The Citizen - 12-1-22

The Beerworth Sisters

Charlotte Central teacher, student work together on music video

Charlotte Central School teacher Julia Beerworth and former student Kobe Kessler are collaborating on a creative project show ing just how important the student-teacher relationship is.

The two met at Vergennes Union High School where Beerworth taught civics. Kessler was a senior in her class at the time and the two connected over the media stud ies portion of the class. Although Kessler was a strong history student, Beerworth could see that his passions were in media and technology.

“The most important thing about teach ing to me is to build relationships with students,” said Beerworth. “I believe every student is so much more than what we see within the classroom walls. To me, teaching is not just about having students memorize

Hinesburg questions solar array on old landfill site

COREY MCDONALD STAFF WRITER

Efforts to build a 150kW solar array on Hinesburg’s landfill are proceeding, but after discovering contaminated drinking water emanating from the landfill last year, the selectboard remains hesitant to commit

to its completion and will ultimately decide on the project at its next meeting.

First capped in 1992, the landfill on Beecher Hill and Observatory roads has been earmarked for a solar array for three years. The town in 2019 bid out for the proj ect to be developed, and eventually part nered with Acorn Renewable Energy Co-op.

After discovering contaminated drink ing water at two locations in Hinesburg, official’s suspicions that the landfill was leeching were confirmed, which forced the town to spend more than $30,000 to recap the landfill and rectify issues with its drink ing water.

Now, town officials are awaiting advice

from their lawyer before OK’ing the last two steps before work can commence.

“Generally, it all sounded very good,” selectboard member Phil Pouech said at a Nov. 16 meeting. “Then, all of a sudden, we had problems with our cap. We have

See SOLAR ARRAY on

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Our delicious hot dogs are back for a limited time. Chicago, Vermont, Kansas City and more.

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LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

See BEERWORTH SISTERS on page

COURTESY PHOTO

The Beerworth Sisters, Anna Pepin and Julia Beerworth.

Selectboard starts search

Town administrator announces retirement Charlotte

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Charlotte’s town administrator, Dean Bloch, is retiring.

He made the announcement in a letter to the selectboard on Nov. 2.

Bloch, a resident of Jericho, has worked for the town of Charlotte in a variety of roles for over two decades. In his most recent role as town administrator, he worked alongside the selectboard to make important decisions regarding the town.

He began work in Charlotte in 1999 as a town planner, and later became selectboard assistant.

Bloch declined to comment to the newspaper about his past years with the town or his future, but in his letter of resignation he announced he will retire at the end of October 2023.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to work for the Town of Charlotte for 23 years,” he wrote. “In providing this notice, my intention is to do what is best for the town to ensure a smooth tran sition.”

Members of the selectboard expressed dismay about Bloch’s departure on a number of occa

sions following the resignation.

“I can say nothing but good things about Dean,” said Charlotte selectboard chair Jim Faulkner. “He has been really helpful and knowledgeable and he’s a very hard worker.”

With nearly 11 months to find a town administrator, Faulkner said the town has already started preliminary discussions for hiring, and is reaching out to service providers that can aid in the search process.

While Charlotte operates with a town administrator, sever al other neighboring towns use a town-manager model of govern ing. While an administrator works under supervision and direction from the selectboard, a town manager has more authority and acts as a liaison between town staff and the selectboard.

According to Faulkner, there has been no formal discussion about whether the town will look into switching to a town manager model, and it would require a slew of research before considering the change.

Faulkner again emphasized Bloch’s skill and experience. “It will be a challenge to replace him,” he said.

Winter Lights returns to Shelburne Museum

Starting this week, Shelburne Museum’s campus will radiate with the spectacular holiday event, Winter Lights, now in its second season with expanded offerings including a special Ice Bar night. This winter extrava ganza begins on Thursday, Nov. 25 at 5 p.m.

Fourteen of the museum’s buildings and gardens have been decorated in multicolored light arrangements for Winter Lights, which runs from Thanks

giving weekend through New Year’s Day. The campus will be illuminated for the event with the Hershell-Spillman Carou sel bedecked, the Ticonderoga floating on a sea of light, Beach Woods twinkling, the Electra Havemeyer Webb Memorial Building aglow, and more.

Winter Lights runs through Sunday, Jan. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. on select dates.

Purchase timed tickets at shelburnemuseum.org. For

accessibility accommodations call (802) 985-0831.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for ages 3-17, Free for chil dren under 3.

The new ice bar at Winter Lights will be open on Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and features two outdoor ice bars stocked with local spirits, wine and beer. Tickets are $85 for the general public, $75 for members and $70 for Barnstormers members.

Charlotte forms cannabis control commission

LIBERTY DARR STAFF WRITER

Charlotte’s selectboard voted itself to be the town’s cannabis control commission at a special meeting Nov. 22.

Adopting a local control commission is an optional step for a town and ultimately creates an

extra layer of review when look ing to regulate cannabis sales and cultivation.

According to the state’s Cannabis Control Board, when a completed application for any type of cannabis license is received, the statewide board will send a report to the local control commission which may “issue and adminis

ter local control licenses and may condition licenses on their compli ance with zoning bylaws.”

The local commission may also deny, suspend or revoke a local control license if it violates any conditions placed on the license.

However, according to the state, the local commission cannot “place conditions on the operation

of cannabis establishments, create special rules for them, or use their zoning power in a way that will have the effect of prohibiting the operation of cannabis establish ments.”

“Unlike everything else that goes through the state for a license, with a local board, an individual will have to apply to the town first

and get permission before going to the state,” said town planner Larry Lewack. “The state is still the primary authority, but there would also be a local process.”

With the formation of the town’s local commission, proce dures surrounding local licensing

PHOTO BY ANDY DUBACK

Shelburne Museum’s 45-acre campus floats in a sea of light for its Winter Lights event.

with the three companies who have already begun cannabis conversations within the town remain unclear for town officials.

Three cultivation operations in Charlotte have been approved for licenses by the state’s Cannabis Control Board, with two of them already starting cultivation opera tions: Heady Righton LLC, Boreas Ventures LLC and Red Clover Canopies LLC.

“They have their state license, but we think we have the authority to require all of them to go through local licensing,” Lewack said. “We are trying to walk a balance between businesses that have already invested considerable capital in starting up cultivation — we recognize it’s a sensitive issue and our approach is soft.”

Notices regarding local licens

ing have been sent to the compa nies and the town anticipates a collaborative approach in bring ing them into local compliance as land-use regulations continue to be rolled out.

Lewack said that with the selectboard acting as the local control commission, the process will be similar to obtaining a liquor license. Except in these cases there are land-use regulations involved.

Since the town’s creation of the development review board last year, the planning commission has set out to complete a hefty over haul of its land-use regulations, some of which were voted on Nov. 8.

Although land-use regulations surrounding cannabis were not on the midterm ballot, they will likely be voted on at Town Meeting Day

in March.

If the town wishes to look at an expedited process, the planning commission will have to “prepare standards and rules for regulation, bring it to selectboard and warn a hearing to adopt on an interim basis,” Lewack said.

That process could happen as soon as January.

Although the local control board will be populated by the selectboard for now, Charlotte Selectboard chair Jim Faulkner shared that it is possible it will evolve into a commission separate from the selectboard in the future.

“It’s a complicated thing and we are in the infancy,” Faulk ner said. “Let’s just get (the local cannabis commission) on the books and then we will start deal ing with all the parts to it.”

SOLAR ARRAY

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two contaminated wells and we’re concerned that, five years from now, two more wells will pop up.”

“We’re a bit unsure,” he added. “We would like to move forward with this project, but we don’t want to put the town at risk for added costs.”

In 2019, with the assump tion that the landfill was properly capped, Acorn Energy Co-op, as well as two other engineering and design companies, were brought in to build a solar panel to fulfill renewably energy goals as laid out in the town’s master plan.

Acorn Energy Co-op, which serves residents in towns in Addi sion, Rutland and Chittenden counties, offers a unique business ownership model: The company offers shares in its solar projects to Vermont residents and those investors can then use the proj ect’s net-metered credits toward, in this case, their Vermont Electric Co-Op bills.

The company in June 2021 completed a similar project on a landfill in Bristol, and has other solar arrays in Middlebury and Shoreham.

“Typical investors are people who can’t build solar on their own home for whatever reason,” said Ben Marks, the co-op’s pres ident. “You could buy into this for a lower cost per kilowatt installed than putting panels on your own roof and have the same offsets on your bill as you were if you owned a dozen panels yourself.”

Acorn has been working with the town’s energy committee to make investment in the project available to Hinesburg residents, Marks said.

“The overall intent is to have the township be the beneficiary of this,” Marks said. “People in town

who want to take advantage of this would have the ability to do so and benefit from the town’s lease of this brownfield site.”

Linked to the project is Aegis Renewable Energy, which is responsible for designing and eventually building the array. Ownership would then pass to Acorn.

The town in 2019 signed off on a lease agreement for the compa nies to conduct work on the site. But in order for the project to proceed the selectboard will have to renew that lease, which is expir ing at the end of the year.

“The document preserves our right to have site control, which we need in order to build this thing,” Marks said.

The companies also need a post closure amendment — a document that confirms to the state that the $602,000 solar project would not negatively affect the landfill if it’s eventually built on it.

“The post closure amendment is the next major step that needs to happen in the process,” said Aaron Lavallee, the inside sales manager with Aegis.

Hinesburg has had to pay out $10,000 for two point-of-entry treatment systems to treat contami nated water wells serving the town garage and a private residence that contained poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances — known as PFAs or “forever chemicals” — which are known carcinogens and have links to endocrine disruption.

Then $21,000 was spent to Stone Environmental Consulting to conduct biannual testing and get the closure re-certified with the state.

The landfill was capped in 1992 with a chemical resistant plastic sheet that was supposedly sealed

over to contain any contaminants. Paperwork for the testing that was done when the landfill was closed ended up missing — both on the town and state’s end, officials said.

“I think many of the issues that have been addressed at the landfill over the past construction season were deferred maintenance to some degree, things that we should have caught and remedied earlier on,” said Kasey Kathan, a member of the solid waste management program at the Vermont Depart ment of Environmental Conser vation. “I think you have done the work that was requested and that should bring the landfill cap up to operating as it’s intended.”

Engineering officials with the project have said that the solar project should have no impact on the landfill. If it does, legal language in the agreement protects the town from financial obligation if it was forced to remove infra structure from the property.

“I don’t think that you all have any liability if that were to happen — we would hope that it doesn’t because that would be a big finan cial hit to the project — but we understand where your priorities lie and that’s already in the lease agreement,” Marks said.

The Hinesburg selectboard, at its Dec. 7 meeting, will bring both the lease agreement and post closure amendment onto its agenda.

“We do want it to happen, but just to be on the safe side we want to run it by our lawyer before we say yes,” selectboard chair Merrily Lovell said. “We hope to be able to say yes then — we’re all very enthusiastic about having as much solar as we can in Hinesburg, but we’ve had so much trouble with this landfill cap.”

Hinesburg Police Blotter

Stay Safe This Holiday Season and Throughout the Winter

Know How to Detect a

Smell

See

Hear

Gas Leak

Natural gas is normally odorless. A distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you will recognize it quickly.

You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.

You may hear an unusual noise like a roaring, hissing, or whistling.

If You Suspect a Leak:

Move immediately to a safe location. Call VGS at 1-800639-8081, or call 911, with the exact location. Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the gas or result in a dangerous condition.

Do not assume someone else will report the condition.

Protect Meters and Vents from Ice and Snow

Don’t push or pile deep snow around meters and ensure whoever removes snow from your property knows meter and appliance vent locations. Use extreme care when clearing snow surrounding, or large icicles above, meters and vents. If your meter gets encased in thick ice, please call us.

Total incidents: 44 Traffic Stops: 22 Arrests: 1

Nov. 21 at 10 p.m., police arrested Jonathan Lamb, 56, of Hines burg, for domestic assault.

Nov. 22 at 10:45 a.m., a 911 hang up on Ledgewood Lane was investigated.

Nov 23 at 1:25 p.m., a welfare check was conducted on Patri cia’s Place.

Nov. 23 at 5:10 p.m., officers responded to a single-car motor vehicle crash on Route 116.

Nov. 24 at 5:25 a.m., a burglary alarm activation at a business on Ballard’s Corner Road was investigated.

Nov. 24 at 2:15 p.m., a welfare check was conducted on Kelley’s Field Road.

Nov. 25 at 6:10 p.m., an officer

investigated reported suspi cious activity on Beaver Pond Road.

Nov. 25 at 7 p.m., a welfare check was conducted on Shelburne Falls Road.

Nov. 26, state police conducted a death investigation because there were no Hinesburg offi cers available.

Nov. 26 at 12:24 p.m., a death was investigated by state police because there were no Hines burg officers available.

Nov. 26 at 3:45 p.m., suspicious activity on Ballard’s Corner Road was investigated.

Nov. 28 at 7 p.m., officers respond ed to Champlain Valley Union High School to assist staff with a student issue.

Nov. 28 at 7:20 p.m., a welfare check was conducted on Ballard’s Corner Road.

The Citizen

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Hinesburg martial arts studio wins award for inclusiveness

TaeKwonDo KICKS, which has a loca tion in Hinesburg, has received an Open Door Award from Whistlekick and martial journal.com.

From Nov. 11-13, master Kellie Thomas and several of her students attend ed the WhistleKick Martial Arts training day in Keene, N.H., where students were able to choose from 23 different seminars. Whis tleKick is a Vermont-based martial arts company that supplies martial arts equip ment, hosts a podcast and plans various martial arts events throughout the country.

The training day was attended by 165 martial artists.

At an awards banquet, four different awards were given, and the top three nomi nees were recognized.

The Open Door Award is given to the person who operates a school that creates a culture where every student feels welcome.

These schools accept everyone, and make sure that their first few months is only the beginning of the journey.

The two other nominees were Sensei Matt Erolin of Erolin 3DMA in Lancast er, Calif., and Kera Radke of Lake Zurich Family Martial Arts in Lake Zurich, Ill.

Thomas was nominat ed by 11 of her students and parents.

“Kellie has truly developed a family here at TKD Kicks. Our kids feel so welcomed and loved. They feel comfortable being encouraged and pushed to new milestones. She’s compas sionate and wants to know the students, to best connect with them to meet them where they’re at in their training. She creates family friendly days to include anyone else in the families to participate and have fun,” read on nomination letter.

TaeKwonDo KICKS also has locations in Middlebury, Vergennes and Orwell.

Location 29 Intervale Avenue, Burlington, VT Hours Thursday-Friday-Saturday, Noon-5PM Phone 802-318-0764 Website www.curateanddesign.com

Stay warm in style with our beautiful coats, sweaters, & dresses

COURTESY PHOTO

Students stand with master Kellie Thomas at the awards banquet at a recent training event.

OPINION

Here’s your ultimate anti-guide for gift giving

In Musing

Carole Vasta Folley

It’s December folks. The season of buying crap no one wants.

Lately, the miracle of Christ mas seems to be scoring the perfect present; a myth if there ever was one. You might as well believe a large, bearded man struggles down your chimney every year. Oh, wait a minute.

Since October, I’ve been beleaguered by a bazillion online holi day gift giving guides. Apparently, Christmas shopping should begin while wearing my Halloween costume. These guides recommend an endless list of ludicrous gifts that will end up in next summer’s yard sale.

towards the word “probably.” That’ll tell you exactly how often these gifts will be used. Never.

It recommends giving a fiveyear journal. That’s 1,825 blank pages. Six hundred more than “War and Peace”!

Plus, raise your hand if you’re a woman and have received journals as gifts your entire life. Tell me, why aren’t men gifted these empty books meant for reflection? Does someone think women should write down their thoughts or they’ll forget them? Or that men don’t have any?

Carole Vasta Folley

Mayim Bialik reads “Regifting Last Year’s Calendar.”

It’s hard to even know which guide to use. “37 Unique Gifts They Didn’t Even Think to Ask For” or “42 Holiday Gifts for Almost Everyone on Your List.” Almost? Gee, sorry mom.

Scrolling through these guides isn’t only confusing, it’s empir ically a waste of time. Trust me. I’ve been doing it for weeks.

But rest easy merry gentlepeo ple, I got this. I’ll simply report which gift guides to avoid, curtail ing your spending while reducing excruciating embarrassment. Call me an anti-elf if you will, but isn’t saving face and money the best present of all?

To start, here’s a clunker: “42 Gifts They’ll Probably Use Every Day.” Point your attention

I digress. Bottom line, no one wants a home work assignment for the holidays.

Another gem on the probably list: sweat-wicking workout pants. Who in their right mind would suggest buying your spouse a present that screams, “Get off the couch you lazy bum!” Unless they are sweatpants designed for gulping a gallon of eggnog, skip it.

Avoid this list: “60 Presents That Won’t Be Regifted.” After all, trying to pass off anything monogrammed is plain awkward. Like when my sister asked what the CVF stood for on the lovely set of towels I regifted, I answered, “Obviously, it’s the airport code for Courchevel, France.”

To which she asked if I’d ever been there. I panicked and yelled, “None of your business! Merry Christmas!”

Also on this list, a “Jeopardy!” desk calendar. “What is stupid?” That’s what you answer when

This same list suggests more presents that nobody should have to unwrap. Like a terracotta plant pot that reads “Please Don’t Die,” a moisturiz ing butt mask (don’t ask) and a pizza blanket. No, that’s not a warmer for your pepperoni, it’s a fleece in the shape of a piece of pizza which somehow imparts, “You have no life. Or friends.”

One guide recommends giving a five-year journal. That’s 1,825 blank pages. Six hundred more than “War and Peace”!

mas more than frostbite. Besides, save your money, pop a cube out of your pal’s cocktail and go to town. This list also touts bath bombs. You know what’s not calming? Anything with the word bomb. Definite ly stay clear of the guide “61 Gifts for People who Spend All Day at Their Desks.” It basically says, “Happy holidays, you have a fat ...”

because … well, I actually have no idea why you’d give that. Next summer, I’ll look for one at a yard sale and get back to you.

No matter the title of the list, they all have one thing in common. They claim to save you time. Kind of ironic, isn’t it, when time is the best gift of all. Wheth er it’s calling a friend, reading to your child, writing your loved one a letter or sitting around the table sharing a meal — isn’t it the time we spend together that fills us? And, better yet, we can only hope this gift of time is regifted again and again.

The wackiest list might be “Gifts for Your Stressed Out Friends.” It recommends buying your friend an ice roller — for their face! Nothing says Christ

A particularly bizarre list is “49 Gifts That’ll Help Save People from Themselves.” It egre giously promotes a water bottle inscribed with the word “poison” and a plastic screaming goat

Carole Vasta Folley’s In Musing column has won awards from the Vermont Press Associa tion, The New England Newspa per and Press Association and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.

Upcoming legislative session evokes metaphor of 1889 Johnstown flood

Guest Perspective John McClaughry

Searching for an arresting metaphor for the approaching legislative session, I found a compelling example, as described by contemporaneous reports.

In the afternoon of May 31, 1889, 14 miles above Johnstown, Pa., the South Fork Dam gave way. In less than 45 minutes, 20 million tons of water poured into the valley below. Roaring down

the narrow path of the Little Conemaugh River, a 70-foot wall of water, filled with huge chunks of dam, boulders and whole trees, smashed into the small towns of Mineral Point and Woodvale and swept away all traces of their existence.

Scouring its way toward John stown, the flood picked up several hundred boxcars, a dozen locomo tives, more than a hundred houses and a growing number of corpses.

The residents of Johnstown heard the speeding wall of death, a roar like thunder. Next, they saw the dark cloud and mist and spray that preceded it and were assaulted by a wind that blew down small buildings. Next came the great wall of water that smashed into the city, crushing houses like eggshells and snap ping trees like toothpicks. It was all over in 10 minutes. But there was more yet to come.

After dark, the 30 acres of debris, at places 40-feet high, that had piled up behind the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Stone Bridge caught fire and burned

through the night, blanketing the ravaged town in a dark cloud of acrid smoke. The flood had killed 2,209 people and leveled four acres of downtown Johnstown. What has this to do with the 2023 Vermont Legislature? Consider: As a result of the 2022 election, Republican Gov. Phil Scott won reelection with 70 percent of the vote. But his popularity did not provide much help to other Republicans. They elected seven senators, as before, but their House delega tion dropped from 43 to 38. The Democratic House leadership will make absolutely sure that there won’t be any unexcused defections on key votes by its 104 members.

The Democrat-led House and Senate now have, and will enthusiastically use, the power to drive through any measure its leaders, spurred on by their clamoring interest groups, decide upon. The governor may get a

Remember the Johnstown flood metaphor. You’re about to see it’s like flooding out from beneath the Golden Dome.

MCCLAUGHRY

respectful hearing on practical questions of implementation, but he will have no power to stop this coming Johnstown flood.

In 2020 the Legislature passed, over Scott’s veto, the Global Warming Solu tions Act. This sweeping measure mandat ed millions of metric tons reduction of CO2 emissions from heating, transporta tion and other fuel uses; created a legisla tively controlled 23-member “government within the government” to direct agency regulators to advance the program; and authorized any person to sue the state to act more urgently to achieve the mandated reductions.

A year ago, the climate council released its Initial Climate Action Plan containing a long list of legislative and regulato ry proposals. Its leading proposal was the clean heat standard. This is a clever stealth tax to force customers of fuel oil distributors to pay for CO2-reducing ideas favored by the unaccountable Public Util ity Commission. Scott vetoed it, and the House sustained the veto by a single vote.

The Democratic leadership was stunned, and furious, at losing this crown jewel of its endless war against the menace of climate change. Next spring they’ll send an updated version of the clean heat standard back to the governor, who can sign it, let it pass without his signature, or veto it and watch as his veto is quickly overridden.

That’s just the most prominent exam ple of what to expect. The Senate presi

dent pro tem-elect, Sen. Phil Baruth, has already announced the coming death of the Sportsmen’s Bill of Rights. This law prohibits cities and towns from passing restrictive firearms laws, leaving any regulation to action by the Legislature. It was passed by the House 128-5 in 1988 and signed by Gov. Madeleine Kunin. Lt. Gov. Howard Dean later boasted, “I got it passed.”

No matter. It will be gone.

Single-payer health care, abandoned as unaffordable by Gov. Peter Shumlin in 2014, will be back. The Vermont-NEA teachers’ union will demand that the legislative majority, which it owns on any educational issue, target parental choice in education for extinction. Even Sen. Chris Bray’s constitutional amendment to abol ish private property in favor of “common property of all the people” is likely to reappear.

With the disappearance of the federal billions that the state will soon have spent, millions of new tax dollars will have to be raised to cover the cost of this endless cavalcade of liberal spending. New regu lations will issue to implement the green police state, with full details to follow in January.

Remember the Johnstown flood meta phor. You’re about to see it’s like flooding out from beneath the Golden Dome.

ARTISAN FESTIVAL

John McClaughry is vice president of the Ethan Allen Institute.

Tryout now for Players new ‘swashbuckling comedy’

The Shelburne Players is hold ing auditions for its March produc tion of “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood,” a swashbuckling comedy by Mary Lynn Dobson.

Auditions are Monday, Dec. 5, and Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Pierson Library Community Room in Shelburne. Email the director at sureidst john@gmail.com if you need to set up a virtual audition.

Callbacks will take place on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with rehearsals starting on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Performances are set for March 17-25.

More information and audition materials can be found at shelbur neplayers.com.

Author takes readers on a journey at reading

Author C. Jane Taylor will host a reading of her book, “Spirit Traf fic,” at Hinesburgh Public House

COMMUNITY

Community Notes

on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2-5 p.m.

The reading and book sign ing will be followed by a spirited discussion and moth-style story telling with audience members sharing their own adventure stories.

The reading follows Taylor’s 97-day, 13,000-mile national book tour by motorcycle from May-Au gust during which she presented at libraries, bookstores, bike shops, and in people’s homes from Maine to California.

“Spirit Traffic” recounts how, at the age of 50, the author learned to ride a motorcycle, overcame the terror of navigating her steep dirt driveway in Vermont and, three days after her son’s college grad uation, set off with him and her yoga-teacher husband (his step dad) on a 10,000-mile two-wheel adventure that took them all into uncharted territory-both as novice riders and as a family.

As if in the saddle of her dual-sport BMW, the reader will experience the good, the bad and the heartbreak of her journey as

a soon-to-be-empty-nester grap pling with impermanence, sexu ality, hot flashes, high winds and tailgating tour buses.

Seating is limited. Register at info@hinesburghpublichouse.com

Enjoy Age Well meals at Charlotte Senior Center

The Age Well meal pickup for Thursday, Dec. 1, is from 10-11 a.m., Charlotte Senior Center, 212 Ferry Road, and features beef steak with sauce, baked beans, Italian veggies, wheat bread with butter, oatmeal raisin cookie and milk.

You must have pre-registered by Monday, Nov. 28, with Kerrie Pughe, 802-425-6345 or kpughe@ charlotteseniorcentervt.org

The meal on Thursday, Dec. 8 — register by Dec. 5 — is roast pork with warm sauce, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables with lima beans, wheat bread with butter, chocolate chip cookie and milk.

The meal on Dec. 15 is the center’s Christmas meal and includes stuffed chicken breast with apple and cranberry stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sliced carrots, wheat dinner roll, pump

kin cake and milk.

The meal on Dec. 22 features macaroni and cheese, carrots, peas and mushrooms, wheat dinner roll,

We Can Take It!

See COMMUNITY NOTES

COURTESY PHOTO

C. Jane Taylor. See community note at left.

The Vermont Fiddle Orchestra is performing a winter concert on Dec. 10

COMMUNITY NOTES

continued from page 8

pumpkin cookie with Craisins and white chips and milk.

Check the website for last-minute cancellations at charlotteseniorcentervt.org.

Vermont Fiddlers put on winter show at opera house

The Vermont Fiddle Orchestra directed by Peter Macfarlane will perform its winter concert on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Barre Opera House. Admission is by donation.

The orchestra will present traditional tunes including a mix of tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Appalachia and Quebec, as well as marches, waltzes and a heart-rending slow air.

For more visit vermontfiddleorchestra. org.

Red Cross hosts blood drive in Charlotte

The American Red Cross holds a blood drive on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2-7 p.m., at the Charlotte Senior Center

Visit redcrossblood.org to sign up.

St. Jude’s Catholic Church seeks crafters

St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Hinesburg will be having a craft fair on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The church is looking for crafters. If you are a crafter and are interested in purchasing a space at this craft fair, contact Marie at stjude@vermontcatholic.org and an appli cation form and info will be sent to you.

Seventy-five percent of items sold must be handmade.

Charlotte Central School hosts holiday market

The Charlotte Central School holiday market will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and still has some booths available. The vendor application can be found at bit.ly/3TOVT8P.

In addition to two gyms filled with exhibitors, there will also be a children’s DIY craft table, a silent auction and several on-site food options.

Entry into the market is free. Email ccshol idaymarket@gmail.com with questions.

COURTESY PHOTO

News from Charlotte Library

115 Ferry Road, Charlotte. 802-425-3864. Register at char lottepubliclibrary.org or info@ charlottepubliclibrary.org.

All programs will take place via Zoom unless noted until further notice. Links can be found on the library website.

KIDS

Preschool free play

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10-11 a.m.

Kids explore the sensory table, sorting, playing with blocks, play dough and more. Ages 3 and 4.

Lego league meetup

Wednesdays, Dec. 7 and 14, 2:15-3:30 p.m.

ADULTS

Short story selections

Wednesday, Dec. 7 and 21, 1-2 p.m.

Join library director Marga ret Woodruff to share and discuss short stories old and new. Register in advance for link

Conversation with Mara Welton, Slow Food USA

Friday, Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Join Mara Welton to talk about the deeply biodiverse world of legumes and grains in a wide-rang ing conversation about climate resiliency, nutrition and food sovereignty, featuring the cook book “Grist: A Practical Guide to Cooking Grains, Beans, Seeds,

Rice announces permanent principal

Dr. Andrew Keough is the new permanent principal at Rice Memorial Catholic High School.

David Young, superintendent of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington Catholic schools, made the announcement at the school’s annual stunt nite perfor mance at the Flynn Theater in Burlington on Nov. 22.

“Andrew received broad support from students while

serving as interim principal, swiftly winning the respect and trust of students and staff,” Young said in a prepared state ment.

Keough became the inter im principal in July. He served more than 20 years in leader ship roles in Boston-area public schools. His experience includes serving both as a high school principal from 2007-2014 and a school superintendent.

and Legumes” by Abra Berens. Registration required.

Stillwater meditation with Rain Stickney

Saturday, Dec. 3, 10, 17, 9-10 a.m.

Beginning and experienced meditators are welcome. No regis tration required.

1:1 tech help session

Thursday, Dec. 15, 1-2:30 p.m.

Email enigma? Kindle conun drum? App apprehension? Sign up for a 30-minute, one-on-one session at the Charlotte Senior Center with Susanna, Charlotte Library’s technology librarian, for tech support. Registration required; call 802-425-6345.

Winter crafts for teens and adults

Friday, Dec. 16, 1-2 p.m.

From 3D forest critters to pompom garlands to woven hearts, there will be something for every one. Try out the Cricut cutting machine. Register by in advance

by emailing susanna@charlotte publiclibrary.org.

Mystery book group: ‘Clark & Division’

Monday, Dec. 19, 10-11 a.m. Inspired by historical events, “Clark and Division” infuses an atmospheric and heartbreaking crime fiction plot with rich period details and delicately wrought personal stories that Naomi Hira hara gleaned from 30 years of research and archival work in Japanese American history.

Men’s book discussion

Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7:30-9 p.m.

Andrew Keough

For adult programs, contact Rachel Matthews at rachel@ carpentercarse.org. For youth events, jen@carpentercarse.com.

Masks required indoors. Access the catalog here at ccl.kohavt.org. Email library@carpentercarse.org or call 802-482-2878 to request an item.

Library hours: Mondays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

KIDS

Weekly storytime

Tuesdays in December, 9:30-10 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes, and crafts. No signup required.

Puppet workshop

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2:15-3:45 p.m.

Peg Jarvis recreates the tradi tional tale of “The Mitten” as retold by Jan Brett and helps make puppets in this hands-on workshop and puppet-show. For children in kindergarten to grade four. Regis tration required.

Monthly craft club

Friday, Dec. 16, 3:15-4:30 p.m.

For students in grades two to five. Each month create a differ ent seasonal craft, discussing book recommendations and enjoying a snack with cocoa. Register with Jen.

ADULTS

Hands and needles

Mondays in December, 10 a.m.-noon

Bring whatever project you are working on — quilting, knitting,

embroidery, etc. No registration required. No meeting on Dec. 26.

Folk Jam

Thursday, Dec. 1, 6-8 p.m.

Do you play an acoustic instru ment or just love to sing along to old time, blues, country and folk music? Join SongFarmers during its monthly gathering and partic ipate in a live music offering. Free and open to the public in the library’s community room.

Film club: ‘Roma’

Thursday, Dec. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.

Join local film buff Larry Parker for refreshments and film discussion. This month’s movie is “Roma” (2018) directed by Alfon so Cuarón.

Zoom trivia year-end edition

Monday, December 19, 7-8 p.m.

Three rounds of trivia on an array of topics and take advantage of a chance to impress your neigh bors with your knowledge.

Prize for the winning individu al or team.

Mystery book group: ‘Death Below Stairs’ Tuesday, Dec. 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

This informal group meets virtually on the second Wednesday of each month.

The pick for November is “Death Below Stairs” by Jennifer Ashley.

Barkeaters’ Christmas Takeout

Take the stress out of the holiday with Barkeaters’ Christmas Takeout! Our Christmas offers easy to heat soups, salads, sides and dessert. You make the turkey or ham, we make everything else! 802-985-2830 barkeatersrestaurant.com

PHOTO BY LEE KROHN

Snow geese at Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in Addison on their annual migration south.

BEERWORTH SISTERS continued from page 1

facts and getting them to love your content. I am more interested in teaching them real life skills, like collaboration, communication, and technology; skills that they can take beyond my classroom in order to pursue their own passions.”

In order to help foster this skill, she tasked Kessler with making a music video for her and her sisterin-law’s band, The Beerworth

Sisters. Kobe was thrilled at the idea of adding this to his resumé at such a young age.

“I am super thankful to her for her openness to working with me,” Kessler said.

At the time, the Beerworth Sisters — Anna Pepin is the other half of the duo — had several songs purchased by Netflix from both their first and second album

for the hit show “The Ranch,” and Kessler was able to produce and direct their first music video.

“It’s a full service opera tion including editing, any of the effects works or simple anima tions, any prop design, location stuff and artistic direction. That’s what I do for most of my music

COURTESY PHOTO

Anna Pepin and Julia Beerworth with Kobe Kessler. The trio collaborated on a music video. See BEERWORTH SISTERS

BEERWORTH SISTERS

continued from page 12

video projects,” Kessler said. The video can be viewed at bit.ly/3XlxpXQ.

The Beerworth Sisters band began in 2012 and was born out of the duo’s shared aspirations for motherhood, teaching and overall desire for a fun and positive outlet.

“We are both self-taught musicians. Anna and I love children and have a lot in common, even though we are not really sisters. We face similar challenges as moth ers and teachers and both share such a profound love of children,” Beerworth said.

The band’s new album, “Looking Back,” will be released the first week in Decem ber, and Kessler is again working on music video production for the album.

He is now a full-time student at the

University of Vermont, double majoring in environmental science and film and tele vision studies, and hopes to pursue grad school in film and ultimately enter the film industry.

“I believe in every single student that I teach — I truly think Kobe is going to be the next Steven Spielberg. He is such an amaz ing thinker and student,” says Beerworth.

“It’s just a small project but it’s another way to help him continue what he’s passionate about.”

Join The Beerworth Sisters at Shelburne Vineyards on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 6-8 p.m. for a live performance and the debut of their third album.

Positions include a sign on bonus, strong benefits package and the opportunity to work at one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont”.

Service Coordinator: Continue your career in human services in a supportive environment by providing case management for individuals either for our Adult Family Care program or our Developmental Services program. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical, organizational & leadership skills and enjoy working in a team-oriented position. $47,000 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

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Sanitation Team

This important team helps Rhino to shine! This is a 2nd shift position; shift hours are 2:30PM-10:30PM. In this role, you’ll be trained on following established sanitation standards and procedures including use of chemicals, hot water, heavy equipment and equipment assembly.

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*Rhino Foods does run sex offender checks on all employees

Residential Program Manager: Coordinate staffed residential and community supports for an individual in their home. The ideal candidate will enjoy working in a team-oriented position, have strong clinical skills, and demonstrated leadership. $45,900 annual salary, $1,500 sign on bonus.

Direct Support Professional: Provide 1:1 supports to help individuals reach their goals in a variety of settings. This is a great position to start or continue your career in human services. Full and part time positions available starting at $19/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

Residential Direct Support Professional: Provide supports to an individual in their home and in the community in 24h shifts including asleep overnights in a private, furnished bedroom. You can work two days, receive full benefits and have five days off each week! Other flexible schedules available, starting wage is $20/hr, $1,000 sign on bonus.

Shared Living Provider: Move into someone’s home or have someone live with you to provide residential supports. There are a variety of opportunities available that could be the perfect match for you and your household. Salary varies dependent on individual care requirements. $1,000 sign on bonus.

Join our dedicated team and together we’ll build a community where everyone participates and belongs https://ccs-vt.org/current-openings/

Make a career making a difference and join our team today!

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Buying Sports Cards

Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey, Etc.

Bob Trautwine

Cell/Txt: 802-233-1451 • Office: 802-497-1681 Hyperreliccards@gmail.com www.hyperrelic.com

Why not have a job you love?

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

This week no one can help you but yourself, Aries. You have to gure out a way to get to the bottom of a problem on your own. But then the reward will be twice as sweet.

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

There are a few obstacles in your path this week, Taurus. But nothing you can’t get around. If you have a few people help you out, your work will be even easier to manage.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 21

Gemini, when a current plan of attack isn’t working out quite right, you may have to approach it from a different direction. A new angle can bring with it a new perspective.

CANCER

June 22 - July 22

You may need to push yourself a little further this week to make up for lost time, Cancer. Hunker down and get things done. There’s

rest to have on the other side of the effort.

LEO

July 23 - Aug. 23

Turning a blind eye to a certain situation will not make it go away, Leo. It will only postpone the inevitable, which is getting it handled. Don’t procrastinate any longer.

VIRGO

Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

Others may not want to hear the truth, but you’re still going to offer it up, Virgo. Forge ahead even if you may lose some friends in the process.

LIBRA

Sept. 23 - Oct. 23

Think twice before you act this week, Libra. It’s easy to take the path ahead right now, but there may be some other way to go that could prove more rewarding in the long run.

SCORPIO

Oct. 24 - Nov. 22

Scorpio, you are looking for a change but you don’t know what that should be just yet. You may have to try on a few

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 ll each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can gure 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!

CROSSWORD

different shoes before you nd the right t.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 23 - Dec. 21

Sagittarius birthday season is in full swing right now, so you are in a festive mood. That will continue right into the holidays, when you may be the life of the party.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

Capricorn, you can change if you want to. It just requires a little effort right now to gure out the path you want to take. Brainstorm a few ideas and you can nd a goal.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 21 - Feb. 18

Keeping secrets will only work for so long. Aquarius. Sooner or later the truth will be revealed and you will need to come clean. Take the high road from the start.

PISCES

Feb. 19 - March 20

After a few bumps, you nd your groove, Pisces. Supervisors will recognize your efforts and perhaps give you the notice you deserve.