Letters, December 15, page 3.....

CVU Toy Drive Underway

Believe it or not, the holiday season is here. Amidst all the things needed to be done – holiday shopping, cooking, and decorating – it’s important to take time out to help others so they can enjoy the holiday season as well.
The Junior Class Council at CVU is putting on a toy drive for the Toys for Kids campaign sponsored by Marine Corps League of Vermont.
Last year, with the help of CVU students and faculty, Class Council donated hundreds of toys to Vermont children who otherwise might not have experienced the joy of opening a present. This year, the Junior Class Council has decided that it wants to collect even more toys to help our local families in need. It is our hope that members from the community, and not just CVU students and families, will donate new and unwrapped toys to the drop-off barrel located in CVU’s main office.
Donated toys can be dropped off at CVU’s main office anytime now through December 21 during school hours (7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.). A huge thank you in advance to everyone who donates a toy; you are helping to make this Christmas a joyous memory that one child will never forget.

Mike Fournier and Megan Kloeckner,
CVUHS Junior Class Council

Express your opinion December 19 and 20

I am writing to remind townspeople of the upcoming meetings of the Selectboard on December 19 at 6 p.m. and Planning Commission on December 20 at 6 p.m. The meetings will be held to discuss the proposed solar farm project that is planned for the north side of Hinesburg Road roughly ˝ mile west from Spear’s Corner Store.  The proposed project is significant:  345 +/- ground-mounted solar arrays that will take up roughly 15 acres of currently undeveloped farm land. The project will also include an enclosure to house electronics and a 6’7” steel fence surrounding the entire facility. It is reported to be twice the size of the current project that is located on Route 7 in Vergennes. This project is being developed by an out-of-state company and proceeding under Vermont’s SPEED renewable energy program.
The viewshed is estimated by the developer at 1.5 miles. Among other things, this project will have a significant visual impact on the landscape of the town that will impact everyone, not just those of us that border it. I encourage you to attend and learn more about this project and express your opinion be it positive or negative. 
 
Bruce Bernier

Thank you, Germaine

Vermont is full of hidden treasures, and Germaine LeClaire is one of them. Our son is the “Ker” mentioned in her beautiful letter about her “good farm memories” (The Charlotte News, December 1, 2011). I feel so fortunate that Germaine looked after Ker in her farmhouse when he was a little boy – what a rich experience for a young child. Germaine is so multi-talented, so creative – not only did she garden, she sewed quilts, dried apples, made soap, played the fiddle, did dressmaking and laundry, papered walls, told stories, wrote poetry and, I am sure, much, much more.
Thank you, Germaine. Our family has fond memories of you.

Meg Walker

Thank you to the community for Holiday Fair success

We want to thank everyone who supported the recent Holiday Fair event at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School. Scores and scores of volunteers cared for every detail – from the magical treasures found in the silver-walled Angel Room, to the wacky Carnival games – creating an experience rich with beauty and wonder.
Many people commented on the quality and variety of the artisan market. We have contacts for the 60+ vendors, so please call the school for more information if you want to reach any of the artisans. We are honored to have a loyal group of vendors each year, mixed in with some new ones of course! The holiday cheer was overflowing.
Our school, like the other area schools and nonprofits, is able to create successful events due to the support we receive from the local communities and businesses who give so generously. So, thank you to the crowds that came and shared this much-loved event. Happy holidays!

With sincere thanks,
Brenda Baker for the
Lake Champlain Waldorf School