This letter is in response to Rep. Mike Yantachka’s commentary from Nov. 1. It is apparent that human beings are at a critical point in our life on Earth. We are confronted with a significant number of challenges to our well-being and even our future.
One morning in the early 1990s, my phone rang. It was not a nice man from Nigeria telling me I owed the IRS money. James Lawrence was on the line. “There’s a situation with The Charlotte News,” James said. “I’m asking all of the newspaper’s contributors to meet at the Congregational Church this afternoon.” He did not wait to hear my excuses. I showed up.
After several seasons of the Internet Cat Video Festival, Homeward Bound and Town Hall Theater are changing things up and offering a film festival on Saturday, Nov. 25, devoted entirely to dogs. The Bow Wow Film Festival is a traveling, dog-centric film festival that celebrates, educates, and inspires all things doggie through the art of short film.
Families in every corner of Charlotte are very busy preparing for Thanksgiving baskets. CCS students in kindergarten through 4th grade are decorating boxes, shopping for groceries, baking and creating a special Thanksgiving meal. A turkey for each family will be donated by the Charlotte and Shelburne Rotary, a tradition started many years ago. A special thanks to Kris Gerson for coordinating the effort at CCS and Todd Whitaker, Rotary member, for coordinating with the Shelburne Market on behalf of the Food Shelf.
Erich and Whitney Finley are renovating their circa 1790s home on Greenbush Road. Neither has been surprised by the occasional find of old newspapers, theater posters and debris. They were surprised, however, when they discovered their front porch steps were gravestones.
BIG THANKS! On behalf of the Recreation Department, we would like to take the time to thank all of the dedicated soccer coaches this season: Jeff Albertson, John Higgins, Elizabeth Hunt, Rob Anderson, Jonathan Couture, Josh Golek, Josh Bagnato and Jamie LaBerge. We had over 100 Charlotte children participate in the soccer program this season, and it would not have been possible without our volunteer coaches. Thank you for all that you do for our community!
Green Mountain Power reported a total of 1,319 Charlotte homes without power after an Oct. 29 wind storm left parts of the state in ruins. All of these customers had power restored by Nov. 3 at 8:40 a.m., GMP’s Kristin Carlson said.
On Nov. 8 Deb Preston said, “This morning I was putting the garden to bed, so I was out amongst all the pretty frost.” Same day, Kit Perkins said, “I took this early morning; first hard frost.”
Jenna Lindemann was born in 1991 and raised in Shelburne. Her father is an insurance professional and her mother is an expert seamstress and sewer who applies those skills at an interior design firm. Jenna also has an older brother who lives in Maryland and works on fighter jets.
I’m tired of writing critical commentaries, which my last two have been. And besides, the natural world of Charlotte is not something one can easily criticize. Its skies, landscapes, clouds and harvest moons bring together many of the reasons for choosing here as home. Too often we fail to be conscious of the role our environment plays in our lives.
At this time of the year, we traditionally give thanks for all that we have. One of the good things we Charlotters have had since 1958 is The Charlotte News, a nonprofit community newspaper that reports on and celebrates the people, places and happenings in this town that we love. Your donations help make our work possible.
White and red claim women’s soccer championship
CVU women’s soccer capped an undefeated season with a 1-0 win over Burr and Burton Academy on November 4. It was their sixth straight title and 17th state championship overall. That’s right, “Soccer Central” lives up to its name once again.
Sympathy is extended to family and friends of Robert Magnuson who passed away recently at the age of 81.
These hues of autumn were taken on Greenbush and Church Hill roads in Charlotte in October.
Stocky and solidly built
The wide brimmed hat shading
his weathered face from the mid-day sun
Another reminder for you all, Charlotte property taxes are due Wednesday, Nov. 15. Checks or cash only, no credit cards. Postmarked by the 15th is accepted as timely payment. If the office is closed, you can use the mail slot by the front door to drop off your tax payment; there is a lockbox on the other side.
The New England Clean Power Link is a 1,000-megawatt electric transmission line slated to carry electricity produced from hydroelectric dams in Canada and wind turbines in New York to southern New England utilities via Lake Champlain, passing by Charlotte’s shores on the way. This project is backed by Gov. Phil Scott. It’s been reported that it could bring the state about $7.5 million annually for the next 40 years, partly through new jobs and tax revenue. The 154-mile underwater and underground transmission line is a $1.2 billion project.
When it comes to gravestones, there are as many choices as there are individuals. Some people are adamant about their ashes being spread from a mountain top, on the water, in the forest or over their garden. We will limit this column, however, to traditional burials in a cemetery with a gravestone.
A degree in agronomy and horticulture, with a concentration in golf course management, led Steve Colangeli, now owner of Paradiso Farm in Charlotte, to manage high-end golf courses in Connecticut right out of school. By his mid-20’s it was time for a change. Vermont beckoned; Steve had friends here and had often come for winter skiing.
The 17th Annual East Charlotte Tractor Parade was held on Oct. 8. Food vendors, a petting zoo and more were set up. More than 100 tractors rolled passed Spears Corner Store this year.