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January 27, 2022
Weekly news coverage for Charlotte and Hinesburg
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Family Health Center will move to Williston
Who’s board?
Doctors pulled out of Charlotte last summer SCOOTER MACMILLAN STAFF WRITER
COURTESY PHOTO
Students from the fall wooden cutting board class at Access CVU. Turn to page 3 for more information.
Dreams of the Charlotte Family Health Center locating in Charlotte are not only merely dead, but they are really most sincerely dead. After a years-long, and at times contentious, effort to build a medical facility in Charlotte, the medical practice is leaving its temporary space in Shelburne and consolidating with its other medical partners in Williston. “We looked for every opportunity to stay in the Shelburne/ Charlotte area to remain convenient for our many local patients, but the ability to maintain a small independently owned office in Vermont’s health care environment is challenging,” Dr. Andrea Regan said. Charlotte Family Health Center joined Evergreen Family Health
Partners in 2017. Maintaining small independent offices has become difficult for other partners in their practice, Dr. Paul Reiss said. The Charlotte practice is one of three being consolidated into one office because of the pandemic and other factors in the current state of health care. Reiss said the major difficulty is the duplication of so many things in the different medical practices including labs, reception areas, waiting rooms, IT systems, phone systems and medical practice certifications. “You have to have duplicates, maintain it and pay licensing,” Reiss said. The Charlotte Family Health Center will become known as the Evergreen Family Health Group See HEALTH CENTER on page 11
Charlotte fire and rescue contends with drop in volunteers, staff SCOOTER MACMILLAN STAFF WRITER
Attracting and hanging onto fire and rescue employees and volunteers is tough all over, but it’s been particularly hard in Charlotte. It’s been so hard to staff the rescue side of the Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department that it has transitioned to a primarily paid staff with a small contingent of six volunteers or attendants who may go on ambulance calls as drivers or to perform mostly non-medical duties. Critics of the department say it has had problems keeping staff and volunteers because of dissatisfaction with management, particularly Chief Dick St. George. But supporters say the department is
just struggling with the same problems of retaining people as other departments. Fritz Tegatz, president of the board of Charlotte Fire and Rescue Department, said he wouldn’t discuss complaints about individual members because of privacy concerns and because he didn’t want “to get into a pissing match.” The number of Charlotte rescue’s volunteer attendants has dropped to six from 14 in 2017, but the department has experienced that up-and-down trend for at least the last nine years. For three of those years, it had at least 13 volunteers but other years the number of volunteers hovered around five. The Charlotte fire department has 13 volunteers, which is
the same amount it had last year. In 2014 the department had 23 members, but the number dropped to 13 by 2015. It was up to 26 members in 2016. Over the last nine years, it’s averaged just over 18 members. Tegatz said there were several volunteers who quit eight or 10 years ago because of public criticism at that time which he characterized as “claims and lies.” “They still say, ‘You know, I’d still volunteer, but I’m just not going to put myself out there. It affected my job,” Tegatz said. “Who wants to put up with this crap as a volunteer?” The Charlotte Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department has made a switch in recent years so that the fire department is now all volun-
teer, and the rescue department is almost all paid. According to the department’s website, there are currently 16 volunteer members of the fire department. The rescue department is run by four salaried employees. Two of them are on duty seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It takes three people for an ambulance on a call. The two people in the back with a patient are either full-time staff or per diem employees. Sometimes the driver is a volunteer who may only be qualified to drive. Holes in the rescue schedule are filled with the per-diem staff. These are emergency medical certified technicians who are paid for working a 12-hour shift on an as-needed basis.
“Many of them are full-time employees with other services or they’re students who are working. A lot of them are med students,” Tegatz said. Part of the increase in the department’s proposed $900,000 budget is to convert two per-diem employees to full-time salaried staff to help with the full-time day and night operation of the department. Most of this budget increase is not due to pay, he said, but to add benefits for these two employees, who will probably come from the department’s pool of 30 per-diem employees. Last year’s fire and rescue budget was just over $780,000. Selectboard chair Jim FaulkSee FIRE AND RESCUE on page 3
Page 2 • January 27, 2022 • The Citizen
Tale of two towns
Charlotte passes, Hinesburg defeats mask mandate SCOOTER MACMILLAN STAFF WRITER
On Thursday, Jan. 19, Hinesburg vetoed a mask mandate and five days later Charlotte voted to extend its mask requirement. At the Charlotte Selectboard meeting Monday, the board extended its 45-day mask mandate, originally passed Dec. 16, through February. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved in less than a minute. Except for a chorus of “ayes,” there was no discussion. In Hinesburg, the discussion and vote on requiring masks inside and in public spaces took a bit longer — almost 20 minutes. Board member Maggie Gordon said she didn’t want to foist on the town’s few local businesses the kind of conflict that would result from a mask requirement. “To bring that kind of conflict into businesses that don’t want to run it just doesn’t sit right for me,” Gordon said. Board member Mike Loner
said he and his family wear masks whenever they’re in public. Despite this, both he and his wife caught COVID-19 before Christmas. He predicted having a mask mandate would not have much impact on mask wearing, probably only increasing it by 10 percent. “I don’t know how having a mandate makes people feel more comfortable, knowing it’s not going to change anything. I think the only thing it will change is it will create more conflict between individuals in public spaces,” Loner said. Board member Denis Place said he surveyed several local businesses and found a mix of support and opposition. One business owner claimed they had been sued by a customer after being asked to leave for not wearing a mask, Place said. Although the judge threw the case out, the owner said it cost him $10,000. In Williston the mandate is enforced, Place said. “They have cops at Best Buy checking to see if you are wearing a mask or not, and I don’t want to see that happening in Hinesburg.”
Pouech will run again for Hinesburg Selectboard
its impact and negotiating fair use of settlement funds; deliberations on whether to create a town Phil Pouech ambulance service; adoption of the town manager form of governI am excited to announce my And, he believes not enforcment; securing a safe, high-qualintention to run again for a seat ing the mandate makes it meanity drinking water system; and on the Hinesburg Selectboard. ingless. initiating a new wastewater For the last 10 years I’ve been “I’m still on the fence, but project in response to state permit an active and engaged member, I’m still not going vote for it,” changes. including five years as board Place said. In all cases I educatchair. I believe that Phil Pouech added: “I ed myself on these during my tenure I have don’t feel strongly one way or issues, demonstrated kept the promises I the other. I see both sides. If I an open mind through made public during my thought a mask mandate would the decision-making initial run for this office save lives and save people, process, remained in 2012. without a question, I would do respectful of all posiThose promises it but I’m not sure it will.” tions and opinions and included: Pouech said masks don’t then when required, • To lead with seem to have much impact made clear and effective respect and open on whether someone catches decisions. dialogue. Phil Pouech COVID and have just become As a member of the • Maintain our a symbol. Hinesburg community town’s rural character Chair Merrily Lovell agreed for the last 35 years, while supporting its that masks are a symbol and I have seen significant change economic viability. that is why it’s important — to and development in our town. I • Work to build a vibrant and make public places in town feel believe we are well positioned sustainable village center while more secure. She said nine out to take on our future challenges. maintaining a strong communiof the 10 messages or letters the Our town systems are solid and ty spirit and a healthy business board has gotten from residents provide excellent services to our environment. have begged the board to pass a citizens. • Encourage a strategic mask mandate. Hinesburg also still has a approach to town management, “I don’t see it creating more small-town approach to helping including a collaborative vision controversy. I see it being a and supporting our neighbors as for the town’s future growth. comfort to people and that’s evidenced by our strong volunteer Looking back over the last why I’m strongly in favor of sector. We have a clear town plan 10 years, I believe I met these it,” Lovell said. that will guide our town manager promises during times of signifIn the end, Lovell cast the and selectboard in future deciicant change and challenge. lone vote in favor of the mask sion-making. I look forward to Some of the challenges included mandate. the selectboard transitioning from negotiations for the Vermont Gas transmission pipeline, minimizing day-to-day issues and focusing on long-term strategy and policies. Please consider me for the open two-year selectboard position. I will continue to work diligently for this town. I will • Antique, Vintage and Modern Jewelry dedicate the time needed to understand the issues at hand. • Platinum, Gold, Silver, Diamonds I will draw on my broad and Precious Stones knowledge of state rules and regu• Sterling Silver Flatware lations and bring my extensive and holloware experience to our board members. • Gold and Silver Coins For those who have seen me in action, you know I will enjoy the • Watches process by keeping it positive and fun. I will also continue to make Certified Precious Metal Dealer myself available to any townsState of Vermont Dealers people who want to share their Cert# 0028 opinions on any town government topics. Now Is The “PERFECT” Time To Sell No matter how you vote, cast your ballot on Town Meeting Day, Your Jewelry, Diamonds, Gold and Watches March 1. Or vote early.
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The Citizen • January 27, 2022 • Page 3
FIRE AND RESCUE continued from page 1
ner, who was an active rescue squad volunteer before being elected to the selectboard and is the liaison between that board and the fire and rescue department, said the department’s environment is “caustic.” He said this environment was the reason for the resignations of two full-time paramedics recently after just a month with the department, and that of Trevor Denton, who had been with the department for about 15 years. Calls to Denton were not returned, but according to The Charlotte Bridge his resignation was due to “drama” and nepotism in the department. The post cited an incident in which a fire volunteer, who allegedly was under 18, slid on black ice driving to a call and hit a telephone pole. Reportedly, Denton said this incident was dismissed because the unidentified firefighter was a relative of St. George’s. Tegatz said he was on that call, which was over a year ago. The road was so icy that he was sitting on the bumper of the fire
truck because he couldn’t stand up without falling. He also said that the fireman was over 18, was driving his personal vehicle and the dent was barely visible. In contrast to Charlotte, the Shelburne Rescue Department has one full-time employee and two part-time employees. The bulk of its shifts are filled by 28 certified emergency medical technicians who are volunteers, rescue chief Jacob Leopold said. Although Shelburne still benefits from dedicated volunteers, its rescue department has dropped from 38 unpaid rescue volunteers a year ago. Leopold said the people who staff the town’s rescue shifts are true volunteers. They don’t receive a per diem. The only money the Shelburne rescue volunteers get is payment for training. The town has an $18,000 training budget that’s split among the volunteers. Leopold said he wasn’t sure why Shelburne rescue has a volunteer membership that appears more loyal and active than some neighboring towns.
Access CVU launches winter, spring semester The winter and spring semester of Access CVU, the community education based from Champlain Valley Union High School, is ready to launch. With over 180 classes, there’s something for everyone, from basketmaking and digital photography to cheesemaking, Zumba, yoga and language classes. Most classes meet in-person at the school except for a selection of online classes on Zoom. Some things of note: wooden bowl turning returns with four classes starting in February; new jewelry classes will focus on earrings, bracelets and necklaces; cooking class-
es expand with new instructors and topics, including pho, French crepes and four Indian cooking classes; there are several new yoga classes such as Kaiut; and a monthly book club will cover a selection of titles from around the world. Check out cvsdvt.ce.eleyo.com for more information and to register for a class. There are senior discounts for those over 65. Need help getting signed up or getting setup for online learning? Have a question about a current class or a suggestion for a future class? Want to teach with us? Call 802-4827194 or email access@cvsdvt.org.
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Page 4 • January 27, 2022 • The Citizen
Hinesburg Police Blotter Jan. 12 at 4:06 p.m., police responded to the Mobil on Commerce Street for a report of a suspicious person. When officers checked the area, the person was already gone but staff were advised to call back if the customer returned. Jan. 13 at 8:48 a.m., officers assisted a driver whose car had broken down on CVU Road until it was removed. Jan. 13 at 10:45 a.m., two cars crashed on Richmond Road causing some damage to the vehicles but no injuries. Jan. 13 at 6:58 p.m., an officer pulled over a car for speeding on Richmond Road. The driver, John Jacques, 55, of Hinesburg, was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence. Jan. 13 at 9:34 p.m., police responded to Birchwood Drive for a report of a suspicious person and possible neighbor dispute, but they were unable to locate anyone. Jan. 14 at 10:51 a.m., a two-car
crash on Mechanicsville Road left both cars damaged but no injuries. Jan. 14 at 4:30 p.m., a false alarm was tripped at Kailey’s Way. And then again at 9:46 and then again at 10:25 p.m. Jan. 16 at 8:23 a.m., water flowing across Route 116 started freezing because, well, it’s cold outside. Police contacted the state highway department who found that it was not from a water leak but from drainage and they assisted with fixing the icy thoroughfare. Jan. 16 at 9:25, someone asked officers to check on a resident of Hollow Road, but they canceled the request when they found the person just fine. Jan. 17 at 10:42 a.m., police assisted Hinesburg EMS with a medical call. Jan. 17 at 2:30 p.m., a driver crashed on Baldwin Road, damaging their vehicle but walking away uninjured. Jan. 17 at 3:06 p.m., officers attempted to mediate a
neighbor dispute on Birchwood Road. Jan. 17 at 5:09, officers responded to Catchapaw Road to catch at least seven paws — two dogs, one with three legs. The dogs jumped into the cruiser and were delivered to the animal control officer who later reunited them with their owner. Jan. 18 at 8:26 a.m., a false alarm was tripped on Route 116. Jan. 18 at 3:56 p.m., police worked on an active investigation into a dog bite complaint on Route 116. Jan. 18 at 7:27 p.m., two cars crashed on Silver Street, but all occupants walked away uninjured. Jan. 19 at 9:09 a.m., community outreach worked with a person at Hillview Terrace. Jan. 19 at 12:10 p.m., a single car crashed on Charlotte Road, but no one was injured but the car. Jan. 19 at 8:51 p.m., someone at Hillview Terrace accidentally called 911.
Hallelujah! Vermont finally located its diamond mine Guest Perspective John McClaughry Some years ago, faced with the many competing spending demands before the Senate, I would say “all this state needs is a diamond mine.” That is, with an inexhaustible supply of dollars in the till, all worthwhile projects and programs could be funded — and a quite a few that weren’t worthwhile — without laying higher taxes on voters. Last week in his budget message Gov. Phil Scott announced that, in effect, Vermont has at last found its diamond mine. It arrived in the form of half a billion in unspent American Rescue Plan Act funds, plus another $2.2 billion in the Congressional infrastructure bill. In addition, despite COVID-19, our own tax base has produced a $320 million surplus across the three major funds. Did Congress discover a diamond mine, to be able to bestow this staggering benefaction on our little state? Not exactly. Congress has voted more than $10 trillion in deficits over
the past 10 fiscal years, signed into law by presidents Trump and Biden. The 2020 Trump budget ran $3.16 trillion in the red, and the 2021 Biden budget added another $2.8 trillion. There’s no end in sight. One consequence of this fantastic deficit spending is a 7 percent rise of the Consumer Price Index over the 12 months ending in December, the largest 12-month increase since June 1982. But let’s disregard that and look at the far happier Vermont budget situation. For Vermont, 2022 will be a once-in- a-lifetime historic moment. The governor proposed to pay off $52 million in state debt, provide a one-time $45 million property tax rebate, reduce tax rates on Social Security and military pension income, and increase the nation’s most generous earned income tax credit. Those proposals should be relatively noncontroversial. The debate will be over the distribution of the vast spending of this windfall. Once again, the governor See MCCLAUGHRY on page 5
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The Citizen • January 27, 2022 • Page 5
OPINION Teach race accurately, comprehensively, high schoolers say Guest Perspective Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network As schools across the country debate teaching about race in the classroom, there couldn’t be a more vital time to ensure all Vermont students are receiving an accurate and comprehensive education on race and racism. We are hopeful that Vermont’s legislators will undertake this task with
us to promote anti-racist curriculum in schools. We are a group of students from the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network, a network dedicated to promoting anti-racism in schools through curriculum change, policy and awareness building. We endeavor to educate ourselves and others about race, power, privilege and oppression in order to foster a more inclusive and anti-racist community, starting with our schools.
MCCLAUGHRY
continued from page 4 focused on the lack of workers to take 23,000 good jobs going begging, even as in the past year our workforce shrank by 24,000. The governor wants lots more workforce training, and more money for health care workers, technical education centers, child care, housing subsidies, colleges and mental health. There are some important conclusions one can extract from the budget message. First is the governor’s commendable view of fiscal responsibility: we can’t commit a billion dollars to pay for continuing programs when there’s no assurance that we’ll have the money to keep those programs going once launched. That means that we can’t risk future tax increases. Second, the governor wants to address climate change but not by new taxes and mandates. His offer to the climate change advocates is $216 million to support home weatherization and community resiliency, an indistinct category that includes steps to reduce flood damage. This will certainly be a flash point with the Democratic legislators eager to fund their sweeping climate action plan. The climateers’ goal is driving down carbon dioxide emissions by 80 percent by 2050, by inflicting higher gasoline and diesel prices on cars, trucks and buses, plus higher heating oil and gas prices paid by businesses and homeowners. That runs aground on the governor’s constant opposition to carbon taxes, and to “mandates that Vermonters can’t afford.” He’ll need to make that clear to his agency heads, who will be under pressure from the Vermont Climate Council majority to adopt burdensome rules — that legislators don’t want to vote on — to slay the climate beast.
Third, while the governor vowed to commit the full $395 million required by the teachers’ and state employees’ retirement plans, he did not make any commitment to pouring maybe $200 million into the two funds to reduce the $5 billion actuarial deficit. The recent agreement between the two unions and the state, while not an optimal fix, is nonetheless a step in the right direction, and should have a strong claim on available funds. Finally, the governor’s budget proposals do not involve any significant structural changes in the way government systems work. There’s no welfare reform, no consolidation of the state’s five housing assistance programs, no relaxing of stringent land use regulations that defeat affordable housing, no proposed change in the health care system increasingly dominated by the high-overhead University of Vermont health network, no concern for building a power transmission system to support the grand plan for electrifying everything, and no expansion of parental choice in education, that would make providers compete for customers, To be fair, the budget message is not the place to unveil any such transformative steps. What is long overdue in Vermont is a thorough-going performance review, that saved billions of tax dollars in Texas and Michigan. The Democrats proposed that in their 2004 platform, but it hasn’t been heard of since. There are plenty of ways to make state government more efficient and state economies more vigorous — perhaps enough to attract back those 24,000 missing workers. But Vermont is not looking for those ways. John McClaughry is vice president of the Ethan Allen Institute.
We strive to disrupt the racial hierarchy of our society, starting with our own group. Two of us met at the summer 2021 Governor’s Institute Global Issues and Youth Action immersion and worked alongside state Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun (Windham-4) to draft an anti-racism in education bill. After the immersion, more students joined through the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network. Over the course of the past six months, we have crafted a bill with the hopes that it will secure anti-racist education for
all Vermont students. We worked closely with Bos-Lun and had the support of Rep. Kevin Christie (Windam-4-2) and Rep. Elizabeth Burrows (Windsor-1) as we moved through the process. Our bill has 21 co-sponsors from every party in the House. As the session began, we students watched excitedly for the bill to be introduced. The bill will require standards in education designed to promote anti-racism in schools. Schools would become certified if they met certain guidelines for anti-racism, including address-
ing racist incidents, diversity in literature and anti-bias training for staff. By passing this bill, we can ensure that society becomes actively anti-racist. As the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network strongly believes, education is the key to changing society. If we make anti-racist schools, we will foster an anti-racist society. There couldn’t be a more pressing time to change society. Our network took a survey of approximately 300 students last See EDUCATION on page 6
Artificial intelligence presents both opportunities, uncertainty the game of checkers in 1956 by Dartmouth scholars. Fast forward to 2011 and IBM’s supercomputer, dubbed Watson, competed Rep. Mike Yantachka against two Jeopardy champions and won. The dialog at the top of this Jeopardy host: In the category technology, systems (usually soft- column did not actually take place, but it serves to define ware) capable of perceiving an environment through data acquisi- what AI is. Today we use it to guide us to destinations, tion and then processpredict the weather, ing and interpreting translate languages, for the derived informafacial recognition and tion to act or imitate many other applications. intelligent behavior AI is used for scientific given a specified goal. research, medical diagnoWatson: What is ses, autonomous vehicles artificial intelligence? and more. The governMany years ago, ment, including the U.S. I went through a Department of Defense, period of reading Isaac Asimov’s novels about Rep. Mike Yantachka funds advanced research in AI. robots, the kind that It is the source of many beneexhibited human functions, what we would call androids today. His fits, but it can also pose a risk if it is used improperly. For example, first robot novel “I, Robot,” was ubiquitous use of facial recognia collection of short stories about tion threatens our expectations of robots with human-like personalpersonal privacy, and systems that ities that performed various jobs, determine eligibility for services like child care, for example. can have built-in biases. Robots and androids have Already, artificial intelligence been a staple of literature from is creating a wave of economic ancient times and most of us are growth in Vermont with high-payfamiliar with those of the Star ing jobs in this field. The LegislaWars anthology. We aren’t quite ture recognizes both the economic at the C-3PO stage yet, but the potential and the potential for artificial intelligence that the abuse associated with its developrobots of science fiction exhibitment and use. ed has become a reality with the Act 137 of 2018 created an development of high-powered Artificial Intelligence Task Force computers today. We are surrounded by artificial to investigate the field of artificial intelligence in the state and intelligence, also known as AI, make recommendations on the whether we recognize it or not. The first AI algorithm was created responsible growth of Vermont’s emerging technology markets, and used successfully to master
Report from the Legislature
the use of artificial intelligence in government, and regulation of the artificial intelligence field. The task force’s report was issued in January 2020 and can be found at bit.ly/3qVJW66. The report states that “there is in fact a role for local and state action, especially where national and international action is not occurring. Large scale technological change makes states rivals for the economic rewards, (whereas) inaction leaves states behind. States can become leaders in crafting appropriate responses to technological change that eventually produces policy and action around the country.” Members of my committee, energy and technology, worked on a bill, H.410, over the summer that implements some of the recommendations of the task force, and we voted it out of committee last week. It creates an artificial intelligence commission under the auspices of the Agency of Digital Services, and requires a survey of all software applications purchased, developed or used by state agencies or departments. We want to know if any applications use artificial intelligence, how it is used and the potential impacts on Vermont citizens. The bill is awaiting action by the Committee on Appropriations and will eventually be voted on by the full House. As always, I welcome your emails (myantachka.dfa@gmail. com) or phone calls (802-2335238). More at mikeyantachka. com.
Page 6 • January 27, 2022 • The Citizen
Jefferson thought Americans could recognize tyranny Poor Elijah’s Almanack Peter Berger Every evening Abby and her human patrol the half-acre of snow and trees that divide the house light from the outer darkness. Most nights Abby’s senses tell her danger is safely distant. Other nights the owl’s perch is closer, the fox crouches just beyond the brook and an unfamiliar trespasser huddles under the porch. Abby’s nose is to the ground, her pace is urgent and she’s barking. “It’s all right,” her human coos obliviously. “Are you nuts?” Abby marvels. “Can’t you smell that?” I’m Abby’s human. My woodland senses aren’t as acute as hers. I’m supposed to compensate by thinking rationally. Just as Abby is appalled at the dullness of my senses, I’m sadly amazed that so many of my countrymen seem unaware of how urgent and sinister our national peril is. If you agree with me, I’m writing to fortify your resolve. If you think I’m an alarmist, I’m writing to alarm you. If you believe I’m wrong, but you love our country, I’m writing to persuade you. The country I’m talking about is undeniably imperfect. At times it’s been grievously imperfect. But it’s the country dedicated to the proposition that we’re all created equal and endowed with unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If that doesn’t
describe your own best hope for the United States, your disagreement is with Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. If you revel in the prospect of American bloodshed or make your fortune undermining decency and mocking the law, if you value political gain above the lives of the unvaccinated mothers and fathers you deceive, I leave you to the justice and mercy of the author of your conscience. Some Americans note that many of our founders were slaveholders. They assert that white supremacy is therefore our founding principle, to which they’re justified in remaining faithful. They’re wrong. Slavery and its lingering, attendant bigotry are our founding tragic flaw, against which we’ve struggled from our beginning. James Madison denounced slavery as “the most oppressive dominion ever exercised by man over man.” His Virginia neighbor Jefferson confessed that slavery left him trembling for his country because God’s “justice cannot sleep forever.” For Lincoln, the Civil War was God’s righteous consequence for slavery’s injustice. It is, as he said, for us the living to dedicate ourselves not to renewed iniquity, but rather to the unfinished work of securing both justice and union. Present-day Trumpist promoters and provocateurs attempt to divide us with exaggerated, manufactured, misrepresented incitements like critical race theory. There’s certainly room to disagree about
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legislation that addresses race, and political correctness annoys me, too. But after 246 years of slavery and a century and a half of painfully slow, incomplete progress toward equality under the law, a nation that isn’t purposefully addressing racial inequity, past and present, would have to be a stupid nation. Are we a stupid nation? Lincoln and Jefferson were masters of soaring prose, but they were also lawyers trained to offer proof. Lincoln’s logic is as elegant and as powerful as his conjuring of our better angels. The founders published the Declaration of Independence to explain the revolution to the world and to the American people. That’s why in addition to its famous, lofty assertions of self-evident truths, unalienable rights and sacred honor, Jefferson offered a bill of indictment against the king as proof and as a reminder of the facts of the case. He presented those facts and made his appeal to what he hoped would be a “candid world,” by which he meant people who were open, impartial, honest and sincere. He was confident that a fair, unbiased, candid audience would be able to recognize tyranny and identify the tyrant. I won’t here recount the facts relevant to Jan. 6, to the months and years of deceit and incitement preceding the insurrection or to the simmering coup still imperiling our republic. I’ll instead ask you to consider
what you see and hear around you. Noble truths possess the power to persuade us, but so do well-plotted, outrageous lies. Before you embrace the lie that the election was stolen, consider the unrefuted fact that no election count, recount or audit, whether conducted by Republicans, Democrats or both has uncovered any fraud that could overturn Biden’s election, including three recounts in Georgia alone. Consider Trump advisor Bannon’s plan to launch “shock troops” to “man the government” and become “political appointees” after the 2024 election. Consider Bannon’s claim that 2022 Trump rallies are a prelude to unconstitutionally decertifying Biden’s election and removing him from
office. Consider that Sen. Ted Cruz is talking seriously about secession. Consider that the evidence of a seditious plot is only mounting. Consider that one year after the insurrection, Trump is still spewing the same lies to poison the republic and he is getting his supporters to parrot his false claims. Abby isn’t always right, but she’s never been deliberately wrong. It’s time to give up what we want to believe and embrace instead what the facts compel us to believe. It’s time to be candid, to seek the truth, and when we find it, see it. Peter Berger has taught English and history for 30 years.
EDUCATION
continued from page 5 year and found out that 78 percent of current Vermont high schoolers believe that they did not receive an accurate and full education on race in elementary school. Without the foundation of a racially conscious education, students will not be able to enter the increasingly diverse and multicultural society we live in. With 78 percent of students asking for more in their education, this bill is the perfect way to provide what students need. Middle and high school students in the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network feel similar about their experience in higher grades,
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as well: We don’t receive enough education around race in any grade. According to another survey our network sent out to current high school students, 94 percent of youth support this bill being passed. They support diverse, inclusive, anti-racist curriculum that will help us change society. If this bill passes, it will impact not only hundreds of students around the state, but it will be impacting our whole state and ensuring all students receive just and equitable opportunities. As the country navigates its way through discussions and arguments surrounding racial education, we hope Vermont can be a model to the nation for bipartisan support on inclusive curriculum and promoting anti-racism in the classroom. We are not aiming to indoctrinate youth, and we are not aiming to be divisive. We want to bring people together under the common cause of building a better world through our schools. We hope you will join us in this mission. This commentary was written by 10 Vermont high school students who are part of the Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network. They include: Minelle Sarfo-Adu, South Burlington High School; Addie Lentzner, Arlington Memorial High School, Alaena Hunt and Ella Murphy, Stowe High School; Katherine Hashem, Mount Mansfield Unified High School; Jenna Hirschman and Dahabo Abukar, Essex High School; Daniel Cha, Putney School; Brendan McLoughlin, Otter Valley Union High School; and Sydney Feltz, Colchester High School.
The Citizen • January 27, 2022 • Page 7
COMMUNITY Community Notes Register ahead for Age Well meals The Charlotte Senior Center Monday munches for Jan. 31 has been canceled. The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, Jan. 27 is from 11 a.m. to noon, and features chicken cordon bleu with white sauce, yams, green beans, dinner roll with butter, fruit crisp and milk. Register the Tuesday prior to the meal pickup date (Thursdays) with Lori York, 802-425-6371 or lyork@charlotteseniorcentervt. org The Thursday, Feb. 3 meal pick-up features sliced pot roast au jus, ranch mashed potatoes, carrots and cabbage, dinner roll, apple pie and milk. There is a gent’s breakfast scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 10, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. The Age Well meal pickup that day includes stuffed chicken with ham and cheese, mashed potatoes, beets, dinner roll, applesauce birthday cake and milk. On Feb. 10, the Age Well menu features stuffed chicken with ham and cheese, mashed potatoes, beets, dinner roll, applesauce birthday cake and milk. Feb. 17 features spaghetti and meatballs with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, spinach, dinner roll, grapes and milk. Check the website for last-minute cancellations at charlotteseniorcentervt.org.
UVM Extension hosts tree contest for kids Students in kindergarten through eighth grade, including homeschoolers, are invited to share their appreciation for forests and trees by creating an original story and artwork for the Growing Works of Art contest. The theme is “Sharing your TREE-mendous story.” Students should write a short story (one to three paragraphs) about a meaningful experience or memory about trees, and then create a work of art to illustrate their story. Entries will be judged equally on creativity and originality and how well the story is told through writing and art. The deadline to enter is March 11. For more information and an official entry form go to go.uvm. edu/growingart. Winners in each age group will receive a Vermont State Park punch pass and will appear on
Across the Fence, UVM Extension’s weekday program on WCAX-TV. Winning entries will be announced on Arbor Day, May 6, and will be featured on the contest website.
Holmes offers take on being a Vermonter David Holmes discusses his recent book, “On Being a Vermonter and the Rise and Fall of the Holmes Farm, 1822-1923,” at the next Charlotte Senior Center Wednesday lecture on Feb. 2. The multi-generation Holmes farm was located just south of the Holmes Covered Bridge in Charlotte and featured one of New England’s largest apple orchards and the breeding and racing of Morgan horses. The farm ended with foreclosure after 101 years of existence. His book is the only case study of a Vermont farm over this span of time and describes an important chapter of Vermont and Charlotte history. Building on this history, the author also reflects on what it means to be a Vermonter, then and now. The free, in-person lectures start at 1 p.m. Questions? Leave a message at (802) 425-6345 or visit charlotteseniorcentervt.org. The next lecture is “The Sacred Hunter” with Bradley Carleton on Feb. 16.
St. Catherine of Siena holds Prop 5 talk
COURTESY PHOTO
David Holmes discusses his book about Charlotte on Feb. 2 at the senior center. See note at left.
go in the blue recycling bin. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 6-7 p.m.: Find out where all your stuff goes when the waste district is done with it, why it is important to sort unwanted stuff in the right bins,
and how to make a difference in the community and classroom. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 6-7 p.m.: Where does your recycling go after it leaves your house? It goes to your local materials recovery
facility to be sorted and sold. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how that happens and see why it’s important to recycle right. See COMMUNITY NOTES on page 11
Let it snow!
Lynne Caulfield will offer a talk entitled, “Proposal 5, Death of Conscience,” about current abortion laws and the ramifications of the Proposal 5 constitutional amendment for health care providers, women and the unborn, Friday, Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m., St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 72 Church St., Shelburne. Caulfield is a member of the Vermont Right to Life Committee, co-founder of the Pregnancy Resource Center in Brattleboro and served on the executive committee for Vermont Alliance for Ethical Health care. Inclement weather date is Friday, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.
Waste district offers free recycling series The Chittenden Solid Waste District is holding a virtual series on special recycling — stuff that can’t go in the trash, but also can’t
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Page 8 • January 27, 2022 • The Citizen
SPORTS Girls hockey drops second game in a row LAUREN READ CORRESPONDENT
Girls’ hockey Essex 4, Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield 1: The Champlain Valley-Mount Mansfield girls’ hockey team lost its second game in row, falling to Essex on Saturday, Jan. 22. Sabina Brochu had the lone goal for the CougarHawks, with Evie Mae Buford earning an assist. Grace Ferguson stopped 31 shots in goal for CVU-MMU, which falls to 5-3.
Gymnastics Essex 130.3, Champlain Valley 99.65: Ruby Opton was third in the all-around competition, but the Champlain Valley gymnastics team fell to Essex in dual meet on Friday. Opton was second in the floor exercise and second in the beam as part of her all-around performance. Lamoille’s Kayla Meegan came in first in the all-around and Essex’s Anna Pringle Corcoran was second.
Boys’ hockey Colchester 3, Champlain Valley 1: Colchester built up a two-goal lead through two periods and Champlain Valley fell to the Lakers on Saturday. Mason Fay had the goal for the Redhawks, who fell to 3-5-1. Jason Douglas made 25 saves in goal for CVU.
Girls’ basketball Champlain Valley 50, Mount Mansfield 38: Champlain Valley had a lead at halftime and did not relinquish it in a win over Mount Mansfield on Thursday, Jan. 20. Addi Hunter had a double-double for the Redhawks with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Shelby Companion added nine points for CVU. With the win, the Redhawks move to 7-1.
Boys’ basketball Champlain Valley 38, Burlington 32: The Champlain Valley boys’ basketball team used a 16-4 run in the second quarter to pull away for a win over Burlington on Friday, Jan. 21. Logan Vaughn led all scorers with 12 points for the Redhawks, who moved to 6-2 with the win. Alex Provost added eight points. It was the third win in a row for Champlain Valley, which beat Burr and Burton on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 69-32. Tucker Tharpe scored 15 points for CVU, while Vaughn added 11 points.
PHOTO BY AL FREY
A CVU player is blocked as he eyes the basket in a Jan. 18 matchup against Colchester.
The Citizen • January 27, 2022 • Page 9
Create art on skis, support Cochran’s kids SCOOTER MACMILLAN STAFF WRITER
So much is going downhill with the pandemic, the economy, the political divide, people hoarding toilet paper, that the Shelburne Tap House decided to go with the flow and embrace the slide by sponsoring a benefit for Cochran’s Ski Area. The Tap House is celebrating all things that go downhill in the snow by holding a Ski Art Show and Auction with the proceeds going to Cochran’s Ski Area. Cochran’s mission is “to provide area youth and families with affordable skiing and snowboarding, lessons and race training, in the Cochran tradition,” and in 1998 became the nation’s first nonprofit ski area. At Cochran’s, the Richmond ski area founded by Vermont’s first family of skiing, the mission is to provide affordable snowboarding, ski and ski racing opportunities and lessons. The Ski Art Show and Auction is a literal description of the fundraiser: Entrants will paint, draw, use stickers or otherwise create images on skis to then be exhibited at the restaurant. The entry fee is $15, and if an artist doesn’t have a ski to use as a palette, the Tap House will supply one for $25. All the proceeds from both the entry fee and an online auction on Feb. 6-28 will go to Cochran’s to help pay for scholarships for kids to ski in its afterschool program. There will be a cocktail reception from noon-2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 6, for artists, family and friends at the restaurant. Sammy Garey, Tap House manager, said they wanted to give back to the community for its support during COVID-19. So far, the restaurant has managed to stay open during the pandemic. The skis will be on view at the restaurant, hung vertically on the ends of booths and wherever the restaurant can find a space. Jimmy Cochran, general manager of the ski area his grandparents Mickey and Ginny Cochran started in the 1960s with just a rope tow, said Cochran’s really is a quintessential Vermont mom-and-pop ski area that also consistently turned out champions. Of the couple’s four children, Barbara Ann won gold in slalom in Sapporo in 1972, Marilyn skied on the U.S. Ski team for seven years and was a three-time national champion. Bob also skied for the U.S. and professionally and was the first American to win the famed Hahnenkamm combined in 1973. Lindsay, too, skied for the
U.S. team and racked up impres“The CVU Nordic team just sive results. hosted a hill climb here,” Cochran Their children continue said. “It’s a three-day race compethe Cochran tradition. Ryan tition that culminates in a hill climb Cochran-Siegle currently races race here. The skill and athleticism on the World Cup circuit with his in that race is amazing.” cousin Robby, and Jimmy, Roger, That race, known as the Tour Jessica and Tim all raced competi- de Chittenden, happens at two tively as well. other ski areas before culminating Before Cochran’s was official- at Cochran’s and draws competily Cochran’s, neighborhood kids tors from several schools. after finishing their homework, “It’s a very, very special place,” would come said Penni Rand, over to the famiwhose photos are “My dad says ly’s property to used in lots of ski and run gates Cochran’s publicCochran’s was always on 60 acres of ity. “I raced there a nonprofit even if it the Cochran’s when I was in property. high school in wasn’t always officially Middlebury in “It was very much accessi1981.” a nonprofit.” ble,” Cochran “Some of my said. earliest memories Sometime in — Jimmy Cochran are skiing around the 1960s, Richwith the T-bar,” mond Elementary School asked Cochran said. his grandmother if she would The Cochran’s tradition of teach ski lessons to the school’s sharing ski racing skills focuses students. less on the results of the competiNow, over 1,000 students tion and more on the process. from Chittenden County schools, “My grandfather had this way including Hinesburg, Willis- of making competition very much ton and Starksboro, come to a healthy, positive experience,” Cochran’s for an after-school ski Cochran said. or ride. Richmond Elementary “My dad says it was always a School students even come during nonprofit even if it wasn’t always the school day. They put on the ski officially a nonprofit,” he said. boots before leaving school, get Because fundraising is such on the bus and when they arrive a big part of what Cochran’s Ski their skis are already laid out. Area does, the folks who work Champlain Valley Union’s and and volunteer there are “super flatSouth Burlington’s high school ski tered” that Shelburne Tap Room teams train at Cochran’s. thought of them, Cochran said.
PHOTO BY SCOOTER MACMILLAN
Above: Sammy Garey, Shelburne Tap House manager, stands with some skis decorating the restaurant to promote the restaurant’s Ski Art Show and Auction. Below: Children skiing at Cochran’s Ski Area in Richmond. The mission of the nonprofit ski area is to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to ski or ride and provide area youth and families with affordable skiing and snowboarding, lessons and race training.
PHOTO BY PENNI RAND PHOTOGRAPHY
Page 10 • January 27, 2022 • The Citizen
Storyteller evolves to help others record their stories Voice in South Burlington, founded by Dan Levine, also of Shelburne. Such A Voice trains people Ask Mary Catherine Jones in voiceover, how to make demos to say “wander alarm activated” and other tricks of the talking for recording trade. several times. “I looked into it, pursued it and Each time she says it will be a bit different than the time before, came out with a great demo,” Jones but in every version her voice is said. “Then I had to actually market comforting but serious, immediate- myself and find work.” For years she worked for ly demanding attention while not engendering panic — the perfect Shadow Productions in Burlington. tone for a dementia ward security Much of that work was e-learning, creating online training courses system. Jones said recording those three for both national and local clients. words over and over were one E-learning continues to be one of of her weirdest experiences as a Jones’ main focuses. But now she does it at her home voiceover artist. But possibly even weirder was studio on Mt. Philo Road instead the time she had to burp on cue for of Burlington, because in January 2020 she bought Shadow an audiobook recording Productions and is foldof the children’s book ing it into Voice Over “Joyce of Westerfloyce: Vermont. The Story of the Tiny Jones thinks it’s Little Girl with the Tiny important to use a profesLittle Voice.” sional to record the narraFor 13 years Jones tion of online courses. has been in the voice“Professional courses over business, but recentneed professional narraly much of her time has tion,” she said. “We’ve been spent on the other side of the mic, record- Mary Catherine Jones all sat through some of those training courses ing and producing other with non-professional people reading. Jones owns Voice Over narration. They can be horrible Vermont, a recording studio she because you’re hearing the cat in the background or somebody just runs from her home in Shelburne. During the last two years she’s droning on and on.” She is also doing more audiorecorded around 20 audiobooks, some narrated by the authors them- book work. Should an author read their own selves and some by others. Her work as a voice-over artist work for the narration of an audio evolved from time 15 years ago book? Jones said it depends on the spent as the storytime lady at the kind of book. Memoirs, poetry, books on a Pierson Library in Shelburne and specific expertise like a biography, earlier in other locales. She fell into library story telling a history book “or the latest how to one day before moving to Shel- slim down in 30 days or rock your burne. As she was dropping off midlife,” Jones said. “The first her 4-year-old at school, a friend person I would look to would be who was the storyteller at the West the author.” Authors of whodunits or fantaLebanon, N.H., library, stopped Jones to tell her in a husky, barely sy novels probably aren’t the best audible whisper, “I can’t talk. Can choice to narrate their novels. “That requires a different skill set, often you come and read?” Jones agreed to come to the being able to create voices and set rescue. Sort of as an afterthought, stages,” she said. “It’s not just — get into a booth, she grabbed a couple of puppets at her home and took them to the close the door and talk. It’s a lot of library. During her storytelling work,” Jones said. Voice Over Vermont has debut, she held up the puppet of the little old lady who swallowed recorded several books by Hinesa fly, getting the assembled kids to burg author Bill Schubart. Some sing with her as the little old lady books he recorded himself and progressed from gulping down with some books the narration was outsourced. insects to scarfing large mammals. “He has a storyteller’s voice, Storytelling and singing became and he also writes in a style that is her shtick. “It was so much fun,” Jones conducive for him doing the readsaid. “Twenty years later, I final- ing,” Jones said. The exception was Schubart’s ly hung up the old lady and her books with lots of dialogue. Then animals.” After she and her family moved they’ve generally had someone else to Shelburne, she became the story- do the narration for those. One hour of recording takes time person at the library. One day while at the Pierson at least four hours of production someone admired her voice and work, Jones said, and a 50,000suggested she study with Such A word book will take at least five SCOOTER MACMILLAN STAFF WRITER
COURTESY PHOTOS
Above: Linda McGinnis of South Burlington, an actress and professional narrator, works on the recording of the audiobook version of “Pauper Auction,” a novel by New Hampshire author Mary Kronenwetter. Below: Some of the books Voice Over Vermont has recorded as audiobooks.
weeks. Following Jones’ dictum that memoirists often prove to be a good choice to read their own work, C. Jane Taylor opted to read her soon-to-be-published memoir
of a 10,000-mile, cross-country motorcycle ride to the West Coast and back to Vermont she and her husband took with their son after he graduated from college. “Spirit Traffic” will be published
as both a book and audiobook on April 19. “Mary Catherine has a delightful way of inspiring a reader so I realized, of course, I could read this with more confidence,” Taylor said.
The Citizen • January 27, 2022 • Page 11
HEALTH CENTER continued from page 1
and the consolidated health practice will operate out of a new office being built in Williston. The larger health practice has four medical office sites now. Three of these offices are being combined into one new 18,000 square foot office in White Cap Business Park at 426 Industrial Avenue in Williston. The practice will maintain a separate medical office, Alder Brook Family Health on Essex Way in Essex. Another factor in the decision is that Evergreen Family Health Group has developed a sports medicine program, meaning the practice has added X-ray equipment in the last year. This expansion of services has meant tremendous growth for the medical practice, Reiss said. “We just need more space because of
significant growth.” The Charlotte Family Health Center practiced in Charlotte for four decades. In 2017, the health center began looking for property where it could build a new facility to take the place of offices that were too small and unsafe at 527 Ferry Road, west of West Charlotte Village. Initially, the practice looked at a piece of property at 140 Ferry Road in the center of the village across from town hall. When that property was ultimately deemed unsuitable because of road frontage and other issues, the practice began negotiations to buy a piece of property, contingent upon getting proper zoning permits, at 251 Ferry Road, two lots west of the post office. This zoning effort met resistance when a petition last year was
circulated to drum up opposition to the medical center being built there. Ultimately, the health center’s permit was approved but opponents appealed the decision. Before the appeal was decided, the practice announced it was halting plans to build in Charlotte. The office in Shelburne Green Business Park was always meant to be temporary. Regan and other doctors said it was too small and not an appropriate site for the practice’s permanent home. The new consolidated office in the White Cap Business Park is scheduled to open in the summer. “Medical practices do not often move. This is a huge undertaking, and we are approaching this transition with a very long-term perspective,” managing partner Dr. Michael Johnson said.
continued from page 7
Tuesday, March 8, 6-6:30 p.m.: Join Recycle Rhonda and learn how to recycle those batteries and light bulbs that have laying around your house for years, and find out how some building supplies can be turned into something new. For Zoom links and to register, email Robin Orr at community@ cswd.net.
Age Well opens new Middlebury office
the highest risk for food insecurity and all 1,200 clients receiving meals scored a six or higher on the nutrition risk assessment, a national tool for measuring malnutrition risk. Age Well has served Chittenden, Addison, Franklin and Grand Isle counties since 1974 as a member of Vermont’s area agencies on aging.
Student milestones
Age Well has opened a new office on Court Street in Middlebury. “We are thrilled to have a beautiful, new space to better serve older Vermonters in Middlebury and throughout Addison County,” said Jane Catton, Age Well’s CEO. “This new office better accommodates our growing team, our planned future programs and the needs of our clients.” Age Well also has offices in Colchester and St. Albans. In 2021, Age Well served 11,332 individuals. Over 270,000 Meals on Wheels were delivered and over 22,250 other meals were served. The group’s most recent data showed that 59 percent of new Meals on Wheels clients were at
LOCAL?
All programs will take place via Zoom unless noted until further notice. Links can be found on the library website. The library is at 115 Ferry Road, Charlotte. 802-4253864. Register at charlottepubliclibrary.org or info@ charlottepubliclibrary.org.
Short story selections Thursday, Jan. 27, 1-2 p.m. Join library director Margaret Woodruff for a three-part discussion series featuring short stories old and new. The reading list will include a variety of authors, and one story will be featured each session.
Regeneration Book Discussion
COMMUNITY NOTES
WHY GO
News from Charlotte Library
The following students from Hinesburg were named to the fall 2021 dean’s list at the University of Vermont: Ashton Barbeau, Michaela Buscher, Alice Drew, Miro Gohacki, Julia Grant, Julia Hillier, Dylan Laberge, Aidan May, Olivia Morton and Lena Heinrich. Ethan Provost of Hinesburg has been named to the Plymouth State University president’s list for the fall 2021 semester. The following Hinesburg students were named to the fall 2021 president’s list at Southern New Hampshire University: Madeline Baker, Samantha Haviland and Alix St. Hilaire. Deona Proulx of Hinesburg was named to Southern New Hampshire University’s fall 2021
dean’s list. The following students from Charlotte were named to the fall 2021 dean’s list at the University of Vermont: Daniel Bernier, Henry Bijur, Sebastian D’Amico, Skyler Heininger, Sadie Holmes, Ethan Leonard, Antonio Pugliese, Andrew Slauterbeck, Grace Slauterbeck, Faith Thompson, Seamus Higgins, Trevor McGlaflin, Annabelle Creech, and Mary Feeney. Vaughnesa Jipner of Charlotte has been named to the Plymouth State University president’s list for the fall 2021 semester. Charlotte resident Cassandra Franklin made the dean’s list at Connecticut College for the fall 2021 semester. Graham Coates-Farley of Hinesburg has been named a presidential scholar at Clarkson University for the fall 2021 semester. Clara CichoskiKelly and Shea Dunlop, both of Hinesburg, were named to the Castleton University president’s list for the fall 2021 semester. The following students from Hinesburg were named to the Castleton University dean’s list for the fall 2021 semester: Jayden Grant, Ann McCarter and Mary Titus.
Build community Vermont Community Newspaper Group
Tuesdays, Feb. 1, Feb. 8, Feb. 15 and Feb. 22, and Monday, Feb. 28, 7-8 p.m. Sustainable Charlotte and the library host a discussion of Paul Hawken’s “Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation.”
Book Discussion: ‘Splendid and the Vile’ Wednesday, Feb. 9, 7:30-9 p.m. In “The Splendid and the Vile” Erik Larson shows how Churchill taught the British people “the art of being fearless.” It is a story of political brinkmanship, but it’s also an intimate domestic drama, set against the backdrop of Churchill’s prime-ministerial country home, Chequers, his wartime retreat, Ditchley, and 10 Downing Street in London. Register in advance.
Media literacy take two Thursday, Feb. 10, 7-8 p.m. There continues to be more opportunities for disinformation, declining trust in
established news organizations, and increasing popularity of conspiracy theorists. Join a conversation on media literacy with Adam Davidson, Chea Waters-Evans and Jesse Wegman. Davidson has been a staff reporter for the New York Times and the New Yorker. Waters-Evans has been a reporter for The Citizen and Shelburne News, and now The Charlotte Bridge, while Wegman is an editorial board member of the New York Times. Get the Zoom link on the library website.
Candidates Night Wednesday, Feb. 16, 7-9 p.m. Get the Zoom link on the library website.
News from Carpenter-Carse Library To register, reserve books or for more information, contact Meg Malone at meg@ carpentercarse.org. Masks required indoors.
Book group: ‘Bellweather Rhapsody’ Wednesday, Feb. 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. February’s pick is “Bellweather Rhapsody” by Kate Racculia. Reserve a copy at meg@carpentercarse.org.
Book discussion: ‘Stories of your Life and Others’ Tuesday, Feb. 22, 7-8 p.m. The pick for February is Ted Chiang’s collection of science-fiction short stories “Stories of Your Life and Others.” Contact Malone to reserve a copy and get the Zoom link.
Buying and shopping locally helps independent businesses, which in turn helps all of us shape our community’s distinct flavor, personality and character.
Page 12 • January 27, 2022 • The Citizen
Hedgerows play key roles in landscapes Connect the Dots Jane Dorney Once the leaves were off the trees, I knew it was time to head out to my favorite high meadow to cut a few twigs of winterberry. Its bright red berries add some winter cheer to my kitchen table and my annual trip is a chance to see what’s happening in the hedgerow along the way. I headed up through the woods, crossed the hayfield, then started toward the hedgerow. The monochromatic hayfield underfoot contrasted with the hedgerow’s eclectic variety of young leafless brown and gray trees and shrubs, woven together with climbing vines. As I neared the hedgerow, I could see something much older peeking through the gaps in the thick vegetation — a broad stone wall. On the far side of the wall was an old pasture. In this group of features I could read parts of three centuries of shifting land uses that enriched my
journey. The tangle of hedgerow plants dominated the foreground, but the stone wall was the critical feature that anchored the interwoven stories. Sections of this stone wall were probably 200 years old, since this farm had been operating in the early 1800s. Typically, 19th-century walls were built around the edges of the cultivated fields using the stones heaved up out of the soil by the winter frost. Farmers moved the stones before their yearly plowing, so they didn’t harm their plow blades. The three-foot-tall wall was a barrier to my movements, so it was easy for me to remember their original role — they kept the farm animals out of the cultivated fields. The hedgerow plants were much younger than the wall. A lone, tall elm was probably the oldest. In the early farming days, the edge of the field along the wall was kept clean of seedling trees or shrubs by hand cutting or burning. This meant the wall
COURTESY PHOTO
Winterberry makes a colorful display in the winter landscape.
could be repaired as needed and made it easier for farmers to keep an eye on crops and livestock. But
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in the 20th century, this elm may have been intentionally left to create some shade for the cows in the pasture. The rest of the trees along the wall were a young mix of species, including birches, poplars, red maples and a volunteer apple. Most of them were pressed against the stone wall in the narrow zone the haying equipment couldn’t reach. As the 20th century progressed, the maintenance of walls was let go. The trees that sprouted were mostly wind dispersed species, but the deer prints and chewed fruit I saw near the volunteer apple tree reminded me that some of the trees were spread by mammals. I even had to step over the occasional coyote or fox scat. Shrubs and vines filled in between the trees and exerted their varied personalities. The brambles had already been picked clean by birds, but many other shrubs brought splashes of color with their vivid tones of late season berries contrasting with the neutral tones of leafless branches. Red rose hips held onto the tips of their twigs, dark blue wild grape bunches cascaded over other plants and nannyberry twigs sagged with their pendulous heads of indigo berries. A chipmunk with bulging cheeks poked its head up between some stones and I gave it a nod, realizing its predecessors may have brought the original shrubs’ seeds it was enjoying now. I kept walking along the wall toward the top of the high meadow where the woods began.
Here were the winterberry shrubs in their full glory. Winterberries are Vermont’s only native, deciduous holly. I cut a few berry-loaded twigs to take home, then turned to enjoy the view below. All the features were laid out together: the hayfield, the hedgerow and the old pasture in the foreground, and the patches of woods below and above. I realized that though the stone wall anchored the scene before me, the role it played had dramatically shifted through time. Instead of being an exclusionary barrier to farm animals, it had become an animal travel corridor providing food and cover. What I saw before me resonated with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s recent announcement that it was adding hedgerows to digital maps used for conservation planning. Research is showing that many animals use hedgerows as corridors to move between large blocks of intact forests, and researchers expect hedgerows to play an increasingly key role in the migration of animals as they adapt to climate change. It gave me a lot to think about as I wended my way home with my winterberry twigs in hand, soon to be placed in a vase on my kitchen table and enjoyed for months to come. Jane Dorney is a consulting geographer who does research and education projects to help people understand why the Vermont landscape looks like it does. See more at janedorney. com.
The Citizen • January 27, 2022 • Page 13
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PUBLIC HEARING Hinesburg Development Review Board Tuesday, February 15, 2022 7:00 pm
SALES SUPPORT Full-time position for a customer-service expert, general office support, all-around jack-or-jill-of-all-trades for busy newspaper office. Responsibilities include ad management and traffic flow, working the phones, directing customers, some basic website data entry, and other office-related duties. Computer skills and knowledge of MS Office applications required. Familiarity with html a bonus. Flexibility and welcoming disposition a must.
Shared Living Provider
Send a resume and cover letter to: Stowe Reporter, POB 489, Stowe VT 05672; or leslie@stowereporter.com. No phone calls please.
Provide an accessible home for an easy-going 38-yearold, gentleman who enjoys being part of a dynamic household. This individual has a comprehensive team, strong family support, along with respite and weekday supports. The ideal provider will have strong interpersonal communication and personal care skills as all aspects of ADL’s will be provided. This position includes a comprehensive training package, tax-free stipend and a handicap accessible van for transportation.
STOWE REPORTER SALES PERSON Award-winning group of community weeklies with offices in Stowe, Morrisville and South Burlington seeks a sales person. Ideal candidate should have a basic knowledge of the local towns, business and communities we serve. A proven track record in sales and an ability to offer topnotch customer service is a required. In addition to servicing established accounts, candidate must be able to generate sales from qualified leads as well as establish new ones. Our company offers health benefits, vacation time, and provides on the job training in newspapers sales. Generous base salary during training and ideal hours (few nights or weekends). If you possess these qualifications and would like to be considered, please send your resume and cover letter to: Bryan Meszkat at bryan@newsandcitizen.com.
The meeting will be both in person and remote. See meeting agenda on townwebsite with details on how to participate.
ccs-vt.org EOE
We just raised salaries at CCS. Significantly.
Daniel Baldwin: Subdivision Revision application to combine & modify several properties with a total area of about 250 acres located adjacent to Baldwin Road & Drinkwater Road in the Agricultural Zoning District. David Quaglietta: Conditional Use review for a motorcycle repair home occupation on a 21.45-acre property located at 2360 Silver Street in the in the Agricultural Zoning District.
Contact Jennifer Wolcott at: jwolcott@ccs-vt.org or 802-655-0511 x 118 for more information
And that’s on top of being a “Best Place to Work In Vermont” for three years running.
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Great jobs in Service Coordination ($45k) and Direct Support Professionals ($18 per hour) at an award-winning agency serving Vermonters with intellectual disabilities. Make a career making a difference. Check current openings at https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/
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ccs-vt.org EOE
Page 14 • January 27, 2022 • The Citizen
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The Citizen • January 27, 2022 • Page 15
CROSSWORD
ARIES
LEO
March 21 - April 20 Your affection for someone could affect your impression of a certain situation, Aries. You need to take a step back or remove yourself from the situation.
TAURUS
July 23 - Aug. 23 Sometimes you need to put passion ahead of stability, Leo. That means explore all possibilities when it comes to relationships. You may connect with someone unexpected.
VIRGO
April 21 - May 21 Someone in a position of authority may want to invest in your future, Taurus. Even though you may be flattered by the interest, you have to weigh all of your options.
GEMINI
Aug. 24 - Sept. 22 Virgo, you may be able to move through chores and other things on your to-do list quite quickly this week. That opens up opportunities for some rest and relaxation.
LIBRA
May 22 - June 21 You may learn something about a person if you’re willing to get involved in deep conversation, Gemini. Have a talk with someone you’re eager to get to know.
CANCER
Sept. 23 - Oct. 23 Libra, a chance to take a leadership role in your community is on the horizon. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and give it your all.
SCORPIO
June 22 - July 22 Cancer, a heavy load at work is manageable. Challenges keep you engaged and you thrive on the pressure. Enjoy the responsibility and all that comes with it.
Oct. 24 - Nov. 22 Scorpio, this week you may be pulled in two directions, but it’s nothing you haven’t handled in the past. Look to trusted confidantes for advice and even a little help, if necessary.
SUDOKU Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 23 - Dec. 21 Sagittarius, find some time to delve into your passions. Figure out what piques your interests and pursue it with your customary energy. Others will admire your enthusiasm.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22 - Jan. 20 Getting romance off the ground this week may seem like climbing Mount Everest, Capricorn. Mixed messages may cloud the waters. Keep finding a way to connect.
AQUARIUS Jan. 21 - Feb. 18 Aquarius, think about what you can bring to the table at work, and then promote your strengths to the higher-ups. They may be slow to come around but you’ll catch their attention.
PISCES Feb. 19 - March 20 Pisces, if you are feeling overworked, you may have to ask others to pitch in and take on a bigger share of the tasks at hand.
CLUES ACROSS 1. Brew 4. NY ballplayer 7. Rigid external covering in some animals 12. Promotional materials 15. More high-pitched 16. Widely cultivated cereal 18. Dormitory employee 19. Bad act 20. One’s mother 21. Scored perfectly 24. Space station 27. Exchange for money 30. Edible seaweed 31. Iranian city 33. Lakers’ crosstown rivals 34. Nothing 35. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 37. __ student, learns healing 39. Military official (abbr.) 41. Matchstick games 42. Gasteyer and De Armas are two 44. Distant planet 47. A type of residue 48. Punk art icon Jimmy De__ 49. Millihenry
50. Canadian media firm 52. Type of withdrawal 53. Spicy 56. Dish of minced meat or fish 61. Noted previously 63. Happily 64. “Partridge” actress Susan 65. Not present CLUES DOWN 1. In a way, brought to an end 2. Scandalized actress Loughlin 3. This (Spanish) 4. Essay 5. Continuing indefinitely 6. Tool for lifting food 7. Partner to Adam 8. Dry white wine drink 9. Spanish be 10. Smaller quantity 11. Last or greatest in an indefinitely large series 12. (Scottish) island 13. Church officer 14. Large wrestler 17. Polite address for women
ANSWERS
22. Famed Susan Lucci character “__ Kane” 23. Mason __ Line 24. Disfigure 25. Asian nation 26. Rage (Span.) 28. Khoikhoin peoples 29. Opera solo 32. Database management system 36. Similar 38. Move up and down playfully 40. Alfalfa 43. Satisfied 44. Baseball official 45. Large, flightless bird of S. America 46. Money given in support 51. Flower cluster 54. Beginning military rank 55. Russian weight measurement 56. Explosive 57. An individual unit 58. Midskirt 59. Weapon featuring balls 60. Used of a number or amount not specified 62. Unit of measurement
Page 16 • January 27, 2022 • The Citizen