The CharlotteNewsVT.org Vol. 63, no.15 January 28, 2021 Charlotte News Your nonprofit community news source since 1958 Contemplating goodness: Assistant position in the works, Memories of #44, Hank Aaron other Selectboard business Jonathan Silverman Chea Waters Evans to finalize the salary and benefits before CONTRIBUTOR NEWS EDITOR publicly posting the job.

Many of us are at an age when our revered There’s a new member of the Charlotte sports figures leave us to enter the great The Selectboard has been busy with Land Park and Wildlife Refuge Oversight big tunnel. On Jan. 22, #44 left life for a Use Regulations and public hearings, but Committee—Cathy Marshall lives near different field of dreams. Hank Aaron has they also got a lot of other stuff done over the park, which is colloquially known as always been a part of my life’s journey. the past few weeks, with extra meetings the Demeter, and said during her few years scheduled to handle a variety of topics that living in Charlotte she has appreciated the Although I have lived in Vermont most include town budget issues for FY21-22, beauty of the area’s wildlife and plant life. of my life, I grew up in the suburbs of job descriptions for a new zoning adminis- Hartford, Connecticut. Allegiance to sports trator, and parking on Plouffe Lane. Walking trails on Plouffe Lane, which are teams in Hartford has always been a tug of privately owned but accessible through war between Boston and New York. My dad In the wake of Zoning Administrator an agreement with the town, have gotten grew up following the Boston Braves “farm” Daniel Morgan’s departure last month, heavier use during COVID-19. The park- team in Hartford, and subsequently I became the Selectboard is moving forward with ing situation, especially with the snow, has a die heart Braves fan, even though the team the process of reconfiguring staffing in the impeded Road Commissioner Jr Lewis moved to Milwaukee in 1953, when I was planning and zoning office in Town Hall. from properly plowing the area. The Se- two. And as soon as I was able to shove a Conflicts arose during Morgan’s tenure on lectboard is going to work with Jim Carrol Rawlings baseball glove onto my left hand, I the job because his responsibilities as ZA to arrange a snow threshold for plowing to needed a player to embrace, and that player overlapped with his clerical duties as the make sure the parking lot is clear to allow was Hank Aaron. Zoning Board of Adjustment’s clerk, often access to rescue vehicles and make sure resulting in his quasi-judiciary role as ZA no one parks on the side of the road when Hank and I were rookies together. He The signed glove of a hero: Throughout his butting up against the ZBA’s wishes. using the trails. could hit a curve ball very, very far and I, time in and out of the limelight Hank Aaron on the other hand, attempting to emulate exuded humility, gentleness and decency. The solution to those dueling positions is The Charlotte Ferry has been closed Photo courtesy Jonathan Silverman the snap of his wrist and his fluid swing the creation of a new, 20-hour per week since early January due to a lack of pas- might occasionally manage to smack one Hank performed. Admittedly, I knew administrative assistant position. In addi- sengers. Concerns from the Charlotte Se- to deep shortstop on a field full of grit and little about his story and life as an African tion to assisting the town planner and the lectboard, the Essex, New York, town gov- undulations. I played with a cast of multiage American in the deep South. I cared about zoning administrator, this town employ- ernment, and many Charlotters prompted sandlot characters whose stars were Mickey his performance on the field and the team’s ee will also provide support to the town the board to send a letter to Lake Cham- Mantle, Ted Williams or Willie Mays. I fate and was oblivious to the reality of racial administrator. Responsibilities will include plain Transportation, which operates the was 7 years old when Hank Aaron won the inequalities. clerical work, scheduling, maintaining ferry. The purpose of the letter was to let most valuable player award and his team, records, and staffing the front desk in the the privately owned ferry company know In the 1960s and early 1970s Aaron window at Town Hall, as well as serving that “this is a valuable asset to Charlotte,” my team, the Milwaukee Braves won the continued to excel and his national fame pennant. as the town’s E-911 coordinator. Town McCarren said. Though the ferry can’t amplified. He was a model of consistency Administrator Dean Bloch is going to re- be compelled to remain in business, the Each day I fastidiously checked the box search area pay for comparable positions, scores in the Hartford Courant to see how see HANK page 2 and the board will vote at the next meeting see SELECTBOARD page 4 Impending future of East Charlotte goes to a vote deadlines before voting day. In addition environmental impact, taxpayer burden, and passage of the East Village LUR amendment Charlotters concerned to the Selectboard, more than 50 people wastewater infrastructure, the items are “just regarding density, it would allow Hinsdale about conflicts of interest, attended Monday’s meeting. not ready” to head to voters. to develop his five acres on the corner into senior housing. Hinsdale said that impact of potential During the meetings there was confusion Brownie Adsit, who also lives in the area, it’s important when considering the issue development about the exact size of the current agreed. Noting that impact studies aren’t to think about numbers. “Be sure that we commercial district and how much bigger it required until after the amendments are understand the math,” he said. would get should the Town Plan amendment approved, he said increasing the boundary Chea Waters Evans pass. In a conversation with The Charlotte of the commercial district “without knowing The math on development proved also to News on Tuesday, the impact makes be a point of contention for many; Lewack After years of work and considering more Town Planner zero sense to me; cleared up this issue on Tuesday as well. than 70 potential Land Use Regulation Larry Lewack said to not do impact Using the metaphor of planting old seeds in amendments, the Planning Commission’s he consulted with studies is just a garden, he explained that you can plant a role came to a close on the issue at Monday the Chittenden totally backwards bunch of old bean seeds and theoretically night’s Selectboard meeting with the final County Regional and ridiculous have the potential for dozens of bean hearings on proposed amendments to the Planning to me.” Dina plants, but the reality is that you will have Town Plan and LURs. The many changes Commission to get Townsend agreed considerably less than that. the exact acreage and added that up for vote on Town Meeting Day on March With the current zoning laws, he said, “If 2 were mostly overshadowed by two ballot figures. she worried about comprehension on the part of the general everything lined up to make it possible, with items. One is a proposed amendment to The East Charlotte Village Commercial adequate septic and water supply, there could the Town Plan that would expand the East voting population, considering that there is District is currently 19.79 acres, and “too much confusion from people who are be up to 25 units of housing, commercial Charlotte Village Commercial District’s the amendment to the Town Plan would development, or a combination—that borders; the other concerns zoning changes investing their time into learning” about the increase it to 43.64 acres acres, adding a issues. number is accurate,” he said. “If somebody that would allow denser development within sector of land on the southeast corner of the were to propose some of that to include that district. The changes stem from a survey intersection of Spear Street and Charlotte The increased density issue prompted affordable housing, they could potentially of East Village residents that was completed Hinesburg Road, crossing Spear Street and participation during both meetings from add 10 units; if somebody wanted to make in 2010. including property on the southwest corner Clark Hinsdale, a former Charlotte resident, the development into elder housing, there The Friday and Monday Zoom hearings of that intersection, which is also known as who owns the property referred to as the could be 20 additional units on top of the were the last opportunities for public Baptist Corners. Sheehan House on the southwest corner 25.” That would be either 25 regular units, comment before the articles are published in of the proposed commercial district. The 35 affordable housing units, or 45 senior East Village resident David Adsit said he expanded commercial district boundaries the Town Report, which heads to the printer thought that because there isn’t “complete on Thursday in order to meet public warning would include this lot; in conjunction with information” available regarding potential see LURS page 2 The Charlotte News • January 28, 2021 • 3 Town LURs HANK plans to sell it in the near future. When she continued from page 1 continued from page 1 responded to Brosius’ inquiry, she shared her year in and year out, and my allegiance to housing units. support for passing both the Town Plan and LUR amendments. him never wavered in my teens and early With the new regulations, that would 20s. The layers of my ignorance began to be increase, he said. “If we bump out “If we lose Sheehan House [to a different exposed. As this was a (another) ripe time boundaries to what’s been proposed, developer], the character will go away,” she for civil rights awakening, I slowly became and if we change the rules to match, that said. Spear referenced the decades of work aware of my childhood idol’s background 25 goes up to 45 potentially, and those Hinsdale has done to conserve farmland of poverty, hardship and prejudice. As I surrounding the East village area. She The Charlotte News density bonuses still apply…but there’s a witnessed how he managed the threats and Mission Statement lot of ifs there.” The ifs he’s talking about also said she does not stand to profit from intimidations while closing in on Babe The mission of The Charlotte News is to inform our include septic capacity and water mains, expanding the boundaries or increasing Ruth’s insurmountable record, I shifted readers about current events, issues and topics, and density, saying she will “have no financial my admiration from merely ball player to to serve as a forum for the free exchange of views of and, depending on usage, could have to town residents and community volunteer organizations go through Planning Commission, Zoning gain, whether you think I do or not…I’m character. going to get rich at heart.” on matters related to Charlotte and the lives of its Board of Adjustment, and/or Selectboard Even though he had so many at bat and on residents. review. Support for the amendments also came from field accomplishments Aaron never pumped Editorial independence Meeting participant comments were Planning Commission Chair Peter Joslin, his chest, stopped to stare at the ball leaving The Board of Directors retains full authority over all who has been working on shepherding these the park, or ostentatiously twirled the bat. editorial and advertising content in The Charlotte overwhelmingly against increasing the News. While we are funded by advertising revenue boundaries and changing the density amendments through a lengthy process, Rather, if he hit a home run there was a slow and donor contributions, our news judgments are zoning requirements, with the exception of including several earlier public meetings rhythmic and graceful trot around the bases; made in accordance with our mission and independent Hinsdale and Selectboard member Carrie throughout the past year. He said on Friday, there was an inner peace, a sense that on a of all sources of financial support, including support “I don’t see how you could encourage given moment, in four tenths of a second, he given through our affiliated 501(c)3 organization, The Spear. There are six landowners whose land Friends of The Charlotte News. would be included in the expanded ECVCD development in the village when there’s a figured out the previous pitch. five-acre requirement,” noting that such a Letters, Commentaries and Obituaries boundaries; Selectboard members Carrie Throughout his time in and out of the Consistent with our mission The Charlotte News Spear and Frank Tenney are two of those large acreage requirement for residential zoning prohibits most development—the limelight Hank Aaron exuded humility, publishes letters to the editor, commentaries and six. gentleness and decency. He was dedicated obituaries from our readers. All letters, commentaries notion of desired development in the area and obituaries are subject to review and approval by Charlotter Amy Brosius asked during public being the impetus for the amendments in the to the art of both sport and sportsmanship. the news editor of the paper and to the following rules comment whether or not any Selectboard first place. With his internal pledge to play ball with and standards: members had a conflict of interest that quiet intensity and respond to the myriad • Letters to the editor, commentaries and obituaries Krasnow said that the Selectboard’s role is should be emailed to news@thecharlottenews. required them to recuse themselves from of injustice he endured with dignity and org as attachments in .doc format. All letters, the Monday vote. Chair Matt Krasnow to advance these questions to a vote. “The determination, he spoke truth to power. commentaries and obituaries must contain the question of how a town should develop… In his own quiet way, he sustained his writer’s full name, town of residence and, for and members Louise McCarren and Jim editing purposes only, phone number. Faulkner all said no. Tenney said that he was should not be made by the five Selectboard commitment to social justice beyond the • Letters may not exceed 300 words, obituaries 500 not going to recuse himself from the vote members who are currently in the position ballfield by empowering youth and breaking words and commentaries 750 words. of making decisions…to that point, I think barriers as he became a vice president in the • The opinions expressed in commentaries and despite owning property in the zone and the letters to the editor belong solely to the author fact that his brother owns a store and land in it’s important for the town to decide how it Atlanta Braves organization. and are not to be understood as endorsed by the district. “The property I have already has wants to develop in the future.” Faulkner either the Board of Directors or the editorial staff agreed. “We’re just the middleman, putting Reliving Hank Aaron’s story is refreshing in of the paper. one residence per acre,” he said, and noted our time of uncertainty. Here was a sports • All published letters and commentaries will that he thinks any density changes “won’t it to the voter,” he said. include the writer’s name and town of residence. figure who became larger than life to me • Before publishing any obituary, we will need affect what I have there now.” The proposed articles—the three because of the character of his soul that proper verification of death. LUR amendments and the Town Plan accompanied his grandeur on the ballfield. • All submissions are subject to editing for clarity, Spear also decided not to recuse herself; factual accuracy, tone, length and consistency she owns Spear’s Store in Baptist Corners, amendment—were approved by the As I reflect on my lifelong appreciation with our house publishing style. a general store that also has the only Selectboard to be warned for a vote on Town of Hank Aaron, I wonder broadly: Who • Whenever editing is necessary we will make Meeting Day. every effort to publish each submission in its commercial gas pump in town. She has a becomes our heroes? Who do we look up to entirety and to preserve the original intent and current application with the ZBA to add for guidance on our evolving understanding wording. We will confer with writers before of the human condition, how we learn to live publishing any submitted material that in our a deli and apartment to her store and has judgment requires significant editing before it can together and sustain higher morals? be published. • The news editor makes the final determination He had no idea of how he helped advanced whether a letter to the editor, a commentary or an my awareness of white privilege and obituary will be published as submitted, returned shape my perception of a more just world. for rewriting or rejected. Publisher: Claudia Marshall Those of us who grew up with comfort ([email protected]) yet sheltered from the trials of everyday Editorial Staff discrimination ideally are compelled to find Managing Editor: Anna Cyr meaningful ways to challenge our paradigms ([email protected]) News Editor: Chea Waters Evans and open our prism to the life of others. ([email protected]) (Speaking of challenging paradigms, I fully Contributing Editor: Edd Merritt support the changing of the team’s name Copy editor: Beth Merritt Proofreaders: Edd Merritt, from Braves to something more inclusive.) Mike & Janet Yantachka Business Staff In the 24 hours after Hank Aaron died I Ad manager: Christy Hagios received condolences from family members ([email protected]) and friends knowing how much #44 was a Bookkeeper: Susan Jones part of my own journey. Perhaps, the swell ([email protected]) of memories of Hank Aaron’s life offer all Board Members President: Claudia Marshall of us a chance to pause and contemplate ([email protected]) goodness. Treasurer: Ted leBlanc ([email protected]) Board members: Vince Crockenberg, Bob Bloch, Gay Regan, Tom Tiller, John Quinney, Jack Fairweather, Christina Asquith, Ben Miller, Bailey The Grattelo, John Hammer (emeritus) Technical advisor: Melissa Mendelsohn, Orchard Charlotte Road Computers Website: thecharlottenews.org Subscription Information The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all News Charlotte residences. Subscriptions are available for TO ADVERTISE CONTACT: first-class delivery at $60 per calendar year. Want a subscription? Please send a check payable to [email protected] The Charlotte News, P.O. Box 251, SEND YOUR CHARLOTTE NEWS TO: Charlotte, VT 05445. [email protected] Postmaster/Send address changes to: The Charlotte News P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445 PUBLICATION DATES Telephone: 425-4949 February 11, 2021 Circulation: 2,000 Copyright © 2021 The Charlotte News, Inc. Copy Deadline: Friday, Feb. 5 Member of the New England Newspaper and Press Association, LION Publishers and the Ads Deadline: Friday, Feb. 5 Vermont Press Association. 4 • January 28, 2021 • The Charlotte News Report from the Legislature Reflections on a momentous week The first few weeks of a amendments related to COVID-19 that were Biden signed as soon as he took office will go legislative biennium get enacted last year. These amendments give the a long way to reverse those of the previous off to a relatively slow benefit of doubt in certain circumstances that administration that diminished the greatness of start, not momentous at a worker who is diagnosed with COVID-19 is America. all. Bills are just beginning entitled to benefits under Vermont’s workers to be introduced and compensation laws. The House concurred For the past four years, a small package sat assigned to committees with the Senate after fixing a date reference on my bookshelf waiting for its moment. In Rep. Mike for consideration. Not in the bill that had been overlooked. The December of 2016, I attended a conference Yantachka only do new members next significant action will be to approve the in D.C. and had an opportunity with other have to get up to speed on subject matter of budget adjustment bill that the Appropriations legislators from across the country to attend a the committees to which they are assigned, Committee has been hard at work on since day briefing in the White House Office Building. but returning members assigned to different two of the session. We were given favors of Hershey kisses in committees than before may have to as well. In little packages with the presidential seal. other words, there is not a lot to report. What really made the week special, though, I decided to save mine until the incoming was the change of administration in President was no longer in office. I had There were two exceptions this year, however. Washington, D.C., as I joined most of my almost forgotten about it until the night of During the first full week we were back in fellow Americans in welcoming the Biden the inauguration after watching the televised session, the House quickly passed a bill that administration with the hope of a less divisive spectacular fireworks display on the National authorizes municipalities and school districts political atmosphere for the next four years. I Mall. to hold town meetings remotely, use Australian was especially impressed with poet Amanda ballots to vote on all matters including Gorman’s inaugural poem. In it she says, It was time. After four years, the kisses were as sweet as I expected, capping off this truly budgets, or postpone town meetings to later Photo by Mike Yantachka in the spring. The Senate quickly followed “It’s because being American is more momentous week. suit and sent the bill to the governor for his than a pride we inherit, Senate included, will be able to join with it’s the past we step into and how we I welcome your emails (myantachka.dfa@ signature. the administration in an effective national gmail.com) or phone calls (802-233-5238). repair it.” response to the pandemic and hit the economic The Senate was also at work passing S.9, This article and others can be found at my It is with sincere hope that Congress, the defibrillator once again to jump-start the website (MikeYantachka.com). which extends certain workers compensation economy. The executive orders President Lettters to the Editor Better, not bigger good weather (think California, Colorado deal Carrie Spear struck with David Fassler to I encourage The News and your readers and Florida). Vermont’s guard against being buy her store. reference page 19-27 of the Vermont To the editor: overrun has been its long and cold winter, The fun catch for our little town is the Selectboard Handbook on Conflicts of Interest. When Planning Commission Chair Peter Joslin that is now slowly moderating. If we want to Planning Commission are only pushing for Maybe even the Selectboard will read it notes that “The town has to grow,” I wonder if preserve what we have, we will have to make this change of 5 acres to 1 acre for residential themselves if they value public trust in their he ever studied the history of growth and what Vermont not bigger, but better along the lines development in the East Charlotte Commercial decisions. long-term effects result from going down the advocated by betternotbiggerVT.org. District. Not in West Charlotte. Why? Because Alex Bunten path of ever more and more growth? I would Wolfger Schneider it would have a snowball’s chance in hell of suggest to those who believe that growth is passing there. Mudge running for Selectboard good read Better not Bigger to become aware Clark’s Kwiniaska in East Charlotte So the Planning Commission thinks that after To the editor: of the eventual results of their proposal for To the editor: more growth. some poorly attended public hearings (are we My name is Lewis Mudge and I am Regarding Chea Evans’s recent article, “LURs in a pandemic?) they can slip this onto the running for the two year seat on Charlotte’s I experienced the results of extreme growth wend their way to the ballot; budget has to ballot and give Hinsdale and Fassler a mandate having lived in the New Town of Columbia, Selectboard. I have spent most of my career budge a bit” (January 14), I take issue with the to build, build, build. in Africa, where, for the last decade, I have Maryland, from its inception to its eventual highlighting of Mr. Hinsdale’s complaint about It’s developer-driven, regulation overreach that documented some of the world’s worst crimes. build-out of 100,000 people 40 years later, all senior housing in town. on 14,000 acres, less than half of Charlotte’s makes me a little queasy. Documenting human rights abuses and Hinsdale claims he just wants to save the crimes against humanity across war zones can acreage. At first there were old dairy farms Adding to queasiness is a pretty clear conflict elderly from moving away by building a reinforce some key truths and drive home what and 3-acre zoning. Then came a development of interest case with Selectboard members seniors’ utopia in a rural hamlet with few is important. proposal for 14,000 acres to be the only Carrie Spear and Frank Tenney, both owning services. What a lovely thing to do. But he can compact city to be built in the small Howard property in the area under consideration. I have entered a new phase of my career already do that. And he hasn’t. County, located between Baltimore and Neither thought it prudent to recuse themselves and when my wife and I decided to move to Washington, D.C. He just lets the historic property slowly slip from the vote to put these changes on the into a corner slum with half-cut trees, peeling Then came 1-acre zoning followed by the ballot. see LETTERS page 4 relaxing of density limits surrounding the siding, a dilapidated barn, the works. Add to New Town. Then came suburban sprawl and that the falling down house behind Spear’s and when “build-out” had been reached came the sure, we’d like it to look a little nicer in East expansion of the water-sewer district, infill Charlotte Village. But it could be done at any Bernie gets development and on and on. In 50 years, the moment with our current land use regs. caught up on county grew from 60,000 to over 300,000. The So why is he leading the charge, with help result: traffic congestion, noise, bad air, and a from Carrie Spear, to change our Town Plan The Charlotte more and more unpleasant place to live. and Land Use Regulations? Yes, I am one of those retiree immigrants to It’s because he wants to throw 10-12 News Vermont, my favorite state. There are more residential plots on 1 acre back there, very beautiful spots on this earth, but they are similar to the debacle going on at Kwiniaska in being rapidly desecrated by an overflow of Shelburne. And lord only knows what kind of humanity because of their former beauty and

Senator Sanders’ office does subscribe to The Charlotte News, and we’re glad he decided to bring it along while he waited for the inauguration to start.

Photoshop by Anna Cyr Original photo by Brendan Smialowski, a photojournalist for Agence France-Presse. The Charlotte News • January 28, 2021 • 5 Town LETTERS continued from page 1 one of the best corners of the world to raise a family. Vermont, we set out to choose a community Most importantly, if I were elected, I can that reflected our values: community, promise Charlotters this: In me you will have fellowship, safety and space. In early 2017, a transparent and approachable Selectboard my wife flew from our home in Kenya to view member. I will be on call, 24/7, to respond to what would become our house on Greenbush. your concerns. That’s a promise I hope to be It was her first time in Charlotte and she signed held to. the paperwork straight away before flying I’ve fought for pro-democracy activists straight back to Africa. She discovered what I in the Congo, journalists in Burundi, and already knew: a uniquely special place where against police brutality in the Central African our young family could thrive. We have lived Republic. In what seem to be turbulent times in Charlotte now for four years. That time has back home, nothing gives me more hope than confirmed that this is where we want to raise active participation in the democratic process. I our children and contribute to the community. have a vested interest in making sure our town I am running for a seat on the Selectboard to succeeds and thrives. Over the next month I’ll help the town thrive. With a family actively be making my case for the Selectboard and I’d engaged at the Congregational Church and two be honored to have your vote. kids at CCS (and a third starting kindergarten Lewis Mudge soon), I want to ensure that the town has the representation that reflects a community Parking at the Red Onion that has its eyes on the future while never To Charlotte residents: forgetting its past. I have the time, energy, and commitment to support the community. While Thank you for the warm welcome and support I will keep a professional eye towards Africa, you have given to The Red Onion! a change in my work assignments means that We want to remind the community that I will be working from home and will only be parking to access our building is in the lower traveling overseas occasionally. gravel parking lot. You can then access The The Selectboard can manage big decisions that Red Onion and our other tenants by the stairs affect the way we live. One of the best parts or walking around to the front. The Charlotte of this town is the civilized way our fellow Planning Commission only approved one ADA Charlotters disagree and challenge one another space next to the ramp to access our building’s at town meetings…even during this new time upper entry. There is no other parking of Zoom calls. available at the front of the building. We don’t want the new interim zoning administrator to I put myself forward as a candidate for be instructed to issue any zoning violations to Selectboard with skills I can bring to the table. us due to parking in front of the building. I have management and financial experience that will be relevant to the town. I will support The gravel space at the front of our building development plans that are in line with is there for emergency vehicles to access Charlotte’s vision. I strongly feel that we must the building and access the ADA ramp. We develop on our own terms, in keeping with the utilized this front space to build out the upper spirit of why we all live here in the first place: floors for construction and supply delivery open spaces, access to incredible nature, and a vehicles. This summer will bring enhanced genuine sense of community. landscaping, signage and easier access for those with disabilities. I want Charlotte to remain a place that young families, like my own, want to move to. Thank you for your cooperation. Despite our disagreements about development Sincerely, zones, recreation centers, or septic policy, I Debra Kassabian think we can all agree on one thing: this is still

SELECTBOARD continued from page 1 would like to tear down. The shed is on two lease lots, and the owners proposed Selectboard wanted to express its support last August that a boundary adjustment be for the ferry and its enthusiasm for a future made to increase their lot size so that the return, which at the moment is not on the shed remains on their property; the other horizon. lot is not leased and is town land. They do not want to reconstruct the shed on their An article will be presented on the March own property because they want to pre- 2 ballot advising voters that Road Com- serve two large trees, one of which would missioner Jr Lewis will most likely be have to be moved in order to make room increasing the use of clear salt during for the shed. inclement weather this winter. Though Lewis already has the authority to deter- Lawyers for both the town and the Price/ mine how much salt to use, Charlotte roads Ritchies have since decided that a bound- are traditionally treated mostly with sand ary adjustment is not an ideal solution in order to protect farms. Lewis said that because it could trigger an Act 250 review when the temperatures raise and lower the by the state. The next step in the process way they have been this winter, roads can would be a recommendation by the Select- become icy. He said he wants to present to board to the Planning Commission to take voters the idea that he would use clear salt a certain action. Planning Commission on occasion, even though such a vote isn’t Chair Peter Joslin agreed during the Jan. necessary for him to do so. He said he just 19 Selectboard meeting that he thought wants to make sure that voters are aware a boundary adjustment was not in the that paved roads might occasionally be best interest of the town. The Selectboard treated with only salt and to use the vote as had inadvertently approved a boundary an enthusiasm barometer for the idea. adjustment at an earlier meeting, thinking they were approving the promotion of the Lot 41 on Thomspon’s Point has been boundary adjustment issue to the PC—they in front of the Selectboard multiple times voted during the Jan. 19 meeting to refund over the past year; there’s a dilapidated, permit application fees relating to that 400-square-foot shed on the property that boundary adjustment. the owners, Jeff Price and Leena Ritchie, 6 • January 28, 2021 • The Charlotte News Around Town Town Congratulations: coast. After his to former Charlotter and now Shelburnite father’s passing Meet the Candidates: John Hammer who was highlighted as a in 1959, he and Board Member of Age Well on Jan. 19. John his brothers spent joined the organization’s board in July of last summers in rural they’re ready to run year and has been driving Age Well’s Meals France (his mother’s Chea Waters Evans Library Trustee: 5-year term on Wheels for over three years. Age Well is country of birth), Robert Smith (incumbent) the largest provider of Meals on Wheels in creating adventures Vermont with a goal of allowing older, needy and a lifetime of The Charlotte Grange and The Charlotte Delinquent Tax Collector: 1-year term adults to remain independent and living at memories. News are once again hosting candidates for Mary Mead (incumbent) home as long as possible. the Town Meeting Day election at a Meet the In 1967 he moved Paul Sprayregen Candidates night. On Tuesday, Feb. 16, we’ll Town Moderator: 1-year term Sympathy: to Burlington to attend the University of meet by Zoom; a link will follow as the date Charlie Russell is extended to family and friends of Elizabeth Vermont, drawn by the natural landscape of approaches. Road Commissioner: 1-year term Ann Tenney Sorell of Charlotte who passed Vermont. Paul always knew he would build This year has a three-way race for both open Hugh Lewis Jr. (incumbent) away Jan. 15 at the age of 81. After working a business of his own, and not long after Selectboard seats. As of press time, incumbent for many years as a switchboard operator, she graduating in 1971, he founded Investors Selectboard: 2-year term Frank Tenney was on the ballot for both seats; became a school bus driver for the Champlain Corporation of Vermont (ICV), a real estate Mike Dunbar, Lewis Mudge, also running in the two-year race are Lewis development firm. Over the course of nearly Frank Tenney (incumbent) Valley School District. Her surviving family Mudge and Mike Dunbar, and Mike Russell includes her daughter, Jessica Sorrell, and 50 years, his projects transformed Burlington and Justin Bora are running for the three-year Selectboard: 3-year term sons Thadeus Sorrell and Timothy Tenney and the surrounding communities. seat. Justin Bora, Mike Russell, Frank Tenney in addition to grandchildren and great- Never one to be idle, by the 1980s Paul The candidates running as of Jan. 27 are as grandchildren. She will be buried privately at began developing projects in Hartford, Town Agent: 1-year term the convenience of her family. A service for follows; the deadline to drop out of a race was Connecticut, East Hampton, New York, and Town Clerk: 3-year term friends and family will be held at a later date. Wednesday evening after press time. Palm Beach, Florida. Later he added projects Mary Mead (incumbent) in Plattsburgh, New York, and Lebanon, New Auditor: 1, 2 & 3-year terms available is extended to family and friends of Joan Hampshire. Mike Dunbar, 1-year term; Kelly Devine, Town Treasurer: 3-year term Krech, most recently of Colchester, who 3-year term Mary Mead (incumbent) passed away Jan. 13 at the age of 86. Joan and While Paul’s defining legacy is ICV, his her late husband, Fred, moved to Charlotte greatest love was his family and time spent Cemetery Commissioner: 1, 2 & 3-year terms Trustee of Public Funds: 1, 2 & 3-year terms Moe Harvey (incumbent) filed for in 1993 in order to be closer to daughters and together on Lake Champlain and the Florida available 3- year term. grandchildren. She served as deacon of the coast. CVSD School Director: 3-year term Congregational Church in Burlington, and she He was predeceased by his parents (Richard Meghan Metzler and Fred delivered flowers on a weekly basis Sprayregen and Monique Sprayregen for 17 years to patients at the UVM Medical Eastman). He is survived by his beloved wife, Center. She and her husband lived their later Emeline, of Palm Beach, Florida, his sons years in assisted living facilities in Shelburne Robert Sprayregen (Dina) of Palm Beach, and South Burlington before ending in Florida, and Richard Sprayregen (Anna) of Colchester. The family asks that those Charlotte, his daughters, Mary Sprayregen wishing to make donations in her memory (David Schilling) of Shelburne and Stephanie consider doing so to the First Congregational Sprayregen (Calle von der Lancken) of Church of Burlington, UVM’s McClure New York, New York, his brothers Peter Miller Respite House in Colchester or to a Sprayregen (Lucy) of Lincoln, Massachusetts charity of their choice. and Philip (Laurie) Sprayregen of New York, New York, as well as four grandchildren, Paul Sprayregen three nephews and one niece. Longtime Charlotte resident Paul Sprayregen, The family asks those wishing to honor Paul’s 71, died suddenly on Dec. 14, 2020. life to consider donating to the American Born in Stamford, Connecticut, he spent Cancer Society or the American Heart summers with his family sailing the northeast Association. The Charlotte News • January 28, 2021 • 7 Town COVID resources and an update Two positive COVID tests at from Community Partners CCS in a week Trina Bianchi Vermont 211 from your phone—available for Chea Waters Evans When this happens, the entire classroom and/or CONTRIBUTOR referrals and questions. grade goes fully remote. Teachers and staff in The Reslience Surveys are complete and in Pathways Vermont at 883-888-2557 is free and Prior to last week, there had only been the classrooms may also be identified as close the process of being tabulated. We ended up is available 24/7 to call or text. Talk with a peer one case of Covid-19 at Charlotte Central contacts, therefore creating a staffing impact with 182 completed surveys, more than any who has dealt with mental health issues in the School. On Jan. 18 and Jan. 22, CCS families that prohibits us from bringing students back other town in Vermont has garnered through past. received emails alerting them to the presence in a staggered manner as they get negative test this process, so we are happy. Because several of a positive COVID test in the “school results. Testing seven days after the last known NFI Vermont, access through nfivermont.org. community.” One case was in 4th grade and exposure is required for a return to school once members of our team pledged to send a Serves Vermont families whose children are donation to the Charlotte Food Shelf for each one was in kindergarten, though the school someone is in quarantine. struggling with emotional, behavioral or mental didn’t specify if those cases were from a survey received, our food shelf will be the health challenges. There have been no days off—we have recipient of some extra dollars this month. student or an adult who works with students in immediately gone remote in each situation. A big thank you to those members for their First Call, 802-488-7777, is for crisis those grades. Throughout the school year, teachers have generosity. situations. Available 24/7. CCS Co-Principal Stephanie Sumner answered been preparing for this possibility and designed So, now what? Our goal is to gather the Assistance with utility bills questions via email about the current case instruction, schedules and activities that are raw data and then not only publish it here so The Vermont Department of Public Service count at school and Champlain Valley School ready to go when needed. District’s policies for handling them. everyone in town has the opportunity to see has arranged for the local community action Have there been any cases yet in CVSD of it—it will be posted on the websites for the agencies to assist people who are not able to Is there a threshold at which the school school transmission? Town of Charlotte and the Charlotte Library. access the application for help with overdue or school district decides that there have At this time, there is no evidence of We will also be sending it to the various electric, gas, telecom or water bills online. Call been too many cases in too short a time school-based transmission in our CVSD organizations, committees and commissions in CVOEO Monday–Friday at 802-863-6248. and will have the entire school go to remote schools. With each case, we work closely with town. Bills need to be 60 or more days overdue. learning? the Department of Health to examine any The hope is that, with this information, various Financial assistance The matrix/ benchmarks we use for possible connections and review any specific groups, organizations, town committees and Emergency financial assistance is available maintaining in-person learning include: concerns with the Epi Team at the DOH. The others will brainstorm and discuss changes that through the Food Shelf, Charlotte • Positivity rates within school community Department of Health School Team and Epi could be made, bring about innovation in some Congregational Church and Our Lady of Mt. rising—capacity to manage contact tracing (epidemiology) Team have a very detailed areas and/or create solutions that will make Carmel. Call 425-3252 or 425-3130. process that they follow to review cases in • Sufficient staffing levels to safely maintain Charlotte an even better and safer place for The latest information community settings to determine if there is in-person instruction people to live, now and into the future. Stay abreast of the ongoing news in Vermont an epidemiological link between cases. Our CVSD team relies on their knowledge, The goal is to have the report ready by Town with respect to CV-19, check on what is • Ability to adhere to the Department of opening, new regulations for traveling into Health/Agency of Education Safe and experience and investigation when determining Meeting Day along with a short video that will instances of school-based transmission. be presented via Zoom. our state, where to get a test if you need Healthy Guidance one, and how to remain safe and well. www. • Student attendance rates If a student is positive, do their siblings stay Available resources: healthvermont.gov/response/coronavirus- home as well? Emotional and mental health covid-19. We consider the capacity of the system If the Department of Health determines (school) to maintain in-person learning at that siblings and family members are close every level— individual classroom, grade level contacts, based on the science that defines and whole school. what constitutes a close contact, they must Students’ scholastic successes What is the protocol for an identified case— quarantine. One of our daily screening Staff report list at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. in the most recent case, kindergarten? Does questions that everyone (staff and students) the whole class stay home? Is there required must answer each day is: “Have you been in Saige Alpeter was named to the dean’s honor The following students were named to the testing? Are kids immediately remote or are close contact with a COVID positive person?”. list for the fall 2020 semester at Gettysburg University of Vermont dean’s list for the fall there days off? If the answer is “yes,” then you are not to College in Gettysburg, Pa. 2020 semester: The protocol is well defined by the Department come into our school buildings. Amelia Anair achieved dean’s list honors at Carly Alpert of Health in terms of how we do contact When a student is identified as a close contact, Vermont Tech in Randolph Center for the fall Hannah Bernier tracing. When there is a case within a specific but not positive themselves, siblings are 2020 semester. Annabelle Creech classroom, such as the cases we’ve had, our still allowed to attend school if the person Brandon Donahue practice is to move the whole class remote. (parent or child) who is a close contact is able Moira Brown was named to the dean’s Spencer Dooley The AOE guidelines for grades K–6 allow to quarantine from the rest of the family. If list at the College of William & Mary in John Eagan families are unable to keep the close-contact Williamsburg, Va., for the fall 2020 semester. students to be within three to six feet, yet Katie Emberley contact tracing is specifically within six feet. parent or child quarantined from all other Amelia Chicoine was named to the president’s Mary Feeney Because of the nature of classrooms, we have family members, they must keep their other list at Castleton University in Castleton, Vt., for Meara Heininger pivoted the entire classroom fully remote for students at home. Each family system and the fall 2020 semester. Seamus Higgins a focus on utmost caution, as it is difficult to setup is unique in terms of how and when they Samuel Knox George Davis achieved dean’s list status for track every movement in the course of a day. interact in their home, so it’s not a one-size- Trevor McGlaflin In the case of kindergarten, our contact tracing fits-all answer. This can also vary greatly the fall 2020 semester at Bucknell University in Antonio Pugliese Lewisburg, Pa. yielded enough information to indicate that depending on the age and developmental stage Andrew Slauterbeck there was possible contact across groups, so of the student. Ezra Miller was named to the fall 2020 dean’s Faith Thompson the entire grade has been identified. 8 • January 28, 2021 • The Charlotte News Hi, Neighbor! Scott Jaunich: An unconventional voice for Audubon Vermont Scott Jaunich readily where Jaunich had grown up. After working Frostbite Fleet, a group of salmon fishermen admits he’s not what at several legal practices, Jaunich and some who go out on the lake in the colder most people would colleagues opened their own real estate law months. The group formed 20 years ago as expect from a member firm, but the lure of Vermont was strong. a communal organization of boaters who of the Audubon Vermont “Lynne and I always thought we’d end up are willing to head out on days when they Board of Directors. “I’ve in New England,” he said. The couple and have to shovel and sand the boat ramps and seen more birds from the their three children moved to Charlotte in break the shoreline ice in order to get out on Phyl Newbeck bead of a shotgun than I the lake. CONTRIBUTOR the summer of 2001. Jaunich practices real have from binoculars,” estate, land use and environmental law at Jaunich said the Audubon Board has he said. “I’m not a Downs Rachlin Martin, where he chairs the grown over the years and has also become birder, so it was unusual that I was invited Real Estate practice group. He is a Fellow more diverse. “It’s been a good run,” to be on the board, but I’ve always had an of the American College of Real Estate he said. “Our intention is to expand the interest in birds and the environment.” Lawyers. breadth of the board, and now not only Jaunich’s interest in birds is evident from Serving on the Audubon Vermont Board do we have good birders but also other his collection of decoys and bird stamps environmentalists.” and his honor thesis at Middlebury College is not Jaunich’s first foray into nonprofit on mallard duck population dynamics and work. He sat on the board of California The past year was a challenge for Audubon range expansion in northern New England. Fly Fishers Unlimited, and in Vermont, because they were unable to do their usual He spent the summer and fall of his junior he was on the boards of the Lund Family programming, but Jaunich said they have year touring Newfoundland and Labrador Center and Mobius. Public service runs been able to work on their three major with the Center for Northern Studies, in the family; Lynne is the chair of the initiatives: getting more people in tune studying biology, ecology, native culture Champlain Valley School District school with nature, getting people outside, and Scott Jaunich Photo contributed and geology while living in tents. Jaunich board. Jaunich was initially approached to advocating for birds and the environment. is also a graduate of the National Outdoor be on the Audubon Board by Curt Alpeter He said there has been an increase in people roseate spoonbill. He is proud that Audubon Leadership School, having participated in a of Charlotte five years ago. “I knew Curt using the trails at Audubon’s property in Vermont successfully lobbied the Vermont 33-day kayak expedition in Prince William from hunting pheasants,” Jaunich said. Huntington, and the organization has been Legislature to pass a migratory bird Sound, Alaska, during high school. “I met with him and Jim Shallow, who able to hold some of their organized events, protection bill and lauds their new Youth was executive director at the time, and I including Pride Hikes. Conservation Leadership Program. After college, Jaunich attended Vermont was intrigued. This was a chance to be Although he insists he’s not a birder, Audubon Vermont recently held a retreat Law School where he got a degree in on a board with an environmental ethic Jaunich has taken part in several bird-a- and Jaunich said he is pleased with how the environmental law. He and his wife, which was more in tune with my personal thons since joining the board, and on a organization is doing. “It’s been a struggle Lynne, a physical therapist, looked at job interests.” opportunities across the country. Initially, safari trip in Botswana, while their driver to adapt to COVID,” he said “but we’ve got they relocated to California where they Jaunich hasn’t been doing much bird crashed their vehicle through a wash to a good board and several committees. I’m bought a house in San Jose, ten miles from hunting of late but said that his true passion avoid a charging elephant, Jaunich cried really happy to be part of it.” is fly fishing. He is also a member of the out triumphantly that he had just seen a The Charlotte News • January 28, 2021 • 9 Sports Parenting Twin State soccer team rosters Practice kindness include a number of Redhawks Maris Rose clerks and baggers, parents who host EDD MERRITT be the 46th cup. However, last year’s game CONTRIBUTOR children for play dates, farmers at the CONTRIBUTOR was cancelled because of concerns over the farmers market, etc. It will become a good coronavirus pandemic. Make kindness second nature for a happy, habit. Both men’s and women’s Twin-State soccer healthy family member and community teams that are scheduled to play New This year’s women’s roster includes CVU’s member. Practice. Practice. Practice. That is • Have children do kind or helpful deeds for Hampshire in July were named recently. Jess Klein, Josie Pecor and Olivia Zubarik as how we master the skill. siblings, parents, other family members. Because of the pandemic, the schools did not well as Rice’s Emma Blanck from Williston. • Pack an extra granola bar, cookie or hold tryouts but, instead, relied on last fall’s Compassion, kindness and gratitude contribute greatly to our sense of belonging. piece of fruit for your child to share with performance as well as needs for positions The men’s team includes Henry Bijur and Ben When we contribute, cooperate, and care, we someone at lunch. in order to select members for the 24-player Sampson from CVU. roster. This year’s Twin-State showing should know we belong. Kindness and sharing also • Walk a dog or shovel a walk or bring in the have the added benefit of giving us and our trash cans for a neighbor. children the sense that, when we share, there • Feed the birds. can be enough and plenty for everyone. • Offer a ride to an older community Always encourage and invite kindness from member. Pick up groceries for a family a perspective of love, joy, empathy and member or neighbor. connection. Never use guilt or shame. • As children are older, make dinner for the Ideas to teach your children about offering Salvation Army or participate in preparing kindness, compassion and gratitude: lunch for COTS. First and foremost, be a model. Practice • Through church or a community frequent acts of kindness and compassion and organization find an elder who needs a visit express words of gratitude several times each from time to time. (Adopt a grandparent!) day. Then involve your children. • Write notes to your children and place • Write thank you notes for every gift, for them in their lunch box. acts of kindness, help, care and service. Be It’s so important to notice and delight in a specific about the reasons you appreciate child’s impulse to give. From the moment it. If your children are too young to write a baby offers a taste of their soggy teething it, then you write it for them, hopefully biscuit or mushy Cheerio, to picking quoting some of their words. They can add dandelions for mommy, it’s important to a picture or their name. Keep note cards respond with pure delight. These are their and paper handy for frequent notes of authentic initiatives. Even if you don’t appreciation. actually eat the Cheerio, find a way to convey Charlotte All-Stater Ben Sampson dribbles past a Hornet. Photo by Al Frey • Welcome new neighbors with a gift and delight and gratitude. a note—cookies, fruit, flowers, garden At the holidays, when the presents theme is veggies and herbs, etc. Invite them to so prevalent in our culture, I like to balance dinner. this with an emphasis on letting our (heart) • Bring a meal to an ailing neighbor or lights shine through acts of kindness and family member. (Even if you do not cook giving. This leads to so many joyful moments or bake, you can buy a cup of good soup with children actually saying, “He let me use and bring it to them). the shovel! He let his light shine!” “I helped • When at the grocery store, make it a Daddy fold the laundry last night! I let my practice to select an item or two for the light shine!” food shelf and place it in the box provided. I believe children learn best when we give • At dinner time share about something gentle, sincere, consistent attention to acts of you are grateful for, something helpful or kindness and expressions of care. kind someone did for you that day, and Maris Rose is the owner of Maris’s Tree something helpful or kind you did for House, a preschool program in Shelburne, someone that day. and gives parenting classes and workshops • Have children regularly thank their through Maris Rose Educational Services. coaches, teachers, activity teachers, bus drivers, lunch helpers, waitresses, store 10 • January 28, 2021 • The Charlotte News Champion Trees Time to update the Hamilton Roster Hamilton Champion Tree Roster of Charlotte’s Champion Trees Species and circumference in inches measured 4.5 feet above ground Vince Crockenberg Species, Circumference and location (GPS in degrees, minutes, seconds) CHARLOTTE TREE TRIBE January 2021 - Native to Charlotte Elm, Slippery (Red), 106, Krasnow, Street off One Mile Rd. Every year or so the Charlotte Tree Tribe, Ash, Black, 49, Donegan, Carpenter Oak, Swamp White, 166, Beal, under the leadership of Tree Warden Mark Rd. (44/20/12 N, 73/9/56 W) Gum, Black, 15, Town Green Thompson’s Point Rd. (44/16/44 N, 73/16/38 W) Dillenbeck, invites all Charlotters to help update Ash, Green, 165, Krasnow, off One Hackberry, 19, Town Green the Hamilton Roster of Champion Trees, named Mile Rd. Oak, White, 179, Keenan, North Hemlock, 110, Muggenthaler, Near Pasture Lane in honor of former Charlotte tree warden Larry Ash, White, 172, McGarghan, Lake Williams Woods Hamilton. Rd. Ext. (44/16/55 N, 73/16/9 W) Pine, Red, 61, Thompson’s Point Hickory, Bitternut, 41, Keyes, Upper Rd., SW of Association Way The roster, in the sidebar, lists the currently Aspen, Big Toothed, 63, Keyes, Old Town Trail Pine, White, 160, Cheney, Lewis identified biggest trees of each species in Upper Old Town Trail Hickory, Shagbark, 109, Cheney, Charlotte, whether on private or public property. Creek Rd. Aspen, Trembling, 49, Keyes, Upper Lewis Creek Rd. (44/16/28 N, (44/16/18 N, 73/10/32 W) For purposes of the roster, champion status is Old Town Trail 73/10/37 W) determined by the tree’s girth, in inches, four Sycamore, 60, Walker/Boynton, Basswood, 164, Thorp Cove Rd. Hop Hornbeam, 61, North Shore Lake Rd. (planted in 2000) and a half feet from the ground. Rd., near Whiskey Bay Beech, 130, McGinnis, Mt. Philo Rd. Serviceberry, 20, UVM Natural Locust, Honey, 142, Preston, One If you believe you have identified a candidate Birch, Black, 76, Butnor, Guinea Rd. Area, Pease Mountain for champion status—a tree that is larger Mile Rd. Birch, River, 15, Town Green Tamarack, 64, Hinsdale, west of than the current champion of that species or Maple, Black, 87, Lake Rd. Spear St. that places a new tree species on the list— Birch, White, 63, Donovan/ (44/16/42 N, 73/16/15 W) measure the tree at that height. Then send your O’Donnell, Lake Rd. Non-native but widely planted or Maple, Red, 131, McCabe Brook, escaped measurement, along with a photo if possible, Deputy Tree Warden Sue Smith and Cliff Mix, a re- Box Elder, 121, Shifrin, Ferry Rd. Lime Kiln Rd. Horse Chestnut, 134, HorsfoRd., to Tree Steward Vince Crockenberg at vince. tired forester who manages Mary Cheney’s lands, Maple, Silver, 164, Lander, 826 [email protected] or to Deputy Tree Butternut, 134, Woodruff, Garen Greenbush Rd.. (44/19/20 N, measure the new champion black cherry. Rd. Carpenter Rd. (44/20/26 N, 73/15/1 W) Warden Sue Smith at [email protected] with Photo by Meg Berlin 73/10/44 W) Cedar, Red, 58, Town land, Locust, Black, 158, HorsfoRd., the words “Champion Tree?” in the subject line. Maple, Sugar, 211, PuRd.um, Fox One of us will then contact you and set up a addresses for many of the champs. If you have Thompson’s Point Rd. Greenbush Rd.. (44/19/20 N, Run Rd. 73/15/22 W) time to confirm the tree’s species and girth. a champion on your property and could provide Cedar, White, 153, Barber Hill (44/19/28 N, 73/14/48 W) us with the GPS coordinates, in either decimal Cemetery (44/18/5 N, 73/15/18 Maple, Norway, 95, Crockenberg, In addition, many of the listed champion trees W) Oak, Bur, 183, Donaldson, Thompson’s Point Rd.. (44/16/42 degrees or degrees/minutes/seconds, we’ll add Garen Rd. may well have grown substantially in girth since those coordinates to the roster. Cherry, Black, 10, Cheney, Lewis N, 73/16/54 W) they were last measured; if you think that might Creek Rd. Oak, Pin, 42, CCS (44/19/3 N, Poplar, White (European), 93, be the case with a champion on your property, A constantly updated Hamilton Roster, which (44/16/11 N, 73/10/38 W) 73/13/20 W) Garvey, Baldwin Rd. let us know and we’ll come out and remeasure includes information on where the current Cottonwood, 174, Philo Ridge Farm Oak, Red, 157, Handy, Dickens Walnut, Black, 137, HorsfoRd., it. champion trees reside, can be also found on on Guinea Rd. (44/201/49 N, Converse Bay Rd. the town website. Go to charlottevt.org, in the Elm, American (White), 128, 73/11/38 W) Finally, we’re trying to provide GPS coordinates Donegan, Carpenter Rd. (44/20/32 Willow, Weeping, 254, left-hand column click on the Tree Warden tab, N, 73/9/54 W)) Oak, Scarlet, 137, Moraska, Spear Mt. Philo Rd., near Shelburne line for each of our champion trees so we and others then at the bottom of the page on Hamilton can more easily find them. We’re missing those Champion Tree Roster. The Charlotte News • January 28, 2021 • 11 Tunes to Tune Into Greetings from Los Angeles, hello to Francesca It’s been a long time running cross-country at Charlotte Central the dust to settle, so to speak. And I couldn’t since I last wrote. I School and almost immediately knew justify that morally. could say life got in she had an x-factor. She spoke multiple What I wish I did differently… perhaps to the way of my column, languages, acted, performed, sang. Over have not been so afraid to actually celebrate but truthfully, I’ve the years she went off for acting gigs, and promote the release. I’m very proud of been grappling with its threw concerts in the barn behind her this work, of what it stands for personally. format. This year has parents’ house, and released her debut LP I’d spent the last two years of my life John Moses been tough on my music through Charlotte-based world music label CONTRIBUTOR putting my absolute all into it. But I went discovery—all of the Cumbancha Records to critical acclaim. into hibernation mode the very next day world’s doom and gloom has encouraged In this interview, Francesca and I discuss because I was afraid. But that silence hurt me to revisit my all-time favorite sad-guy creativity in quarantine, navigating the me economically and set me back creatively. albums and stay inside. My enthusiasm for satisfaction of releasing an album, and how That said, I know there’s a silver lining in sitting down and finding the next best thing to feel after you’ve shared your best work. all of it. is waning; with so much going on in the She is currently living and working in Paris. news, my big question is “who cares?” I You describe “Make It Better” as “an think there are far more compelling themes How has your creative output been? album about overcoming heartbreak and making good out of pain.” Do the songs to explore in the unique times we’re living I think there were many phases to the Francesca Blanchard just released her sec- in. “lockdown effect.” Inspiration comes in ond album, “Make it Better.” Courtesy photo and album take on a different meaning to you since being in lockdown? Outside of my writing, isolation in a and out. I’ll be honest, since June I’ve only pandemic resonates throughout the creative been writing sad songs! This year’s been share it in full. Within the context of spring The album’s message certainly took on industry in a variety of forms. Songwriters one of the most physically and emotionally 2020 however, it was also incredibly a whole new layer of relevance due to and artists struggle to find inspiration to isolating, and I write about my own difficult and I was very torn. The last thing COVID. I think its namesake, “Make It make music, record labels fight to promote experiences so the demos I’m working I wanted to do was take up room or make Better,” was the pinnacle of what I wanted their projects in an endless breaking on are all pretty much a reflection of that noise that felt irrelevant to what was going my music to communicate both to myself news cycle, and music venues have to solitude. I feel like I’ve been sweating out on in America at the time. We were at the and my listeners, and when everything completely change their business models the really depressing ones in order to make height of the Black Lives Matter protests started to change, there was like a “right to adapt to concerts with no crowds. I’ve room for some upbeat bangers, we’ll see if following the death of George Floyd, and place, right time” moment, thematically had conversations with friends in all facets those come naturally. I was knee-deep in new information and speaking. This year has felt very stagnant, processing a kind of communal guilt I like it’s felt impossible to grow and move of the industry who are trying to figure out Close to the release of “Make it Better” hadn’t ever faced before. They were, and forward. These feelings of solitude and how they fit into this new world and what you issued a statement about the moral are, incredibly important emotions to sit heartbreak I wrote about pre-COVID were their work means now. dilemma of promoting your work during with, yet they conflicted immensely with suddenly universal and I think that made such a tumultuous time in our country. One of these conversations I’ve had is with the joy of releasing new work. I chose not the music all the more relatable, which is What was it like finally releasing the my longtime friend and recording artist to hold off on the release because I found important to me. In that sense, I’m glad that record? Francesca Blanchard, who self-released that doing so would inherently mean I was the circumstances surrounding the release her sophomore full-length album “Make Releasing the album felt like a huge exhale. waiting for a more “appropriate” time—for It Better” last July. I first met Francesca I was definitely ready and excited to finally see TUNES page 15 12 • January 28, 2021 • The Charlotte News Town Thank you from the Food Shelf Susan Ohanian Garvey, Jeff & Irene Horbar, Clarissa Townsend, CONTRIBUTOR Evan Metropoulos, Ruah Swennerfelt & Louis Cox, Tim & Mary Volk, Edward & Birgit Deeds, From garden produce to winter coats to ceramic Bruce & Rose Bernier, Gerard Werle, Catherine bowls, 2020 was a good year. We thank Brian Hughes, Carol Slesar & Stanley Rosenthal, Houghton, Bud, Barbara, and Tessa Lawrence, Josie & Benjamin Kaestner, Bruce & Linda Carrie Spear, Nan and Oopey Mason, Louise Williamson, Tanya Kanigan, Wendy Trono, McCarren, Lori Racha Silverman, Jennie Daniel Pflaster & Tanna Kelton, Meg Berlin, MacDonough, Liz Foster, Pete Purdum, Rick Rosemary Cartularo, Bob & Christine Stiller, Tenney, Bethany Brightland, Hilary Smith, Cathy Hunter, Eva & William Fraser-Harris, Tara Mullen and Bill Lockwood, Will Murphy, Jeffrey & Jolinda Smith, Ken French, Karol the Harvey family, Jen Slater, Joan White Josselyn, Trafton & Laura Crandall, Norman W. Hansen, Tai Dinnan, Linda Hamilton, Karen Bohn, Shanley Hinge & Gary Franklin, Karen & Tuininga, Lisa Brester, Marie Andriola, Kelly David Speidel, Nancy & Jack Barnes, Stephanie Stockwell, Kristen Nelson, Kristin Wright, Seth & James Wells, Benjamin & Anne Mason, Janet Zimmerman, Suzanne Ferland, Pati Naritomi, Schwarz, Margaret & Michael Russell, Josef Ted Mo, Maris Cookson, Jessica Sanford, Vince & Cynthia Schnell, Drew Sutherland & Sarah Caloiero, Jessica Shevitz Rauch, Liza Woodruff, Bridge, Megan Cassidy & Brett Cluff, Bob & Kate Jennings and her neighbors, Katie Devoid, Aileen Chutter, Helen Toor, Richard Pillard. And Alice McEnaney, Thomas Hengelsberg, Judy thank you to all those who made anonymous Hill, Scott and Liz Lollis, Brad Palmer, Claire donations. Simon, Alexis Mittelstadt, Kathy Ridge, Nick Gifts to celebrate special people: Thanks for the Frigo & family, Jason Hackerman, Deidre ZOOM Santa; for Dr. Frank & Elaine Ittleman; in Holmes, Cecelia Wu, Jeanne Blackmore, Julia honor of a lovely neighbor, Alexandra Lehman; Parker-Dickerson, MaryEllen Hebert, Deborah in honor of Pat and Neal Rodar, in honor of Dodd Squires, Alice Trageser, Abby Foulk, Rose Pat Nestork’s birthday; in honor of the Zahn Garritano, Fat Cow Farm, Charlotte Children’s family; in honor of Roberta Wood, in honor Center, Bill Lockwood and Tara Mullen, Susan of Maj Eisinger; in honor of Remo and Donna Raber Bray, Ella Kenny, Calista Lasek, Giving Pizzagalli; in honor of a student’s 8th-grade Tree participants at Our Lady of Mount Carmel teachers: Matthew Lutz, Andrew Lounsbury, Church and the Charlotte Congregational Church. Sarah Pierson and Elizabeth Slater; in honor of For generous monetary donations we thank: Greg Cluff’s 38 years of outstanding service as a CVU Class of 2020, Richard & Margaret Keach, teacher at CVU. Janice Heilmann, Edward & Patricia Sulva, Mark In memory of Cowboy and Arline Lewis; Taylor, Tracey Beaudin, Katherine Lampton, in memory of Fr. Gerald Ragis; in memory of Kathleen Nolan, Toni & Robert Monsey, Daniel Irene Santulli; in memory of Jane H. Stevens; in Raabe & Rachel Destito, Matthew Zucker memory of Louise Simone. & Claudia Marshall, Tom & Lorna Bates, John & Christy Hagios, Catherine & Gregory Special thanks to: Charlotte-Shelburne- Manning, William & Emily Kallock, Tim & Jane Hinesburg Rotary, Village Wine & Coffee, McCullough, Nancy & David Pricer, James & Miskell’s Premium Organics, Horsford Jennifer Usher, Norm & Sandy Riggs, Susan & Gardens & Nursery, Patterson Fuels, Dairy James Hyde, Eileen Curtis, Teresa & Richard Farmers of America, Northfield Savings Bank, Pete, Judith Carpenter, Norman & Dorothy Fidelity charitable grant, La Villa Bistro, Pellett, Dean Leary & Donna Fraser-Leary, The Crossings, Spear’s Corner Store, Kiley Deb Cook, James Carpenter & Lucinda Thayer, Landscape Construction, J.A. Morrissey, Inc., Robert & Katherine Mesaros, Julia Gilbert & SCHIP, Philo Sky Farm, Back Door Bread, The Nathan Cleveland, Barry & Susan Cluff, Lee Tiller Family Foundation, Rice Lumber, Red Krohn, Maj Eisinger & John Searles, Mary Hat Matching Fund, Salem Engineering Inc., Holmes, Patricia Coyle, Saarin Schwartz, Sharon Network for Good, Friends of Charlotte Senior Richards, Elizabeth Vigil, Carl & Carlanne Center, Waitsfield Champlain Valley Telecom, Herzog, Stuart Lollis & Elizabeth Hunt, Karen Rise and Shine Milkman, Hannaford, Shelburne Doris, Laura Cahners Ford, Suzanne Lourie, Supermarket, Tenney’s Snack Bar, Vermont Teena & Richard Flood, Cynthia Marshall, Food Bank, AG Supermarkets Inc., Charlotte David Perrin, Ebeth & Tom Scatchard, Walter Organic Co-op, Charlotte Library, The Flying Gates, Lynn & Greg Cluff, Janine McDonald, Pig, WowToyz, Windham Foundation, Gordini Christopher & Susanne Davis, Frances Foster, USA, Inc., Charlotte Children’s Center families, Eleanor Capeless, Kimberly Cynewski, Kristina Aerodyme Corp. Harff , Sharon & Douglas Weaver, Peggy & Joe Volunteers are at the heart of the Food Shelf— Blanchette, Joseph & Jennifer Dickerman, Cara none of this could exist without their dedication. Gallagher, Charles & Caroline Sprigg, Virginia Here’s just a sample: Nancy Bloch completes the Foster, Laura Iglehart, Remo & Donna Pizzagalli, Food Bank order; John Lavigne, Cindy Tyler, Bill Julian Kulski & Lisa Boyle, Julie Kaplan & Uwe Doris, Kelly Stockwell and Anne Marie Andriola Mester, Raymond James, Mark & Rachel Stein, keep the shelves stocked. Current food shoppers Garrett Sadler, Robin & Robert Coleburn, Laurel include: Karen and Bill Doris, Rosemary Raszka, Lakey, William & Kristine Gerson, Peter & Wolfie Davis, Alaina Murphy, Janet Landrigan, Diane Rosenfeld, Louise McCarren, Rocki-Lee Peggy Sharpe, Marilyn Holmberg and Sharon Dewitt, Thomas Hengelsberg & Linda Samter, Richards. James Menk & Danielle Conlon Menk, Beth & Edd Merritt, Melissa Adams Family, Elizabeth Longtime distribution volunteers include Bassett & John Pane, Erin & Brian Just, Nancy Bloch, John Lavigne, Karen Doris, Cindy Terrance Dinnan & Marty Illick, Kevin Burget Tyler, Liz DesLauriers, Bill Doris, Liz Foster, & Rebecca Foster, Toni Sunderland & Richard Anne Marie Andriola, Elaine Ittleman and Junge, Liz & Jim Foster, Jeannette Thibault, Pete Purdum. Groceries are delivered weekly Jessie Reid Bradley, Meredith Moses, Linda by Kelly Stockwell and Louise McCarren. Kelsey, Charles & Elisabeth DesLauriers, Meg New distribution volunteers are Jim Hyde, Smith, Barbara Craig, E.G. Kiley, Gary & Janet Glen Findholt, Marcia Vogler and Noelle Landrigan, Nancy Wood, Katherine Reo, Barry DesLauriers. Additional helpers from the Finette & Sharon Mount, John, Lesley & Wylie Charlotte Congregational Church congregation Higgins, Tamar & Richard Howson, Hugh Lewis include: Hadley Abernathy, Claudia Marshall, Jr & Leslie Lewis, Deborah (Raven) Davis, Mark Gabel, Lewis Mudge, Nancy Farley, Chris Karen & William Bruett, Kerry Pughe, Maura Hopwood, Rachel Stein, Adel and son Peter & Justin Wygmans, Joesph Lasek & Carina Holoch. Other important behind-the-scenes Cartelli and Calista, Paula & Paul Costello, volunteers are Diane Cote who writes all of the Gertrude Gecewicz Jordan, Ronda Moore, Linda thank yous and Mary Volk who keeps our books. Hamilton, Robert & Marjorie Archer, Aileen The Charlotte Food Shelf, an all-volunteer Kraus, Alexandra Lehmann, Bethany Myrick, organization located in the Congregational Alexis & Thomas Carlson, Stuart & Karina Church vestry at 403 Church Hill Road, is open Warsaw, Heather Chambless Herrington, Donna Wednesday evenings from 4–6 p.m. for curbside Wark, Patricia Netherwood, David & Ellen-Anne pickup. Delivery is available. Call: 425-3252. Santos, Tara Mullen, Janet Morrison, Diane For more information: www.charlotteucc.org/ & Emile Cote, Susan & Hans Ohanian, Helen charlotte-food-shelf The Charlotte News • January 28, 2021 • 13 Sacred Hunter The Miracle A few years ago, I was inspect its life form. I smelled it as if I were working for an out- a child—amazed at its simple complexity. door retailer, running I raised it to my mouth and thought about programs that taught tasting it, to see if it would be salty, but people to appreciate upon inhaling its freshwater essence, chose what nature can teach not to try it. I dropped it and got back in the us through participation. boat. Bradley Carleton As a child, I had a trau- matic experience with The geese came and chose to light in anoth- a religion that almost cost me my life. I er area of the shoreline. John poled the big was an angry young man, who felt that the boat toward me, and the wary flock took off universe was a cruel joke designed to break in a clatter of wingbeats and splashes. They my spirit. I discovered that I felt at home in did not fly anywhere near me. We picked the woods and waters. Nature surrounded up all our decoys and loaded the layout me with the wonderment that we are all boat on top of the tender and headed back born with, and I discovered the feeling of to the access ramp a mile or so away. belonging. Belonging to the universe and When we got to the access, we were saying all her beauty, power and grace. our goodbyes and telling each other that As I was working for this retailer, I was although our plan to harvest geese failed, given the responsibility as keyholder to the it was still a great sunrise and much better room where the safe was kept, and I was than going to work. told that if I were to ever lose this key, I It was when I reached into my wader pants would immediately lose my job. I put it on pocket that I realized my keys were not a key ring with a detachable pinion and af- with me. I had planned on going straight “I chose to surrender and somehow knew everything would be all right. I don’t know why. It fixed a snap to the pinion whereby I would to work from the hunt, but now, my keys was a strange feeling. Like a faith I had never found.” Courtesy photo only take the safe key with me when I was to my truck, my house and my own trailer headed to work. whelmed by trying to match the volume of son grass. It was about two hundred yards were not to be found. In a moment of sud- water that was coming over the bow. away. It was a stunning helio and sage sunrise den terror, I realized that on that same key- over Maquam Bay on northern Lake Cham- chain, attached to the snap on the pinion, We turned east and the waves were now As I was walking a quiet thought popped plain, which is about one mile wide and were the keys to the safe of my employer. hitting us broadside, against the gunwhales. into my relaxed brain. “Turn ten degrees ranges in depth from 10 feet to its shallow I sat down on the floor of the boat just east.” Without thinking, I did. I walked an- We searched frantically through every shores of mere inches. I was lying on my above the waterline and looked up into the other 150 yards toward the stand of weeds decoy bag, every pocket, every corner, back in a layout boat just above the surface sky. I wondered to myself, “Is this how and stopped to gauge my distance. I looked nook, and cranny of the boat. After half an of the water, which was about two feet it ends?” I felt a strange calm come over down and saw this strange crooked, knotted hour of searching I relented. “We have to deep. I was camouflaged and nearly invis- me. I looked up at the sun peeking through old stick underwater. And next to it another go back.” ible to the Canadian geese that were using gathering clouds, shooting pillars of light razorback mussel. “How weird is that?” I onto the roiling lake. I noticed how the thought. Something shiny caught my eye this area of the bay for an early morning And so, we loaded up the boat once again loafing area. My friend John was about ¼ wake behind the stern was glistening in the just to the right of the stick. and headed south to the bay. The bay had sunlight. A gorgeous sage color; white froth mile away in a large v-hulled tender boat, to be entered by swinging in from the south My keys. I reached down and picked them watching over me as I waited for the geese blew off the top of the waves. I chose to end over a sandbar. As we motored toward surrender and somehow knew everything up. My heart filled with gratitude deeper to fly in from a feeding field about one mile our destination, the big 60 hp motor began than any I have experienced. I breathed in away. would be all right. I don’t know why. It was to sputter and stall. John, who is an airline a strange feeling. Like a faith I had never deeply to say thank you to whoever would pilot, is quite gifted at managing crises. He Soon, with all the coffee I had consumed found. listen, when I noticed the mussel slowly maintained a steady pace on just one cyl- and the gentle rocking of the boat, biology moving toward me at a mussel’s pace. I inder. And then, the wind picked up. From condemned me. I stepped out of the boat Just before the sandbar the waves threw reached down to pick it up. I looked long- the south. The waves grew and tempo. We to relieve myself and noticed a strange us violently onto the grainy bottom. John ingly at the creature and felt that maybe I were headed into the teeth of a 20-knot looking crooked, knotted old stick on the captained the boat using every crest to fur- needed to make amends for unnecessarily wind. Waves broke over the bow. The bilge sandy bottom. Next to it was a razorback ther us toward the shore of the bay. “You’ll taking the life of one of its tribe. I raised pump at the stern was whining, over- mussel. I picked it up and pried it open to have to get out and walk the rest of the the mussel to my mouth, pursed my lips, way, Bradley. I can’t go any further without and kissed it. I said “Thank you, brother,” getting us permanently stranded.” then set him gently back down on the sandy bottom beside the crooked old branch. I crawled over the side of the boat, and John asked, “Does anything look familiar Bradley Carleton is executive director of to you?” We had come into the bay in the Sacred Hunter.org, a nonprofit that seeks to dark, and as the horizon had started to grow educate the public on the spiritual connec- lighter by a beautiful purple and indigo tion of man to nature. blue, I pointed out a small stand of John- 14 • January 28, 2021 • The Charlotte News Town Library news The American Men’s Book Group: Cod: A Biography of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Library Association the Fish That Changed the World by Mark 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Midwinter Conference Kurlansky Tuesday and Thursday: featured poet Joy Wednesday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Harjo who shared The Cod. Wars have been fought over from her upcoming it, revolutions have been triggered by Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. book, Poet Warrior: it, national diets have been based on it, Please call or email to let us know what we Margaret Woodruff A Call for Love and economies and livelihoods have depended can set out for you! Not sure what to read? DIRECTOR Justice. Those two on it. To the millions it has sustained, it has We’re happy to help select books for readers terms seem particularly been a treasure more precious that gold. This of all ages! relevant for February, a month when we book spans 1,000 years and four continents. celebrate Valentine’s Day and also recognize From the Vikings to Clarence Birdseye, Library Contact Information Black History Month. Mark Kurlansky introduces the explorers, Margaret Woodruff, Director If you’re looking for a way to learn more merchants, writers, chefs and fisherman, Cheryl Sloan, Youth Services Librarian about the Black experience in our country, whose lives have been interwoven with Susanna Kahn, Tech Librarian this prolific fish. He chronicles the cod you can access the library’s collection of Phone: 802-425-3864 wars of the 16th and 20th centuries. He literature, history and narrative through the Email: [email protected] library website and also find links to films blends in recipes and lore from the Middle and digital resources through Hoopla and Ages to the present. In a story that brings Kanopy. world history and human passions into titles and some old favorites. There will captivating focus, he shows how the most These local cultural institutions also offer profitable fish in history is today faced with a wide lens on the history and currency of be plenty of time to share your ideas and suggestions, too! extinction. Copies available at the library via African-Americans: porch pickup. Seed Library Book Discussion: Seed Clemmons Family Farm: Rokeby Museum Book Discussion: www.clemmonsfamilyfarm.org Underground Friday, Jan. 29, 11 a.m.: Part 2 Discovering Black Vermont: African The Rokeby Museum: https://rokeby.org/ Join Linda Hamilton, Charlotte Seed American Farmers in Hinesburgh, 1790– 1890 by Elise Guyette (Look below for details about the Rokeby Library Co-Coordinator, for a discussion book discussion selection for February) about this essential book. Acclaimed author Tuesday, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m. Janisse Ray draws us into the issues and Register here: https://rokeby.org/visit/ Upcoming Programs the urgency of protecting food sovereignty programsevents/ Please contact the library at info@ through seeds, weaving together inspiring Copy available at the library via porch charlottepubliclibrary.org for the Zoom stories of ordinary gardeners who are doing pickup. registration links to our programs. the essential work of saving time-honored, Providing Repair, Refinishing, open-pollenated varieties for themselves Library Book Discussion: The Custom of Restoration and Transport Valentine Activities: Sign up to bring home and to share with others. An important read the Country by Edith Wharton one of these “Take & Make” kits! for everyone who gardens, and, in fact, Thursday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. Adults: indulge your craftiness with origami for everyone who eats! Copies of the book Considered by many to be her masterpiece, and cookie projects as well as some tea and available at the Charlotte Library. Edith Wharton’s epic work is a scathing yet George & Pam Darling sweets. personal examination of the exploits and P.O. Box 32 Mystery Book Group: One of Us is Lying follies of the modern upper class. As she Kids: make up a heart-shaped seed bomb Monday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. unfolds the story of Undine Spragg, from Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT to give to your favorite gardener for The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little New York to Europe, Wharton affords us Valentine’s Day. Reward yourself a cup Liars, One of Us Is Lying is the story of a detailed glimpse of what might be called of hot chocolate using the library’s cocoa what happens when five strangers walk the interior décor of this America and its recipe set. into detention and only four walk out alive. nouveau riche fringes. Through a heroine [email protected] Coding Club Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has who is as vain, spoiled and selfish as she something to hide. Pay close attention and is irresistibly fascinating, and through Wednesdays, 3 p.m. you might solve this. Get coding with Susanna and coding mentor a most intricate and satisfying plot that Only, Simon never makes it out of that follows Undine’s marriages and affairs, she Charlie! All levels are welcome to learn classroom. Before the end of detention, Scratch or hone their Scratch skills. Ready conveys a vision of social behavior that is Simon’s dead. And according to both supremely informed and supremely to take your coding know-how to the next investigators, his death wasn’t an accident. level? We will have a breakout room with disenchanted. Copies available at the library On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he’d via porch pickup. Charlie to work on different platforms. 4th planned to post juicy reveals about all four grade and up. of his high-profile classmates, which makes For the latest information about programs, Book Chat all four of them suspects in his murder. Or books and activity kits, sign up for our are they the perfect patsies for a killer who’s monthly newsletter: “Charlotte Library Fridays, 10 a.m. still on the loose? Everyone has secrets, Newsletter”. Join Margaret for a virtual stroll through the right? What really matters is how far you library collections. Focusing on a different The library building is closed to the public, would go to protect them. Copies available topic or theme each week, she’ll share new but books and other materials are available at the library via porch pickup. for porch pickup. Porch pickup hours: The Charlotte News • January 28, 2021 • 15 Town Charlotte Senior Center news with Karen Chatfield of different kinds of chocolate just in time Wednesday mornings, 11-12. Dates: 1/27, for Valentine’s Day. For all of you chocolate For more expanded descriptions, as 2/10 & 2/24. lovers, this is one not to miss! well as additional courses and talks, Registration required by prior Monday. please visit CharlotteSeniorCenterVT. Join your peers to explore coping strategies ~ Arnd Sievers is a European Certified Master org. The mission of the Senior Center is and share methods you have used to deal Chef who serves as the Culinary Services to serve those 50 and up; some course with life during the pandemic. This group is Director at The Residences at Shelburne enrollments are limited, and if a course Carolyn Kulik designed to provide connections and support Bay and Quarry Hill. He is from Hamelin, is not full, younger participants are SENIOR CENTER Germany, and has worked throughout the DIRECTOR as we navigate “the new normal” together. welcome to enroll. Feel free to leave a Please note that this group is not intended U.S. and internationally in fine hotels and message anytime at 425-6345; voicemail restaurants. “The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, to be a substitute for therapy or professional is checked frequently. Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit mental health treatment. Registration is 2/10: Looking at The Night Sky with Jack Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, required, but one need not attend every St. Louis Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.” meeting. People have always looked up at the lights in the night sky and wondered, “What are those ~ Omar Khayyám 1/27: Mindfulness Meditation Practice lights?” The ancients connected star patterns How to Register for a Course ______with Jill Abilock into outlines of people, creatures and objects All courses are online—and all require Have you been sitting at home much? There’s Wednesday afternoons, 2:30-3:45. Ongoing. registration in order to receive the invitation/ You can’t always change what you familiar to us that are still in use today. And, no time like the present to sign up for an chances are you’ve seen the five visible link. online exercise course or two. You are always experience in life, but you can change how planets without even realizing it. Eventually, To register, send your name, mailing address welcome to try out one class—if you decide you experience it. Mindfulness Meditation with the use of telescopes, science revealed the and phone number to: CSCZoom@gmavt. you do not want to continue with it, the fee is provides tools that help change how you secrets of the objects on the celestial sphere. net. Be sure to note the title of the course waived. Although online exercise classes may experience things, increasing fulfillment and Anyone can become an amateur astronomer, in the subject line of the email. You will seem like a contradiction, they have actually happiness and reducing stress. Registration learn the secrets, track the planets as they receive confirmation that you are registered. worked out very well, and we have lots of necessary. move, and photograph constellations, meteors Please send a separate email and registration happy participants and great instructors. 1/27: Snowshoe Expeditions and comets. ~ Jack is current president of The information for each course. Ongoing exercise courses with Susan Hyde Vermont Astronomical Society. He has made Payment: If there is a fee, kindly pay by These are all ongoing—which means you can Wednesday mornings. Dates: 2/10 & 2/24. mirrors, built his own Newtonian telescopes, check (made out to CSC) and send to: P.O. start them any week of the season. Meanwhile, For more information, please email Susan and taught astronomy courses at Burlington Box 207, Charlotte, VT 05445. Be sure to note here is a brief list for every day of the week: directly at: [email protected]. College and UVM. the title of the course in the memo line. Chair Yoga: Mon. & Wed., 9:30–10:30 a.m. ______2/17: Nepal: Through the Eyes of An • For ongoing exercise courses, please pay at Gentle Yoga: Mon., 11 a.m. to Noon Talks on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. American with Sandi Detwiler the end of each month for the classes attended. Pilates Plus - Tues., 9–10 a.m. These free, interactive events are online via 2/24: Here’s Looking at You...Louise Unless otherwise stated, tally your attendance T’ai Chi Ch’uan For Beginners: Tues. & Zoom. Nevelson! with Linda Finkelstein and figure $5/class. Thurs. 10:30-11:30 a.m. If fees present a hardship, don’t hesitate to Essentrics: Wed., 8:30–9:30 a.m. & Fri., Please note that they do not require ______request an adjustment by sending an email to 9:30–10:30 a.m. registration. The Zoom invitation/link to the Art Exhibits [email protected]. We want everyone Pilates: Thurs., 8:30–9:30 a.m. talks are posted on the website the day before: The Senior Center’s monthly art exhibits are to be able to keep themselves healthy and For course descriptions, please visit: CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org. The link also suspended until further notice. engaged, especially during this challenging CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org. For registration appears in Front Porch Forum for that week. time. and payment information please go to the end 2/03: Chocolate: Techniques & Recipes for Keep being careful. We are all in this together. of this article. Simply Spectacular Desserts The end is in sight. Questions? Need help with Zooming? Please email: [email protected], or leave a Next week with Chef Arnd message at (802) 425-6345. These courses have no fees and do not require Join us for an interactive, live chef demo from The Residence at Shelburne Bay Bistro. This ______a commitment to attend every week. See the “So comes snow after fire, and even dragons will include tips, techniques and easy-to- directions at the bottom of this article for how have their endings.” Charlotte Senior Center follow instructions on how to create special to register. ~ J.R.R. Tolkien, 802-425-6345 desserts using chocolate as the key ingredient. The Hobbit, or There and Back Again CharlotteSeniorCenterVT.org 1/27: Coping with COVID Chef Arnd will explore the beauty and texture

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- 16 • January 28, 2021 • The Charlotte News Outdoors Surviving winter (without a wood stove) Elizabeth Bassett Virginia opossum or “possum,” has moved beneath logs and leaf litter, or lay eggs that CONTRIBUTOR north into Vermont with climate change. will hatch in the spring whether or not the Poorly adapted to our winters with a thin parent survives. If the world seems quiet beneath its blanket coat and hairless ears and tail, the possum Snowy owls, the adults mostly white, hunt of white, think again. Hidden in plain sight, gets frost-bitten frequently, which ages them by day and often perch on posts or fences or under the snow and ice, there’s plenty of prematurely. They generally do not live to be beside an open field. Quick and nimble, they winter activity. Here’s a window into some two years old in Vermont, whereas they can pounce on small mammals and can catch critters’ cold-weather strategies. live much longer in warmer regions. Given birds in flight. Snowy owls breed in the their poor adaptations for winter and high With little temperature flexibility, warm- tundra and some years, if their traditional mortality rate, how do any possums survive food sources are in short supply farther blooded mammals find warmth where they here? They put on a layer of fat, providing can—in caves, stone walls or your compost north, they winter in Vermont. Recently a a little extra insulation, and remain in their snowy owl has been spotted wintering in heap. Dormant animals alternately sleep and dens on exceptionally cold days. wake, venturing out on warm days in search Shelburne. of food but otherwise slumbering.Vermont’s In warmer climes possums can have two January is courtship time for some of dormant population includes black bears, to three litters each year, but in Vermont Snowy owl in Shelburne. Photo by Lee Krohn our non-migratory owls, including Great raccoons, skunks and chipmunks. they generally have just one. A mere 13 Horned. You may hear them during our days from breeding, the honeybee-sized long nights, their haunting hoo-hoo-hoos Many mammals do what humans do— up to 95% of the ticks in their path and young crawl unaided to the mother’s pouch echoing back and forth. Among the earliest accumulate an extra layer of fat. Fur coats can eat more than 5,000 each season. I’m where they will nurse for the next 50 to 70 nesters in Vermont, Great Horned Owls use thicken. Deer grow hollow hairs to retain wondering how to make our yard more days. At about three months, they are fully abandoned nests of eagles, hawks, osprey or additional body heat. Snowshoe hares and weaned. The Vermont Center for Ecostudies attractive to them. weasels turn white for camouflage against squirrels and cavities or caves that are 30 to January Field Guide says that the defense What becomes of pond dwellers? Unable 70 feet above the ground. Females lay one the snow, the hares growing extra fur on mechanism of “playing possum,” or playing their feet that serves as snowshoes. to regulate their body temperatures, cold- to four eggs that hatch after 30 to 37 days. In dead, is a last resort if hissing and fluffing blooded animals slow their activities as their February, listen for the courtship of Barred True hibernators lower their body out its coat does not frighten predators. metabolism shuts down. They generally Owls, of which there are many in Charlotte: temperature and heartrate. In Vermont, the The possum becomes limp and motionless, survive if they are not encased in solid ice. “who-cooks-for-you.” jumping mouse, woodchucks, bats, the lying on its side with mouth open and Beneath the icy surface in water that never Meanwhile, humans keep warm by turning familiar red eft, and some turtles, frogs and tongue hanging out. Heartbeat and breathing freezes, these creatures are insulated from up the heat or exercising to get blood snakes hibernate. Some species of frog have slow to almost undetectable; it sometimes temperatures that may plunge well below flowing in the outdoors. Whatever your enough glycerol in their blood to survive releases a putrid-smelling green fluid from zero. Some turtles sink to the muddy bottom strategy, take heart. Spring will come one thawing and freezing through several cycles glands on its rear. of ponds and rivers where they will remain day. each winter. Take note and leave possums alone to eat until spring. Amphibians, such as frogs and The only marsupial in North America, the the ticks in your yard! Possums consume toads, may sleep through winter on land,

TUNES suddenly became about the reception of You are not what you feel; it’s just You can listen to select singles from continued from page 10 the output, rather than the process itself. something you’re going through. the album, along with Francesca’s This album to me will always be about that Francesca Blanchard’s album “Make It recommended music at the Tunes to Tune were such that the songs became all the rediscovery of the process, about giving Better” is available across digital platforms Into playlist on The Charlotte News website more impactful (not that I’m glad about the myself permission to work my way. When worldwide. https://francescablanchard. at charlottenewsvt.org/category/voices/ circumstances, let’s make that clear!). I released “Free” (the album’s first single) bandcamp.com/album/make-it-better-album. music. in 2017, I had no idea how it would be Reviews of “Make It Better” seemed received. It was such a musical shift. I overwhelmingly positive—one of my almost considered finding a different band favorite comments was from a group name so it would “fit” more. I didn’t know discussion at Seven Days, where they I’d be returning to music at the time. I think described the record as sounding “like it’s that’s why I placed it as the album’s opening driven by a woman in her twenties rather track, it felt like the catalyst for change. In than the older adults around her.” a broader sense, to make and release this I was very moved by this review, and that album was to give myself permission to say line in particular. This album definitely what I want to say however I want to say it, marks a departure in my songwriting, but and that is precisely an artist’s job. There more importantly in my own relationship are no rules. I didn’t know that before this to music. Since pursuing music more album. professionally, I started getting a bit lost Give me a life tip. in what was expected of me. The focus Classifieds

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