Around Town

Congratulations to Kristopher and Sarah Larson of Charlotte who recently purchased Otter Creek Awnings of Williston, a locally based company that provides customized solutions to outdoor and shading needs. They make deck canopies and retractable awnings, window and commercial awnings as well as solar shades. Kristopher has worked with Otter Creek for five years, while Sarah has been with the UVM Medical Center for 10. He says it has long been a vision of his to own a small Vermont company “with a strong legacy of quality,” and he feels this is an excellent opportunity to bring that vision to fruition. 

Congratulations to Charlotte’s Mt. Philo Inn, which was selected by Yankee Magazine as one of five “Wag-Worthy Overnights” for four-legged guests. Yankee’s “Travel Guide to New England” listed five premier lodging options for dogs as selected by the magazine’s editors. The article says that while many lodgings list themselves as “cozy,” they are, in fact, cramped for pets. Not at Mt. Philo, however, where many apartment-style suites and ample porch space provide plenty of room for owner and canine companion. It is easy to see, the article says, how this place earned the name, “Mt. Fido.”

Congratulations to Courtney McDermott of Charlotte whose “Poems vs. stories” was featured in the Burlington Free Press’ Young Writers Project on July 6. Courtney wonders why poems flow out of her mind full-fledged, whereas stories take “time, tears, and more patience than I am willing to give.” She concludes that, while her “heart is open to poetry,” “stories hurt my head, no matter how hard I try.” 

Sympathy is extended to family and friends of James Wilbur Brown of Charlotte who passed away June 29 at the age of 90. Jim moved his family to Charlotte in 1970 where he raised his children, flew his airplane and sailed on Lake Champlain. His five children attended CCS and CVU High School. His wife, Helen, of Charlotte, Helen’s daughter, Deborah, also of Charlotte, plus three of his own sons and daughters survive him. The family asks that those wishing to make a contribution in his memory do so to the VNA Respite House, 3113 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446.

Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Avery Skilton of Derry, New Hampshire, who passed away June 26 at the age of 91. A fourth-generation dairy farmer in northwestern Connecticut and later employed by the State of Connecticut, he moved to Derry to be closer to family. His survivors include his daughter, Beth Merritt, and her husband, Edd, of Charlotte and his grandsons, Chris and Ian Merritt, who spent much of their youth in Charlotte before moving out of state. The family asks that those wishing to make donations in his memory consider doing so to Amedisys Foundation (a hospice, home health and personal care organization), 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Regional Bite

Former Charlotter to run for county assistant judge
Suzanne Brown, Esq. announced her candidacy for Chittenden County assistant judge. Currently a South Burlington resident, Suzanne has been practicing family law for over 30 years in this area and was a Charlotte resident for part of her tenure. She is the only attorney running for one of two openings for assistant judge, and she is on the Democratic Party ticket.

Suzanne believes that over the course of her 30 years of practice, she has built a familiarity with family law and its statutes, as well as recent Vermont Supreme Court case law that constantly changes. Her experience as a lawyer, she feels, would put her in good stead for the position. She has also done pro-bono work and served as a partner with the South Burlington firm of Perry and Schmucker.