The Charlotte News | Dec. 4, 2014

The Charlotte NewsVolume lVII Number 09 The VoIce of The TowN Thursday, december 4, 2014

CCS Board continued on page 10

The holiday season is a time to give back, and at the Charlotte Food Shelf it’s the busiest time of year. A look at an organization whose work is meeting an increasing need locally.

Brett SigurdsonThe charloTTe News

Behind a nondescript door in the basement of the Charlotte Congregational Church, Karen Doris, Bill Doris and Nancy Bloch are moving 1,600 pounds of food such as canned green beans, beef stew, fruit cups and macaroni and cheese from packaged boxes to stacked shelves. It’s a lot of heavy lifting, but there’s a sense of mission in their movement.

That’s because everything behind the door is there to help Charlotters whose shelves and fridges aren’t as full. Despite its discreet location, Charlotte

Food Shelf and Assistance has had a prominent place in the lives of many Charlotters and is integral to opening doors during difficult times.

This Monday delivery is a regular occurrence, though it’s not always this large, explained Doris, who is the Food Shelf coordinator. Often, it receives about 1,200 pounds of food every few weeks to supply those in need from Charlotte and North Ferrisburgh with food and health supplies during four monthly drop-in days.

But it’s the holiday season, and at the Food Shelf that means Doris and Bloch (who organizes purchases at the Vermont Food Bank in Barre) and dozens of other volunteers are working hard to give back to those in need.

“It’s just this time is really important for those people who really need help,” said Doris. “It’s a

In CVFRS Budget, It’s

Cost Versus Service

In light of 6.9-percent increase in budget propos-al to maintain service levels, Selectboard asks Fire & Rescue to develop new budget

John HammerThe charloTTe News

The Charlotte Selectboard has continued to chip away at initial budgetary reviews during its last two evening meetings held on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1. The board has also supplemented their evening meetings with almost weekly sessions to discuss the on-going development of a wage classification plan and policy.

The budget reviews currently being made will be consid-ered by the Selectboard, which will come up with a prelimi-nary budget to be reviewed in public in early January.

Of greatest interest was the Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Services (CVFRS) budget presented by corporate board chair John Snow on Dec. 1. The presented budget called for a 6.9-percent increase over FY 2014-15. Before Snow even began his presentation, Selectboard Chair Lane Morrison challenged him to return in early January with a level-funded budget listing the consequences of the cuts. Morrison reported Selectboard members had visited a number of other towns. By comparison, Charlotte fire and rescue services are “costing too much.” He went on to say that it was, “Time to do something different.”

Snow, in response, countered that the level of service was the voters’ decision and that they should decide what level of service they desired. In the energetic discussions that fol-lowed, Snow and other CVFRS members reported that the demographics of Charlotte made it difficult to recruit volun-teers and the volume of calls is not great, thus making the cost per incident higher than in other towns. Snow stated that it was the responsibility of the Selectboard to “bring to the town the opportunity to provide what level of service they want.”

The final decision was for CVFRS to develop a level budget with a statement of consequences.

The CVFRS capital reserve fund projections were presented showing an increase of $55,000. The discussion recognized the need to plan ahead, but there were suggestions that the method of funding might better be done through bonding. No decisions were made.

In other budgetary reviews, Tree Warden Larry Hamilton requested an additional $100 to increase his budget to $1,000. The increase is primarily to cover additional costs in control-

Opening Doors for Those in Need

Emma SlaterThe charloTTe News

What could Harry Houdini, Duke Ellington and Jim Douglas have in common? These very different men—an Austro-Hungarian escape artist, a jazz icon and Vermont’s former governor—are connected by their membership in an ancient brotherhood, the Freemasons. This organization has brought together many influential and widely diverse men, all with a common interest in self-improvement, democracy, freedom of speech and philanthropy. However, it is also a secret society with private rituals that have drawn the interest and criticism of many, even in Charlotte.

There are several different accounts of the origin story of the Freemasons, just as their ritual practices tend to vary depending on the lodge. Vermont has a total of 83 Masonic lodges with almost 6,000 mem-bers, not including those of Masonic groups for women and youth. Lodge 24, the Friendship Lodge located in Charlotte, is one of the units that belong to the Masonic brotherhood, under the jurisdiction of the state’s Grand Master, M.W. Roger Crouse. Built in 1801 and char-tered in 1802, the lodge’s membership has included many influential Charlotters.

According to Seth Zimmerman, a 32nd degree member of the Friendship Lodge, Masonry can be traced back to the Jewish craftsmen who built Solomon’s temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was held. However, Grand Master Crouse explained that the most widely accepted history states that Masonry started with the guilds of craftsmen who constructed cathedrals in England, Ireland and France. Both Zimmerman and Crouse referred to these original craftsmen as “operative masons” because they actually used the tools of the trade that are now used symbolically by the present day “specu-lative masons.”

Either way, Mason ideology is large-ly informed by the principles of build-ing and the coexistence of spirituality with technical knowledge. Zimmerman explained that common terms such as “morally straight,” “straight for-ward” and “stay on the level” are examples of Masonic descriptions of the connection between concepts of physics and morality. In fact, Masons refer to a higher power as the “Architect of the Universe.”

While these metaphysical topics exist at the core of Mason ideology, larger concepts are expressed in a basic desire to live with integrity. “It’s about truth, whether it’s the nature of the universe or how to be nicer to your neighbor,” said Zimmerman.

Selectboard

continued on page 5

Nancy Bloch (left) and Karen Doris at the Charlotte Food Shelf in the basement of the Congregational Church.

More to Freemasons Than Secrets

A photo of Charlotte Masons from 1902. The organization was chartered in 1802.

Masons continued on page 18

2 • December 4, 2014 • The Charlotte News

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The CharloTTe News is a nonprofit community-based newspaper dedicated to informing townspeople of current

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On the coverTHE FIRST SNOW OF THE WINTER ADORNS THE BOUGHS OF AN EVER-GREEN ON THE CORNER OF LAKE AND THOMPSON’S POINT ROADS. PHOTO BY LINDA WILLIAMSON.

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LettersIn Appreciation of the Library’s New Look

Charlotte truly runs on volunteers. Another great example of this was the work party at the library on Saturday morning (Brrrrr!), November 22. The flow-ering crab trees that had been planted to enhance the lovely structure were actually now screening both the building and the sign with branches hanging low over the walk and making lawn mowing difficult. Some minor pruning had been done a few times over the years, but more drastic action was needed.

The task was to remove three of the trees and heavily prune all the others, front and back, and then to clear away the cut material.

What a fine crew assembled on that cold, windy day. They worked so hard and effectively that weather was

conquered! Chainsaws were buzzing, pruning saws and loppers were in full force, and a tractor with chain dragged the material away. A small pile of firewood was made and donated to a person needing fuel.

I am truly grateful, as the community should be, to Cheryl and Mia Sloan (wielding effective chain saws); Ben Mason with handy, dandy chainsaw, tractor and utility vehicle; Nan Mason (wood and brush carrier par excellence); chain saw impresario Charlie Woodruff; Vince Crockenberg (the maestro of the hand saw and loppers) and Deputy Tree Warden Mark Dillenbeck (who had the foresight to bring his pole pruner). The library has a “new look.” Thanks, folks.

Larry Hamilton

Charlotte Tree Warden

Did you know that although The Charlotte News is delivered FREE OF CHARGE to 1750 households in Charlotte, it costs over $100,000 to produce annually?

Did you know that The Charlotte News depends on the support of advertising dollars and the generous contributions from townsfolk in order to offset the expense?

Did you know that only 14% of households have contributed to this year’s annual appeal?

Did you know that if the additional 86% of households made a

contribution of $20, we would meet our annual fundraising goal of $30,000?

Please consider making a tax-‐deductible donation to The Charlotte News so that we can continue to produce the high quality, local journalism that you have come to expect from us over the past 56 years. You can also donate online at http://www.thecharlottenews.org/donate.html. Thank you.

Are You Part of the 86%?

The Charlotte News • December 4, 2014 • 3

CorrectionIn our article on the Nov. 17 Selectboard meeting, we mistakenly noted

County Crossing Drive begins at Stage Road in North Ferrisburgh and extends west of Route 7. County Crossing Drive actually starts at Mt. Philo Road in North Ferrisburgh and extends east into Charlotte east of Route 7.

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CCS Board Preps Budget, Talks School Repairs, Principal StructureBrett Sigurdson

The CharloTTe News

The CCS School Board at its meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18, discussed two issues that could have significance for this year’s school budget talks.

The first is the ongoing issue of the school’s structural problems, which has the board, perhaps as early as Town Meeting Day, proposing a bond to fund necessary repairs.

At the board’s October meeting, Co-Principal Greg Marino presented a seven-year capital plan and lists of urgent concerns that the school building pres-ents, at a cost of $359,000. Three of the five lists concern the roof, which needs an estimated $197,000 to repair. Lighting in the 1969 wing is estimated to cost $62,000. The final project, replacement of the elevator, is expected to cost $100,000, though that number could change. Marino is meeting with an elevator vendor in the coming weeks.

At November’s meeting, Marino shared some good news regarding the necessary expenditures: the school does not need to replace the elevator shaft, estimated to cost upwards of $300,000.

Mark McDermott, CCS’s representa-tive to the facilities committee, said it’s likely the school board would put off its biggest expenditure, repairs to the 1939 wing that houses the library and the kitch-en due to the estimated $2.1 million cost to fix its issues.

“The things we’ve listed, they have to be done this year,” said McDermott. “The 1939 wing will not be a part of anything we discuss this year.”

Two items in the seven-year capital plan will likely be a part of this year’s budget: security cameras for the exte-rior of the school, at an estimated cost of $10,000, and a school-to-bus communica-

tion system, which is estimated at $9,000. According to Marino, the school’s cur-

rent exterior security system is limited to a camera near the main entrance.

Additional cameras would help the school more meticulously watch the school grounds. Currently, there are issues with people climbing on the school roof and goofing around, noted Marino.

The school-to-bus communication sys-tem would allow the school to communi-cate with bus drivers directly; currently, they have to contact the transport provid-er, BetCha, which then contacts the driver.

Another issue with implications for this year’s budget is the school’s administra-tive structure. Currently, CCS has two co-principals. Marino heads grades K-5 and Audrey Boutaugh grades six through eight. At the meeting, CCS Board Chair Kristin Wright noted that some in the community have expressed concern over this administrative structure given the school’s declining enrollment—there are 20 fewer students this year compared to last year, for a total of 209—and a desire to cut costs. Currently, Marino and Boutaugh, are both paid over $100,000, according to last year’s town report.

Yet Chittenden South Supervisory Union superintendent Elaine Pinkney explained that, given the size of the stu-dent body and the number of grades served, CCS needs two administrators.

“The size in itself would warrant two people,” she said. “And the fact that it is pre-K through 8, even if it was smaller, would warrant two people.”

Based on her research of schools state-wide, Pinckney noted that the cut-off point for choosing one administrator instead of two is about 250 students. But that’s not the only metric to judge the school by.

Said Pinkney, “I just look at the work that they do, the complexity of that work, the expectations we have for instructional leadership—we want them working with

teachers around data-driven instruction, support in math—they support that. We want those instructional leaders. I don’t think you can expect one person to do that.”

However, Pinkney did note that CCS wasn’t beholden to a co-principal arrange-ment. It could use one principal and one administrator, for example. She told the board she would be meeting with Marino and Boutaugh and teachers in the next week, prior to the budget discus-sions. Wright expects recommendations in advance of the budget season.

One bright spot so far in the budget talks: the board forecasts a first-quarter general fund balance of $180,636. This is because special education revenue and expenses are both down due to changes in projected service plans, health care expenses are favorable by over $50,000, and a paraeducator position, at the time of the report, had not been filled. However, that paraeducator has now been hired; the effect of this on the surplus was not known as of the meeting.

Who will evaluate candidates?

The school board again broached the topic of putting school board members on teacher hiring committees. The crux of the issue, as expressed by school board mem-bers Clyde Baldwin and Susan Nostrand, is that the school board should be more than a rubber stamp hiring teachers based solely on the recommendation of the superintendent and hiring committees.

“You’re signing contracts basically on ignorance because you have no knowl-edge beyond the name the superintendent puts on the table,” said Baldwin. “You’re not really executing your responsibility. You’re really saying to [taxpayers] you don’t really have any meaningful repre-sentation in this process.”

Yet according to Wright and other board members, this was akin to micro-

managing the administrators they hire for such tasks. “Our administration, it is their responsibility to run the school,” said McDermott. “Part of that responsibility is to hire good teachers. And if they don’t hire good teachers then we fire them and hire new administrators.”

The issue is a sensitive one, as illus-trated by a moment of tension in which Baldwin snapped at McDermott for inter-rupting his rejoinder to the conversation and then at Wright for not controlling the meeting.

Ultimately Wright vowed to make the issue an action item at an upcoming meet-ing.

Other business

• “It is unprecedented in our school how much technology integration there is.”

So said technology educator Ed Bianchi as he gave the board an update on the school’s implementation of computers and digital technology into its curriculum. Technology has filtered into a great many facets of the school, especially because of improved speed and access to the Internet. Teachers are using learning integration apps to make student workflow more effi-cient, and technology has smoothed the processes of test taking, progress reports and personal learning plans.

Bianchi also noted the school this year used its first digital textbook ever. A typical set of textbooks can cost up to $6,000 and is often used long-term while a web subscription can cost $1,000 and be reviewed and changed each year.

• Colleen Brady was honored with the 2014 University of Vermont Outstanding Teacher Award at a ceremony on Oct. 22.

• CCS held its first budget forum on Tuesday after The News’ print deadline. Look for coverage of the meeting online. The board’s next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 6 p.m at CCS.

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Fashion Conscious Charlotter Peggy Eastman looks back at 30 years of doing her dream job

Brett Sigurdson

The CharloTTe News

Peggy Eastman can’t help herself. As she walks

among the clothes of her expansive SportStyle

store in South Burlington, she adjusts the lapel of a

sport coat on display, stretches a blouse so it hangs

better on a rack, rotates a necklace to hang evenly

on a blouse. Sometimes she just stops to admire a

new dress, or shirt, or jacket, feeling the material

through her fingers.

This kind of care for fashion and clothes goes

beyond simply caring for product. For Eastman,

a Charlotter, it’s emblematic of an eye for fashion

and clothing and the possibilities of design and

color that goes back to childhood.

Dressed in the stylish, comfortable clothes she

sells, Eastman recently reflected on how she came

to own SportStyle. Eastman grew up in central New

York. Her father was an office furniture salesman

(she can still sing the slogan of her father’s com-

pany: “AllSteel Equipment of Aurora, Illinois”).

He was personable, could sell anything, Eastman

remembers. That gene was passed on to her.

The young Eastman began designing and sewing

clothes for her dolls. “We didn’t have Barbie,” she

said. “I had to make them myself.” As she grew

up, she became obsessed with buying clothes, so

much so she had to be put on an allowance by her

parents—but this gave her knowledge to manage

money, too, she said.

That interest in fashion took her to Syracuse

University, where she studied fashion merchandis-

ing and marketing. She worked at numerous cloth-

ing stores, mostly high end—she recalls working at

a specialty women’s store on Cape Cod frequented

by the Kennedys.

After graduating in 1970, she and her husband,

Dick, came to Vermont to ski. They connected with

the state and decided to put down roots. Eastman

began working in Burlington as manager of J.C.

Penney’s women’s department. It was a position

that not only taught her how to run a clothing busi-

ness, it also allowed her to travel to buy clothes and

attend conferences to meet others in the fashion

industry.

In 1983. she and a friend decided to open a fash-

ion business, SportStyle, at the Jelly Mill Common

in Shelburne. “We thought it would be fun,” said

Eastman.

The store did well right away and confirmed she

could succeed at the kind of business she always

wanted to run.

“I used to sit on the couch in the store and look

round and pinch myself and think this is mine,”

she said.

Eastman did so well, in fact, that five years after

opening the store she completed a 9,000-square-

foot building at Lakewood Commons. Despite a

few setbacks from there—a men’s department on

the second floor didn’t flourish, for example—the

store has seen expansion in its bottom line even

where other businesses have not.

Part of the reason is Eastman’s approach to fash-

ion: “Clothing has to look good on the person, not

the model,” she said. “Fashion is individual. It has

to fit the person.”

In order to make her customers feel like indi-

viduals, she only purchases a few of each piece of

clothing, lending outfits a kind of exclusivity. This

also makes shopping an experience to get excited

about, she said—something she wants her custom-

ers to feel in her store.

Certainly this has been the case for many,

for she counts a core group of customers from

Charlotte, Shelburne, Middlebury, Stowe and even

Plattsburgh.

Eastman’s employees have been with her just as

long. Her manager has worked for her for 24 years.

Her assistant manager has been there 10 years, and

one salesperson, 20 years. She employs a total of

seven people.

How long will her passion for fashion keep her

in charge of SportStyle?

Eastman isn’t ready to talk retirement yet—she

likes her customers too much. In fact, looking back

at the last 30 years, Eastman still feels like the

younger self on the couch, looking around at the

store that is the product of a life-long dream.

“This is ideal,” she said. “I’ve been very fortu-

nate to have this.”

Peggy Eastman among her wares at SportStyle in South Burlington

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Nov. 3. Robert A. and Marjorie Gibson Revocable Trust to Mark Benware, 2.12 acres with dwelling at 390 Sheehan Green, $517,500.

Nov. 7. John Henry Siedlecki and Carla Contreras to the State of Vermont, .32 acre easement at 208 Colonel Williams Way, $1200.

Nov. 13. Thomas and Gwendolyn Zweber to Hundred Acre Wood LLC, 38.5 acres at 650 Spear Street, $395,000.

Nov. 13. Sebastien Spicer and Nancy Forrest to Gary and Susan Mick, 5.53 acres with dwelling at 793 Orchard Rd., $1,050,739.

Nov. 19. Clark Hinsdale III, trust-ee, to Peter B. Fisher, 1 acre at 2001 Hinesburg Rd., $18,000.

Nov. 20. Sheldon Miller to Adrian and Alison Wolverton, 2.19 acres with dwelling at 3082 Greenbush Rd., $513,500.

Nov. 21. Vermont Land Trust, Steven Colangeli and Corinne Hayes-Colangeli to Vermont Agency of Transportation, .51 acre easement at 65 Big Oak Lane, $1600.

Nov. 24. Robert Andrew Broderick and Amy S. Fitzgerald to Ross S. and Anne D. Montgomery, 10.1 acres with dwelling at 4409 Lake Road, $526,276.

Property Transfers

Taking a break from preparing gifts for all the good girls and boys, Santa Claus has scheduled a quick trip to Charlotte’s Fire & Rescue station on Sunday, Dec. 14. He’ll leave his sleigh behind and will instead arrive via fire truck at 1 p.m. (though rumor has it his reindeer may show up, too). He’ll be on hand until 3 p.m. The community is invited to join him and the members of the fire department and the rescue squad for refreshments, tours and fun.

Santa to Stop at CVFRS Dec. 8

ling an infestation of Japanese knotweed on Thompson’s Point. He reported that the 435 Rutter Fund trees are doing well and that they are now at a size where they require some maintenance by contract workers. He reported that he still has the help of many interested volunteers.

Cemetery Commissioner Stephen Brooks presented a level budget with prin-cipal attention being paid to restoration of tombstones followed by landscape main-tenance. He reckoned that his $9,000 town budget is matched by an equal amount of financial and in-kind support. His presen-tation included an informative slide show showing some of the challenges faced in this program.

The listers came in with an increased budget, much of it because of next year’s town-wide appraisal. Every year one quarter of the town is appraised, and every fifth the entire town is compared in a comprehensive appraisal. This will result in an increase in contract support work, the listers’ workload and grievance appeal actions.

The budget review for the Energy Committee came in with a reduced amount of $4,915. This will cover a programmed energy audit of the Senior Center, a “community energy outreach event” and weatherization kits for limited income Charlotters to be distributed by the Food Shelf. They also intend to assess the use of LED bulbs for outside lighting.

Finally, in the big-ticket category, Jr Lewis presented a level-funded road bud-get of $901,250. The only problem that he is experiencing this year has been the

loss of street signage. Lewis was unable to state his predictions for repaving next year. He reported that, “In general, our blacktop roads are in pretty good shape.” He has some carryover from this year’s paving grant and may be able to apply it before the end of the fiscal year.

The UVM Cycling Club received approval to run a peloton-style road race on Saturday, April 11. The race will be run on a circuit starting at the intersection of Mt. Philo and Hinesburg Roads, proceed-ing east to Spear Street, then south to Mt. Philo Road and then returning north to the start. A peloton involves packs of 30-50 riders in a group. Groups will be stag-gered in waves to allow for a minimum of traffic disturbance and run at intervals throughout most of the day. University cycling clubs and teams from around the region will compete in this, the second of such races in Charlotte.

In other more limited actions the Selectboard approved two highway access permits for road cuts on Lake Road for Kristopher and Sarah Larson east of the ball field and for Thomas and Kristine Larson south of Holmes Road. The Selectboard also discussed a potential change in the format of the Town Report to utilize digital media to cut costs. No action was taken because savings were minimal and the public preferred hard-copy format.

Finally, Sharon Balaban, former assis-tant town clerk, was reimbursed $52.41 for meals associated with her travel back to Charlotte to cover the town clerk’s posi-tion in Mary Mead’s vacation absence. This payment prompted Town Clerk Mary Mead to request the Selectboard provide her with the Town’s policy governing reimbursement.

The next scheduled Selectboard meet-ings will be held on December 8 and 15.

Selectboard continued from page 1


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Ferrisburgh Historical Society to Host

Shelburne Museum Tour

Join the Ferrisburgh Historical Society for a tour of the Shelburne Museum exhibit, “Homefront & Battlefield: Quilts and Context in the Civil War,” on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. The exhibit is a partnership with the American Textile History Museum contributing to the nationwide conversation on the sesquicenten-nial commemoration of the American Civil War (1861–65). Attendees will meet at the historical society’s headquarters on Route 7 and carpool to the museum. All are welcome. Please call Silas at 425-3380 if you plan to attend.

On behalf of the United States Marine Corps League and the Donald Cook Detachment (608), CVU is proud to serve as a “Red Barrel” drop-off location for the Toys for Kids annual toy drive. The next date for collection is Friday, Dec. 19.

As described on its website, “Toys for Kids of Vermont is a volunteer program sponsored by the Vermont Marine Corps League, which collects new, unwrapped toys during the Christmas season and oversees their distribution to needy chil-dren in Vermont. All money collected stays in Vermont and is used to purchase age appropriate toys to supplement dona-tions, and for older children.”

In its sixth year of serving as a des-ignated drop-off location for new and unwrapped toys for ages birth to 18,

Sophomore Class Council Advisor Michelle Fongemie noted that “the gen-erosity of this community continues to amaze me. Each year I have coordinated this drive with the help of my class coun-cil students, we seem to collect more toys and monetary donations than the last. It is heartening to know that the spirit of giving and compassion is alive and well, not only in the halls of CVU but in the sending towns of Hinesburg, St. George, Charlotte, Williston and Hinesburg as well.”

Regardless of religious affiliation, the primary goal of the Toys for Kids program is “to see that no child in Vermont wakes up on Christmas morning and asks, ‘Why can’t Santa come to my house?’”

CVU students, staff, faculty and fami-

lies in sending school towns are invited to continue this tradition of giving to those in need. Also this year the Class Council of 2017 would like to extend an invitation to local businesses to consider donating an item that might be of interest to a teenager. Monetary donations are also accepted, and these will be used to buy gift cards for the teenage population, which is typically underserved when it comes to age-appro-priate toys. Checks can be made payable to Toys for Kids Vermont.

Businesses, organizations or individu-als interested in making any type of dona-tion should contact Michelle Fongemie at 482-7133 or mfongemie@ cvuhs.org.

Anyone wishing to mail a donation should address correspondence to Attn: Michelle Fongemie-Toys for Kids, Champlain Valley Union High School, 369 CVU Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461.

CVU Holds Annual Toys for Kids Drive

Donations from last year’s Toys for Kids drive. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at CVU until Dec. 19.

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Larry HamiltonContributor

I just learned of a major undertaking to plant a tree for every casualty in the Civil War, 620,000 in all. The trees will grace a cor-ridor along roads leading from Thomas Jefferson’s home in Charlottesville, Va., all the way to the Gettysburg battlefield in Pennsylvania. This stretches 180 miles through three states. It will be the world’s longest roadside tree pathway.

Recently, word came of a promise of action from the World Parks Congress held last week in Sydney, Australia. Over 6,000 conservation scientists, managers, policy makers and supporters were in attendance and committed to planting 1.3 billion trees along the historic and famous Silk Road. Now there is roadside tree planting on a grand scale!

This certainly dwarfs Charlotte’s roadside tree restoration project, though ours is the largest in Vermont. I think our community can be proud of the planting accomplishment of 435 trees over a six-year period.

These trees now require some monitoring and maintenance. It is for these reasons that the tree warden requested last year for the first time an official, modest budget item in the town’s annual budget. The visual inspection and active mainte-nance jobs will be made easier by the two appoint-ed volunteer Charlotte tree stewards: Annemie Curlin for the eastern part of town, and Sue Smith for the western area.

Readers may be interested in the names of the tree species that have been used. These include sugar maple, red maple hybrid, white pine, swamp white oak, tulip poplar, basswood, redbud, honey locust, hackberry, river birch, sycamore, black locust, blight-resistant elm (two varieties), ser-viceberry (shadbush), flowering crabapple and green ash (discontinued after the first year due to threat of emerald ash borer). A few shrubs were used in special places: flowering crab, winter-berry, witch hazel, nannyberry and hazelnut.

This does not include the new tree and shrub planting at the Town Hall. This was planned and carried out (including removal of the former invasive euonymus shrubs) by a committee con-sisting of Jenny Cole, Sue Smith, Jessie Bradley, Kim Keyes and Happy Patrick, with advice from

Norman Pellett, Church Hill Landscapes and the tree warden. The planting of black gum, hack-berry, river birch, winterberry, black chokeberry, red-stemming dogwood and elderberry was com-pleted with the help of these volunteers, including former Selectboard Chair Charles Russell (with tractor). More planting is planned next spring, on the north side, once drainage work is completed.

There have also been individual private land-owner plantings to enrich our town. Most notable is the roadside planting north of the Hinesburg/Charlotte Road along Mount Philo Road on the former Foote farm. This is being carried out on a large scale (interior fence lines also) by Diana McCargo and Peter Swift (650 trees in all, with about 55 along the road). Recent planting on the Metropoulos property along Route 7 adds to the beauty of entering Charlotte without blocking any scenic view of the lake. These plantings also will take up and store a lot of carbon for us. Thank you, folks!

We are not far from the winter solstice now, and spring will be creeping slowly towards us, along with the spring tree-planting season. Why not think of planting at least one celebratory or dedicatory tree to mark perhaps a new birth, a death, a graduation, birthday or other special occasion?

Or—you could plant a tree just simply because you like these woody plants that share our space and enjoy watching them grow up. Now is the time to consider this and make plans.

Larry Hamilton is

Charlotte’s volunteer

tree warden.

Honoring the Past and the Future with Trees

This photo shows plantings along Spear Street on Denton property at

the entrance to East Charlotte.

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Susan GrassoContributor

In October, the CSSU school boards (Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, Williston, CVU and CSSU) and the CSSU Teachers Association ratified a three-year contract, effective July 2014 through June 2017. The negotiation of school contracts is a complicated business and involves much more than arriving at mutually acceptable employee wages and benefits.

Defining working conditions that can be afforded by the community, that sup-port best educational practices and that retain highly qualified educational staff requires thoughtful, creative and respect-ful collaboration between educators and the community, especially in the rapidly changing landscape of K-12 education. In a time when economic recovery has been frustratingly slow and national debates frustratingly partisan, we want to take a moment to share with you some of the “behind-the-scenes,” values-driven think-ing that informed this year’s negotiations work.

At the end of the 2010-2013 negotia-tions session, it was safe to say that there was widespread dissatisfaction with the process. The negotiations structure at the time was partly responsible for members of both parties feeling unheard and, at times, disrespected. The CSSU board identified a need to address frustrations within the current system and to work

with the association to develop mutual solutions that were within each party’s control to address. As a result, a joint com-mittee was negotiated into the 2013-2014 contract with the association’s agreement that improvements were a common goal.

The joint committee of the board and the association met several times during the 2013-2014 school year. The themes that arose were around mutual respect and the culture of the process and how to better organize and structure the process to allow for open communications and dialogue on the issues presented by both sides.

The results of those meetings were ground rules that were recommended to each negotiation team prior to the start of the new negotiations process and ulti-mately adopted at the start of the formal negotiation process. Critical components of the new ground rules were:

• Disconnecting public disclosure of the proposals from the declaration of impasse. Previously, in order for boards to answer questions about the budget before Town Meeting Day, a declaration of impasse had to be made, even when both parties were willing to continue to negotiate. Under the new rules, both par-ties agreed to waive the requirement that proposals be confidential until impasse. As a result, either party could share infor-mation starting in December/January to permit a more open public discussion of the school budget process during its final

development stages and still allow the negotiation process to move forward.

• Agreeing to allow any board member to observe the process rather than only those who were members of the negotiat-ing team. Non-team members were thus given a chance to observe and gain a bet-ter understanding of the process. This and other changes implemented by the boards improved communication between the board team and the boards. As a result, the board team could be reduced in size from two representatives per board to one. This made the negotiations teams more com-parable in size, simultaneously creating more manageable meetings and address-ing a concern raised by the association.

• Setting the meeting schedule (and length of meetings) in October. One of the mutual frustrations was the difficulty in coordinating meetings between the par-ties. Having a set schedule allowed every-one to reserve the dates for meetings in advance and prevent unreasonable delays between meetings. Meetings started and ended on time.

• Sharing meals jointly prior to each meeting. In the past, negotiations teams ate in separate rooms before entering into joint discussions. Sharing common meals promoted positive relationships and built better connections between the individu-als on both teams.

• Setting agendas of meeting topics, as well as deadlines for mediation and fact finding, in advance. Another frustra-tion of past processes was the delay that accompanies the selection of a mediator and fact finder and the process of schedul-ing meeting times with them. By selecting the fact finder and mediator in advance and confirming them for a specific date, the parties were able to proceed with the knowledge that, if needed, there would be no delay in moving forward in the process due to the scheduling of a third party to assist in the next step.

In addition, during the 2013-2014 con-tract development process, we decided to

establish joint working groups to delve into particularly complex topics prior to the start of formal negotiations to pro-vide the time needed to arrive at mutu-ally agreeable solutions, thus avoiding potential sources of conflict later in the process. The topics addressed during this round of negotiations centered on flexible scheduling of teachers and consolidation of special education at the supervisory union level.

The broad goals of the new process were to create a more respectful process for all involved, allow for better com-munications between the board team and all board members and maintain a posi-tive relationship between the board and association throughout the process. All parties recognized that once a settlement is reached no one ever feels like they won, but everyone wanted to feel positive about the process between the two parties in reaching the agreement.

Did the new process achieve its goals? While the teams have not yet met to assess the outcomes of the new process or to dis-cuss potential improvements for the next round of negotiations, we hope you agree that the joint commitment of our boards and our association to strive for civil, col-laborative and creative interactions is not only noteworthy in this day and age but exactly congruous with the educational philosophy of our schools.

––––

Congratulations to the following Charlotte students for their recent accep-tance into CVU’s Lucien Lambert Chapter of the National Honor Society:Natalie Franklin, Aryn Hall, Andrew Oliver, Kara Pflaster and Savannah Townsend.

Upcoming CVU EventJan. 10: All State Music Festival

Charlotte School Board Representatives Lorna Jimerson [email protected] Richardson [email protected]

Susan Grasso is a member of the CVU School Board.

News from CVU School Contract Negotiations: Modeling Civic, Collaborative and Creative Interactions in CSSU

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time to remember them, and it’s just so easy to get busy.” That means filling a corner of the Food Shelf with boxes

upon boxes of food for Christmas baskets: cranberry sauce, flour, potatoes, pie fixings, soup, turkey gravy, stuffing—even items like wrapping paper. All of it will be organized and distributed on Dec. 19 to 98 households with 46 chil-dren.

Given that Charlotte has an average median income nearly twice the state average, as well as the town’s rural nature, it is perhaps easy to overlook some Charlotters’

need for the kind of assistance the Food Shelf offers, noted Bloch.

“It would surprise people to see what the situation is,” said Doris. “People who are in need aren’t seen here,” Bloch added. “They might be splitting wood to heat them-selves. It’s not like Burlington, where sometimes you see people in need right in front of you.”

Moreover, the need for the Food Shelf’s services—which also includes assistance with fuel and utilities—has risen over the last four years. In July 2011, for example, the Food Shelf served 22 families, or approximately 70 people. A year later, in July 2012, it served 29 households, or 81 people. Those numbers increased to 34 households (99 people served) in 2013 and 41 households (126 people served) in July of this year.

Many of the people served are single mothers between the ages of 25 and 35, Doris noted—many of them also using 3Squares, the state’s food stamp program, which gives them financial space to pay for rent, utilities and other necessities. Others who seek assistance include seniors on fixed incomes or people who are temporar-ily unemployed. Jobs are the biggest reason for food insecurity locally, explained Bloch. Some clients hold three part-time jobs. Others can find only one.

This is an issue statewide. According to a 2014 report by the Vermont Food Bank—which serves 153,000 people annu-ally through its network of food banks like the one in Charlotte—60 percent of house-holds who use its services have at least one family member who was unemployed at some point during the last year. In total, the Vermont Food Bank served nearly 34,000 children last year.

It was kids in need that provoked Kris Gerson to start the Food Shelf in the early 1990s. Gerson recalls reading an article about children in Vermont going hungry and

contacted Mark Bolles, then-pastor at the Congregational Church, about opportunities to make a difference in Charlotte. She connected with Marty Ditchey, another church member interested in helping, and started the Food Shelf a week later.

The first food distributed by the new Charlotte Food Shelf was donated by CCS students, but others soon got involved. Just as it does now, the Shelburne-Charlotte Rotary donated turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas boxes. Soon, Gerson and Ditchey began collecting money and traveled to the Food Bank to purchase food. From there, it only got bigger.

SCHIP (Shelburne, Charlotte, Hinesburg Interfaith Projects) gave the organization a $5,000 grant that acted as seed money (it has continued to provide grants to the Food Shelf). Others donated a large refrigerator for perishables, food for cats and dogs, a large freezer for meat.

This pattern of giving has expanded as the Food Shelf has grown over the last 20 years. In fact, Doris believes the generosity toward the Food Shelf is emblematic of altruism from many Charlotters.

“When you talk about the Food Shelf you’re really talk-ing about the community,” said Doris.

She points to Thanksgiving baskets from last weekend, which were distributed to those in need before the holiday. “If you think of one of those food baskets, there are all these people who have something to do with it,” said Doris.

The Shelburne/Charlotte Rotary donated turkeys, as did Valerie and Bill Graham. Steve Wisbaum donated fresh garlic bulbs. Robert Mack donated squash and pumpkins, and the Charlotte Congregational Youth Group donated the baskets. A young girl also donated items from her birthday party for the baskets.

Yet the baskets aren’t the only way community mem-bers help their neighbors, Doris and Bloch explained. For instance, the Food Shelf has partnered with the Charlotte Grange to collect winter clothing for children. There is also the Shoe-In Program, which offers gym shoes to students in need. Currently, the Food Shelf is collecting toys for 43 kids under the age of 18 in Charlotte and North Ferrisburgh with boxes at several local businesses and churches.

continued from page 1

The Charlotte News

Volunteers Needed at the Food Shelf

As the need for its services increases, the Charlotte Food Shelf is looking for more volunteers. Many of the tasks are small and involve commitments of just a few hours a month. These include people to shop, help with food bank deliveries and assist with distribution.

“There’s a job for everyone,” she said. For more information about volunteer

opportunities, call Karen Doris at 425-3252.

They’ll also receive toys wrapped and divided by age range from WowToyz in Vergennes and children’s books from the Flying Pig, noted Doris.

Giving at the Food Shelf comes in other forms, as well: through the volunteers who help with tasks ranging from purchasing food at local grocery stores to distributing to breaking down boxes. There is even a volunteer devoted to writ-ing thank-you notes.

“There really are a lot of people making it work,” said Doris.

As Doris gives a tour of the Food Shelf, she points out a bulletin board with thank-you notes from people who have benefitted from the ser-vices that have, in so many ways, opened doors for local residents.

“Sometimes they bring cookies,” said Bloch. “Sometimes you get big hugs. They say ‘We

would not be here without you.’”“It just makes it all worth it,” added Doris.

Bill Doris (back), Nancy Bloch and Karen Doris stock shelves at the Food Shelf.

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Acclaimed journalist and author Stephen

Kiernan of Charlotte will join several other

Vermont writers for an event that lightens hearts

during the dark days of winter with Vermont

Stage’s annual storytelling event, Winter Tales.

Winter Tales is a Vermont Stage holiday tra-

dition that features funny and heartfelt stories,

poetry and songs. The 2014 event features brand

new stories from award winning writers, includ-

ing novelist and Vermont State Senate Majority

Leader Philip Baruth, 10-time New York Times

bestselling author Chris Bohjalian and Emmy-

winning journalist and former Vermont resident

Lauren Ober.

The stories will be performed by a talent-

ed cast of local storytellers, Cristina Alicea

(Winooski), Andrew Butterfield (Burlington),

Paul Schnabel (Burlington) and Paul Ugalde

(South Burlington), and will be interspersed with

seasonally inspired poetry from students at the

Young Writers Project and original Vermont

folk songs from musicians Patti Casey and Pete

Sutherland.

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shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through

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and Sunday at 2 p.m.

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chased by calling the FlynnTix Regional Box

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and ginger molasses cookies from B’s Pantry in

Essex Junction.

There will also be a special Gala Benefit

performance on Sunday, Dec. 14, beginning at

6 p.m. This performance is preceded by a silent

auction, which includes catered hors d’ouerves

from family owned and operated Shelburne

favorite La Villa Bistro and a holiday toast cour-

tesy of Citizen Cider. Tickets for this special

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Senior LunCheonS are held every Wednesday at noon. Reservations are necessary in advance and can be made by calling the Senior Center at 425-6345. A $4 donation is requested. Reservations are not required for the Monday Munch.

by Mary Recchia, Activities Coordinator

Charlotte Senior Center

Hope to see you all at the Center during this joyous holiday season!

Wondering about the perfect

gift for those on your list? Stop by the front foyer and pick up a winter program of activities where you may find just the right class for that special someone.

––––

Join Elizabeth Llewellyn for a holiday block printing work-

shop on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m.–noon. Block printing is one of the oldest types of printmaking, having been around for thousands of years. In this workshop, you will be using Speedball Speedy Carve blocks, a soft, rubber-like material, to carve your design. Then the real fun begins as you experiment with color ink to print super special handmade holiday cards. Registration required. Limit 10. Fee: $45 (includes materials).

––––

The Center is pleased to host the American Red Cross for a much-needed blood drive on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 2–7 p.m. The comfort-able atmosphere and great snacks make giving the “Gift of Life” at this site most pleasurable.

––––

Join Hank Kaestner for another bird-

ing expedition on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 9 a.m., when good views are guar-anteed through Hank’s “Oh-my-God” telescope. Please meet at the Center so we can carpool together to the location Hank has scouted for spectacular bird watching. Please register for this event so if we have to change the date, due to bird migration or weather, we can call you. No fee.

––––

Please join us Wednesday afternoons beginning at 1 p.m. for a collection of lectures, performances and special

events that showcase the diverse inter-ests of our community. No registration or fee.

Dec. 10: A cello choir for the holi-

days with Judy Chaves. You will delight in the three-part harmonies of this small cello choir as members play an assortment of traditional holiday car-ols, some dating back to early England, as well as carols from France, Catalan and southern Appalachia. And there will definitely be a sing-along, so be sure to practice your “fa-la-las!”

Dec. 17: CVU Madrigal Singers.

The CVU Madrigal Singers bring a repertoire filled with the joys of the season to one of their favorite venues and welcome the opportunity to be among friends, sharing the gift of song. They have been working throughout the fall to prepare a repertoire that will be inspiring, uplifting and joyful. Please join us for this special afternoon of music.

A cello choir, led by Judy Chaves, performs at the Senior Center last year. The group will return to the Center for another performance Dec. 10.

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Toads Preparing for Winter

Holly SullivanContributor

We were a little late in digging up our potato patch this fall. The potato plants had withered and would disintegrate under our touch. The temperature was frequently chilly and sometimes down-right cold. I had to get the potatoes out of the ground. Finally, on a crisp, windy day, my partner, Craig, went to the gar-den and started digging. By the third row, as Craig went to sift through the dirt he had just dug to find a potato, what he found instead was a toad.

He carefully lifted it out, thankful he did not spear it with the tine of the fork. As he started digging the next row and dug deeper into the trench, he found another toad. At first he thought it was the toad he had previously found and that it had just hopped from one trench to another. Then he realized it was a com-pletely different toad. When he came in to the house to tell me his toad story, we realized that the toads were making our potato trenches their winter home.

Digging under the soil is how toads

survive in winter. They dig until they reach a level that is warm enough to survive in a torpid state until the frost recedes. American toads, which are what we have in Vermont, are good diggers and can burrow deep into the soil. In the

fall, when the temperature begins to drop and the air gets chilly, toads will seek out soft soil and begin to dig. The potato patch would be a perfect place to start digging as the soil is disturbed all sum-mer, making it light and easy to work. Toads use their back legs as spades, dig-ging a hole behind and underneath their bodies. They will dig down as far as they need to in order to stay below the frost line but above the water table. They have been known to dig to four feet or deeper.

A study of toads by biologists John Tester and Walter Breckenridge, from the Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota, found that toads dig even while they are in hiberna-

tion, going deeper throughout the winter, staying ahead of the frost line. Well, they don’t actually dig—they twist. “They have calluses on their hind feet that act like little shovels, and they liter-ally twist themselves right down into the

ground,” write Tester and Breckenridge. “It’s just like they pull the hole in after them. “

Toads have lungs with which they breathe above ground, but they can also breathe through their skin. Once hun-kered down, hibernating in the warm earth, they breathe only through their skin. Since during hibernation the toad’s metabolism slows dra-matically, it can live mainly on its body’s energy stores. Breathing through their skin allows them to get enough oxy-gen from the moisture in

the soil to stay alive.According to Tester and Breckenridge,

as of 1999 the question of how the toads dig out of their dens still remains unan-swered: “We’ve seen them go down. We’ve never seen them come up. We’ve tried. We’ve put soil between two panes of glass and forced the toads to dig down in it, but we never were there when they came up. We don’t have any idea how they do it.”

I thought I would do some research to see if that is still true. Although my search was not at all in-depth, I did not find any information or reference on how they dig out.

The method toads use to survive the

winter may not be as fascinating as the method used by wood frogs or tree frogs that are able to freeze and become “frog-sicles.” But I find there is much to admire in the simplicity of toads—warts and all. They remind me of Vermont folks, more plain than flashy, able to adapt beautifully yet straightforwardly to winter, with an inherent need to dig in the dirt. And when the warm weather comes the toads are back in our gardens demonstrating another well-honed talent: pest control.

Charlotte Conservation Currents

An American toad. In the late fall, these hearty animals dig deep into the soil to stay warm through the winter

Messiah Sing-Along at Congregational Church

Marks Month of Celebration

The Charlotte Congregational Church

invites the community to herald the holidays with a sing-along performance of Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, Dec. 7, beginning at 4 p.m.

Discover the magnificence of Handel’s masterpiece, whether it is for the first time or as a seasoned veteran. Performed throughout the centuries, the Messiah is a traditional tribute to the Yuletide season. Come to sing or just to listen and be surrounded by beautiful music.

This special evening of music is a recital where the audience sings along as the chorus, accompanied by Vermont Symphony Orchestra members and vocalists. (Musical instruction is pro-vided.)

Tickets are available through the church’s website, charlotteucc.org.

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by Margaret Woodruff

We invite gift-givers of all ages to our “Book Buzz” event on Monday, Dec. 8. Cheryl Sloan, Georgia Edwards and Margaret Woodruff will be on hand to share favorite titles and advise on gift possibilities for the readers on your lists. In addition, Liza Woodruff will share the magic of her whimsical children’s book illustrations during a gallery talk of her current exhibit at the Charlotte Library. Refreshments will be served, too. As a prelude to this, we are delight-ed to share Georgia Edwards’ new book review with you.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North, by Richard Flanagan

Reviewed by Georgia Edwards

This year’s Man Booker Prize for Fiction was award-ed to Australian author Richard Flanagan for his novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Set dur-ing World War II, it centers on the building of the Burma-Siam (now Thailand) Railway by a group of Australian prisoners of war. Commissioned as a supply route by the Japanese Empire in 1943, the 260 miles of track were to be completed in one year. This was a Herculean task by any standard, but the Japanese would use thousands of slave laborers and POWs to meet the deadline. “The Death Railway”

would eventually claim 16,000 Allied lives, 2,815 of them Australian. Out of a total of 250,000 Asian workers and 61,000 Allied POW laborers, 106,000 died as a direct result of this barbarous piece of engineering. Flanagan’s father, a former Australian POW who survived “the Line,” provided the inspiration for his son’s book. Sadly, he died the day it was finished.

Flanagan chose a visceral person and historical backdrop for his book. The novel’s protagonist, Dorrigo Evans, is an Australian army surgeon who, fol-lowing capture, is commissioned as commanding officer to a group of 1,000 Australian and Tasmanian POWs work-ing on the railway. Evans risks his life to negotiate better conditions for the hun-dreds of ill POWs and spare the severely malnourished and diseased from forced labor. Starvation, beatings, ruthless hours, tropical diseases, infections and continuous monsoon rains contributed to the high number of deaths. Evans used his medical background and cre-ative skills to run a “hospital” without supplies. Many POWs survived under his care, and the book is very much their stories as well.

Weaving in and out of the central theme are tales of Evans’ boyhood, his life before joining the army and his return after the war. In later years, he is feted as a national war hero, but he is a reluctant and imperfect one. Evans is haunted by the brief love affair he had with his uncle’s wife, Amy, prior to the camps. He marries his faithful fiancée, but the ability to love any other woman after Amy evades him. He finds himself to be nothing better than a woman-izer. The only thing that elevates him is his life-long love of poetry and litera-ture. His favorite work is Tennyson’s Ulysses. Evans has a theory about read-ing: “A good book leaves you wanting to reread the book. A great book com-pels you to reread your soul.”

The scenes of brutality inside the POW camps are very difficult to fathom. Flanagan, however, does not employ gratuitous violence in his descriptions of the POWs’ maltreat-ment. Instead, he conveys a sense of nobility in describing the shared suf-fering of so many. He also writes of the Japanese officers, leaving the reader to wonder how ordinary people can com-mit such atrocities on their fellow man.

The Japanese expected the POWs to share their sense of honor and national pride in the building of the national rail-way. Flanagan conveys that the culture gap could not be more evident. After the war, many of the most brutal officers were able to return to their lives without legal repercussions.

In stark contrast to the carnage and death, the novel is interspersed with haiku poetry. The title of the book is inspired by a Basso haibun, The Narrow

Road to the Deep North. The poetry stands out through all the madness and is a form of beauty that survives despite the destruction and insanity.

Segments of the Death Railway fell apart in late 1943 due to heavy monsoons and rushed construction. Thousands of lives had been wasted in laying its tracks. In the end, after rescue by the Allies, Evans stated, “Of imperial dreams and dead men, all that remained was long grass.”

“The Line” was closed in 1947 after Japan’s surrender to the Allies.

Should the reader wish to have more information regarding the building of “The Death Railway,” the BBC offers an excellent documentary at youtube.com/watch?v=8Zh-T8YmOE.

Upcoming at the LibraryScrabble at the Library, Friday, Dec. 5,

10:30 a.m.–noon: Join our own Scrabble maven, Susanna Kahn, for an engaging, relaxed morning. Start from scratch or reacquaint yourself with this favorite word game. Refreshments served and game boards provided.

Mystery Book Group: Maisie Dobbs, Monday, Dec. 8, 10–11 a.m. Set in the “golden age” era, this modern mystery offers a more introspective approach

to the traditional whodunit. Join us for coffee and conversation about this intriguing book, set just after the close of World War I. Copies of the book are available at the Circulation Desk.

Holiday Book Buzz! Monday, Dec. 8, 5:30–7 p.m. Planning on book-based gifts for those on your list this year? Stop in and get the lowdown on our favorite titles from 2014 for all ages. The Flying Pig bookstore in Shelburne offers a special incentive for the Book Buzz gifts purchased through the store online.

Gallery Talk with Liza Woodruff, Monday, Dec. 8, 6 p.m. Get further inspiration for winter gifts as Liza Woodruff, children’s book illustra-tor and current library artist, walks us through her exhibit and the illustration process. Her charming picture books, including Ten on the Sled and If It’s

Snowy and You Know It, will be avail-able for sale, too.

Afterschool Program: Gift Making Workshop, Wednesday, Dec. 10. Check a few names off of your gift list with items made at the Charlotte Library’s Gift Making Workshop. We will have plenty of great ideas for you to pick and choose from and holiday snacks to munch on. Grades 2 and up. Registration required.

Movie Showing: Disruption, Monday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. The story of our unique moment in history, this documentary enlarges the issue of social and planetary change beyond climate impacts and makes a compelling call for bold action that is strong enough to tip the balance to build a clean energy future. Co-sponsored with Transition Town Charlotte. Refreshments served.


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Give Yourself the

Perfect Gift

As we age, communicating our wishes becomes vital. Too often we expect our spouses to read our minds. This makes zero sense and leads to untold misunder-standings. To clue them in, we need to think through what we want and don’t want.

Early in our marriage John and I were tentatively sailing through unfamiliar waters. Near Christmas I peeked out the window as he hauled an oversized box to hide in the garage. My curiosity was piqued. Whatever could that be? I got rather excited about the surprise, but said nothing. Later it sat under the tree with my name on it. He looked so tickled with himself.

When I opened it, there sat a nest of shiny, black iron frying pans of the finest quality. He giddily shared that he spent an afternoon shopping at three stores, and these pans were considered top of the line. I eyed them with dismay. Frying pans were not my idea of a Christmas present, but I didn’t want to disappoint him. I nodded, smiled wanly and half-heartedly thanked him for such efforts. I wondered if this was the pragmatic engineer in him? No matter—they did get heavy use over the years.

Another time he had been on a trip to California and returned with a carefully wrapped package. I opened it with antici-pation. Inside the fresh tissue paper was a gorgeous black lacey nightie, kind of a Victoria’s Secret item–far more expen-sive than I ever would have considered for myself. And fancier also.

Burlington stores at the time would never have carried this over-the-top item. My usual for our below-zero nights was the flowered Lanz flannel nightie, mak-ing up in warmth what it lost in allure. It certainly did keep the chills at bay. I took out the lingerie and struggled to get it over my head but it was sizes too small. Tears rolled down my face.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, and gave me a

hug. “The sales girl looked just like you and I was sure it would fit. I’ll send it back tomorrow. I knew you’d never treat yourself to something so outrageous and wanted you to have the best. I mustn’t make this mistake again.”

This failed gift had a silver lining: We cleared up the gift-giving dilemma for good. “What if I take you out for lunch, then we’ll shop together and have what-ever you choose wrapped in the store. I’ll put it away until the celebration comes, Christmas or birthday; by then you’ll have forgotten what it is.”

We had a lovely Saturday doing just as he suggested. We relished a light lunch sitting by the window of a favorite café, then halved a chocolate dessert. Next we shopped and held hands as he carried our purchase home in an elegant bag suggest-ing luxury beyond the usual.

This became our ritual and nothing matched it. Unknowingly, John had solved years of potential problems. Through the decades, this format worked seamlessly.

John was ever-generous with pres-ents and remembered important dates. In our new method, practicality supplant-ed disappointments and added a dollop of adventure. We gradually learned the magic of honest and friendly communi-

cation. Frequently, I’ve heard women remark

in an accusatory tone “We’ve been mar-ried 25 years; you’d think by now he’d know what I like.”

Too many go through life trying to please others but neglect figuring out their own needs. At an elderly age, we may need more help. Many seniors aren’t able to give others guidance on their behalf. This makes for major difficul-ties destined to end in frustration: “You decide for me what you want, and I’ll let you know later if you’re right.”

It is a trap. The other person holds all responsibility while you declare the con-sequences.

How much simpler to state your wishes and needs. Compromises can follow to adjust variances as life progresses and interests change. Open, honest communi-cation adds a strength to the relationship and respect for differences between two adults that can then be discussed openly. It’s an easy and amicable approach. If you’re not doing it now, you can learn this skill with practice, until it becomes part of you.

You’ll like the results and wonder why it took you so long to adopt it.

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Kerrie PugheContributor

Thanksgiving baskets

Thank you to all who helped with the Thanksgiving baskets. Twenty-seven bas-kets were distributed on Saturday, Nov. 22.

We appreciate all the food and supplies donated, especially from CCS families and staff. A special thank you to the Shelburne/Charlotte Rotary for donating the tur-keys and to Annika and Rosie for putting together some baskets from the donated items from Annika’s birthday party. And thank you to Valerie and Bill Graham for the turkey donation and Steve Wisbaum for the fresh garlic bulbs he donated.

Thank you to the following volunteers for your help putting the baskets together: Peggy Sharp, Cindy Tyler, Nanci Bloch, Janet Landrigan, Bill Doris, Karen Doris, Pat Rodar, Kerrie Pughe, Lisa Sturtevant, Michael Poirier, Louise McCarren, Diane Cote, Ann Hansen, Norman Pellet, Oliver Gardner, Ken Oboz, Lynn Alpeter and Theresa Hudziak.

Help this holiday season

As we prepare for the holiday bas-kets, toy collection boxes have been placed at the Charlotte Library, Charlotte Congregational Church, the Senior Center, Little Garden Market and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Please fill our boxes with unwrapped toys for ages five months through 18 years.

We have 39 children in our Charlotte community who will be receiving these gifts this holiday season. (Teenagers love gift certificates, watches, nail polish, hair accessories.) If you’d like some addi-tional ideas, the Giving Trees at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and the Charlotte Congregational Church will have a wish from each child written on a paper orna-ment on the wish trees.

We are also asking for grocery store or gas station gift cards for the adults. Gift cards can be left at one of the churches listed above or mailed to the Food Shelf at the below address. Gifts may be turned in to the church where you picked up the wish ornament by Dec. 17 so we can include them in the holiday baskets. Thank you!

Holiday baskets

Please mark your calendar for Friday, Dec. 19, 8–10 a.m., for the Christmas/holiday basket set up. It’s a busy, merry occasion and all are welcome.

Giving to the Food Shelf

We hope you will plan to include the Food Shelf in your holiday giving plans—perhaps a donation in honor or memory of a friend, family member, co-worker or teacher?

The Charlotte Food Shelf is run entire-ly by volunteers, so all donations go directly for food or assistance to our neighbors in need. If you are a customer of yourfarmstand.com, you may make a donation to the Food Shelf as part of your online order. Otherwise checks may be mailed to:

Charlotte Food Shelf & Assistance

403 Church Hill RoadP.O. Box 83, Charlotte, VT 05445

Condolences

The Food Shelf extends its warmest condolences to Sara Clayton and family and to the Shelburne Supermarket staff. Steve Clayton will be missed by so many for his good works helping others in our community. The Shelburne Supermarket has been a long-time supporter of the Food Shelf, and we have always appreci-ated the great generosity.

Thank You

– to SCHIP for the $5,000 grant for utility assistance! SCHIP (Shelburne Charlotte Hinesburg Interfaith Projects) was formed in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) orga-nization of local faith communities that work together to raise funds for grants to improve the lives of our neighbors and to strengthen our communities. Funds are generated by the sales of items donated to SCHIP’s Treasure Resale Shop. From store proceeds, over $400,000 in grants have been made to support food shelves and emergency aid, community projects, education, and health and welfare. The Food Shelf appreciates all of you who donate to SCHIP’s Treasure.

-to all who attended the Point Bay Marina party, to the staff for their thought-fulness and to Todd Smith for delivering to the Food Shelf Point Bay Marina. Their end-of-season party was well attended with over 200 people who were generous with their nonperishable donations to the Food Shelf. Thank you to.

– to Robert Mack Farm for a large donation of fresh squash and pumpkins that were included in the Thanksgiving baskets. We appreciate the apple pie donations from Charlotte Congregational Church members and pie shoppers. We also thank Elizabeth Berger and the Charlotte Congregational Youth Group for the donations for our Thanksgiving baskets. Thank you to Norman Pellet for the squash and Josie Kaestner for the holiday cards to include in the baskets.

– to the CCS PTO and Green Team for harvesting the donation of fresh carrots from Stony Loam Farm. Thank you to the Lorentzsen Family and friends for the donation of a nonperishable food basket for Thanksgiving, as well as to Susan Schermerhorn for the squash donation.

– to Wow Toyz coordinator Melody Miller and the Frank Beck family for your continued and generous support by provid-ing beautiful gifts of toys to each of the children who will be assisted this season.

– to Douglas and Pamela Ford, Diane and Peter Rosenfeld, Margaret Berlin and Waitsfield and Champlain Valley Telecom for your support. And thank you to Louise McCarren for the gift in honor of Mollie’s birthday.

Wish List

Our wish list includes canned pie fill-ing, cranberry sauce, crackers, creamed

soup, stuffing, aluminum foil, regular ground coffee.

Space for Grace

Thank you to the Charlotte Congregational Church for the Space for Grace soup supper and service on Nov. 19.

Calling all knitters

We love those hand-made gloves and hats. If you have some spare time and yarn, now is a good time to start the knit-ting so we have a good supply by cold weather. We’d like to include these in our holiday baskets, so be sure to turn them in to the Food Shelf by Dec. 17.

Donated food drop-off locations: All nonperishable food donations may be dropped off at the Charlotte Library, the Charlotte Congregational Church vestry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (main entrance) or at the Food Shelf during the

distribution mornings. We request that all fresh foods be dropped off at the Food Shelf by 7:30 a.m. on the distribution mornings or before the Wednesday distri-bution hours.

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

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

For emergency food call John at 425-3130. For emergency assistance (electric-ity, fuel) call the Food Shelf at 425-3252.For more information call Karen at 425-3252 or visit our website at https://sites.google.com/site/charlottefoodshelfvt/.

Food Shelf News


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Classifieds

For Zimmerman, this means participating in prayer and sending positive vibes. “When somebody’s sick or something, we will do a prayer, because a prayer is a quantum wave,” he said. “Whether [Charlotters] know it or not, they’re affected every day by the things that we do. It’s the next level of citizenry.”

The charity work done by most Vermont lodges is more easily quantified. Nationwide, the Masons donate $3 million per day to charitable causes, $2.7 million of which goes to Shriner hospitals. At the state level, the Masons of Vermont support a program called the Comprehensive Assessment and Recovery Effort (CARE), which provides K-8 teachers in Vermont with training to identify and work with at-risk children. Local lodges also provide scholarships each year for graduat-ing high school seniors.

These practices are not new to Charlotte, as records display a long lineage of Masons in the area. Walking through Morningside Cemetery, visitors see sever-al gravestones marked with the traditional icons of Masonry, such as willow trees, urns, or a square and compass. These images denote the resting places of early Masons who were foundational members of both the town of Charlotte and their Masonic lodge.

For example Daniel Horsford, a Mason, was also appointed the town clerk at Charlotte’s first Town Meeting Day, when Charlotters were only just beginning to settle along the shores of Lake Champlain. According to Around the Mountains by William Wallace Higby, “the [Horsford] name is connected with the history of Charlotte almost from the first.” Many other found-ing families, such as the Reads, Leavensworths, Beers, Prindles and Newells, were also associated with the Freemasons.

Another notable Mason, John Barney, lived in Charlotte in the early 1800s where he worked as a farm-er. Crippled from birth, Barney found farm work chal-lenging as he was unable to walk without a cane. After joining the Masons he was able to begin a new career as a lecturing master by studying with Thomas Smith Webb in Boston, Massachusetts. Using his remarkable memo-ry, he memorized Masonic rituals and traveled to teach in many different states including Connecticut, Ohio and Michigan. He is famous in the Mason community for helping to standardize ritual practices in Vermont and is known as the “father of freemasonry in Michigan.”

During the early days of the Masonic lodge, it was a popular meeting place for local leadership; however a decrease in its popularity has been an issue since then. In fact, in 1847 Masonry in Vermont was declared extinct.

However, the Friendship Lodge of Charlotte was recent-ly recognized for the greatest percentage increase in membership in the state. This is part of an effort to revi-talize the membership’s involvement with social activi-ties such as dinners and a poker night, providing a more modern take on traditional meetings.

While some attribute a general nationwide decline in membership to a cultural shift away from community involvement, there are many people with pointed anti-Masonic sentiments. These range from accusations of satanic worship, cult rituals and world domination to objections against tax abatements in Charlotte, consider-ing the list of requirements for those interested in joining the lodge. These requirements state that a Mason must be a free man, over the age of 18, who believes in God. Some argue that these rules discriminate against women and those who do not believe in God.

It was witnessing this conflict about accusations of exclusion that first sparked Zimmerman’s curiosity in the practices of the Masons. He now defends the Masonic teachings, arguing that they hold truth that transcends any religious or political division.

Zimmerman believes the Masons are very accepting of all religions and interpretations of the nature of God. For example, he referenced Albert Einstein’s definition of God as “the sum total of all the energy in the uni-verse.” According to Zimmerman, it’s only necessary

that Masons believe in a higher power, whether that be a higher vibration or the interconnectivity of all things. “As long as you believe that there is a reality that has any logic to it, then it could be said that you believe in God, in whatever terminology you wish,” he said.

Although not as popu-lar as the men’s lodges, there are also groups in many states for women and youth who do not fit into the specifications outlined above. Women may join the Order of the Eastern Star, young men (ages 12 to 21) may join the Order of DeMolay, and young girls (ages 11 to 20) may join the

International Order of Rainbow for Girls.Last, Zimmerman noted that Masonry is not a

religion or a political party. The topics of religion and politics are actually banned from discussion in lodges because of their tendency to promote divi-sive behavior. The Masons do identify themselves as the keepers of intellectual property or truths that the general population may not be prepared to receive. This is the reason they keep their business as private as possible, at the risk of appearing, at

best, enigmatic to the public. Zimmerman compares the qualities of their private conversations to those of the founding fathers, as they discussed the possibility of a new world order. “I mean, John Hancock and Benjamin Franklin would have been hung from the closest tree if people knew what they were talking about in their lodge, which was democracy,” he said.

As they have for hundreds of years in Charlotte, the values of the Masonic lodge continue to unite a diverse group of men in a tight bond of brotherhood, while result-ing in conflict and disagreement among others. Even as many of their principles and charitable efforts remain in the public eye, the Friendship Lodge of Charlotte still maintains secretive rituals. As M.W. Robert Crouse said in an interview with Dex Rowe, “It’s not a secret society, it’s just a society that has a few secrets.”

Masons continued from page 1

SPORTS CVU Soccer Stars Receive Recognition

The awards keep coming. After another title-win-ning season, CVU girls soccer team players Audrey Allegretta, Ellie Blake, Mackenzie Buckman and Paige DuBrul received VSCA Division I All-State recognition. Catherine Cazayoux, Megan Gannon, Anne Keen and Maddie Turnau all received honorable mentions, and Dubrul was named defensive MVP.

DuBrul was also named The Burlington Free Press’s girls soccer player of the year. In awarding her that honor, The Free Press noted that she is a “midfield pres-ence like no other in Vermont—thwarting countless attacks as perhaps the state’s best ball-winner and spring-

ing just as many more as a deep-lying playmaker—she is the lone constant in the Redhawks’ current four-year reign in Division I and driving force for their 44-game winning streak.”

On the boys side, Richard Baccei, Max Brown and Patrick McCue received VSCA All-State honors, while Oscar Kelly was named an honorable mention.

Flemings Earn All-Midwest Conference HonorsSt. Paul, Minnesota’s Macalaster College football

program won a conference title in its first season as a member of the NCAA Division III Midwest Conference, and part of its success goes to two Charlotters: Konnor

and Ryan Fleming.Konnor, a senior cornerback, was one of six players

to earn first-team All-Midwest Conference honors at the end of the season. He was fifth in the league with an average of 1.22 passes defended per game, breaking up eight passes and intercepting three. He finished the regular season with 59 total tackles, ranking third on the team.

Ryan, a junior linebacker, was one of three players named to the second team. For the second year in a row, Ryan was the team’s leading tackler, making 89 total tackles, including a team-best 55 assisted tackles. He recorded 6.5 tackles for loss and intercepted one pass.

A grave at Morningside Cemetery in Charlotte marked with the Masonic square and compass. This grave is one of several with similar etchings.

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Around TownCongratulations

Sympathy

A Celebration of Clayton’s

Life Dec. 6

A celebration of the life of Steve Clayton, owner of the Shelburne Supermarket, will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, in the Grand Maple Ballroom of the UVM Dudley Davis Center from 9–11 a.m. Light breakfast fare and beverages will be served. Guests are invited to share their favorite memories of Clayton, who passed away unexpectedly Nov. 8.

Hinesburg 4-H Talks Community Service

On Saturday, Nov. 15, Hinesburg 4-H members Cyrus Tyler, Corinna Hobbs and Charlotter Hannah Cleveland attended their monthly business meeting at the Hinesburg Town Hall. The members dis-cussed how to judge ewes and rams for sheep shows. This led into a larger discus-sion about genetics and tips for improv-ing sheep flocks for breeding. After the members took a break to snack on apples and caramel, they talked about upcoming community service events and ways they could fundraise for important causes over the next month.

—Hannah Cleveland, club reporter

to Elizabeth Bassett, who has been elected president of the board of the Howard Center. Bassett previously served in the capacity of board vice president.

to glass artist Ethan Bond-Watts, who held a show titled “New Glass” at South Gallery at RL Photo Nov. 29 and 30.

to Tatum Braun, a junior at CVU, who will represent Vermont at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Boston, Mass., on June 24–26, 2015. The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. She was nominated

based on her academic achievement, leadership poten-tial and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

to visual artist Jane Ann Kantor, who is showing her work at Dostie Brothers Frame Shop in Burlington

through Dec. 31. A reception for the show will be held at the store on Dec. 5 from 5–8 p.m.

to painter Jay Vogler, who is showing his work at the Innovation Group Show and at the Art Hop Group Show though Feb. 28.

is extended to the family and friends of Roger Bunten, 67, of Charlotte. During his life as a farmer and truck driver, he kept a keen eye on the changing agrarian landscape in Vermont and enjoyed drives down the back roads, visiting old and new friends alike. He is survived by three sons, Alex, Craig and Will and Will's wife, Kathy Ciarimboli; grandchildren, Eliza Jane and Phoebe; Charlotte Huntington, his high school sweetheart with whom he had recently reconnected; his former wife, Judith Billard, with whom he shared many good memories and a great love for their three sons; siblings Janet Glazier, Christine Balch, Margaret Martin, Marilyn Covey, and John Bunten; and many friends around Vermont and New Hampshire. A memorial service was held on Monday, Dec. 1, at the Mt. Philo Inn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Movember, a charity for men’s health that Roger had actively participated in over the past two years with his sons.

is extended to the family and friends of Caleb

LeClair, 21, of Charlotte, who passed away unex-pectedly on Nov. 19. Born in Morrisville, he was loyal, hardworking, kind and thoughtful. He is survived by his mother, Teresa Resseguie; stepfather, Gregg Resseguie; father, Mark Leclair; two brothers, Adam and Chad Leclair of Montana; grandparents Lee and Janice Donahue and Roger and Marilyn Resseguie. A memo-rial service was held Nov. 29 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Colchester.

is extended to the family and friends of Peter Baldwin, 68, of Hinesburg, who passed away peacefully at his home Nov. 22. While raising their family, Peter and his wife, Mary, spent summers at their camp at Cedar Beach in Charlotte. Many fond memories were made there. Andrew will especially remember fishing with his dad off the Big Dock. Peter would tell Mary, “Every day feels like a vacation,” while spending those special months at camp. Peter is also survived by his beloved sons, Matthew and wife, Laura, of Hinesburg, Daniel and wife, Nicolina, of Roseville, Calif., and youngest son, Andrew, also of Hinesburg. A celebration of Peter’s life will be held in May 2015 on the family farm. An announcement will be made at a later date.

Cyrus, Corinna and Hannah at Hinesburg 4-H Club

awards day, displaying some of the certificates, med-

als and acknowledgements of their 2014 work at the

state 4-H and club level.

Vergennes Holiday StrollDec. 6

Looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit? Check out the annual Holiday Stroll in Vergennes. Lots to do beginning with breakfast with Santa at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. with the SD Ireland Holiday Truck rolling down Main Street. Check out their website at VergennesDowntown.org

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The Charlotte News | Dec. 4, 2014