Ken Spencer tackles roadside trash with his Planet Pack

Ken Spencer tackles roadside trash with his Planet Pack

When pulling out of the News offices recently I noticed two gentleman walking along Greenbush Road wearing unusual-looking packs on their backs and picking up trash. Always the curiouser, I flagged them down to find out what they were up to. I learned a wonderful thing that day, that Charlotter Ken Spencer had designed and created a backpack for litter pick-up, and, of course, I wanted to know more. Here is the outcome of our recent Q & A.

Last days of summer

Last days of summer

Early September dawn pinkens the sky at a respectable 6 a.m. I hope to be awake at dawn. I want to watch the day brighten and hear the crows call. I want to be present for every second of the late summer day because I know that too soon the windows will close. Sounds will be dulled and the dawn will emerge in tones of gray.

Town Link Trail underpass opens for business

Town Link Trail underpass opens for business

About 70 people turned out to enjoy live music, great food, neighborhood camaraderie and the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new underpass under Route 7 on the Charlotte Town Link Trail. Charlotters of all ages arrived by foot and by bike to participate in the grand opening. Laurie Thompson, co-chair of the Trails Committee, Lane Morrison, chair of the Selectboard, and Clark Hinsdale, who initiated the idea of the underpass with the State of Vermont many years ago, all spoke at the ceremony before the ribbon cutting. Several local farms and businesses donated food for the event. 

Remembering Mark Bolles

Remembering Mark Bolles

There are times in life when it’s not until someone dies that we come to understand how their life impacted ours, even when we didn’t know them while they were here, even if it was and is peripherally. Such is the story of Mark Bolles, the former pastor of the Charlotte Congregational Church, who was born on August 21, 1951, and died on August 12, 2018. 

A growing community: Charlotte yoga teachers

A growing community: Charlotte yoga teachers

For many Charlotters, yoga is an important component to everyday life here. From meditation at the beach, to classes at the Berry Farm and with studios just over town lines, yoga has touched all corners of Charlotte. Spending my first summer here in three years, I felt drawn to learn more about the yoga community while also exploring my own practice. 

Cannabis potency: “The cart is before the horse, and the horse hasn’t even been born yet”

The Rotary Club of Charlotte-Shelburne-Hinesburg was recently entertained and informed by its own small version of a TED Talk. The talk was given by Dr. John MacKay, a consulting chemist, who helps cannabis extraction companies test and optimize their product. This report is based on his 30-minute presentation and subsequent correspondence. 

Young Charlotters – Becca von Trapp

Young Charlotters – Becca von Trapp

Full Belly Farm is a very important place to Becca Von Trapp. She has been farming there for the past seven years. Full Belly is a 400-acre, certified organic farm in the Capay Valley in Northern California (not to be confused with a farm with the same name in Hinesburg) that has produced organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and a variety of meats for over 30 years.

Festival of Fools, a long-running local tradition, has deep Charlotte roots

Festival of Fools, a long-running local tradition, has deep Charlotte roots

The Festival of Fools is a celebration of street theater, music and circus arts all rolled into one magical weekend, August 3, 4 and 5, in downtown Burlington. Now in its 11th year, the Festival has showcased some of the most eye-catching circus and variety artists from around the world