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Your nonprofit community news source since 1958
Charlotte News
The
Thursday, March 11, 2021 | Volume LXIII Number 18
Photo by Lee Krohn
CharlotteNewsVT.org
Vol. 63, no.18
March 11, 2021
The
Charlotte News Your nonprofit community news source since 1958
It’s inevitable: Conflict of Baking the
interest in a small town days away
Chea Waters Evans power over the situation.”
EDITOR
The Selectboard began on March 8 their
The Selectboard this winter had to vote on attempt to respond to Charlotters’ requests
whether or not to present Town Plan and for action. The town itself, for employees,
Land Use Regulation amendments on the officials, and boards, committees, and Alex Bunten and his
town ballot; two members of the board commissions, has a policy posted on the daughter, Edie, tackled
also owned property that would be affected town website. The Planning Commission and
ZBA also have policies posted on the town the challenges of making
should those amendments pass. A recent breads this pandemic
candidate for the town zoning administrator website.
position was reportedly related to a member winter, including sourdough,
Selectboard chair Matt Krasnow said during
of the Zoning Board of Adjustment; this Monday’s meeting that they have committed maple walnut and no-knead.
person also owns a business within the East “to look at the conflict of interest policy, Bunten said he made them
Charlotte Village. A current member of the see if it can be improved in any way, and each a bread peel, too.
ZBA is also on the Selectboard; multiple also look at specific instances and to kind of
sources confirm that his presence on both debrief on those from the past year. Because Photo courtesy Alex Bunten
boards is on the verge of being problematic, some of those are appointed positions, and
though it’s not illegal. The publisher of this
newspaper is the spouse of a member of
Selectboard starts term with
“
the ZBA, who recently wrote a letter to the
editor persuading voters to vote against the The Selectboard
aforementioned amendments. That ZBA has
been reported in this paper to have recent
violations of open meeting laws and possible
recognizes that there liaison appointments and a typo
violations of their own conflict of interest is public concern Chea Waters Evans person. This year’s liaisons are as follows:
Krasnow and McCarren, Vermont State
policies.
It’s all tangled up, but such is the nature of
about the existing A special Selectboard meeting on March 4
and a regularly scheduled one on March 8
Police; McCarren, Senior Center, Recreation
Committee, and library; Jim Faulkner, town
a volunteer municipal government in a town
with fewer than 4,000 residents. Generations
conflict of interest got the new board off to a spring, already lands, planning and zoning, CVFRS, the
violating Chair Matt Krasnow’s vow that sand shed committee, the road commissioner,
of families live here and work here, some
town employees live in town, and the nature
policy, and the he would try to keep the meetings to two a Trails Committee, and Thompson’s Point
month—and with another special meeting wastewater; new member Lewis Mudge
of Charlotte’s municipal government is that Selectboard will be scheduled for next Tuesday, it looks like Conservation Commission and Energy
interested citizens volunteer their time to weekly meetings are on the calendar for the Committee; Tenney will remain on road
keep the gears turning. It’s inevitable that soliciting input from near future at the very least. commissioner, sand shed, planning and
people will be related to each other or have zoning, and town lands; and Krasnow will
businesses, farms or camps near commercial the public about how March 4 kicked off with an immediate
motion by Louise McCarren to re-appoint remain with the park and wildlife refuge.
zones or proposed development.
Letters to the editor in The Charlotte News
to improve this policy, Krasnow and Vice Chair Frank Tenney to
their positions for the coming year. Krasnow
Typo
Joking that his math skills had been honed
over the past weeks, and passionate posts
on the neighborhood email service Front
as well as researching said he would “do better this year at keeping
meetings on time, and limiting to twice
by a fear of noogies from Mrs. Lafayette, the
woman who taught math to most Charlotters
Porch Forum pointed the finger in particular the idea of having an a month “as much as humanly possible.” of a certain generation with light corporal
”
at Selectboard members Carrie Spear and A little sparkle of hope winked through punishment before that wasn’t okay in
Frank Tenney, both of whom did not recuse Ethics Committee. at various points during the meeting; the
Selectboard, in making plans for the future,
schools, Krasnow pointed out there was a
discrepancy between the cumulative budget
themselves for the LUR and Town Plan
amendment vote. Both said publicly that they ─ Matt Krasnow discussed in-person municipal meetings and amount printed in the town report and the
didn’t recuse themselves because they didn’t possibly gathering once more as a citizenry amount printed on the ballot. The warning
think they had any conflict of interest. on Town Meeting Day. had the budget at $3,475,774 and the ballot
While approving the rules for order, a yearly read $3,457,774. The number printed
The Vermont League of Cities and Towns, a
municipal support nonprofit, says on its web practice, McCarren said that while she thinks on the ballot was incorrect; state law allows
site, “Conflicts of interest inevitably arise in speaking with general counsel, they thought Krasnow does a good job of keeping people the votes to stand from Town Meeting Day if
the workings of small-town government, and it would be a conservative idea to have in line already, she wants to make sure that a the change was inadvertent and accidental.
they should be avoided whenever possible. discussions about appointed officials begin in focus remains and that “order and decorum
executive session.” Town salaries
However, the presence of a conflict does not be maintained,” saying that during her time
The town hired Gallagher Flynn to analyze
necessarily mean that a municipal official she has witnessed “difficult and unpolite
During executive session, the board is not town employee salaries and the method by
may not continue to act in a particular interactions, either among people in the
allowed to take any action and because their which those are determined; library salaries
situation. The deciding factor should be audience or between people in the audience
discussion involved a particular individual are the most recent impetus for a potential
whether the official is able to act impartially and a board member…We really need to not
appointed to a particular position, the results change, but last fall’s departure of the
despite the presence of a conflict.” have that happen—it’s really destructive and
of their conversation remained private. assistant town clerk and treasurer and hiring
not helpful.”
Spear and Tenney both decided they could of her replacement prompted the Selectboard
Upon their return, Krasnow said, “The The Charlotte News was once again
act impartially; some people questioned to recognize that it’s time to reevaluate the
Selectboard recognizes that there is public designated the newspaper of record, with The
publicly whether or not this was true, which situation. On Tuesday March 16 at 7 p.m.
concern about the existing conflict of interest Citizen and Seven Days serving as backup in they will have a public meeting to discuss the
leads to the next question: What can be done policy, and the Selectboard will be soliciting case the paper’s biweekly schedule doesn’t issue with town employees.
about it? input from the public about how to improve provide an adequate warning time for certain
The VLCT answers this question succinctly: this policy, as well as researching the idea of Zoning Administrator
legal notices. The board also agreed to post
having an Ethics Committee.” The candidate who was previously being
“An elected official may not be forced to notices on Front Porch Forum as often as
considered for the ZA position withdrew their
recuse himself or herself or to resign if New member Lewis Mudge will guide possible.
application; Town Administrator Dean Bloch
requested, even if a clear conflict of interest the effort, and Krasnow invited interested Liaisons said that the town increased their reach when
has been identified. Other individuals may members of the public to contact Mudge with The Selectboard choses members to act as advertising the position around the state and
express their opinions about the subject, concerns. The Selectboard will take the issue liaisons between the board and other town said, “We do have several applicants,” and
and may privately or publicly admonish the up again at their March 22 meeting. boards, commissions, and committees. Their noted that interviews will begin shortly.
elected official who fails to handle a conflict role is to act as the go-between and point
appropriately, but such is the extent of their
The Charlotte News • March 11, 2021 • 3
Lettter from the Editor Around Town
Thank you and see you later Congratulations:
to Rose Lord of Charlotte whose poem
Word magnets earned placement in the
Chea Waters Evans and I feel like I’ve grown a lot, not just in Burlington Free Press’ “Young Writers
sweat pant size, but in other, internal ways.
Project” in the paper’s March 5 issue. In
Ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you—
I’m all in for extending the party. The host will This is my last issue of The Charlotte News. it, Rose suggests there are words in our
be like, “Hey, can you stay for one more…” It breaks my heart to go—it was my dream vocabulary that we cling to throughout a
job. I’ve loved every nature-photo submission, lifetime—“Love and death and life” being
and I don’t even know what they’re saying
because I’ve just plopped down my bag and every secret text or phone call from brave three important ones. She says we also The Charlotte News
I’m running to do a cannonball into the pool, people who needed to share information, the “watch and cry and dream and be” before Mission Statement
hot tips on everything from leash laws to our life ends. However, as defined, it has The mission of The Charlotte News is to inform our
or wrestling the cork out of another bottle, or readers about current events, issues and topics, and
shuffling the cards for another hand. Maybe municipal conflict of interest. I’ve appreciated been “achingly gorgeous.” to serve as a forum for the free exchange of views of
they’re asking me to stay for one more minute all the emails and pats on the back in the town residents and community volunteer organizations
because they want me to take out the garbage, grocery store, and I’m grateful for all the Sympathy: on matters related to Charlotte and the lives of its
support and kind words I’ve received for the residents.
but I’m back in action. is extended to family and friends of John
past two years from everyone who loved the Dean Clewley of Dover, Mass., who passed Editorial independence
Sitting around staring at my own face on Zoom paper and what I was trying to do here. away March 2 at the age of 84. A graduate The Board of Directors retains full authority over all
for the last year has led to a lot of navel-gazing editorial and advertising content in The Charlotte
of Middlebury College, he worked for News. While we are funded by advertising revenue
and googling what kind of eyebrows are on- There are lovely writers who are kind people
General Electric in Burlington and taught and donor contributions, our news judgments are
trend these days. It’s been a devastating one with big hearts who contribute to this paper, made in accordance with our mission and independent
physics at Trinity College while serving as
for many, and though I’m lucky in a million and the two women on staff work hard and of all sources of financial support, including support
deserve all the support they receive. Thanks a researcher in the chemistry department at given through our affiliated 501(c)3 organization, The
ways, including the fact that my mom made
again for all of your encouragement. the University of Vermont. He and his wife Friends of The Charlotte News.
it through the pandemic okay, my life has
owned a camp at Cedar Beach in Charlotte.
changed profoundly over the last 12 months, Letters, Commentaries and Obituaries
Consistent with our mission The Charlotte News
It’s a no for Articles 6 and 7, yes to Tenney and
publishes letters to the editor, commentaries and
obituaries from our readers. All letters, commentaries
and obituaries are subject to review and approval by
the news editor of the paper and to the following rules
Mudge, budgets pass and standards:
• Letters to the editor, commentaries and obituaries
should be emailed to news@thecharlottenews.
org as attachments in .doc format. All letters,
Chea Waters Evans Frank Tenney was re-elected with 474 commentaries and obituaries must contain the
votes and will serve a three-year term on writer’s full name, town of residence and, for
editing purposes only, phone number.
The results were in, but not until the Selectboard. His opponent Justin Bora • Letters may not exceed 300 words, obituaries 500
midnight—there was a lot to count and a lot received 299 votes, and a write-in campaign words and commentaries 750 words.
for two-year term candidate Mike Dunbar • The opinions expressed in commentaries and
of write-ins. Town Clerk Mary Mead said letters to the editor belong solely to the author
Tuesday that the Australian ballot resulted yielded 315 votes. and are not to be understood as endorsed by
in a record number of Town Meeting Day either the Board of Directors or the editorial staff
Lewis Mudge defeated Dunbar for the two- of the paper.
votes. year term, 753 to 323. • All published letters and commentaries will
include the writer’s name and town of residence.
Article 1, regarding tax payment due dates, Here are the Champlain Valley School • Before publishing any obituary, we will need
District voting results: proper verification of death.
passed 1184 to 46. • All submissions are subject to editing for clarity,
Article VII Budget passed: Yes: 3701, No: factual accuracy, tone, length and consistency
Article 2, exempting the Charlotte Grange 1446 with our house publishing style.
from paying property taxes for the next five Article VIII Fund Balance passed: Yes: • Whenever editing is necessary we will make
years, passed 1047 to 172. every effort to publish each submission in its
4378, No: 741 entirety and to preserve the original intent and
Article 3, approving the town budget, Article IX Buses passed: Yes: 3535, No: wording. We will confer with writers before
publishing any submitted material that in our
passed 997 to 225. 1600 judgment requires significant editing before it can
be published.
Article 4, approving $62,000 raised by Board Member Elections: • The news editor makes the final determination
property taxes for the Trails Reserve Fund, Volunteer Elaine Sharrow (feeling optimistic for Charlotte: Meghan Metzler elected to a whether a letter to the editor, a commentary or an
passed 819 to 423. obituary will be published as submitted, returned
spring in her flip flops), Assistant Town Clerk and three-year term (replaces outgoing Jeffrey for rewriting or rejected.
Article 5, changing Town Meeting Day to Treasurer Sy Koerner, and volunteer Jules Polk Martin) Publisher: Claudia Marshall
had a busy day running the polls on Tuesday. (claudia@thecharlottenews.org)
the Saturday preceding the first Tuesday in Hinesburg: Keith Roberts re-elected
Photo by Chea Waters Evans Editorial Staff
March, passed 962 to 256. Managing Editor: Anna Cyr
Article 7, amending the LURs in the East Shelburne: Barbra Marden re-elected to a (anna@thecharlottenews.org)
Article 6, amending the Town Plan three-year year term
Charlotte Village Commercial District, was Editor: Chea Waters Evans
to increase the boundaries of the East (chea@thecharlottenews.org)
Charlotte Village Commercial District, was defeated 885 to 365. Williston: Josilyn Adams and Brendan Contributing Editor: Edd Merritt
defeated 859 to 389. Articles 8 and 9, amending the LURs McMahon both re-elected to three-year Copy editor: Beth Merritt
to make changes to accessory on-farm terms Proofreaders: Edd Merritt,
Mike & Janet Yantachka
business regulations and change nuts and Charlotte voters chose justices of the peace Business Staff
bolts language and updates, both passed, in November, but The Charlotte News did Ad manager: Christy Hagios
Charlotte
The (ads@thecharlottenews.org)
741 to 363 and 841 to 255, respectively. not at the time include a full vote count of Bookkeeper: Susan Jones
Article 10, allowing the road commissioner all who ran; that information is below. The (billing@thecharlottenews.org)
top 12 were elected.
News to use his sole discretion regarding Board Members
President: Claudia Marshall
percentages when applying road salt and (claudia@thecharlottenews.org)
sand, including the option for 100 percent 1. Michael Krasnow Democratic 1,765
Treasurer: Ted leBlanc
(treasurer@thecharlottenews.org)
salt, passed 1067 to 114. Board members: Vince Crockenberg, Bob
TO ADVERTISE CONTACT: 2. Greg Cluff Democratic 1,614 Bloch, Gay Regan, Tom Tiller, John Quinney, Jack
ads@thecharlottenews.org Jim Laberge received enough write- Fairweather, Christina Asquith, Ben Miller, Bailey
in votes for each of the three cemetery 3. Lorna Jimerson Democratic 1,456 Grattelo, John Hammer (emeritus)
SEND YOUR CHARLOTTE NEWS TO: commissioner positions available, so he 4. Jill Abilock Democratic 1,405 Technical advisor: Melissa Mendelsohn, Orchard
Road Computers
news@thecharlottenews.org will be able to choose which one he wants
and the other two will remain vacant. 5. Seth Zimmerman Democratic 1,365 Website: thecharlottenews.org
Subscription Information
Robert Smith, library trustee, Meghan 6. Leo Laberge Democratic 1,305 The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all
PUBLICATION DATES Metzler, Champlain Valley School 7. Robin Reid Independent 1,109
Charlotte residences. Subscriptions are available for
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March 25, 2021 District school director, Charlie Russell, 8. Moe Harvey Republican 959
Want a subscription? Please send a check payable to
town moderator, Moe Harvey, trustee of The Charlotte News, P.O. Box 251,
Copy Deadline: Friday, March 19 9. Lucas Trono Republican 931 Charlotte, VT 05445.
public funds, and Hugh Lewis, Jr., road Postmaster/Send address changes to:
Ads Deadline: Friday, March 19 commissioner, all won their races—they 10. Ed Stone Republican 902 The Charlotte News
all ran unopposed. Mary Mead won her P.O. Box 251, Charlotte, VT 05445
April 8, 2021 unopposed re-election bids for delinquent 11. Patrice Machavern Republican 888 Telephone: 425-4949
Circulation: 2,000
Copy Deadline: Friday, April 2 tax collector, town clerk and town treasurer. 12. Peter Trono Republican 800 Copyright © 2021 The Charlotte News, Inc.
Ads Deadline: Friday, April 2 The former is a one-year term and the other Member of the New England Newspaper
13. Lynne Caulfield Republican 778 and Press Association, LION Publishers and the
two are three-year terms. Vermont Press Association.
4 • March 11, 2021 • The Charlotte News
Town
Voter vignettes from Town Meeting Day Thanks, Carrie!
Ethan Putnam On the topic of the Australian ballot,
Staff report
COMMUNITY NEWS SERVICE In the future Ng wants an in-person debate, Congdon said, “It’s a double-edged sword: it
but to keep the Australian ballot, saying “it does restrict some of the community aspect,
9:20 a.m. Selectboard
would give everyone an equal chance.” He but then again there are many people that
On a frigid Tuesday morning Kendra Bowen member and
also felt just as informed this year and said, can’t participate in the community aspect
came to the Town Hall to vote in person. Spear’s Corner
“It’s my responsibility as a citizen to seek and so maybe we need to find community
A mom from East Charlotte, she believes Store owner Carrie
out that information.” elsewhere.”
participation is important for a functioning Spear signed off for
democracy. Without Town Meeting, Bowen the last time as a
10:38 a.m. 12:13 p.m.
said she felt more disconnected from the public official last
Brett Towle pulled up in his pickup truck Sporting a tan Dickies coat, Selectboard
community and that she had to do more week. After serving
and waved hello. member Frank Tenney came to vote for
work to learn about the issues. two three-year
himself shortly after Carrie Spear
terms on the board,
A UVM grad, Towle noon. (He won his
10:04 a.m. she is moving on,
works at Horsford seat.)
Wearing a blue but not without the thanks and appreciation
Gardens and Nursery
mask that matched of her colleagues. At both the Feb. 22 and
and feels strongly When he was asked
his dog’s sweater, March 1 meetings, she was lauded for her
about Articles 6 and about whether he
John Howe was in a dedication and spirit.
7. “The proposed missed Town Meeting
talkative mood. He new commercial Day, Tenney said, “It’s
didn’t get a ballot Louise McCarren said she wanted to thank
and residential always been fun to go.”
sent to him and felt Brett Towle Spear for “all of her incredible hard work
developments would He supported moving
obligated to vote. Frank Tenney and all of her community support…and
be adjacent to our Town Meeting Day to
When asked how how important it is to the town.” She noted
property—I don’t believe rushing it through Saturday, a proposal
he felt about not that the “Town Hall of the East” will still be
now is beneficial to the community.” Towle that’s on today’s ballot. “I think it’s hard for
having the Town in full effect at Carrie’s store and that she
also cited changing values and conflicts of people to get here on Tuesday, especially if
Meeting this year, intended to keep stopping by to get the scoop
interest as other reasons as to why he was school is on.”
he said he “liked on Friday nights.
opposed.
to physically be Tenney said there wasn’t anything he felt
together for Town The rest of the board and Town
As a new resident of Charlotte, this was very strongly about voting for or against this
Meeting” and Administrator Dean Bloch echoed her thanks
Towles’s first year voting here. He said he year and that “there were a lot of things I
that he felt “less and acknowledged Spear’s hard work.
didn’t miss Town Meeting Day and said, didn’t vote for at all.”
informed” and was Board member Jim Faulkner said, “I have to
“I had all the resources I needed,” to be
“sick of the Zoom John Howe say, it’s going to be hard to replace Carrie,
informed. After the interview he climbed into the cab
meetings.” because nobody cares about Charlotte the
of his bright red pickup and drove off.
way that she does.”
He intends to stick around and hopes to
Howe also said that he wished the town become more involved in the community,
would change the system “where you go to having recently applied to a seat on the
Town Meeting and then vote at a different Conservation Commission.
time.”
On the controversial 6th and 7th
amendments, Howe voted yes, saying, “The
11:37 a.m.
Tina Helzer came to
vote today after a round
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Planning Commission has worked so long of tennis, braving the
and so hard on these issues and was trying to cold in ankle-length
prevent the carpeting of the landscape with leggings.
houses every five acres,” and that “it moves
us in the right direction environmentally.” She voted for Lewis
He praised Marty Illick, a member of the
Incentives Drop September 1st
Mudge and said she
Planning Commission, for working so hard “missed having Town Tina Helzer
on the amendments. Meeting Day because
it got the community
10:13 a.m. more involved.”
Susan Smith came to vote today because she
thought she might see someone. She really Helzer also felt less informed this year
missed Town Meeting Day, saying, “I felt because of the lack of an in-person meeting
sorta detached—I like hearing what people but thought that on the East Charlotte Village
have to say,” and that she hopes for a school n
pot o !
Commercial District changes, everyone was
meeting next year. well enough informed. a S
rve w
Smith said that there were difficult issues on
Rese lendar No
12:02 p.m. a
the ballot this year with who to vote for and John Congdon had a break at his worksite, Our C
the proposed East Charlotte changes. so he came to cast his
vote.
She didn’t want her photo taken for the same
reason many others have these days: COVID He voted for Articles
Hair. 6 and 7 because he
listened to the panel
10:19 a.m. discussion between
Joe Ng came to vote the Selectboard and
today to approve the Planning Commission.
new school budget. Congdon said the John Congdon
“The school needs comment Selectboard
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up the students who with him: “The fact that they know how to
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Ng said he thought Joe Ng
the Town Meeting was Congdon hopes that there is a process so that A Vermont Owned and Operated Business
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for Town Meeting Day.”
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The Charlotte News • March 11, 2021 • 5
Letters to the Editor
Every home Dear CVSD Community members
and voters,
Wishing you and your families continued good
health and happy spring.
has a story A heartfelt thank you for your continued
support of the Champlain Valley School
District’s students and schools. The CVSD
FY22 budget passed overwhelmingly. In
Kindly,
Kelly A. Bowen
Chair of the CVSD School Board’s
Finance Committee
Let us tell yours this year, a year that has tested the creativity,
patience and tenacity of each and every one of Thank you from the Grange
us, the community came together in support of
public education. To the editor:
As the CVSD board moves out of the planning A big thank you to Charlotters for voting to
and development phase of the budget cycle exempt the Grange from property taxes for the
and into the implementation, rest assured the next five years. This makes a huge difference
administration and the board are committed to for us and allows us to focus on our programs
increasing in-person learning. and activities. While these activities may be
limited in scope at the moment, we’re busy
While the voting process for this year is planning and organizing so that we can hit the
complete, I welcome you to continue to ground running when we can gather again—
engage with us each month at the CVSD hope to see you soon!
monthly board meeting. Meeting details,
ZOOM log-in and agendas can be found:
cvsdvt.org/Page/604 or reach out to me: Mike Walker
kbowen@cvsdvt.org.
Report from the Legislature
Town Meeting recess marks
halfway point for legislative session
As the Legislature remotely is very different from meeting
prepared to recess for at the Statehouse because of the lack of
town meeting week, personal interaction that often helps facilitate
the focus continued to communication on important issues. Zooming
be on our number one is just not the same.
priority: Vermonters and
However, there is a silver lining to this dark
the coronavirus. The
cloud. As a result of live streaming of floor
Rep. Mike Vermont House passed
Yantachka sessions and committee proceedings, it is
and sent to the Senate an
now possible for anyone anywhere to sit in
additional $79 million Covid-19 Relief and
on a proceeding. If you have an interest in a
Recovery Aid bill. H.315 provides critical
particular issue or would just like to see how
assistance to working families and businesses
legislative business is conducted, I invite you
2848 GREENBUSH ROAD struggling due to the pandemic by addressing
to drop in at your convenience. Here’s how.
Great opportunity in this historic property in the heart of Charlotte Village! Updated 1850s home on 3.2 health disparities, increasing social equity, and
acres at the corner of Ferry and Greenbush Road. Enjoy views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks from stimulating economic recovery. Floor sessions take place at 10 a.m. on
the west facing back of property. 4,300+ square feet plus rental apartment and three barns/outbuildings. Tuesdays, 1:15 p.m. on Wednesdays and
The work my committee has been doing
CHARLOTTE | $799,000 | MLS#4833012 Thursdays, and 9:30 a.m. on Fridays. To
has been focused on getting high-speed
view a livestream of a session, go to https://
broadband to unserved and underserved areas
legislature.vermont.gov/. Scroll down to the
of Vermont. We ended the week by voting
bottom of the House or Senate sections where
the bill (H.360) out of committee on a 9 to 0
you will find a link to “Watch House/Senate
vote. The bill now goes to the Appropriations
Live Video.” If you want to watch a session
Committee that will consider whether to
after the fact at your leisure, click on the same
recommend the appropriation we asked for.
link and you will find recordings of previous
Besides telecommunications, my committee sessions.
also has jurisdiction over energy policy and
Committee meetings are where most of the
the IT systems of the state. Leading up to the
work takes place. This is where bills that
recess, Governor Scott recommended a $200
have been assigned to the committee are
million package of spending based on one-
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heard. To view a committee proceeding, again
a few of the perks in this Queen Anne Victorian home. Built in the late 1800s with original woodwork and Funds and better than expected state revenues.
go to https://legislature.vermont.gov/. In the
lovely architecture plus multiple porches and more. In the energy area, we concurred with the
sidebar at the right is a link to “Scheduled
SHELBURNE | $899,000 | MLS#4837283 governor’s plan to use $10 million to assist
Committee Meetings.” Clicking on the link
low- and moderate-income consumers to
will take you to a page that contains links to
share in community solar projects, including
the committee pages and the published agenda
battery storage of energy. Folks who rent and
for the week. On the committee page there
homeowners who can’t install solar panels on
will be a link to “Livestream” where either a
their property will be able to purchase or lease
livestream of a hearing or recorded hearings
shares of large solar arrays and receive credit
can be viewed.
on their electric bills for the energy generated.
NANCY WARREN
The Vermont Statehouse is truly The
Nancy.Warren@FourSeasonsSIR.com We have also been working with the Agency
People’s House. As citizens of Vermont the
802.734.5024 of Digital Services to fund the upgrade
work that goes on there is for the benefit of
of several of our 40-year-old computer
JAY STRAUSSER all and is transparent to all. At these times
systems, including the Labor Department’s
Jay.Strausser@FourSeasonsSIR.com when democracy is under assault by lies,
unemployment insurance system that has
802.578.2094 misinformation and conspiracy theories,
had a lot of problems over the past year.
we in Vermont have an opportunity to see
We are concurring with the governor’s
Find and follow us on social media for new listings and updates! the Legislature in action with our own eyes.
recommendation of spending $50 million to
@WarrenStrausserGroup Being engaged is a way we can all protect our
upgrade a dozen different systems.
democratic form of government.
The Vermont Legislature continues to operate
I welcome your emails (myantachka.dfa@
remotely as a result of the coronavirus
550 HINESBURG ROAD | SO. BURLINGTON | FourSeasonsSIR.com | WarrenStrausser.com gmail.com) or phone calls (802-233-5238).
pandemic and will continue to do so at least
Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. This article and others can be found at my
until May 15, 2021. Conducting business
website (www.MikeYantachka.com).
6 • March 11, 2021 • The Charlotte News
Town
Newest Selectboard member is ready to work Notice of vacancies and expiring
terms on town boards and of town
Chea Waters Evans with Lewis Mudge this. Official positions
March, 2021
What subcommittees or Selectboard
Lewis Mudge is the newest member of
projects are you going to work on?
the Charlotte Selectboard and he took The following boards and positions currently
a minute to let us know what he’s into, Conservation goes hand in hand with have unfilled seats:
what he hopes for, and what he wants to hunting. Hunters can’t hunt if ecosystems • Board of Auditors (1 seat; term ending
accomplish for the town and its citizens. and wild habitats aren’t protected. My March 1, 2022)
wife calls hunting a “hobby,” but I call • Cemetery Commission (2 seats; terms
Tell us anything you care to share
it a “way of life” and I’m thrilled that I ending March 1, 2022)
about your personal life--family, work,
will be working with the Conservation • Conservation Commission (1 seat; term
hobbies, etc.I live on Greenbush with my
Commission. ending April 30, 2022)
wife, Nikki, and our three boys, ages 7, 6
and 4. It’s a lot of work (and testosterone) I’m also very happy to be working with • Energy Committee (1 seat; term ending
for the matriarch. We moved to Charlotte the Energy Committee. I’ve seen firsthand April 30, 2022)
from Nairobi, Kenya—a bustling city the effects of climate change in Africa and • Planning Commission (1 seat; term ending
of over 4 million—in part to allow our watched Irene ravage parts of the state April 30, 2022)
boys the space and safety to grow, to from afar. I’ll be looking to work with the • Trustee of Public Funds (2 seats; terms
reconnect with nature and instill a sense Energy Committee on building the town’s ending March 1, 2022)
of community. We love going to the resiliency and also on ensuring that we do
The following boards and positions have seats
Congregational Church and our home life our part to address climate change.
In between sugaring, working, and hanging with terms ending April 30, 2021:
revolves around skiing in the winter, the
out with his kids, Lewis Mudge hopes to Civic engagement has been a bit of • Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge
lake in the summer and visiting family in
encourage community engagement in local a hit or miss in Charlotte in recent Oversight Committee (3 seats; 3 year term)
Vershire (Orange County) or my wife’s
government. Photo contributed years, though this year, either despite • Conservation Commission (2 seats; 4 year
family in Canada. Every fall I try to get
or because of the pandemic, people term)
as much time in the deer stand as family
like a community center. have been somewhat more engaged. • Constable (1 seat; 2 year term)
obligations will allow…sadly, it’s never
Why do you think this is, and what
enough time. Articles 6 & 7, though they didn’t • Emergency Management Director (1 seat; 1
do you think the Selectboard can or year term)
I am the Central Africa Director at Human pass, clearly brought up a lot of should do to encourage Charlotters to
passionate opinions in Charlotte • Energy Committee (3 seats; 2 year term)
Rights Watch, where I have been for over participate in local government—being
10 years. I manage teams across the region about development and the future on a committee, or running for office, • Green-Up Day Coordinator(s) (1 or 2 seats;
of Charlotte. What’s your vision or 1 year term)
as we focus on documenting and exposing or asking for an appointment, or simply
serious human rights abuse. philosophy of growth as it pertains to attending meetings? • Planning Commission (1 seat; 4 year term)
the Town Plan? • Recreation Commission (3 seats; 3 year
Why did you run for Selectboard? I think this is a great question and it’s term)
The town’s voters were very clear something I hope to address. Our town
I saw an opportunity to do several things: on Articles 6 & 7; I think we need to • Thompson’s Point Design Review
will only thrive if our town’s folks step Committee (1 seat; 3 year term)
to bring a new perspective, to represent recognize that. People told me a variety up. I’d especially like to see some of
the voices of those in town with young of things on the articles: they did • Trails Committee (5 seats; 2 year term)
our residents with younger children get
children, and to step up and try to help not understand the changing acreage • Tree Warden (1 seat; 1 year term)
involved. Those who haven’t grown up
manage the town we all love. Ultimately, allotments, they were not happy that • Zoning Board (1 seat; 3 year term)
here came for a reason, and we all want to
I just want to be a valuable contributor some landowners were also decision- see this town remain such a special place If you have interest in serving the Town by
and hope to encourage others to serve on makers who put this to a vote, they felt to raise our kids. But it’s a hard ask when participating in any of these capacities please
the Selectboard or other commissions and the reduction from five acres to one it’s a time-consuming volunteer position send a short statement explaining your interest
committees. was excessive, etc. I think we need that exposes one to potential grief. I get and relevant background information by Friday,
What are the top three issues or topics to adequately reflect those concerns. it! But I hope that over the next two years April 2nd to Dean Bloch, Town Administrator
that you’re interested in working on However, I do feel that the Town Plan, I will be able to encourage some of our at dean@townofcharlotte.com. If you have
over the coming years? while not perfect, is still the right path less-engaged Charlotters to participate. questions, please e-mail or call 425-3071 ext. 5,
forward for Charlotte and that we should Frankly, if I can achieve that, even to or stop by Town Hall.
My immediate goal is to try learn as strive to implement it as best as we can.
much as I can as fast as I can. I knew that some degree, then I’ll consider my time
I don’t want the town to be disconnected on the Selectboard a success!
serving on the Selectboard was to be a lot on five-acre minimum plots that are
of work, but I must admit I already have prohibitively expensive for would-be
a newfound appreciation for those who Charlotters to move to. Know someone
serve on it or who served on it in the past. interesting in Charlotte?
Second, I think we need to better clarify I also feel strongly we should avoid the
our conflict of interest policy and address urban sprawl that we see across other We want to interview them
how conflict of interest is perceived. I parts of the county. So it will be about and share their story.
think there should be some lessons learned a compromise, hopefully following Email news@
from the past election on this. Finally, respectful conversations, about what kind thecharlottenews.org
I’d like to lend a moderate and neutral of town we are with regards to growth.
voice to how the town envisions growth, Even though I’ve only been on the Charlotte News
The
whether it be addressing a greater density Selectboard a week, I’m already confident
in the villages or in town-wide projects we have a good team in place to address
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The Charlotte News • March 11, 2021 • 7
Education
Gap year option appeal increases during pandemic
When President Obama’s ahead. a student can complete a training program
oldest daughter, Malia, to install solar panels. After the gap year,
By the end of March, most high school
took a gap year after the student will have a real-world exposure
students will be receiving their college
high school graduation related to professional fields.
acceptance letters. Evaluating the gap-year
in 2016, many wondered,
process for each school could influence the For recent college graduates, the new
“What is a gap year and
student’s choice of which college to attend. buzz is participating in a fellowship.
why take it?” At that
Margo Bartsch time, fewer than three
For example, the University of Vermont This is similar to a short-term internship,
allows a newly admitted student to request where an organization has opportunities
CONTRIBUTOR percent of graduating
that admissions defer up to two semesters to pursue career options connected with
high school students who were accepted to
off. However, both Barnard College and academic fields. Many fellowships can
college decided to take a gap year off before
Columbia University in New York are less be paid and require college professor
attending college. Fast forward to the 2020
flexible: for fall 2020, they required that recommendations, an application process,
pandemic: college freshmen who deferred
incoming freshmen re-apply (and potentially and interviews. With the pandemic, many
for a year increased about five times. For
be rejected admissions) if they requested fellowships and internships are remote.
example, Dartmouth College reported that
taking a gap year right before the start of Some recent graduates may choose to live
15 percent of the class of 2024 took a gap
the semester. The new application could Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay.com in the geographic area of the organization
year.
include additional essays to reflect on how so that they can meet co-workers and staff
With changes in the college living and their education was disrupted and what the Surge” last August that students who take at outdoor local areas such as parks. This
learning dynamic with both online and student accomplished during their gap year. a year off typically do better with their also gives a recent college graduate an
hybrid learning, the gap year is becoming academic grades. A year off can build time- opportunity to live in another city, have an
As the cost of college continues to increase management skills, foster team dynamics
a popular alternative. Also, as the job independent lifestyle, and pursue a future
for most colleges, many students can factor across various roles, and expose a student to
market continues to shrink for recent career.
in the likelihood of online learning. The need various academic interests for future careers.
college graduates, many are evaluating
for social distancing in cafeterias and dorms Taking a gap year should not be a last-
gap year alternatives such as fellowships While in college, there are also gap year
affects the overall campus social dynamic. minute consideration. As college acceptances
or internships before applying to graduate options. For example, college juniors may
Also, having enough space for social trickle in or as college graduation nears, it
school or beginning a full-time job. Now consider taking a year off since many study-
distancing in large lecture halls will likely is important to make a list of pros and cons
is the time to discuss a range of gap year abroad programs have been canceled due to
continue to change many of the formats and of various gap year alternatives. Immersing
options to be prepared for the college the pandemic travel constraints. Gap-year
processes of education. By working a year to yourself in an untraditional year can broaden
experience and professional opportunities programs include the U.S. government
contribute to college expenses and gain work your horizons with exposure to new interests
experiences, the student can wait to attend applications for the Peace Corp, AmeriCorps that can become your life’s passion and
Charlotters on college with the hope for a more traditional and Green Corps. It is essential to review influence your future professional goals.
campus life. each program’s requirements and deadlines
Margo Bartsch founded College Essay
the dean’s list
since this is a lengthy review process. Also,
In fact, even before the pandemic, many there are service-learning opportunities at Coach, a full-service college admission
colleges encouraged taking a gap year. non-profits such as Feeding America and business, and has been an adjunct professor
Staff report Middlebury College reported in the in business at Champlain College and at
local food banks. To gain hands-on exposure
higher education publication “Education to an academic field, such as green energy, Middlebury College.
Saige Alpeter was named to the fall 2020
dean’s honor list at Gettysburg College in
Gettysburg, Pa.
Genevie Lemieux was named to the fall
2020 dean’s list at the University of Rhode
Winona Smith Scholarship opportunities open
Island in Kingston, R.I. Staff report Created in 1995 to honor the legacy of need to submit two essays, 500 words each,
Winona Smith, the scholarship is awarded one on issues concerning voting
Curren Simard was named to the fall The League of Women Voters of Vermont annually to local high school seniors who rights and the other on the impact of a recent
2020 dean’s list at Community College of Education Fund is now accepting applications embody the characteristics and qualities civic, national or world event. A letter of
Vermont in Montpelier. for its Winona Smith Scholarship program. Smith displayed of civic participation and recommendation from a teacher is also
community service. required.
Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to The scholarship can be applied toward
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8 • March 11, 2021 • The Charlotte News
Town
Charlotter resilience survey results are in
The Charlotte Community Charlotte Senior Center, Transition Town civic engagement, community spirit, self- Community Connections: Results received
Partners wrote a lot during Charlotte, Seed Library, Fire and Rescue, sufficiency, awareness and education; and indicate that there is a fair amount of
the fall and early winter the Grange and others. With a mind toward COVID-19, including questions around mutual uncertainty (Not Sure) in the areas of Self
about the Resilience learning if people thought our town was aid/community support, schools/families, and Sufficiency and Awareness and Education.
Survey, which was rolled resilient and beginning the discussion of personal well-being. Respondents ranked each The results in Civic Engagement indicate that
out in November and ran how to become more resilient if necessary, section on a scale from one to five (one being most respondents think that we are not very
into December. It gave the group partnered with Vermont-based not very resilient and five being very resilient) resilient with 38% scoring it a 1 or 2.
Trina Bianchi Charlotte residents the Community Resilience Organizations, which or Not Sure.
CONTRIBUTOR opportunity to weigh in has run these assessments throughout the state. COVID-19: 73% of the respondents indicated
on how resilient they believed our town to be Mindy Blank, CRO director, guided us through A few key insights from the various categories they were doing well during this journey,
in five various areas. We were excited that 181 the resilience assessment process, customizing include: but many were unclear about community
Charlotters participated in the survey, which the survey for Charlotte and adding a section resilience in the areas of mutual aid or around
Basic Needs & Services: Between 30% schools and families.
was more than any other town in Vermont assessing the COVID situation. and 45% of the respondents have concerns
taking this journey had garnered. We now want about resilience around food equity, energy, This is merely a glance at what the results
to begin the process of sharing the results. The results of the assessment/survey
are descriptive only; they only highlight health services and housing; in terms of show; the CCP is in the process of finalizing
Back in April 2020, at the onset of our community perceptions of our town’s ability personal health & well-being, 45% ranked our a full report including the raw data that
COVID-19 journey, a trio of concerned to bounce back from challenges. The survey resiliency as a 4 or 5. we received. All of that will be sent to
Charlotte residents, Cindi Robinson from results do not prescribe or offer any answers or various town committees, commissions and
Environment & Natural Systems: Our organizations. Anyone or any group who
the Food Shelf, Margaret Woodruff from the suggest any particular actions. town’s environmental stewardship and land
library, and Rev. Kevin Goldenbogen from would like to read it is invited to do so by
The five categories surveyed were Basic use received high marks for resilience; requesting a copy or accessing via the website
the Congregational Church, put their heads invasive species management, however,
together. They invited other organizations in Needs and Services, covering food supply links for the Town and the Charlotte Library.
and equity, energy, health services, housing, ranked not very resilient, with 29% marking it In addition, further articles will appear in The
Charlotte to gather by Zoom to talk about what a 1 or 2.
was working in Charlotte, where the needs etc.; Environment and Natural Systems, Charlotte News.
were, and how best to meet those needs and including land use, rivers/floodplains, Physical Infrastructure: Emergency shelter
natural areas, common spaces, and invasive The ongoing work of the CCP will be to try to
support one another in these new, untested access received a lower grade as 46% of the engage various groups to stimulate discussion
pandemic waters. species; Physical Infrastructure, including respondents ranked it as a 1 or 2 and another
roads/transportation, emergency shelters, around the results with the hope of making,
38% saying they weren’t sure. Respondents through collaborative community engagement,
This group, now known as the Charlotte cell/broadband accessibility, public/private also ranked cell service and broadband
Community Partners, has met twice a month facilities, stormwater and waste management; our beautiful town more resilient in all of the
accessibility lower, with 39% of ranking it as a areas and welcoming to all.
since last April and includes representatives Community Connections, including 1 or 2. Public/private facilities were ranked as
from Charlotte Central School, the CCS PTO, community planning, communication, being a 4 or 5 in resiliency.
Health
COVID-19 variant detected in Vermont
Staff report strain. The B.1.1.7 variant has already been as possible, and I ask everyone who is eligible and bring this pandemic to an end.”
identified in 49 U.S. states and territories. The for each phase to get vaccinated. But now that
Vermont health officials have confirmed de- CDC anticipates the more easily transmissi- we know the variant is here, it is ever more The samples sent for sequencing are de-iden-
tection of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7—the ble B.1.1.7 variant will become the dominant important that everyone follow our guidance tified for privacy purposes, assigned a number
viral mutation first detected in the U.K. in the strain the country. to prevent transmission—wear your mask, and sent to the lab in Massachusetts. As in all
fall of 2020. This is the first lab-confirmed keep a distance of six feet from each other, and instances of positive COVID-19 test results,
evidence of the variant in the state. The variant Health Commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said absolutely avoid crowded places. These steps the individuals have received the appropriate
was detected in a specimen taken from a resi- confirmation of the variant in Vermont is a continue to be effective against variants.” guidance and recommendations by the Health
dent of Chittenden County. concern, but not a surprise. “This and other Department for their care, quarantine and iso-
variants have been circulating throughout the Dr. Levine also urged people to take advantage lation, and contact tracing was performed.
The Vermont Health Department sends select U.S. for some time, so we expected to find of the ample testing available. “Not everyone
samples from people who had already tested evidence of it here. In fact, we are the last New shows symptoms of the virus, and you can’t For more information about new COVID-19
positive for COVID-19 to the Massachusetts England state where it has been detected.” know without testing if you have COVID-19. variants, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
Public Health Laboratory, Molecular Diagnos- All these things are how we protect each other transmission/variant.html.
tics and Virology program for genetic sequenc- Dr. Levine said what is notable about the
ing. The result has been reported to the Centers B.1.1.7 variant is that it can spread even faster
for Disease Control and Prevention. than the virus that has been in the state. “The
good news is that medical studies indicate
Viruses constantly change through mutation, the current vaccines are effective against this
and new variants and strains are not unexpect- strain, and Vermonters should have confidence
ed. Many emerge and disappear, but others in the vaccines available,” said Dr. Levine.
can persist and even become the predominant “We are moving to vaccinate people as quickly
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The Charlotte News • March 11, 2021 • 9
Hi, Neighbor!
Jonathan Hart’s newest venture
Jonathan Hart doesn’t Bicycle Tours and then Sojourn, while point that Hart decided to embark on a new
take as many photos also facilitating team building for Outward commercial venture so he could help her
as he used to. That’s Bound. financially.
because he’s changed
his vantage point Hart returned to his photography roots when Hart decided that for 2021 he would create
from photographer to he launched Amazing Vermont Photography four different calendars. He took an even
publisher. The proprietor and Amazing New England Photography, deeper breath and printed 12,000: one
Phyl Newbeck of Amazing Vermont hoping people would view his images the general landscape wall calendar, one wall
CONTRIBUTOR Photography has same way they listened to a beloved piece calendar with photos of barns, a weekly
added a new business of music. “If you listen to a piece of music planner, and a pocket calendar. The timing,
to his portfolio called Amazing Vermont that takes you away and causes you to have however, wasn’t great.
Calendars. emotions or feelings, you want to listen to
it again,” he said. “If I can create an image “I got them into 64 stores,” Hart said,
Hart’s love of photography started with a that causes you to feel something like that, “but because of Covid, tourism and retail
trip he took after college. “I drove across then I have succeeded.” businesses tanked.” Hart considers himself
the country with a borrowed camera and lucky to have been able to sell almost 8,000
bulk-loaded film and just started shooting,” When Hart retired from professional calendars.
he said. “I was untrained and unskilled but photography he thought about reprising the
it hit a chord for me.” Upon his return, Hart road trip of his youth and headed out on Hart is already at work planning his 2022
joined the Coast Guard. With thoughts of four expeditions with another photographer calendars. “I realized that the mission of
attending college and then re-enlisting as whom he describes as a mentor. “We were Vermont Life was to celebrate Vermont
an officer, he took a photography course at shooting in national parks,” Hart said and Vermonters, not Jonathan Hart,” he
Loyola University. “but the mission was to aim my camera said, “so the 2022 calendar will feature
and my thinking, and renew my love of local artist reproductions and other
In the end, Hart opted not to follow a photography around the possibility of photographers. Everything is made,
military path. He studied at the Rochester creating fine art photographs.” designed and printed in Vermont.” Instead Jonathan Hart. Photo contributed
Institute of Technology and subsequently of a pocket calendar, Hart is considering
had a number of photography jobs in In late 2019, Hart learned that Vermont another wall calendar that will be entirely
Chicago and Boston, opening studios in Life would no longer be creating their in black and white. Hart is pleased to have the opportunity
both cities and doing shoots for advertising iconic calendars. He took a deep breath to bring the work of other artists to the
agencies, design studios and private clients. and printed 3,000 calendars with his own Despite the Vermont-centric nature of his forefront. “I’ve gotten to know quite a few
After moving to Vermont, his clients photographs to make up for that loss. “I work, Hart hasn’t given up the thought of artists at big tent shows, farmers markets
included Orvis and DR Power. Deciding sold 2,500 and gave 500 away,” he said. traveling more for his photography, and and craft shows,” he said. “I feel like artists
to spend more time outdoors, Hart began “People were appreciative, but I thought it once he receives his second Covid shot, are at the same point where farmers were
leading bike trips, first for Vermont was a one-time thing until my daughter told he’s planning on driving cross-country to ten years ago in that we need to bring more
me she was having twins.” It was at that shoot. “I miss taking photos,” he said. “I attention to what we do.” Hart is happy
spend so much time trying to figure out how to be able to do something that raises the
to run the business. I drive almost every day profile of other artists while also helping his
on dirt roads and back roads, using my eyes daughter with her now ten-month-old twins.
to bring back something I’m missing, which “We’ll try to sell enough to get by,” he said
is carrying my camera and shooting.” “and raise some visibility for local talent.”
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