? Describe. Due Nov. 17. 12 Wonder. I wonder why … Finish the sentence. Use it at the beginning or end of a story. Alternate: Nature. Make a sculpture out of natural things on the ground in the woods or in your backyard—sticks, rocks, leaves, etc. Don’t harm or disturb the habitat. Take a picture and post it. The most creative sculptor will receive YWP’s delicious, environmentally friendly, locally produced chocolate! OR: Sound3–Glass. Listen to the audio clip (in this challenge on the YWP web site) of someone walking on broken glass—let it inspire you. Write about what you are hearing. Maybe the glass can be a metaphor in a poem. Write. Due Nov. 24. 13 Invention. What is one thing you wish had never been invented? How would your life and/or the world be different without this invention? Alternate: Squirrel. Write the interior dialogue of a squirrel trying to find the nuts she buried for the winter. Due Dec. 1 14 Sports. Describe a memorable moment playing your favorite sport. Use detail to help your readers feel like they’re right there with you. Alternate: Ask. Ask someone for a writing prompt. You could ask a parent, a teacher, a friend, a waiter — anyone. Write based on the prompt they gave you, even if you don’t like it at first. Due Dec. 8

15 Window. Look out your window. Describe what you see. Now include a person or an animal wandering through the scene. How does the landscape shift? What do you see and sense? Alternates: Fad. Write a rant about the weirdest fad of 2017. OR: Phone. Go without your phone for 24 hours. Reflect on your experience. Due Dec. 15. 16 Photo4-Married. These two have been married for many years. They’re having a small disagreement today. What’s the conversation they’re having? (Photo by Kuhnmi, Creative Commons license) Alternate: Mundane. Write about something seemingly ordinary — a chair, a wall, a tack — and make it extraordinary. Due Dec. 22 17 Kid. If you could be a kid forever, would you be? Why or why not? What would it be like to be in “kid-ville” forever? Describe. Alternate: Like. Starting with the sentence, “I like…” write a list or a run-on sentence of things, people, places you like. Load on the description. Instead of “I like movies,” expand on it – “I like watching scary movies late at night with a bowl of salty popcorn and my buddy Chump at my side.” Due Jan. 12 18 Snowman. Make a snowman and take a photo of it. The most creative snowman-builder will receive YWP chocolate! Alternate: Slam. What gets you really angry? What makes your blood boil? Write a slam poem about it. Record yourself performing it, and post the audio and the writing. Due Jan. 19 19 Photo5-Collage. Create a collage of you or a friend doing an activity involving your hands, such as knitting, drawing, playing catch, etc. Alternate: Ancestor. Who is one of your most interesting relatives? Famous or infamous? Wellknown or unknown? Go digging for a good family story. Due Jan. 26 20 Morning. Start your story with the line, “It was a beautiful morning and nothing was wrong.” Alternate: Loss. Write about what it’s like to lose a longtime friend. How does it happen? Where do you go from here? Real or imagined. No names, please! Due Feb. 2 21 Forest. Write a poem using a forest as a metaphor for either confusion or indecision; Alternates: Valentine. Write a Valentine’s Day poem to a pet. Let the little critter know how much they mean to you. Post a picture of the pet with your poem. OR: Love. Write a love poem without mentioning the word “love.” Due Feb. 9 22 Photo6-Recurring. A character keeps seeing this image in their dreams. Why? Does this place exist somewhere? Does it have special meaning to this character? Alternate: Puns. Make a list of words that could be turned into puns (words with several meanings or words that sound similar but have different meanings.) For instance, ‘olive’ becomes ‘all of,’ or ‘I love.’ Have fun with it. Put your best puns together in a poem. Due Feb. 16

16 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Business Business of the Week: One Grain Bakery Staff report Juliet Postlewaite, owner of One Grain Bakery in Charlotte, is The Charlotte News Business of the Week. Originally from Alaska, Postlewaite has lived in town for two decades and started her baking business one year ago. We spoke to her on Sept. 28. Q: What is special about doing business in Charlotte? A: My business is mainly online right now. Many of our customers are actually on the West Coast! Any local business is direct to customers anywhere in Chittenden or Addison County. I would say what’s great about starting a business like this in Vermont is the Cottage Food Law. This allowed our bakery experiment-turned-business to happen without a heavy investment of time and finances. My husband is gluten sensitive. The only bread products he can eat are from an ancient wheat called Einkorn. After much research, we discovered this wheat was making a comeback. Scientists had started to investigate its gluten structure and how it’s tolerated differently from modern wheat. Plus it’s a “real” wheat and even tastes better than normal wheat. I began to make all our baked products. Being a busy mom though, I continued to check out the bread aisles at Healthy Living, Shelburne Supermarket, etc., hoping to find something my husband could eat. I couldn’t believe there was nothing made with this wheat available. At this same time, my 12-year-old daughter was frustrated that she couldn’t work a “real job” like her older siblings, and we discovered a woman in Maine who sold Einkorn bread on Etsy. That gave us the idea of selling bread online. So, to provide my daughter with a job one weekend, after we baked up a batch of muffins, we decided to list it as an experiment and thereafter, listed whatever we baked for the day. Then one day something sold! And it kept happening. Our business was born! We developed new ideas from customers and found there was a whole segment of people who were in the same boat we were but couldn’t make their own sourdough Einkorn bread. So we took off

with it and that became our specialty. The kids and I found the whole business to be surprisingly fun and challenging. We decided to become official, formed an LLC, rented a commercial kitchen and are now trying to bridge the learning curve of running a business while actually having a business! Q: How many employees work there? A: It’s just mostly me since the kids are in school now. My daughter also now has a job and prefers to work out of the house. But it was a really great introduction to business for her. I come from a line of entrepreneurs. It’s important to me that the idea of starting anything new is not a “mystery” to my kids but that they see it as an attainable possibility for their own future. Q: What would you like readers to know about your company? A: I have had a few people question when we will sell in town. Currently we just deliver to individual households since we’re all over the place anyway. We will eventually experiment with placing products locally; it’s just going to take time because we are really taking our time with this. We have a large family and that’s our first priority. But I love that we can actually make something that isn’t redundant and that people truly need and enjoy. We receive feedback all the time, from all across the country, thanking us for doing this. Does it get any better than that? If you are curious what we make, our current product line can be found at etsy.com/shop/OneGrainBakeryLLC.

Courtesy photos of One Grain Bakery baked goods submitted by Juliet Postlewaite

Milk Money wins VBSR innovation and inspiration award

The Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility Inspiration and Innovation Award recognizes VBSR member organizations who have demonstrated innovative or inspirational achievement in environmental, social or economic fields within the past three years. This year, Milk Money, a Charlotte-based

company that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners raise local, “patient” money to grow or expand their companies, received the award for small member organizations. Pictured with the award are Milk Money cofounders Louisa Schibli, right, of Charlotte, and Janice Shade of Jericho.

The Charlotte News • October 4, 2017 • 17

Arts Charlotte resident to have feature role in Shelburne Players I Hate Hamlet

Charlotters strut at Burlington Art Hop

Staff report Charlotte resident Anne Mollo is featured in the role of Lillian Troy in Shelburne Players fall comedy I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick. Mollo describes herself as a regular “raconteur” at area storytelling events; she also loves comedy improv and has trained with UCB, Second City and Vermont Comedy Club. When not on stage, Mollo works as both a writer and a certified massage therapist. In I Hate Hamlet she portrays a popular TV actor’s agent who seems to remember having an affair with John Barrymore years before in the same apartment the TV actor resides in. The plot centers on the young actor who has just earned fame and fortune on a television doctor show and is apprehensive about returning to New York to play Hamlet in the prestigious Shakespeare in Central Park festival. To add to his insecurities, his realtor has rented him an apartment once inhabited by John Barrymore, who many consider to have given one of the greatest performances of Hamlet in the 20th century. Rudnick fills the play with laughs as he satirizes greedy realtors, vacuous Hollywood producers, pretentious

SAT

continued from page 12 Use a strong opener. Have a generic, fallback sentence in mind in case you are unable to think of anything more stylish in the moment. Follow it with three well-organized paragraphs that discuss three distinct persuasive techniques. Put the meatiest first. Alternatively, arrange your discussion chronologically—the first device used is the one you discuss first. A sophisticated essay can take a more global look and discuss accordingly—and while this is impressive, it’s rare. Connect these paragraphs with clear transitions—think of these as breadcrumbs through the forest. Your reader has to be able to follow your path without effort. Memorize a half-dozen before you walk in. Conclude with a clear, nonrepetitive summary and, if possible, one more memorable line that sends the reader off feeling satisfied. Practice. A lot. There are plenty of sample exams with answers online. Time yourself. Here’s a rule of thumb: six minutes to read, three to reread if needed, 10 to annotate, 27 to write, and four to proofread. If you are well prepared,

Anne Mollo.

Courtesy photo

but well-meaning actresses, and harddrinking, womanizing actors. Critics have called it “fast-mouthed and funny.” Performances at Shelburne Town Center are Nov.10, 11, 12, 15, 17 and 18. Open seating tickets are $15 with a discounted special at the Sunday matinee of $12 on Nov. 12. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Shelburne Market. For more information and to reserve tickets please go to shelburneplayers.com or call 3432602.

it’s a snap to read and annotate at the same time. That gives you a luxurious 19 minutes to decide how to frame your essay—ample! Resist the temptation to start writing immediately. Think. Scribble an outline. Then write. Handwriting counts. It is not supposed to matter, but in reality the exhausted, bleary-eyed reader is more likely to look kindly on something he can read without struggle. Need help? Be in touch. I offer a sixweek, one-on-one essay prep program designed to help you boost your score. See what clients say at soulofaword.com. The lion’s share of this exam is perfectly knowable, so if you come prepared, you will not only do well but may even enjoy it! Imagine that. SAT 2017 exam dates (subject to change): Oct. 7 (registration deadline Sept. 8, late registration deadline Sept. 19, last day for changes Sept. 27) Nov. 4 (registration deadline Oct. 5, late registration by Oct. 17, last day for changes Oct. 25) Dec. 2 (registration deadline Nov. 2, late registration by Nov. 14, last day for changes Nov. 21).

From left, fashion designers Megan Mahoney and Campbell Whalen with model Cassie Franklin, all of Charlotte, participated in The STRUT Fashion Show at the Burlington Art Hop on Sept 9. This 13th annual show featured local fashion designers and more than 100 models. Photo submitted by Jennifer Whalen

E-MAIL US YOUR NEWS! news@TheCharlotteNews.org

Katie Manges

18 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Town ALGAE

continued from page 1 result. Cyanobacteria are tiny organisms that can form surface scums, or blooms, on the water’s surface and wash up along shorelines. This can make the water appear dark green, and look like pea soup or spilled paint. Blooms can also appear as white, brown, red or purple. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation reported the current warm, sunny weather has created ideal growing conditions for cyanobacteria in Vermont waters. “Unfortunately, the same summer weather that may extend our beach season is perfect for cyanobacteria to grow,” said Sarah Vose, state toxicologist for the Vermont Department of Health. “If you see it, stay away.” Climate change has increased water temperatures by 2°F to 7°F in Lake Champlain over the past 50 years, and extended the warm season by several weeks, which provides more favorable

DUNGY

continued from page 1 our students engaged one another in a civil discussion. Quite frankly, they set a better example than many of our adults in recent years. That is a commitment to

conditions for cyanobacteria blooms and leads to a longer bloom season, the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation reported in a press release. Emily Boedecker, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, said these late-summer blooms severely impact the ability of Vermonters to enjoy waters and pose significant problems for lake residents. “I understand residents’ frustration at the pace of progress,” she said. “As the regulatory provisions established in Vermont’s Clean Water Act take hold, and required and voluntary efforts by Vermonters increase, we will make progress in reducing pollution from all sources, and reduce the pollutant load that has been accumulating in lakebottom sediment for decades.” To report a cyanobacteria bloom email BloomAlert@vermont.gov, include location and photos, or call the Health Department at 1-800-439-8550 during business hours. If you have any local questions call Nicole Conley or Joseph Rheaume at The Town of Charlotte at (802) 425-6129. community.” Some parents received texts from their children during the assembly that led them to be concerned about the content of Dungy’s speech. One such text read, “Told us to follow god and listen to the bible.”

MAPLEFIELDS

continued from page 1 back to the lot was a long overdue. Peter Carrerio, owner of Rise ’n Shine, says he gets a daily view of the lot and pointed out that the lot already serves as long-term parking for trucks and transients on an unofficial basis, and that having a 24-hour operation would curb the sort of activity that residents are concerned about. Some attendees lamented that the property owners, William and Helena Spear, have been stuck with the property and the accompanying tax burden for years, with the town stymieing their efforts to sell or develop. This project, they said, would represent their best chance to see a return on their investment. Regardless of their position on the project, attendees were unified on one issues: that they’d like to see the space developed and put to good use. But

It was the fact that Dungy is the first African American coach to win a Super Bowl victory, among other victories, that ultimately led Bunting to allow him to speak. Dungy was also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. “It is so infrequent to have the opportunity

Local Church Services Charlotte Congregational Church, UCC 403 Church Hill Road, 4253176 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

exactly what that should look like was a bit trickier to pin down. Charlotte resident Erich Finley, husband of Whitney Williamson Finley who is owner of the Old Brick Store, said the process felt rushed. “We were talking about all these details and siding and trees and plants, but we don’t even know if something this size and nature that’s 24-hours a day with lights going … can even go there.” While he feels for the Spears’ situation, he acknowledges that something needed to be done with the space and that there has been a lack of serious attempts to do follow through. “A lot of people had great ideas, but nobody stepped up to the plate with the money to do it.” Rebecca Foster also voiced her dissatisfaction with the project both during and after the meeting. “I am not in favor of this project in Charlotte,” said Foster. “I believe that the character of this town is unique and that optimally we would have town-run, town-owned businesses, so I would support that.”

to have such an accomplished and prominent person of color speak at the school,” he said. South Burlington High School invited Dungy to the area. Tickets were being sold through the South Burlington High School Athletic Department for $5 for a 7 p.m. speech at South Burlington High School on the same day. All proceeds from Dungy’s South Burlington event benefitted the high school’s athletic department. Dungy was asked prior to the inschool assembly at CVU to refrain from evangelizing. “He had one line about the importance of Jesus in his own life, but he spoke mostly about following your values,” Bunting said. “He did quote the Bible.” Bunting said Dungy wrapped up his short oration by talking about serving the lord. “That was a bit concerning in a public school setting,” Bunting said. CVU Senior Sofia Dattilio said of Dungy’s comments, “I don’t think he was there to hurt anyone’s feelings though. People can have their own opinions on things.”

Likeness Only

Renovated Vermont Barn to Home

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

If you always dreamed of renovating a sturdy barn into a cool eclectic home, start living that dream today in this ultracool home. $549,000 | MLS# 4312672

Three Homes in One!

Sited on 11.4 acres of glorious lake shore is this 4 bedroom Contemporary with 2 bedroom Cottage and fully equipped studio apartment. $1,395,000 | MLS# 4646221

Fabulous First Floor Master

Need More Room Here for the View

Located on a private 4.2-acre lot, this immaculate 3 bedroom home offers a great room floor plan concept with Lake Champlain views.

This 3 bedroom Contemporary, detached 2 car garage with In-Law apartment, pond, and 4 car garage has the most incredible VIEW!

$485,900 | MLS# 4617466

$749,000 | MLS# 4638227

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 • October 4, 2017 • 19

Habitat is not just for wildlife

“Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government. Whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.” -Thomas Jefferson to Richard Price, 1789.

Amos G. Baehr CONTRIBUTOR

In a regime of “alternative facts” are you engaging the application “fundamental truth”? In an era imagining the inhabitation of Mars are you attending to your habitat here on Earth? The Charlotte Conservation Commission is captivated by these challenges. So how are we engaging truth and sustaining our human habitat? In the last two years we have built a team that includes an artist, a teacher, an ecological economist, a farmer, a law student, a former state resource manager, a journalist, a community activist and a Charlotte resident with a legacy of four generations.

This diverse team is motivated by the truth that sustaining our habitat is increasingly a matter of life and death around the planet, and the threat is growing toward Charlotte. Our first public event this year was the celebration of the Seguin Bridge restoration. In the video record of that event (visible on YouTube if you google “charlotte covered bridge youtube”) the charge of the Conservation Commission is stated as the nurture of land and the nurture of our connection to the land. In pursuing that charge the Conservation Commission attends to development in our habitat, advising the Planning Commission on impacts of building patterns and specific building projects. The Planning Commission, however, is trapped in the legacy of 400 years of land speculation. The French, English and Spanish colonialist pursued land grants and funded colonists with the expectation that property values would always go up. Our early understanding of democracy was that ballots were cast by property owners. Westward expansion of the U.S. was compelled by the need to protect land

claims from European powers. That was the historical expedient, but its legacy in a human habitat choked with 7,500,000,000 people is self consuming. Four hundred years of legacy is an ominous challenge, but the Conservation Commission is considering how to reintegrate economy and ecology under the new imperatives of climate instability, mass extinction and expanding population. Watch for invitations to deliberate on development policy in the coming months. The greater part of the commission’s energy is directed toward celebrating the beautiful place we call home. This winter we began investigating travel routes and road crossings of wildlife. We are sure that the residents of Charlotte already possess a wealth of this knowledge, and we are eager to have you share it with us. The working group for habitat connections is an opportunity for you to join us with very little obligation. We are also enlisting citizens in an inventory of Charlotte plants and animals with a project on the I-naturalist website, an opportunity to share with each other around the natural community so many of us cherish. The commission partners with the Lewis Creek Association on water quality and invasive species control in nooks and crannies of our town that are often overlooked. We hope to increase our

collaboration with not only the Planning Commission but also the Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge Committee, the Energy Committee, the Charlotte Land Trust and the tree warden to increase the quality and stability of our human habitat and to illuminate the connection between economy and ecology. Finally, the commission is concerned about diminishing harvests of the services our habitat provides. Those services include clean waters in Lewis Creek that we can splash on friends and family, serene sunsets at Whiskey Bay that settle the soul, vistas from Mount Philo that offer inspiration and perspective and, last but not least, property values that support social and cultural stability. We welcome you at the Charlotte Conservation Commission as we discuss these matters. We meet every fourth Tuesday of the month, with special scheduling during November and December due to holidays. Walk-ins are welcome for 10-minute comments at the beginning of our 7 p.m. meetings. Call or text Amos at 802-343-6035 for an extended time on the agenda. Our discussions range from meaningful to mundane, but you are always welcome, and we have openings on working groups that can be limited, nonvoting opportunities to making our habitat ever more nurturing.

Farm to medicine cabinet: weeds for well-being Elizabeth Bassett CONTRIBUTOR

Our yards are full of medicines! Dandelions for digestion, St John’s wort to chase away the winter blues, stinging nettles for whatever ails you, and burdock for the liver. On a recent Saturday at Shelburne Farms, Nick Cavanaugh, a clinical herbalist from the Burlington Herb Clinic, led a group across meadows and through woodlands to learn the medicinal qualities of common weeds. Farm to Medicine Cabinet, a 90-minute “weed walk,” introduced some participants to the topic for the first time and gave others, already steeped in knowledge, a chance to learn more. Take plantain, a common weed recognized by its spiky green flower stalk (six inches or less) above a rosette of parallel-veined leaves. With its slight antiseptic properties, plantain is a first aid remedy. Chew a leaf or two to release the plant’s juices and apply to a bite, sting or cut. Not only will plantain soothe and cool the injury, but it also promotes healing. Dried and used as a tea or infusion, plantain is anti-inflammatory and may also fight allergic reactions in the respiratory tract. Next May and June you will be delighted to know that the dandelions that carpet your lawn can be harnessed to stimulate the immune system against

colds and flu. All parts of the dandelion— leaves, taproots and flowers—can be consumed. As dandelions are perennials, fall is the best time to dig the roots when they are storing sugars—energy, for the next growing season. Roots can be used in teas to encourage digestion and liver function. Rich in potassium, the leaves act as a diuretic and promote kidney health. Young leaves are best in salads and flowers can be made into fritters! Who knew?! Ever been mowing or weeding when a minty fragrance wafts to your nostrils? The source of the aroma is a volatile oil in ground ivy. The low, creeping plant is a member of the mint family, and its essential oil has antimicrobial qualities. The leaves can be dried or used to make a tincture. And how do you make a tincture? With alcohol or high-quality apple cider vinegar, although cider is less effective at drawing medicinal components from the plant. Pack leaves into a glass jar and cover with liquid, swishing the contents around daily. The required alcohol concentration will depend on whether the leaves are fresh or dry but should be at least 80 proof, or 40 percent alcohol, although 100 proof is preferable. In about six weeks the liquid will contain the alkaloids, glycosides, minerals and essential oils of the plant. Tinctures may have medicinal or nutritional benefits. A single dose is as effective as a cup of

herb tea. Vermont’s state flower, the red clover, was introduced from Europe long ago. Its blooms appear more purple than red. Rich in vitamins and minerals, red clover tea supports the lymphatic system and can reduce edema and swelling. Small leaves and partially opened flowers can be dried to make a tea. Not in the mood to dry flowers and leaves? Throw a few blossoms into a salad for color and a sweet taste. Mullein, a member of the snapdragon family, is a striking plant that sends a flower stalk up to six feet in the second year of its two-year lifespan. Roman soldiers dipped the stalks in grease to burn as torches, and its large wooly leaves insulated the shoes of colonists and Native Americans. Today some who seek to wean themselves from cannabis or tobacco smoke mullein leaves. Late in the summer ragweed fills the air with pollen from oodles of tiny flowers. Many who think they harbor allergies to goldenrod are instead allergic to ragweed. Both bloom at the same time, but goldenrod is pollinated by insects and so does not disperse its pollen. A tincture of ragweed leaves is thought by some to help fight this allergic reaction. When its seeds tangle in our hair and clothes we curse the biennial burdock. Yet its huge taproot is rich in medicinal qualities. Its young leaves, leafstalks and flower stalks are also edible. The taproot,

Ground Ivy. Photo by Elizabeth Bassett

best harvested in the fall of its first year, is similar to a carrot but meatier. A tea made from the taproot supports digestion, the lymphatic system and the liver. Last but not least among oft-cursed weeds is stinging nettle. Boiling the stems and leaves for a mere five seconds will neutralize the sting. A tea made from its dried leaves or a tincture from fresh leaves can be used against allergies and bee stings. Happy weeding!

20 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Real Estate

Realtor tips for fall sellers Selling your home while the cider’s hot can have its advantages

Fall in Vermont is the perfect time of year for many things: apple picking, pumpkin patches and, of course, gorgeous foliage. But what about listing your Heather Morse home? Typically, CONTRIBUTOR as the leaves begin to fall so do the number of buyers searching the market. However, with current interest rates so low, you might be surprised to find many still eager and looking. And while most consider spring to be the time to list, selling your home while the cider’s hot can have its advantages too. This fall we’re seeing low interest rates that make it a great time for both buyers and sellers. But why is this important? A lower interest rate will help buyers afford more house without breaking the bank. Are you looking to sell the house you’re in as well as buy a new one? Then this is great news for you too! Not only will you have a wider range of potential buyers, but you’ll be able to afford more house in your own search as well. An easily overlooked advantage to an autumn listing is less competition. Ask your realtor how many homes like yours are for sale in the area right now vs. how many there were in April. Chances are there are significantly fewer. Another plus to less competition is that you’re

listed in a more limited market, making for more aggressive buyers, especially for those looking to be in a new home by winter. But what about photos? While it’s true those spring and summer photos can really help a home look its best, fall in Vermont is famous for a reason. Use that beautiful foliage, especially if your home has land or views. Those crisp and colorful photos can help your house stand out. Not listing until the winter? Make like Norman Rockwell and capture your home in a winter wonderland after a fresh snowfall. Play to what makes your house the most beautiful inside and out. Do you have a wood stove? Light a

fire before a showing on a cold day and let the potential buyer feel how warm and cozy the home can be. Warm some cider on the stove or bake an apple pie. Holiday decorations can be a lovely touch as well, especially if winter has left the outside looking a little sad and gray. Regardless of season, though, don’t forget that, when it comes to selling, timing is key. You want your home to be fresh on the market at a time when people are free to see it. Try to avoid listing right before a holiday, a weekend or a time when it won’t be available for showings if you’re still in residence. Most buyers have their weekends scheduled by the end of the week, so listing your home on a Monday rather than a Friday will start it out with a zero “day count” on MLS alongside other brand-new Monday listings. Fall and winter can certainly be a tricky time of year to sell your home. School is back in session, the holidays are right around the corner, and moving in the cold is always less than ideal. But, with so many still looking, don’t feel like you have to wait until spring. Just be sure to list at the right time, with stellar photos and you might just find yourself moving all your cozy sweaters before the snow falls. Heather Morse of Charlotte is a Greentree Real Estate agent. For more information email heather@ vermontgreentree.com.

Local Business Directory rsak@gmavt.net • rvgelectric. com

Rick Gomez

Master Electrician for over 25 years

RVG Electrical Services, LLC 3317 Bristol Road, Bristol, VT 05443

Phone: 802-453-3245 Cell: 802-233-9462

rsak@gmavt.net rvgelectric.com

Brush-Hogging by Adam 4281 Shelburne Rd. P.O. Box 476 Shelburne, VT 05482 Annette@titusinsurance.net Terrell@titusinsurance.net

Office: 985-2453 Fax: 985-8620

Taking Your Bush to Brush

Brush-Hogging • Chain-Sawing Brush-Hogging • Chain-Sawing Roto-Tilling • Wood-Chipping Wood-Chipping • Roto-Tilling Back-Hoe

Contact: Adam at 802-578-8347 Email: adamdantzscher@aol.com

Property Transfers Aug. 18: Stanley and Gayle Lane to Benjamin and Anne Mason, seasonal cottage, 153 Lane’s Lane, $312,000. Aug. 18: Douglas H. Griswold, trustee of the Lori E. Rowe Revocable Trust, to Andrew and Erin Ross, 13.72 acres with dwelling, 720 Dorset Street, $1,350,000. Aug. 21: James J. Lynch to Susan and Daniel Jacobs, 2.80 acres with dwelling, 989 Greenbush Road, $465,000. Aug. 30: James C. Greenway III to Jerald J. and Jennifer P. Novak, 11.97 acres with dwelling, 323 Upper Old Town Trail, $1,500,000. Sept. 11: Thomas A. and Elizabeth F. Oliver to Mavis E. Milne and James H. Gerlaugh, 13.04 acres with dwelling, 3231 Mt. Philo Road, $469,400.

The Charlotte News • October 4, 2017 • 21

Health Matters

What you might experience when you’re expecting a new knee

Laurel Lakey PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT DEE PT SHELBURNE

With over 600,000 performed each year, total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is one of the most common and fastest growing surgeries in the United States. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 90 percent of people who have a TKR experience a substantial decrease in pain. Although most of us are aware of the increased frequency and success of this procedure, the role of physical rehabilitation in preparing for and recovering from surgery is less understood. Here’s how physical therapy plays a part in this process and what you can expect if you are considering this surgery. A TKR is performed by an orthopedic surgeon and is most commonly used to address end-stage osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage and synovial fluid that cushion your knee joint begin to diminish, causing friction between the femur (thigh), tibia (shin) and patella (knee cap). This can lead to pain and difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, stair navigation and getting up from a chair. A TKR involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces of the femur, tibia and patella with a prosthesis made of plastic and metal components. Individuals who have been living with a compromised arthritic joint for a period of time may develop a muscle imbalance while compensating for their painful knee. This can lead to weakness and stiffness in the muscles that support and move the knee, often causing difficulty with bending and straightening the knee joint properly. Prior to surgery, your orthopedist may refer you to a physical therapist to learn exercises that can help stretch and strengthen the soft tissues around your knee. Research suggests that improving the muscle performance of your knee in advance of surgery can have a positive effect on both the rehabilitation and long-term success of your new joint. Although physical therapy cannot reverse the arthritic changes in the joint itself, it can improve range of motion and strength leading up to surgery—which can then improve your course of rehabilitation postsurgery. After surgery you can expect to stay in the hospital for approximately two to three days. It might surprise you to learn that a physical therapist will have you on your feet as soon as the day of or after surgery with the aid of a walker or crutches. Joint replacement surgery differs from other common orthopedic surgeries because it does not involve a direct repair of tendon or ligament tissue. Rotator cuff surgery of the shoulder or ACL surgery of the knee, for example, both require a period of

immobilization following surgery in order to allow time for the delicate repaired tissue to heal. In contrast, there is a significantly lower risk of damaging the prosthesis in a TKR, which allows for movement and weight-bearing of the joint much sooner. In fact, most people are able to walk independently without the aid of a walker or cane within two weeks following surgery. Activating your muscles early on is also helpful in reducing swelling and muscle stiffness and preventing excessive scartissue formation around your new joint. Scar tissue is your body’s way of patching together or scaffolding areas of tissue that were disrupted during surgery. Although it is a necessary component of the healing process, profuse and chronic scar tissue can limit the range of motion of your joint. Scar tissue can be thought of as a thick, stiff rope, whereas healthy soft tissue is like a smooth, elastic rubber band. Your physical therapist will instruct and assist you in range-ofmotion exercises that will mobilize this scarring and help promote the remodeling of healthy, functional tissue. This part of rehabilitation is usually accompanied by some level of pain or discomfort, but be assured that it poses very little risk of

Refresh Your Garden with Colorful Mums AND Late Season Perennials FALL HOURS MON-SAT 7:30-4:30 SUN 9-4

disrupting the new joint itself and will lead to a more mobile, functional joint in the long run. After being discharged from the hospital, you can expect to have a physical therapist come to your home for approximately two weeks. The therapist will teach you how to perform functional tasks such as getting out of a chair, navigating stairs and walking independently. After two weeks most people are able to attend physical therapy outside of their home. As the swelling resolves and your range of motion returns, it paves the way for progressing your exercise program and improving your tolerance for daily activity. You can expect to take part in outpatient physical rehabilitation services twice a week for approximately two to three months. It is important to be diligent in the daily home exercise program your physical therapist will design for you. Your therapist will also work with you on your gait (walking) pattern and balance and will continue to progress your strengthening program. If there is a specific leisure or work- related activity you would like to return to, your PT will help you work on this as well. Once you are discharged from physical therapy treatment you will need to continue with

Courtesy photos your home exercise program for at least an additional nine months, which will bring you to the one-year mark from surgery. At this point most people can expect a full return to a normal lifestyle. The idea of recovering from a TKR can often seem like an overwhelming and daunting process. In addition to the support of your orthopedist and physical therapist, it is beneficial to surround yourself with the help and support of your family, friends and loved ones. And remember, committing to your rehabilitation is well worth the effort when you can say that pain no longer limits your ability to enjoy life. Laurel Lakey lives in Charlotte with her husband, dog and three chickens. You can email her with comments or questions at laurellakey@deept.com.

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

Now in the west Charlotte village at the intersection of Ferry Road andmoved! Greenbush Road. We've

Now in the west Charlotte village

Business Formation & Reorganization Land Use the intersection Permittingat & Disputes Real Estateof Transactions Ferry Road and Greenbush & Disputes Wills & Trusts Road.

Business Formation & (802)264-4888 www.peasmountainlaw.com Reorganization Land Use info@peasemountainlaw.com Permitting & Disputes Real 2848 Greenbush Road Suite 1A Estate Transactions Charlotte, Vermont & Disputes Wills & Trusts 5 South Street Bristol, Vermont

(802) 264-4888 www.peasemountainlaw.com

22 • October 4, 2017 • The Charlotte News

Taking Care Alice D. Outwater, Ph.D. CONTRIBUTOR

Dealing with death and burials can be a touchy topic and is often postponed. People feel skittish talking about it. One friend mentioned, “I have boxes of ashes of my dead mother, father, aunt, etc., in my closet and don’t know what to do with them. It’s more and more on my mind and beginning to spook me out. How do I go about this and what are my choices? In fact I got some of the labels mixed up and don’t know which ashes belong to whom. One box tipped over, the top flew off, and the ashes spilled all over the floor.” It’s best to discuss with family members how you want your remains handled. Do you wish to be cremated or placed in a casket? You may decide to visit a funeral home about the details. If

Touching on the taboo subject of burials, urns and shrouds you choose an open casket, you might desire cosmetic work and to specify how you will be dressed. What sort of casket do you prefer: a simple wooden box or something more elaborate, fashioned of a special wood? Or a brass casket? Do you plan to wear your wedding ring or perhaps include a favorite object? Through the ages rituals surround death, various cultures specifying their own protocols. Now, in ours, when everything has become more informal, a laissez-faire attitude is more acceptable. Mary, an avid environmentalist, mentioned she was sewing a linen bag with a drawstring in which her body will be placed. This will be lowered into a grave dug six inches down, with a sapling planted on top. Her body will meld naturally with nature. None suggested a King-Tut type tomb. Emotions at this sensitive time can create animosity in a family: Two sisters were at odds with each other: “My mother never missed church Sundays, and she wished a formal church ceremony, then

Senior Center News

Mary Recchia CONTRIBUTOR

Our October Art Exhibit will be works from Charlotte artist Marvin Fishman. Marvin uses the wet-on-wet technique to create abstract works that evoke imaginary “scapes.” In wet-on-wet, paints are poured into other wet layers and then manipulated to control and shape the

intermingling of the colors. The resulting images are “scapes”—spacescapes, dreamscapes, fantasyscapes, and the more representational-like land, mountain and cityscapes. It’s that time of year again to help make Halloween Treats! Just stop by the Center after October 9 and pick up the ingredients and instructions for you to mix up a batch of fudge at home. Then mark your calendars for October 25 when all are

to be buried in the family plot. My sister was adamant about throwing the ashes from a mountain top to represent our mother’s free spirit and love of nature.” Unfortunately, this argument continued for months. One sister surreptitiously grabbed the box of ashes and hid it. They finally agreed to divide the ashes, but neither would reveal what she had done with her half. Last I heard, the silence still remains between them. What type of container should you use for ashes? A young friend suggested putting her elderly aunt in a shoe box, as she’d done with her kitty cat. Another said, “My aunt loved Little Red Riding Hood and I found her treasured antique glass cookie jar in her kitchen, so why not use that? The urns for sale in the funeral home are ugly and too expensive.” When John died I had a favorite sculptor fashion a container made of clay, with an opening at the top, for his ashes. She gathered sticks while canoeing on Otter Creek and placed them in the hole. The result was dignified and charming. I

asked her to sculpt a similar one for my ashes. She added a tiny bird among the sticks. It is on a shelf in a bedroom where it fits in with other carved items there. My choice means our children will have one less detail to attend to after I die. I find it oddly comforting to know where my ashes will be. One acquaintance was instructed by her spouse to sprinkle his ashes in four locations: one on the Maine coast, another on Camel’s Hump, then in Colorado where her husband spent time as a child on a ranch, and the last on the tip of Hawaii near the grave of Lindberg, whom he admired. Some of these instructions may seem over the top, but people can be quirky in their end-of-life wishes. As you muse over what you want and become comfortable with the topic, it becomes a matter-of-fact decision. Best of all your expression and preparation will help your children realize you won’t be here forever. Brace yourself for my next article: burial plots and gravestones.

welcome to come around 1 p.m. and spend the afternoon telling stories, wrapping up fudge and assembling popcorn balls. Fall Hikes in the Champlain Valley with Marty Morrissey continue on Tuesday, Oct. 10, with a destination of Blueberry Cobbles, New Russia, New York, and an 8:30 a.m. departure from the Center. There is a fee for the ferry. The last hike of the season will be on Tuesday, Oct. 24, to Silver Lake Trail & Loop Trail with a 9 a.m. departure. A full description and details of each hike are available at the host desk. Please bring water, food and good hiking or walking shoes. Registration necessary. On Wednesday morning Oct. 11, we continue our Birding Expeditions with Hank Kaestner. Please meet at the Center by 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; if we have to change the date due to bird migration or weather, we will call you. Registration necessary. No fee. The Center will host a Flu Clinic administered by the Shelburne Kinney Drugs after the luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 11. Please note a change in procedure this year. You will need to pick up a form to be filled out and then dropped off at the Center one week prior to the clinic. Forms are located just inside the front door on the foyer table. The requirements for receiving a shot are being 18 years of age or older and having Medicare B, a Medicaid card, BC/BS, MVP or $60 in cash or check. Professor Michael Strauss invites you to A Different Kind of Workshop: Drawing for the Terrified on Thursday mornings from 9:30 to noon. Session dates: Oct. 19 and 26, Nov. 2 and 9. These workshops are for beginners as well as those with some drawing experience

who think they might benefit from more instruction. They are based on the premise that drawing can be an acquired skill, not just a talent, and that most can learn how to draw if they spend the time and energy needed. Since drawing is foundational for representational painting, artists who paint in watercolor and oil could benefit from these workshops. They are a collaborative learning experience, including much discussion, as well as individual assistance from the instructor and class critiques. Come prepared to draw, share your work with other beginning students and have a good time. All materials will be provided. Email: Michael.strauss@uvm.edu if you wish more information. Registration necessary. Maximum enrollment: 10. Fee: $80.

Senior Center Lunches Monday Menus 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (no reservations required) Oct. 9 Curley kale and potato soup with sausage, Garden salad, French silk pie Oct. 16 Chicken pot pie, Moroccan romaine and chickpea salad, Banana pudding Wednesday Menus Served at noon (reservations required, call 425-6345) Oct. 4 Aunt Mildred’s casserole Homemade dessert

The Charlotte News • October 4, 2017 • 23

Community Events Benefit concert: The Old Lantern Inn and Barn is holding a beneﬁt concert from 6 to 11 p.m. on Oct. 6 to benefit victims of Hurricane Irma on St. John and St. Thomas islands. The concert will feature Josh Panda, with food donated by La Villa in Shelburne, Juniors Downtown and the Old Lantern. Cash bar. Tickets are $30 per person, and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to St. John Rescue and the Reform Church of St. Thomas which has been providing food, supplies and support to victims of Hurricane Irma. SunCommon is sponsoring a special viewing of the short documentary ﬁlm Hurricane to Climate Change starting at 6:15. Music begins at 7. For more information visit stthomasreformedchurch.org.

Eldredge and Phyllis Bowdish, projects made by local children, and Quilts of Valor. The show will have vendor booths, raffle baskets, ornaments and other handmade items for purchase, as well as a raffle quilt. The show takes place on Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door. For more information visit milkandhoneyquilters.com or email milkandhoneyquilt@yahoo.com.

Horse show: Steeple Ridge Farm Horse Show, Phase 2 of the VHJA Finals 2017, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1379 Hinesburg Road in Charlotte, Oct. 6 through Oct. 8. Steeple Ridge Farm will be awarding cash and gift certificate prizes, trainer awards and more. For more information call 425-3535.

Bake-off: A maple-themed bake-off will take place at the East Charlotte Tractor Parade on Oct. 8, hosted by Spear’s Corner Store. Visitors will vote on their favorite baked goods 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@gmail.com.

Quilt show: The Milk and Honey Quilters Guild quilt show will be held at the Middlebury Recreation Facility. This biannual quilt show, called “Quilting in the Land of Milk & Honey,” will include about 100 quilts and feature quilts made by two members of the guild, Rachel

Garden club: The Shelburne Charlotte Garden Club will meet at 10 a.m. at the Shelburne Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Oct. 10. VJ Comai will speak about Trees for Posterity, maintaining our trees. VJ lives in Charlotte, has been an arborist for over 25 years in this area and is

Tractor Parade: The 17th Annual East Charlotte Tractor Parade will be held at Spear Street and Jackson Hill Road in East Charlotte on Oct. 8. Food vendors, a petting zoo and more will be set up by 11 a.m. and the parade will begin at 1 p.m.

a representative for Bartlett Tree Service. All are welcome to attend. There will be time for questions. Refreshments will be served. For more information call Ann Mead at 985-2657. Painting: Painting in Light, Color and Darkness, a watercolor veil painting workshop Oct. 13, 14 and 15 at Charlotte Congregational Church. Beginners are welcome. For more information call 8772031. Craft fairs: Two CVU Access craft fairs will be held this fall at 369 CVU Road in Hinesburg. Different vendors will be featured for each fair to he held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 14 and Nov. 25. For more information call 482-7194 or email access@cvsdvt.org.

Tech training: Are you trying to manage your child’s use of technology? Please join us from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the CVU auditorium on Oct. 19. This technology workshop is free and open to the public. Speaker Erin Walsh will provide practical tools and strategies that help families build on their strengths. Presented by Connecting Youth, a program of Champlain Valley School District. For more information contact Lynn Camara at 985-1932 or email connectingyouth@cvsdvt.org.

Mary Recchia to leave Senior Center It is with deep regret that we announce Mary Recchia’s resignation from the Charlotte Senior Center. For over 14 years she has been our activities director. For many of you, she has been the “face” of the Senior Center. Her smile and warm welcome have encouraged many people to return to the Center to explore its offerings. She has brought a wonderful selection of indoor activities to the Center—from health and exercise classes to art, music, play reading, poetry, photo travelogues, foreign language conversation and more—along with

outside activities, including hiking, bird watching, tubing, kayaking and boat trips on Lake Champlain. Her programs have drawn hundreds of people to the Center every year. In large part due to her dedication, your Charlotte Senior Center has become a comfortable and successful venue. Mary says it is now time for her to make a change. She feels that fall is an appropriate time in our scheduling for her to move on with a minimum of disruption. We will miss Mary, the Senior Center and its participants will miss Mary, and we

will be long indebted to her for her love and dedication to the Charlotte Senior Center. We thank her many times over for everything she has brought to the Center and send her on her way with fondest best wishes. The Charlotte Senior Center Board of Directors

Full Time/ Part-time Sales Position at

We are looking for an outgoing person with a sense of style to join our sales team. Selling, customer service, merchandising & data input are all needed qualities. Call 860-2802.

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. 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 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, 802338-1331 or 802-877-2172. Mt. Philo Inn A unique hotel situated at the base of Mt. Philo State Park with stunning panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. Spacious 3 bedroom suites with 2 bathrooms and a complete kitchen. Thoughtfully designed for casual elegance. Privacy, space and tranquility. Bigger on the inside. MtPhiloInn.com 802425-3335 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 stressfree 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. O ffices 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. Services: 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. The News is look ing for wr iters, photographers and drivers to join the communit y of Char lotters. I f you’re interested in supplying news stories or photography, please email editor in chief, Lynn Monty, at lynn@ t h e c h a r l o t t e n e w s . o r g . Fo r p a p e r distribution contact Vince Crockenberg at vince.crockenberg@gmail.com. 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.

T he C harlotte N ews Voice of the town since 1958

Deliver to:

Local Boxholder

To Advertise On This Page Contact ads@TheCharlotteNews.org

U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 05482 PERMIT NO. 9

presorted standard