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Your nonprofit community news source since 1958
Thee Charlotte News
Th Thursday, June 2, 2022 | Volume LXIV Number 24
Photo by Lee Krohn
Sam Smith with the “running of the
sheep” to their next pasture area.
Photographer Lee Krohn said,
“It was so amusing how they ran
right along and did not need any
sheepherding to keep them headed
the right way.”
The Smiths live off Greenbush Road
and have been practicing rotational
grazing on their land neighboring
Ten Stones in a mutually beneficial
arrangement.
Thee Charlotte News
Th Your nonprofit community news source since 1958
June 2, 2022 Vol. 64, No.24
Remembering
those who gave
everything
More than 40 people showed up to the Charlotte Memorial Day commemoration on
the Charlotte Town Green.
Scooter MacMillan Private Cassius Newell, Private Alonzo
EDITOR E. Root, Private Joseph Kehoe, Private
At least 40 people participated in the George Doolittle Sherman, Private
inaugural Memorial Day celebration on Henry Drum, Private Daniel S. Ball,
the Charlotte Town Green. The names of 1st Sergeant Michael A. Kehoe, Private
31 Charlotters who gave their lives for the Fordyce N. Wheeler, Private Alfred Tatro,
United States during war were read aloud by Private James Little, Private Thomas
town residents. Young, Private William Clark Powell,
After each name was read, there was a Private James Abell, Private Daniel A.
pause for reflection … Scofield, Private Jacob Lacoy Jr., Private
In years past, members of the Charlotte Moody Haskell, Private Frank Barslow
Grange have celebrated Memorial Day by and Private Freeman Mason
putting flags on the graves of town residents • World War I — Private Joseph Harry
who have served in the country’s armed Hanks, Private DeLial W. Magee and
forces. Private Julius S. Munnette
“This year we wanted to do something • World War II — Private First Class
more,” said Grange member Linda Hamilton. William Arthur St. George, Private First
“We wanted to honor the soldiers who had Class Romeo Arthur Leclair, Private
some connection to Charlotte, who died in George Louis Sturgeon, Air Force
military service, and we wanted to remember Technician/5 Corporal Daniel P. Leonard
them as individual people. They had names. and Marine Lieutenant Willard Holdredge
We don’t know much about their lives, but • Viet Nam — Marine Sergeant Fred David
we can imagine they were people just like us. St. George
Photos by They had families, they had friends, they had
Scooter MacMillan plans.” • Iraq — Army Specialist, Vermont
Jordan Paquette, a Charlotte fire National Guard Alan Norman Bean Jr.
Above: Sarah Stein and fighter and a combat veteran in Iraq and • Many people from Charlotte served in the
Afghanistan, said, “It’s so important to Revolutionary War but, Hamilton said,
Oliver Smith closed
remember, especially for our young folks, they don’t have good information on who
Monday’s Memorial Day they were.
that everything we have today, everything
ceremony by playing “Taps.” is because someone said, ‘Yes, I’m going to After the reading and quiet contemplation
stand up for what I believe in.’” of these names, trumpeters Sarah Stein and
The 31 people remembered at Charlotte’s Oliver Smith played “Taps.”
Memorial Day commemoration were: Then those gathered gradually dispersed,
Left: Jordan Paquette talks • War of 1812 — Private Elisha Hill returning to doing the kinds of activities that
about the significance of these fallen 31 Charlotters had helped ensure
• U.S. Civil War — Private James Arnold
Memorial Day. Read, Private Oliver T. Archambault, they would be able to do …
Selectboard chair breaks ribs in mower accident
Charlotte looks for more affordable, energy efficient, aesthetically pleasing new town garage design
Scooter MacMillan It was also fortunate that the mower flipped have some pain, buddy, but there’s a couple private garage where road commissioner
EDITOR over, he said, so he didn’t end up on the side of more important things than the pain,” Junior Lewis housed his road equipment
(This story has been updated since it of the mower with Faulkner said. “It’s an interesting concept.” before it burned down just before Christmas.
originally appeared online.) the spinning blade. Some members of selectboard had planned Eyebrows shot up at the selectboard
Although he was to hold a meeting with members from the meeting when that estimate was announced
Although Charlotte Selectboard Chair alive, it was still a energy committee to discuss the design of the and those eyebrows almost merged with
Jim Faulkner broke three ribs when a large scary situation. The new garage on May 18, but that meeting was hairlines when people heard how much
landscaping mower flipped over on him, the sensor that cuts the cancelled because of Faulkner’s injuries. Ferrisburgh and Hinesburg spent to build
accident could have been much worse. mower off still had new garages several years ago.
Faulkner spent four nights in the hospital pressure on it because Town garage meeting Ferrisburgh’s garage cost about $1 million,
and is still in a good bit of pain, but he’s back the mower was The rescheduled meeting was held on a good deal of which reportedly was due to
at work, presiding at the May 23 selectboard upside down resting Friday, May 27. its construction being overseen by a town
meeting, albeit moving a bit carefully and on it. So, the mower Jim Faulkner Jim Faulkner and Louise McCarren from official who is also a general contractor.
trying not to laugh or cough because of the was still running — the selectboard were joined by members Hinesburg’s garage cost about $3 million,
pain from the broken ribs. until the motor flooded out and quit. of the energy committee and industry Faulkner said.
He was working alone when the mower Even after the mower stalled out, professionals who are helping Charlotte plan Like so much else, construction materials,
started to slide, and he jumped off and into a Faulkner’s ordeal was not over; he was a less expensive and more energy efficient particularly steel, have gone way up in this
ditch. The mower flipped over and landed on pinned under it. At first, he was struggling to garage than the initial design. post-pandemic world — if you can get them.
top of him. breathe, and it was a while before he could That plan estimated the cost of building There has been a suggestion that one way
His whole body was covered by the even move. It took a good deal of painful a new town garage would be about $3.5 to bring down the cost of the initial design is
mower, except for his head. struggling to extricate himself and get million, selectboard chair Faulkner said. to reduce the garage from six to four bays.
“Fortunately, it didn’t hit me in the head, himself to the hospital. Adding septic and well would bring that cost
otherwise it would have been history,” “Pain almost becomes immaterial in up to around $3.7 million.
Faulkner said. situations like that. The mind just says, “You A town garage is needed to replace the see SELECTBOARD page 3
The Charlotte News • June 2, 2022 • 3
Yantachka reverses abortion amendment
position but will face primary opposition
Scooter MacMillan
Editor
An outcry over his vote on Proposal
5 has caused Rep. Mike Yantachka to
reverse his position on the proposed state Mission Statement
constitutional amendment and, at least in The mission of The Charlotte News is:
• to publish rigorous, in-depth, fair reporting on town
part, motivated another Charlotte resident affairs, and,
to run against him in the August primary. • to source stories of interest from our neighbors and
Proposal 5 would add language to the friends.
The Charlotte News is a forum for the free exchange
Vermont Constitution protecting personal of the views of Charlotte residents and community
reproductive rights and prohibiting the volunteers on matters related to the town and the people
who live here.
government from denying or infringing
upon that right unless there is a compelling Editorial independence
state interest. The editor makes final decisions on stories that are
published in The Charlotte News. While we are funded
In February, Yantachka voted against by advertising revenue and donor contributions, our news
Prop 5. After reading and hearing from judgments are made in accordance with our mission and
residents, he said if he had the opportunity are independent of all sources of financial support.
to vote again, he would vote differently. Letters, Opinions and Obituaries
“Upon re-examination I’ve come to see Consistent with our mission The Charlotte News
publishes letters to the editor, opinion pieces and
the unintended implications that resulted,” obituaries submitted by our readers. All such materials are
Yantachka posted on social media. “I subject to review and approval by the editor in accordance
realize that I have given the impression Rep. Mike Yantachka and Chea Waters Evans with the following standards and requirements:
• The views expressed in letters or opinion pieces are
that I do not trust women to make good those of the author, and are not endorsed by either
decisions regarding their reproductive would preclude any further discussion riding in the back, were injured. the board or the editorial staff of the paper. Opinion
choices. That is truly not something I about when a fetus is viable to live outside Then social media began to blow up with pieces and letters to the editor will be clearly
labelled as such.
believe. I should have untangled the issues the womb. He said he still supports a people upset about his vote. So, what had • The News strives to stay clear of conflicts of
better and recognized that was the message woman’s right to an abortion. started as a really nice weekend turned interest. If an actual or perceived conflict arises
Evans said she didn’t think the “challenging.” or becomes known at a later date, it will be fully
I was sending with my vote.” disclosed.
On Monday, May 23, Chea Waters Legislature really got “in the weeds” about He believes he’s done a lot of good • While letters or opinion pieces may endorse
Evans, the former editor of The Charlotte when a fetus is a viable life. She thinks the things for Charlotte, working hard on such political positions or candidates for public office,
the paper always remains objective and impartial in
News, announced her intention to run issue is about people being able to choose. things as climate change, gun legislation, such matters.
against Yantachka. By Tuesday, she had She said from her conversations with broadband access, school meals, • All submissions are strictly monitored for personal
already collected half of the 50 signatures residents it seemed Yantachka’s vote agritourism, “all kinds of good stuff that attacks, score settling, blatantly false information
and inflammatory language. The editor reserves
she needed to qualify. against Prop 5 was not how most people in benefits the people of Charlotte.” He was the right to reject any submission that is deemed
The deadline to turn in petitions to run Charlotte wanted him to vote, noting that surprised to feel like this one vote seemed contrary to the paper’s standards.
he was the only Democrat voting “no” on to turn so many people against him. • All submissions are subject to editing for clarity,
for office was last Thursday, May 26. Only factual accuracy, tone, length and consistency with
Yantachka and Evans qualified to run, both the issue. “That’s kind of a wakeup call. It caused our publishing style.
for the Democratic nomination in the Aug. Politicians should vote the way their me to reevaluate my rationale for voting • Efforts will be made to publish submissions in
their entirety and to preserve the original intent
9 primary. constituents want them to vote since they the way I did and listen to other people’s and wording, but minor editing may nonetheless
Absentee ballots should be available by are their representative except in extreme perspectives and see maybe I was wrong to be necessary. Contributors will be notified before
July 21, said town clerk Mary Mead. circumstances, Evans said: “If there was vote against it,” Yantachka said. publishing, if in the editor’s judgment, significant
changes are required, or the submission is rejected.
“A matter like this is important enough like an angry mob of zombies who came Running with opposition is good for • Submission requirements:
that you should really as a person who’s to Charlotte and were like, ‘You need to democracy, Yantachka said. He had • Letters to the editor, opinion pieces and obituaries
vote that it’s OK to kill people and eat opposition the first three times he ran for should be emailed to news@thecharlottenews.org
representing the people in Charlotte, I as attachments in .doc format and must contain
think, you should be really firm on that their brains,’ I would probably vote against re-election but ran unopposed the last three the writer’s full name, town of residence and, for
position,” Evans said. “I think you should that.” times. editing purposes only, contact phone number.
• Letters may not exceed 300 words, obituaries 500
stick with that opinion. I don’t think Besides Yantachka’s vote on Prop 5, He plans to return to a pre-COVID style words and opinion pieces 750 words.
waffling about things that are as important Evans was motivated by a desire to have of campaigning, knocking on doors and • All published letters and opinion pieces will
as a person’s right to reproductive freedom someone who was younger and female. holding meetings as he has in the past on include the writer’s name and town of residence.
• Before publishing any obituary, we will need
is something I can support.” She believes there has been a cultural and issues like immigration or a carbon tax. proper verification of death.
This was the second vote on the political shift in the last five years or so “I’ll have to figure out another way to
Editorial Staff
amendment. Two years ago, when this vote which she understands. reach out and meet people and get them to Editor: Scotter MacMillan
first came up, Yantachka voted for Prop 5. Evans is 47 and Yantachka, who has meet me,” Yantachka said. (scooter@thecharlottenews.org)
The right to reproductive autonomy is served as Charlotte’s representative for 12 For her part, Evans feels like she has a Production Manager: Anna Cyr
(anna@thecharlottenews.org)
currently protected by state law, but this years, is 75. good grasp of the issues that are important Copy editors: Beth Merritt, Katherine Arthaud
proposed amendment would enshrine that Yantachka said a weekend that started to people in Charlotte, like farming, Proofreaders: Mike & Janet Yantachka
right in the Vermont Constitution. out really nice turned challenging. The affordable housing, diversity, equity and Business Staff
story in The Charlotte News about his hope Proposal 5. Ad manager: Christy Hagios
A constitutional amendment must be (ads@thecharlottenews.org)
approved in two different biennia or, voters would understand and appreciate “I’m dialed in, I think, to the community Bookkeeper: Susan Jones
in other words, there must be votes for his reasons for voting against the abortion in a way that fosters a sense of dialogue (billing@thecharlottenews.org)
approving an amendment two years amendment appeared on Thursday, May 19. and a way to support lots of different Board Members
President & Publisher: John Quinney
apart so that two different sessions of the On Friday, as he was driving down to people. I would say even the people who (john@thecharlottenews.org)
Legislature have a chance to weigh in. This Binghamton, NY, for his granddaughter’s are excited that he voted no to Proposal 5,” Treasurer: Margery McCracken
graduation from Binghamton University on she said. (treasurer@thecharlottenews.org)
requirement is intended to make amending Secretary: Susanne Davis
the constitution difficult. Saturday, he hit a deer, which totaled his After she resigned from The Charlotte Board members: Claudia Marshall, Ben Miller, Gay
During the two years between the two car and killed the deer. News, Evans founded The Charlotte Regan, Bill Regan, John Hammer (emeritus),
Vince Crockenberg (emeritus)
votes on the amendment, Yantachka He ended up in the median unable to Bridge, an online newsletter. She said she Technical advisor: Melissa Mendelsohn, Orchard
became concerned that having the right see because of the deployed airbag, but hadn’t figured out whether her bid for Road Computers
to an abortion as part of the constitution fortunately neither he nor his dog, who was office will mean the end of The Bridge, Website: charlottenewsvt.org
adding “I am taking things step by step.” Subscription Information
The Charlotte News is delivered at no cost to all
(In the interest of full disclosure: Mike Charlotte residences. Subscriptions are available for
Yantachka is a volunteer proofreader first-class delivery at $60 per calendar year.
for The Charlotte News. After moving to Want a subscription? Subscribe on our website,
charlottenewsvt.org
Vermont five years ago, Scooter MacMillan
may appear to have followed Chea Waters Postmaster/Send address changes to:
The Charlotte News, P.O. Box 251,
Evans to jobs as a reporter for the Vermont Charlotte, VT 05445 Telephone: 802-425-4949
Community Newspaper Group, primarily Circulation: 2,100
for the Shelburne News and The Citizen,
Copyright © 2022 TCN, Inc., dba
and as editor of The Charlotte News, after Member of the New England Newspaper
she resigned those positions. He will not be and Press Association, LION Publishers
running for the Legislature.) and the Vermont Press Association.
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4 • June 2, 2022 • The Charlotte News
News from Hinesburg police officers providing
The News security at CVU after shooting threat
Bloch steps Scooter MacMillan
Editor
school there was music playing and there
was a vigil. At 10:45 a.m. a few hundred
students walked out, Bunting said.
down from
On Thursday, Champlain Valley It appears the Burlington High student
Union High students arrived at school to made the threat over a series of days before
find members of the Hinesburg Police a CVU student realized it was a serious
paper’s board
Department on duty after a shooting threat. situation and told an adult.
According to police, they received Bunting said he appreciated the
information at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, relationships within his school’s community,
May 25, that a Burlington High School whether it’s relationships students have with
John Quinney student threatened to “shoot up the school.” their parents or with trusted adults they feel
Publisher and President The father of a CVU student said the Police Department, the Burlington Police comfortable sharing with when something
Burlington High student made the threat Department and CVU are still investigating like this happens.
Late last year, the Charlotte selectboard against his daughter, her friends and the the matter. He is also appreciative that the Hinesburg
voted to establish a development review school. Principal Adam Bunting has praise for Police responded immediately and devoted
board. Soon afterwards, Bob Bloch let us Although the student claimed he had a the actions of the parents in getting in so many resources to the school. And he’s
know that he was interested in joining the handgun, when Burlington Police went to touch with the school, for the Hinesburg appreciative that “they’re only 20 seconds
planning commission. He was appointed by his home, his parents said he doesn’t own a Police Department for its presence at the down the road” from CVU.
the selectboard at their handgun. school and for students who had planned to “I just really feel thankful for our
Dec. 13 meeting. In a release, the Hinesburg Police walk out on Thursday to honor victims of community and the number of parents who
To avoid the Department said officers would be at CVU recent mass shootings in Buffalo, NY, and just reached out,” Bunting said, adding he
appearance of any when students arrived and would “provide Uvalde, Texas. The CVU students agreed to was grateful to have a student walk up to
conflicts, Bob decided heightened coverage for the rest of the day.” postpone their walkout until Friday. him in the hall and say, “I want to make sure
to step down from the The Vermont State Police, the Hinesburg On Friday, when students arrived at you’re OK.”
board of The Charlotte
News. His last
meeting was on April
27.
SELECTBOARD for a gabled roof. “I may have to give it up,” “Do due diligence. Make sure that you
Bob had joined continued from page 1 he admitted but talked about his concerns look at all the tools within the town to make
the board in 2015, Bobl Bloch that traffic headed south on Route 7 would sure that it’s on the most cost-effective piece
bringing his business Lewis has said several times he isn’t looking be looking down on a flat roof, which he’s of property,” Edson said. “Sometimes that
experience, marketing and sales smarts for a fancy, expensive garage. He wants a not wild about. is a roof because there is a financial benefit
from a long career in consumer products, garage that’s functional at a cost town voters Faulkner would also like for the building associated with putting it on a roof, and a
hospitality and technology services. will approve when it comes up for a bond to have the aesthetic and passive solar flat roof is ideal for that.”
At the time of his appointment, Bob vote. advantages of windows, even though The first priority is making sure a building
was the director of the Build Your Own However, Lewis said, he believes the windows are expensive. is as energy efficient as possible. Looking
Business program at Champlain College town should stick with six bays for the new “I agree with you, Jim that natural light at installing solar is next on the list, Edson
which helped students learn to create, garage. is nice, and I prefer a traditional roof said.
“Everybody that I know or I work experience aesthetically, but I will say that “I want to say something as a citizen of
build and lead their own business ventures.
for might say their house is too big now whole garage is not oriented particularly Charlotte,” Ruah Swennerfelt of Sustainable
He had also served on the boards of
that their kids have left, but I’ve never well for photovoltaic,” Foster said. “If it Charlotte said, shortly before the meeting
the Charlotte Land Trust and the Lake
heard anybody say their garage is too big. were a flat roof, we could actually orient the came to a close. “I’m so proud to be sitting
Champlain Community Sailing Center.
Everybody is putting up little sheds because solar panels to the south and maximize what here and listening to everybody being really
Back in 2015, Vince Crockenberg was they need more space,” Lewis said. “I think we’re able to gain from them.” concerned about being energy efficient,
our publisher. He writes, “When Bob we should build it not just for myself but for The perspective of Dan Edson, an energy finding the right way to do this for the
agreed to join the news board, the paper the future.” consultant with Efficiency Vermont, who future.”
was in the middle of a full-fledged financial Rebecca Foster of the energy committee attended the meeting remotely, was to Charlotte could be an example for
crisis, and we needed to rethink our said big grants are coming for electrical locate solar panels where it makes the most other towns going through this process,
business model, and quickly, if we were chargers specifically along Route 7, to get sense rather than having design or other Swennerfelt said.
going to avoid the fate of numerous other chargers every 50 miles, so installing a considerations dictate where they go.
community newspapers that had recently charger at the garage might bring in funds
closed their newsrooms. Bob’s arrival to offset the cost of the garage. She also
marked the beginning of a turnaround said the site of the new garage at the old
at The Charlotte News. He brought his flea market south of Charlotte Crossings on
business experience to the board as we Route 7 might be utilized as a park and ride
Harvest The Sun
rethought and reorganized how we did and there are grants available for that.
community journalism. I for one credit While the town would like to have a bond
Bob’s arrival on the board as the first step vote for construction of a new garage on the
in creating what is now a well-organized ballot in November, Faulkner said the town
and well-funded nonprofit community is not committed to a vote then. That is “a
paper. Given what’s happened elsewhere moving date” as they go through the design With as little as 1/10 of an acre you can power
in local journalism, that is no small and permitting process, but there is much up with clean energy or host a solar system for
accomplishment.” anxiousness to get garage built as soon as
Bob played a key role in the creation of possible so Lewis and his employees don’t community use.
our first strategic plan back in the spring have to work on his trucks outside on snow-
of 2019, and he frequently brought his covered ground in freezing weather. You can use the rest of your land for grazing,
brand of “out of the box” thinking to bear Besides being more affordable and energy
on some tough financial, governance and efficient than the initial plans, the town growing or gathering!
editorial problems. Almost always, he is wrestling with constructing a garage
ended his contributions with the phrase, aesthetically consistent with other rural We have options we’d like to show you.
“That’s all I got.” buildings in the area.
Over the past 15 months, Bob stepped It will be a challenge to build a such a
up his efforts, serving as secretary and large building that fits with “the Vermont
as a member of our governance and vernacular,” Foster said.
fundraising committees, writing stories The challenge is “making it look like a
on local businesses for the paper and barn when it’s not a barn,” said David Pill, a
covering several selectboard meetings. On Charlotte architect recruited to help with the
occasion, he provided me with thoughtful design issues.
and creative suggestions as we navigated A good bit of the discussion was about
difficult personnel and editorial decisions. whether the garage should have a gabled
On behalf of all of us here at the paper, roof that will be nicer looking or a flat roof
Bob, thank you for giving so selflessly of that has lots of advantages for situating solar
your time and experience for the past seven panels.
years. And, Bob, “That’s all I got.” Faulkner said he was “going to hold out”
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The Charlotte News • June 2, 2022 • 5
Commentary
Child abuse is preventable and gun violence is child abuse
Linda Johnson gun ownership in order to keep children at their local police stations and sign them houses of worship, and grocery stores.
and youth safe. out during hunting season. This way, they I know I am far from alone in thinking
It is difficult to comprehend that there Guns in the home increase the risk of are protecting their family from accidental we must change this, and we must be very
is yet another mass murder of children in youth accidental death, fatalities resulting tragedy and still continuing their tradition brave now about forming our much more
our country. Nonetheless, a young 18-year- from familial disagreements, and youth of hunting. perfect union. If our nation does not allow
old boy who appears to have been bullied, and adult suicide. Additionally, guns make The Second Amendment was written at for the safety of its children, youth and all
dropped out of school, was unemployed, situations like home invasion more deadly. a time when guns were one-shot-at-a-time folks, then what have we created? Healthy,
fighting with his parents and without a If you or someone you are close to owns blunderbusses. We were in the middle of safe communities that protect children are
plan for his future, has committed the gun, ask: Is it necessary to be a gun owner, a war on our soil and militia groups were in line with the rights of “life, liberty and
unthinkable. In his hands a weapon of war, and if so, why? actively participating in this revolution. the pursuit of happiness” that the founders
an AR-15 machine gun, created for soldiers If you do own a gun and are rethinking This amendment was one that needed of our nation intended.
on the battlefield, not a classroom, ended your decision, consider looking into a gun amending a very long time ago … probably It is time to use every one of our voices
the lives of 19 human beings. buyback program, and always make sure more than 200 years ago, give or take. to consider what we need to do about this
Guns are now the leading cause of death that it is always stored safely. Take care that The founding leaders of our nation could overwhelming gun problem. It is one that
among children and adolescents in our it is safely locked up, with the ammunition never have imagined the types of military is killing our children and our future as a
country. This is the ultimate form of child stored in a separate place. There are gun weapons now in the hands of Americans, society. Child abuse is preventable and gun
abuse. Although gun laws are controversial, safety classes available to gun owners as young and old. Honestly, they could not violence is child abuse.
and we are divided on the changes that well. have foreseen the now common killing of
need to be made, political leaders across Hunting for food makes sense. In children from stray bullets, mass murders (Linda Johnson is executive director of
this country need to take action to restrict Australia, people store their hunting rifles of children in schools, citizens sitting in Prevent Child Abuse Vermont.)
Funeral traditions changing with growth of cremations
Cynthia Marshall many of the funeral arrangements. These service and internment for my mother’s ashes those spread across the country and for those
Morningside Cemetery Association arrangements were carried out by a funeral was a decision that required more discussion. with demanding work or school schedules.
home in Burlington and included use of a My brother and I went back and forth about The trend toward “at the convenience of the
I had rarely given much thought to trends casket, calling hours both in the afternoon whether we should try to gather family and family” has been especially common since
surrounding funeral choices. That changed and evening, a traditional funeral mass and friends in mid to late December. We decided the COVID pandemic. Obituaries often state
when I joined the Morningside Cemetery internment of the casket at Resurrection Park. it would be difficult, and perhaps unsafe, that memorials will be scheduled at a later
Association’s board of trustees and began to I doubt it occurred to my grandmother or for out-of-state participants to drive in from time, presumably when warmer weather
look at files of recent burials in this historic other family members to consider cremation. Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New Jersey allows for outdoor gatherings and distancing.
cemetery. I noticed most were internments Even if offered as an option, they would on snowy roads. Additionally, we weren’t With the shift to more cremations
of ashes (or cremains), not casket burials surely have dismissed it as inappropriate for keen to have a funeral service within days and fewer casket burials, cemeteries are
containing the deceased; and that caused me a Catholic burial. of Christmas. So, we postponed a memorial rethinking their practices and options as
to reflect on choices made by my own family. Fast forward to a stormy winter day in until June. Fr. Cray, then pastor of Our Lady well. Our neighbors in Shelburne have
My maternal grandfather died in the late 2016 and my mother’s death. Before her of Mt. Carmel Church, was helpful and developed a cremation garden in the Town
1960s when I was in high school. It was the passing, my mother had been clear about her supportive of our choices. Cemetery. The Vermont Veterans Cemetery
first time I experienced the death of a close wishes — she favored cremation. As a member of the Morningside in Randolph Center offers both in-ground
family member, and I still clearly recall The question of when to have a memorial Cemetery Association, I know that the and columbarium options (a columbarium
changes I’ve seen within my own family is a structure with niches for storage of
involving memorials, casket burials and urns). Morningside Cemetery is planning
cremation are reflected in many other to develop a cremation garden in the near
families. In fact, across the United States future. In the meantime, the association has
cremations are now the choice of a majority updated its policies to allow for the burial of
of families. One online estimate indicated up to six cremation urns in each plot.
that, in 2021, cremations were used in As we move forward, we will no doubt
approximately 54 percent of deaths in the see other options being offered. For grieving
country. The percentage is even higher in families, this is important. Different choices
Vermont. The reasons are many, including make possible options that work well
cost. Traditional casket burials are expensive, spiritually, emotionally and financially.
often 8,000 to 10,000 dollars. Cremation Charlotte residents interested in
costs are just a quarter to a third of that purchasing a plot at Morningside Cemetery
amount. may contact Nancy Richardson at nancy@
Environmental issues also come into play. richardsonvt.com or 802-539-2110 to discuss
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6 • June 2, 2022 • The Charlotte News
Hi Neighbor!
Susan Ohanian: A passionate spokesperson for teachers
Jamie
“areI think teachers
Phyl Newbeck
pretty tough. I
CONTRIBUTOR
Two Coats
think teachers and
Susan Ohanian has a lot to say about
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teaching. In fact, she’s so passionate about
the topic that she gave up a teaching career librarians have the Lo c at e d i n t h e
”
in favor of one writing about teaching.
She has authored over 20 books and more
than 300 magazine and newspaper articles
right ideas.
about the classroom.
“I started out working for an ad agency in ― Susan Ohanian of Shelburne
New York City,” Ohanian said. “I thought 5 4 fa ll s r o a d
it was a disgusting job, so I went to night
school for education courses. I saw an ad
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to get federal dollars, the state had to sign
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school English teachers, and I applied.” on to No Child Left Behind.” Summer
Ohanian only taught for a year in the city Ohanian noted that the original Design
before getting married and moving with her for Education was only 25 pages, including Susan Ohanian Photo by Scooter MacMillan
Ja
husband to Troy, NY, where she taught for student artwork, but the revised plan
15 years. ballooned so that almost 200 pages were mailbox,” she said, “and got only one years she was a mentor at Charlotte Central
“I taught all ages, but mostly seventh devoted just to K-3 reading curriculum. reply.” School.
grade and some third grade,” she said.
Ohanian wasn’t impressed with a lot of
Ohanian said that when Vermont
originated Design for Education, the state
received applications from teachers across
Of all her books, Ohanian is probably
proudest of What Happened to Recess
and Why Are Our Children Struggling in
“I loved what I saw there,” she said. “I
thought they were doing a great job.”
Ohanian is still involved in education
Two
the classroom teaching she saw and began
to write about it. Initially she was published
in trade journals like the National Council
the country because they were impressed by
the concept.
Kindergarten? which was published in 2002. policy as a fellow at the National Education
“There is a whole lot of pressure for kids Policy Center at the University of Colorado.
to have measurable skills in kindergarten,”k6h-JamieTwoCoats0516.indd
Locally, she was involved
Toy
of Teachers of English and the Phi Beta “There was nothing revolutionary about 1 in the installation
Kappan.
“I wanted to reach a larger audience and
the program,” she said. “It emphasized
local control and flexibility, and called for
Ohanian said. “They should be learning how of a Little Free Library for kids at the
to play together and to negotiate with one Grange.
Lo c a
I got lucky,” she said. “Teachers weren’t learning experiences geared to individual another.” Ohanian believes strongly in the power
really writing and when they did, the articles needs rather than group norms. The problem Ohanian pointed to studies showing that of play, sustained silent reading and the
were stiff and academic, while I wrote in a
chatty style.”
is that education becomes a football for
political agendas.”
even when children have extensive skill
training in kindergarten, by the time they
elimination of duplicitous language. She is
fairly optimistic about the fate of her former
of S
Ohanian wrote for USA Today, but In 2007, Ohanian wrote a booklet about get to third grade they are back on the same profession. 54
they limited her to 800 words, and federal interference in the program called
“A Roadblock in Vermont’s Design for
Jamie level as other kids. New Collection
Ohanian missed teaching when Has she Arrived
“I think teachers are pretty tough,” she
said. “I think teachers and librarians have Mo
other magazines, including the Nation,
Washington Monthly and the Atlantic all Education.” Two Coats
switched to fulltime writing, but for several the right ideas.” Su
had word limits. “We put a copy in every legislator’s Toyshop 80
“I had bigger stories to tell so books
Lo c at e d i n t h e
seemed like a good idea,” Ohanian said.
Her first book on education was Send us of Shelburne
Summer Fun
Jamie
Jamie N
published in 1991 and her last, a critique of
No Child Left Behind, came out in 2007. your photos! 5 4 fa ll s with
road Bathing
Two
Two Jamie
Jamie Coats
Coats NN
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Since then, she has written two books M o n - S at 1 0 - 6
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Summer Fun with Bathing Suits and Sprinklers! Two
Two
Toyshop
Toyshop Coats
Coats
Ohanian’s husband taught physics at
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, Sprinklers! Toyshop
Toyshop
NY, but soon he began writing books, as LoLoccatateedd i ni n ththee k6h-JamieTwoCoa
well. The couple kept a sailboat in Charlotte
and came up every weekend.
LoLoccatateedd i ni n tthhee
“We’d sail no matter what the weather
was because we’d made the drive,” she said,
“and that led to going out in 35 mph winds.”
k6h-JamieTwoCoats0516.indd 1
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4/27/16 3:37 PM
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Ohanian became a member of the
Vermont Society for the Study of Education.
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Charlotte events, people or places.
“We looked at what the state had done
in terms of education, and we liked what We want to publish your photos. w
we saw,” she said. “They had something Email them to: Lo c at e d
called Design for Education, which was news@TheCharlotteNews.org Jamie
Jamie NewCollection
New Collection
54 f
devised after administrators went around the Two Coats
Two Coats HasArrived
Has Arrived
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state interviewing teachers. It was all about
trusting teachers, children and parents but,
Charlotte News
The
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GRADUATE!
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M o n - F r i 1 0 - 5 ; S at- S u n 1 1 - 4
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PMPM
k3v-JamieTwoCoats0621.indd 1 5/26/21 3:50 PM
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The Charlotte News • June 2, 2022 • 7
Community
Energy committee holds
pollinator workshop,
more coming
Rebecca Foster located on meadows. Where there is one,
Charlotte Energy Committee there should be the other.
To see this pairing in action, visit the solar-
People eager to feed and protect the compost shed between Charlotte Central
pollinators in our gardens, neighborhoods School and the trail to Pease Mountain.
and town convened at the library on a Use the free outlet powered by the solar
beautiful May 21 morning for our pollinator panel to charge your phone, yard tool battery
workshop. or electric bike while you stop for a picnic
Bees are not only helpful in stabilizing amid the emerging wildflowers. A poster
our food systems, they also play a crucial inside the shed explains how the solar
role in balancing an ecological system that system provides us with free-from-the-sun
sequesters carbon in the plants and soil. electricity.
Wildflowers — or bee food — have proven Stay tuned for more news this summer Photo by Rebecca Foster.
to be an excellent partner with solar panels from the solar shed. Marc and Pearl Richter add to a mural art project kicking off a summer of workshops.
Town green a great place for a village to coalesce
Linda Hamilton rightly so, because it is our shared space — There is a tricky side to maintaining a together, and Charlotte Grange invites you to
our commons. common space, however, and it has to do do just that, starting with two special music
The grassy area in the center of Charlotte Commons? That term came to us from with western culture’s tendency to promote events in June.
Village, bordered by shade trees, town hall, a deep history in Europe, where most areas individual interests over community Back by popular demand, Grange on
Quinlan School and Charlotte Library is an built public spaces into their villages and interests (private over public). This became the Green will kick off the summer series
attractive and welcoming public space. Yes, towns from the very beginning. Town dramatically clear in those historic public of lively musical concerts from the library
it provides tidy landscaping to showcase our squares and market places have always been grazing areas. Everyone shared the benefits porch on June 9, featuring Charlotte’s own
public buildings, but it is much more than vibrant and essential spaces for community and also the responsibilities for keeping the contemporary vaudevillians Woody Keppel
that. life. space productive and useful. and the Hokum Brothers. Bring your friends,
Being intentionally quite open and When rural villages first coalesced, a But time and again it was just too bring a picnic, and be prepared to laugh and
versatile, the town green is meant to provide common grazing area for animals was tempting for an individual to try to get a sing along. Family-friendly music, banter
space for public gatherings and events normally established, to keep farm animals little more personal benefit by putting a few and maybe some juggling(?), 5:30-7 p.m.
which bring townspeople together in shared close at hand and safe. Native American more animals on the common land, even Then come back for more local music
activities. It is meant to be accessible, cultures traditionally hold an even stronger when clearly that would stress the grazing on World Music Day, June 21, when the
whether for individuals seeking a quiet concept of common good and sharing, and capacity and diminish everyone’s benefits. Grange, library and senior center offer an
moment to read or eat lunch at the picnic their settlement patterns reflect this. So, it is Without strong cultural norms to rein in this open mic for both accomplished and aspiring
table, or a gaggle of kids putting on a Very no surprise that early European settlements temptation, many of these grazing commons local musicians to share their talents with
Merry Theater production, or for the town here included intentional public spaces — were overused and lost. the rest of us. Individuals and small groups
party showcasing local groups and projects. commons, or what became known as village When towns and villages were established can book a 15- or 25-minute time slot 1-4
It’s a space to use for our common good. And or town greens. And, lucky us, we have one! in the American colonies (and later states), p.m. in the Charlotte Senior Center (lyork@
one way their governing bodies protected the charlotteseniorcentervt.org) or 4-8 p.m. on
The Town of Charlotte larger interests of society was by accepting the library porch (charlottegrangevt@gmail.
responsibility for land designated to be used com).
TOWN MEETINGS AND AGENDAS for the public good, such as town roads, This is the way it works: If you offer to
Visit charlottevt.org public schools, town forests and, in New make music, we’ll show up, clap and be
England, often a town green. happy for you. That’s what you get when a
for more information. And what of our little Charlotte Town supportive community gathers together.
Green? We can thank our lucky stars that we And, as always, we treat our area with
Planning Commission: Regular meeting Development Review Board have it, available to all of us. respect and leave nothing behind but good
Thursday, June 2, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Let’s appreciate it for the treasure it is, and memories and happy anticipation of the next
Monthly Meeting of the Trails Selectboard use it. It is intended as a place to bring people time we can share time there with friends and
Committee Monday, June 13, 6:30 p.m. together in ways that strengthen connections neighbors.
Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and understanding within the community. A (Linda Hamilton is a member of the
Development Review Board
great way to do this is through having fun Charlotte Grange.)
Wednesday, June 22, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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8 • June 2, 2022 • The Charlotte News
Education
Charlotte Central School predicted to grow by 50 kids
Scooter MacMillan said. for success in high school, Jensen said.
Editor Hinesburg and Allen Brook are projected Overwhelmed support staff Some characteristics of the district’s
to have more growth than those buildings “What we experience in our school middle school configuration are that all the
A demographic report on the Champlain can contain in the not-so-distant future and mirrors what’s happening in our classes have about 18-20 students, and all of
Valley School District is predicting some this will be something the school system will community,” Charlotte Central School co- those schools have about the same budget
abracadabra-type growth at Charlotte have to figure out, Jensen said. principal Jenn Roth said in a report from for middle school-aged children.
Central School. There’s no way the Allen Brook School middle school administrators around the Charlotte Central School and Hinesburg
Richard Grip, who works in school building will hold the 40 new students district. Community School are the only schools
demography for Statistical Forecasting, a predicted for that school, she said. Roth said there’s not enough mental health that don’t have looping in the fifth and sixth
firm based in Dorset, came with five- and Ironically, Shelburne Community School resources for families in this emotionally grades. Both those schools do loop in the
10-year predictions to the school board is experiencing a good bit of construction, and psychologically tough time. Parents and seventh and eighth grades.
meeting on May 17. but that school’s predicted growth is flat. educators are feeling overwhelmed by the Looping in education is the practice of
Among the prognostications Grip shared Grip admitted his firm’s 10-year lingering societal and educational impacts having students stay with the same teacher
was his firm prediction that the Charlotte predictions for middle and high school of the pandemic and the ensuing quarantine- for two or more years. The intent of the
school will grow by 50 students over the student numbers are easier. The 10-year induced remote schooling. practice is to give students a more stable
next five years. predictions for elementary school students Schools are feeling an acute need to learning environment.
This mystified chief operations officer are slipperier because those predictions have people in the classrooms supporting By looking at individual high school
Jeanne Jensen. concern students who haven’t even been students, she said. students who are doing very well, not doing
“The numbers in Charlotte are really born yet. This introduces more chances for People working as counselors, the school well or doing OK, the hope is to track them
puzzling. They show growth with no new error. assistance program and the school service back through middle school to see what
housing and a flat birth rate,” Jensen said. Board member Lynn Jaunich of Charlotte clinicians at Charlotte Central School middle school configurations have worked
“I’m not really sure how we’re getting 50 wanted to know what the CVSD school “are amazing — and they are absolutely well or not, Jensen said.
kids. That’s magic somehow.” system should do to avoid ending up in a overtaxed,” Roth said. “We’re all trying to “The intent is to see if anything makes
In an email after the meeting, Jensen situation like South Burlington where there find solutions to keep our students safe and a difference or perhaps it doesn’t,” Jensen
said the demographer attributes the growth has been so much growth that the schools our families safe.” said, adding that it’s also important for the
entirely to in-migration, the turnover of are out of capacity. study to determine what the costs of various
existing housing. Part of the problem: “You’re a victim Academic return on investment project configurations are.
The good news for Charlotte Central somewhat of your own success,” Grip said. Some of the district administrators One of the biggest parts of the project is
School is that, unlike Hinesburg Community He said the school system is so good that involved in an “academic return on determining what student success is and how
School and Allen Brook School, it has room families are moving into the area so their investment” project gave a report on that to measure it, Superintendent Rene Sanchez
to grow. children can attend schools in the district. project. The educators involved are required said.
“We have the capacity at Charlotte Central “It’s not cheap to be there, so it’s not to work on a project in the school system,
for this kind of growth, so we won’t need to cheap housing that’s driving people there,” and they chose to look into how well the
take action ahead of seeing if it’s real,” she Grip said. “It’s other factors and education is
probably No. 1.”
Champlain Valley School District’s middle
school configuration is preparing students Charlotte
School experiences two very different weeks students at
Naomi Strada held their spring music concert. local students and quick outreach to school
UVM making
(Condensed by Tom Scatchard) • Fourth graders participated in an
afternoon of screen-printing class
officials at CVU by a concerned parent is just
one example of how our partnerships support
the grades
The last two weeks at Charlotte T-shirts. the safety of students and educators. Congratulations
Community School have been a study in • Champlain Valley Union High School Like educators and families everywhere, The following University of Vermont
contrasts. drama students performed “You’re Charlotte Central School staff are grief- students from Charlotte were named to
Two weeks ago, all grades at the school A Good Man Charlie Brown” for the stricken, angry and worried. Through the dean’s list:
were engaged in end-of-year assessments second through fourth grades. that, there is a steadfast commitment to
with all the challenge and excitement that • Kindergarten students had a chance to continuously learn more about school safety Daniel Bernier, biological science
involves. fly their kites. practices and structures, including school major
Starting with the wrap-up of the 2021- • Eighth grade science students had violence prevention, to create the safest
22 school year, the assessments can sound a chance to do microscopy using possible learning environment. Henry Bijur, neuroscience major
daunting and taxing, but it is also a time specimens gathered from pond water. The difficult emotions being felt by many Annabelle Creech, art history major
of classroom celebrations for students and • Sixth graders did a trout release at Cota this last week were balanced by the adults Sebastian D’Amico, political science
teachers alike. Students are able to show Field. in the building being very mindful and major
many of the personal skills they have been However, last week was a time of responsive to their students and one another.
working on — perseverance, patience and immense sadness and sympathy for educators The focus in each learning space has been Skyler Heininger, biomedical
problem-solving, to name a few. and families in Uvalde, Texas, and the on connections and relationships, listening engineering major
There is also time for students to reflect citizens of Buffalo, NY. and ensuring social-emotional well-being, Seamus Higgins, chemistry major
on their experience with assessments, and This concern was heightened by the threat and in general, just wrapping students in
there are countless celebrations of things made to CVU and another Vermont school. environments that are supportive, caring Sadie Holmes, environmental studies
that students feel proud of regarding the It is important to share the Champlain and conducive to each student being able major
knowledge and skills they have gained. Valley School District experience and to navigate their own understanding in a Trevor McGlaflin, business
A few highlights include: responses with the community, as this developmentally appropriate way. administration major
• Student-led morning announcements partnership is critical to the overall safety On that somber note, Charlotte Central
Antonio Pugliese, English major
have returned and are a great way to and well-being of the students. Strong School students and staff will be heading to
start the day. communication and collaboration with summer vacation next week, which means Andrew Slauterbeck, health sciences
• Second graders performed their music families is one element that can be very that the news from the school will be on hold major
on the outdoor theater stage. effective in preventing school violence. until next September when all the excitement Grace Slauterbeck, political science
• Students in seventh and eighth grades The “see something, say something” by will begin again. major.
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