Letters & Commentary News: Commentary: Is This How We Want Our School to Function By Bill Gerson, January 26, 2012, page 2..... In his recent Commentary (“Is This the Community We Want to Be?,” The Charlotte News, January 12, 2012), Barry Finette asks the crucial question.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 26th [more ...] Commentary: Pay to Play is OK for Adult Basketball By Brian Otley, January 26, 2012, page 2..... I had to scratch my head after reading Dr. Finette’s commentary (“Is This the Community We Want to Be?,”     - Submitted: Thursday, January 26th [more ...] Commentary: Charlotte Rescue - A Window Into Community Service By David McNally, volunteer EMT, January 26, 2012, page 3..... Have you ever wondered what goes on at the Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue Service (CVFRS)?     - Submitted: Thursday, January 26th [more ...] Legislative Report:Is Bank of America a Person? by Representative Mike Yantachka, January 12, 2012, page 9..... According to the Supreme Court it is -- the same as you and I.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 12th [more ...] Commentaries by Barry Finette, John Quinney, Jeff Finkelstein and Meg Walker January 12, 2012, pages 2-3..... Topics: Fees for use of CCS facilities and solar.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 12th [more ...] Letters: Sidewalks, Solar and Yourfarmstand January 12, 2012, page 5..... Letters by Robin Reid, Rose Bernier and Suzy Hodgson.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 12th [more ...] Commentary VPR Sparks Debate and Solar Farm Proposal, December 15, page 2-3..... Census Show on VPR Sparks Debate Among Charlotters Vermont Public Radio (VPR) recently broadcast a show called “Counting Vermont: A Look at the 2010 Census.” Narrated by Steve     - Submitted: Thursday, December 15th [more ...] Letters December 15, page 3..... CVU Toy Drive, Thank you Germaine,Thank you from the Lake Champlain Waldorf School regarding the recent Holiday Fair, and Express your Opinion at the upcoming Selectboard and Planning Commission meetings.     - Submitted: Thursday, December 15th [more ...] Commentary and Letters December 1, 2011, page 2-3.....Does Charlotte Want to Install Local Energy Infrastructure, Yes or No?     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 30th [more ...] Sue Thibault Explains Vote Against School District Merger Commentary by Sue Thibault, November 17, 2011, page 2..... “Do you feel lucky…..?” These are the words that were going through my head as we came down to the vote on whether or not to recommend that our schools form an RED     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 16th [more ...] A Little Perspective on Solar Commentary by Charles Russell (Click on Letters & Commentary in the left menu for other opinions), November 17, 2011, page 2..... As many of you know, the Charlotte Selectboard has been working on a deal to lease 14 solar trackers from AllEarth Renewa     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 16th [more ...] Solar Energy – Let’s Do It Right Commentary by Bill Bruett, November 17, 2011, page 3..... The proposal currently before the Town of Charlotte Selectboard to install 14 solar trackers in a field in a town-owned Conservation District is not financially or environmentally justified.     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 16th [more ...] Letters: Solar Pros and Cons November 17, 2011, page 3..... Why Support Solar Power for the Town of Charlotte? from Jennifer Chiodo, Suzy Hodgson and David Pill; and It's not just about NIMBY by Bob Bloch.     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 16th [more ...] Commentary: Trees Can Be Both a Hazard and a Blessing by Larry Hamilton, Charlotte Tree Warden, November 3, 2011, page 2.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 2nd [more ...] Letters November 3, 2011, pages 2-3..... Wind and Solar vs. Nuclear, Comedy on the Brain, Thanks, Save our School, United Way Annual Fund Drive, Farmstand Co-op and Bike Safety, Route 7 repairs, Congratulations to Hunter     - Submitted: Wednesday, November 2nd [more ...] Commentary – Yes to Solar Power – No to Where It’s Proposed by Jessie Price, October 20, 2011..... I am writing to urge everyone who loves Charlotte’s beautiful setting and views to contact the selectboard     - Submitted: Wednesday, October 19th [more ...] Declining Role of Mainstream Media Leads to Less Well-informed Electorate Commentary by Barrie Dunsmore, October 6, 2011, page 2..... When I took early retirement, I vowed I would not fall victim to old-fart-itis – the affliction that hits many old men and induces them to claim that everything that has happened in their fie     - Submitted: Thursday, October 6th [more ...] Letters: Park Volunteers Needed, Frank Thornton, Waldorf Rummage Sale, Art Show Silent Auction for I October 6, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Thursday, October 6th [more ...] Commentaries September 22, 2011, page 2..... ECOS Workshops by Mary Illick and David Raphael, and Industrial Solar Inappropriate at Thompson's Point by Robert Bloch     - Submitted: Friday, September 23rd [more ...] Letters: Hazel Prindle, Wendy Pierce, Cathy Hunter and Ceal Moran September 22, 2011, page 3....     - Submitted: Friday, September 23rd [more ...] Solar Chic for Charlotte? Better dead than out of fashion, says a Vermont proverb. And the fashion today is to erect trackers and more trackers wherever there is a wee bit of sun. Hinesburg is in high fashion, with oodles of trackers, including a bunch on town land at the wastewat     - Submitted: Thursday, September 8th [more ...] Thoughts from the Bus Commentary by Kathryn Blume, September 8, 2011, page 2..... Sunday morning, August 28, as the rains from Hurricane Irene began, a group of Vermonters boarded a big tour bus.     - Submitted: Thursday, September 8th [more ...] News from The News: Welcome Shirley Reid by Nancy Wood, Editor, August 25, 2011, page 2..... Shirley Reid Appointed Advertising Manager     - Submitted: Wednesday, August 24th [more ...] Over $140,000 Raised to Date for the Kelly Brush Ride August 25, 2011, page 2..... It’s not too late to sign up for the ride! The sixth Annual Kelly Brush Century Ride is on Saturday, September 10     - Submitted: Wednesday, August 24th [more ...] Letters: From Larry Hamilton and Kay Gault August 25, 2011, page 3..... Life and Death in Barber Cemetery and Thanks to all from the Fire Department     - Submitted: Wednesday, August 24th [more ...] Charlotte, One Fortunate Place: Protecting Our Water Conservation Currents by Gary Pitman, Conservation Commission Member, August 11, 2011, page 3..... Making observations during a virtual spring trip across town leads us to consider what can be done to improve or protect our water resources.     - Submitted: Thursday, August 11th [more ...] Letters: Latin Dance Party, Debt and Roses at Wing's Point by Linda Gilber, Bob Leavitt and Hazel Prindle, August 11, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Thursday, August 11th [more ...] Commentary New Trees for Charlotte by Larry Hamilton. Grassroots Group Supports Sidewalks, by Joan Braun, Jenny Cole, Carolyn Pitkin and Ann Owen, July 14, 2011, pg 2....     - Submitted: Thursday, July 14th [more ...] Letters Letters by Kay Teetor, Paula Spadaccini and The Friends of the Charlotte Library Board, July 14, 2011, pg 3....     - Submitted: Thursday, July 14th [more ...] It’s the best time to give. . . June 30, 2011, page 2..... From the Board of The Charlotte News: Dear Fellow Charlotter,     - Submitted: Thursday, June 30th [more ...] Letters: Thanks to the Fire Departments for Saving Our House, and Idyllic Vermont - Not! June 30, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Thursday, June 30th [more ...] Please Register Your Dog! by Mary Mead, Town Clerk, June 16, 2011, page 3..... Dog licenses are due annually by April 1. The fees now to license your dog are $10 for neutered/spayed dogs and $16 for intact males and females.     - Submitted: Friday, June 17th [more ...] Adults and Students are Ambivalent About Marijuana Use June 16, 2011, page 2..... The recent arrests by Hinesburg police of two Champlain Valley Union High School (CVU) students on felony drug charges prompted The Charlotte News to ask for comments about how the district is responding to this case and to     - Submitted: Friday, June 17th [more ...] County Organizations Forge Regional Sustainability Plan by Marty Illick, June 16, 2011, page 2..... ECOS is the name of a new county venture that has all interested organizations and planning groups coming together to make a regional sustainability plan for Chittenden County.     - Submitted: Friday, June 17th [more ...] Letters: The Town Monument Summer Garden and Bipartisan Event in Shelburne June 16, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Friday, June 17th [more ...] Letters: Future of the CCC Steeple, Thanks from SCHIP and Sweet Charity June 2, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Thursday, June 2nd [more ...] We Ride for Those Who Died Commentary by Joshua Flore, June 2, 2011, page 2..... On May 9, I began my travels with the Police Unity Tour.     - Submitted: Thursday, June 2nd [more ...] Letters from Hazel Prindle, Nancy Severance, Jenny Cole and Jessie Bradley, and John Quinney May 19, 2011, page 2..... Thanks yous for Green Up Day, Concern about CCC Steeple and Annoucement of Publication of the Community Directory     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 18th [more ...] Robots Play a Large Role in Our Lives Commentary by Eli Barlow, May 19, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 18th [more ...] Find Hidden Costs in Teachers’ Contract Commentary by Andrea Fossati Holm, May 19, 2011, page 1.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 18th [more ...] Letters: Shrub planting thank you, more projects May 7; May 20 Senior Center Plant Sale May 5, 2011, page 3.....     - Submitted: Friday, May 6th [more ...] So, Why Didn’t the Forests Prevent the Recent Flooding? Commentary by Larry Hamilton, Tree Warden, May 5, 2011, page 2..... The week of April 25 saw serious flooding in Vermont, especially in the Lamoille, Mississquoi and Winooski Rivers.     - Submitted: Friday, May 6th [more ...] Where I Live and Why I Stay in Charlotte Commentary by Martha Perkins May 5, 2011, page 16..... The Planning Commission’s meeting last week (with good pizza and desserts) at which we expressed our observations and ideas for changes/additions, etc. for the 2013 Town Plan was excellent: lots o     - Submitted: Friday, May 6th [more ...] Letters from Bob Bloch, Monica Marshall, Bill Fraser-Harris, Martha Perkins, Rick Brokaw, Jenny Morg April 21, 2011, page 3....     - Submitted: Thursday, April 21st [more ...] We Will Not be Perfect, But We Will Be Better by Susannah Johnson, April 7, 2011, page 2..... I try to use the word “perfect” seldom. In my short life I’ve worked with lots of different people in many different places.     - Submitted: Thursday, April 7th [more ...] Silence for 25 Hours Raises Awareness of Invisible Children by Sadie Stone, April 7, 2011, page 2..... On April 25, I will join Invisible Children and create a silence that will be heard around the world.     - Submitted: Thursday, April 7th [more ...] Letters to the Editor April 7, 2011, page 3..... A Sincere Thanks To All from the Dubuc family, and a Happy Reunion by E-mail The family of William Dubuc would like to express our appreciation for the prayers and support we have received     - Submitted: Thursday, April 7th [more ...] Commentary by Joseph P. Blanchette Vermont Leads on Health Care and Hunger March 24, 2011, page 2..... Vermont media continue to lavish coverage on Vermont House Bill 202, which would establish the country’s first state-wide, single-payer health system.     - Submitted: Wednesday, March 23rd [more ...] Commentary by Richard Bernstein Phosphorous Levels Remain High in Lake Champlain March 24, 2011, page 3..... Last summer those who swim and fish in Lake Champlain saw a bloom of blue algae in Charlotte.     - Submitted: Wednesday, March 23rd [more ...] F-35s, Drone Aircraft, Weapons of Mass Destruction and UVM Honorary Degrees Commentary by Thomas Naylor, March 10, 2011, page 2..... Most Vermonters were shocked to learn a few weeks ago that Progressive Burlington Mayor Bob Kiss had signed a letter of agreement with mega military contractor Lockheed Martin     - Submitted: Wednesday, March 9th [more ...] Letters to the Editor March 10, 2011, page 3..... Congratulations and Thanks, Praise for JR Lewis and Road Crews, Clean Up After Your Dogs, Forever Home Found     - Submitted: Wednesday, March 9th [more ...] Letter: Pease Mountain Trail is Open to Public from Peter Schneider and Jessie Donavan February 24, 2011, page 4.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, February 23rd [more ...] Letters of Support for Candidates, Town Meeting 2011 February 24, 2011, pp. 3-4.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, February 23rd [more ...] Letters: VELCO herbicides and Vermont Kids Animal Protectors February 24, 2011, page 2.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, February 23rd [more ...] Thank You to All for Fantastic Variety Show by Sue Thibault, February 24, 2011, page 2..... We had another fantastic Variety Show again this year.     - Submitted: Wednesday, February 23rd [more ...] Number of Emergency Responses in January Charlotte Fire & Rescue Services February 10, 2011, page 9.....     - Submitted: Thursday, February 10th [more ...] Letters to the Editor From Peter duBrul, Hazel Prindle, Germaine Leclair and Lane Morrison February 10, 2011, pages 3-4     - Submitted: Thursday, February 10th [more ...] Acknowledgement of Fiscal Reality Needed in Teachers’ Negotiations by Kim Servin, February 10, 2011, page 3 The CSSU/teacher negotiations reflect an unpleasant reality for municipal governments across the country: resources are constrained, tax revenues are down, and spending is being cut.     - Submitted: Thursday, February 10th [more ...] PACE in Charlotte? by Hans O'hanian February 10, 2011, page 2..... Some Vermont townships are eager to launch PACE, the Property Assessed Clean Energy program that supposedly supplies homeowners with low-interest loans to pay for energy-efficiency retrofits or renewable     - Submitted: Thursday, February 10th [more ...] Awareness Can Help Prevent Atrocities by Maria Spadaccini, January 27, 2011..... Making awareness around the world has a different meaning and level of extent for every single one of us.     - Submitted: Wednesday, January 26th [more ...] Spending, Regulation & Conservation: Connecting the Dots by Joseph P. Blanchette January 27, 2011, page 2..... As Vermont confronts $100+ million deficits for the foreseeable future, the federal government expands the debt ceiling to a frightening $14 trillion     - Submitted: Wednesday, January 26th [more ...] Letters January 27, 2011, page 3..... Edorah Frazer Runs For School Board, Dick Weed Runs for Selectboard, Shirley Bean With the Grange News and Mike and Karen Frost Discuss how the Old Lantern mediation could be a model for the town.     - Submitted: Wednesday, January 26th [more ...] 58% Increase in the Use of Reusable Bags Letter from Kyle Lavery, January 13, 2011, page 3..... It’s been a year since we (Shelburne Supermarket) stopped providing plastic shopping bags, in hopes that it would promote the use of reusable bags instead.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 13th [more ...] Investing in a Happy New Year Commentary by Cara Tausig January 13, 2011, page 2..... In 2010 I attended both the first-ever Gross National Happiness conference at Champlain College and, one week later, the sold-out Slow Money conference at Shelburne Farms.     - Submitted: Thursday, January 13th [more ...] Letters: Hunting Support, Grange Report, Fire Response, Concert Etiquette,Meetup with Rep December 16, 2010, page 3.....     - Submitted: Thursday, December 16th [more ...] Thoughts about Charlotte from a Temporary Absentee in a Nursing Home by Larry Hamilton, December 16, 2010, page 2..... It was two years ago that, immediately following double knee replacement, I broke my femur and wound up for two months in a nursing home.     - Submitted: Thursday, December 16th [more ...] Commentary December 2, 2010, page 2..... Charlotte Residents Offer Advice on Preventing Underage Drinking     - Submitted: Friday, December 3rd [more ...] Letters December 2, 2010, page 3..... Break-ins, Conservation, Thank you from the Montgomerys     - Submitted: Friday, December 3rd [more ...] Conservation Fund is a Good Investment Commentary by Kate Lampton, November 18, 2010, page 2..... Is our investment in the Town’s conservation fund a good value? Is it handled correctly? These questions were recently raised by the Charlotte Town Treasurer, and they are very valid ones. I s     - Submitted: Thursday, November 18th [more ...] Letters to the Editor     - Submitted: Thursday, November 18th [more ...] Letters to the Editor November 18, 2010, page 3..... Library, Mt. Philo break-in, Green Moutain Care, Thanks from Mike Yantachka and Robin Reid     - Submitted: Thursday, November 18th [more ...] Letters & Clarification Break-in of Car at Mt. Philo, Cartoon Complaint, Bean Farm November 4, 2010, page 3.....     - Submitted: Thursday, November 4th [more ...] “Lead by Example” Parent Campaign to Prevent Underage Drinking is Re-launched by Christine Lloyd-Newberry November 4, 2010, page 2..... CY - Connecting Youth is a community-based organization dedicated to creating a safe and healthy environment for young people.     - Submitted: Thursday, November 4th [more ...] Taking Good Care of Our Rivers Commentary by Mary Illick November 4, 2010, page 2..... All of Charlotte’s river conditions are mapped, and management guidance is now available.     - Submitted: Thursday, November 4th [more ...] Letters: Support for Candidates, Tractor Parade Thanks, Why close schools for NEA conference? October 21, 2010, pp. 3-5.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, October 20th [more ...] Elections and Budgets: Time to Leave Disneyworld Commentary by Joe Blanchette, October 21, 2010, page 2..... Summer vacations are over and we are starting to face the realities of the approaching winter.     - Submitted: Wednesday, October 20th [more ...] Letters to the Editor October 7, 2010, page 3..... Taxes, Marina Restaurant, Support for Ed Stone and Robin Reid     - Submitted: Thursday, October 7th [more ...] Commentaries October 7, 2010, page 2..... "Taxes are Rent We Pay the Government" by Anders Holm, and "Them" by Seth Zimmerman     - Submitted: Thursday, October 7th [more ...] Commentaries September 23, 2010, page 2.... Bill Schubart and thomas Naylor     - Submitted: Thursday, September 23rd [more ...] Letters to the Editor September 23, 1010, pages 3 & 4, Point Bay Restaurant, Endorsements, Taxes, Bradley Cemetery and More.....     - Submitted: Thursday, September 23rd [more ...] Vermont State Board of Education Says, “Let Bill Do It” by Susan Ohanian, September 9, 2010, page 2..... Forget that cliché that Vermonters are independent, resourceful, and people who value the consensus of town meetings     - Submitted: Thursday, September 9th [more ...] Letters to the Editor Letters: Point Bay Restaurant, Campaign Comments, Bullying, Discouraging Businesses, CCC Fall Activities and more September 23, 2010, pp. 3-4     - Submitted: Thursday, September 9th [more ...] Letters to the Editor August 26, 2010, Page 3..... Fire Department Fundraiser, Hawk Migration Alert and Big Tree Roster     - Submitted: Thursday, August 26th [more ...] Charlotte’s Dedicated Tree List Plus October 10 Event by Larry Hamilton, August 26, 2010..... An old African proverb states: “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now!”     - Submitted: Thursday, August 26th [more ...] Letters to the Editor August 12, 2010, pages 3-5....Many letters about the Primary election, plus Selectboard's offer to farmers, Old Lantern Appeal, Little League     - Submitted: Thursday, August 12th [more ...] News from The News Thank you, Phyl! August 12, 2010, page 2..... Working behind the scenes at The Charlotte News are several key individuals whose skills as copy editors raise the level of professionalism of this paper.     - Submitted: Thursday, August 12th [more ...] Public Service Board: VELCO Can Use Herbicides at Substation Commentary by Sylvia Knight, August 12, 2010, page 2.....     - Submitted: Thursday, August 12th [more ...] Can 5,000 Cows Be Wrong? From the Board of Directors of the Charlotte News, From the Board of Directors of the Charlotte News, July 1, 2010, pg 2....Dear Fellow Charlotters and Charlotte News Friends     - Submitted: Wednesday, June 30th [more ...] Thanks to the Many Who Contributed to the Senior Center Plant Sale Letter from Wendy Pierce June 17, 2010.....     - Submitted: Tuesday, June 15th [more ...] PAX Exchange Students Say Farewell and Thank You Camille Freycenon, Meike Behrens and Jaime Elguero June 17, 2010, pages 2 and 3.....     - Submitted: Tuesday, June 15th [more ...] Are We Willing to Give Up “More Comfortable,” “Easier” and “Quicker”? Commentary by Bob Leavitt June 17, 2010, page 2..... The cover of “the latest” (The Charlotte News June 3, 2010) had an insert photo of haying in the 40s to 50s     - Submitted: Tuesday, June 15th [more ...] Letters June 3, 2010, page 3..... CCS Board, Robin Reid, Candis Perrault-Kjelleren, Louise Ransom     - Submitted: Tuesday, June 1st [more ...] Commentaries June 3, 2010, page 2..... Asset Mapping Survey and Len Britton Event     - Submitted: Tuesday, June 1st [more ...] Letters to the Editor State Rep Candidates Announce, Thanks to Gary Franklin, School Bond project, May 20, 2010, page 3.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 19th [more ...] Commentaries The News Celebrates Community Service, Larry Hamilton on The Nature Conservancy, and Scott Orr's Reflections on being State Representative May 20, 2010, page 2 & 8.....     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 19th [more ...] Commentaries CCS School Budget, by Daniel Luce, Clyde Baldwin, Eddie Krasnow and Candis Perrault-Kjellerena;Charlotte Republican Party by Bob Bloch May 6, 2010, pages 2-3 and 17     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 5th [more ...] Letters to the Editor Many letters about the CCS budget vote, plus energy rebates, the Old Lantern, AAU girls basketball, school photography and more. May 6, 2010, pages 3-7     - Submitted: Wednesday, May 5th [more ...] Commentaries & Letters April 22, 2010, pages 2-4..... by Spin Richardson, Hans Ohanian, Sue Thibault, Clyde Baldwin, CCS School Board, Pete Rosenfeld, Thomas Scatchard, Schuyler Jackson, and Brad and Polly Simpkins     - Submitted: Tuesday, April 20th [more ...] Green Up Day, Challenges for Change, Mr. Bud Light Man... April 8, 2010, pages 2-3..... Commentary & Letters     - Submitted: Tuesday, April 6th [more ...] Commentary & Letters March 25, 2010, pages 2-4..... CCS School Budget, for and against, & Trails     - Submitted: Tuesday, March 23rd [more ...] [Post News...]