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On October 26th the Wake Robin (hereafter WR) students in the course, "Higher Education in the 21st Century," took a one-day
field trip to Montreal to learn more about Champlain College's (hereafter College) study abroad program. Informal assessments
by those on the trip were only highly favorable. The trip proved informative and enjoyable.
Upon arrival, the WR students toured the College building and appreciated juice, coffee, tea, and pastries. Staff and College students explained the program. Jim Manson spoke and answered questions about Canadian history and later conducted a guided
bus tour of some of Montreal's historic sites. Again, informal conversations among WR students resulted in strong, universal
praise of Jim.
For lunch most of the class went to a Chinese restaurant but two WR students and Krista Malaney, WR's Resident Program Coordinator, needed to avoid MSG used in the Chinese restaurant. The College director of activities, Duncan McKenna, took the three of us to a French restaurant. After lunch Duncan guided us along a park, square-block size, with attractive architecture on the street opposite the park. Then he took us to the dormitory where the College students lived with other international students. The route to the dormitory included a walking street.
After the dormitory stop the four of us took a taxi to join the rest of the WR class and the remainder of Jim Manson's guided tour. The bus rides to and from Montreal were comfortable and relaxing. In all respects the day merited only praise.
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The Monarch Butterfly is considered royalty among summer insects. There are few more wondrous sights on a warm summer day than the intricate and fanciful flight of the butterfly.
Known as the “milkweed butterfly,” Monarch larvae depend on milkweed plants for their survival. So when Wake Robin mowed its lower meadow to rid the property of invasive wild parsnip, residents took special care to weed out a sizeable patch of milkweed so that the Monarch would not lose an important habitat and disappear from Wake Robin.
Thanks to the thoughtful and knowledgeable residents who call Wake Robin home, Monarch butterflies can continue to do the same.
Enjoy your summer!
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The sap is running, so it must be spring at Wake Robin. Residents have been collecting sap for 2 weeks now from the maples they tapped in Wake Robins sugarbush—and they are boiling it up to make some of the best grade A and B syrup this side of Lake Champlain! The Corner Shop in the Community Center sells it by the pint, and the supply goes fast!
Other signs of spring are (finally!) everywhere. The Nature Committee has planned some trips to Wake Robin’s vernal pool, a shallow pond inhabited by tadpoles, spotted salamanders and other spring critters. Local naturalist Matt Kolan gave residents lots of background in a recent lecture program; residents are ready to put their knowledge into action exploring our vernal pond and others in the area, too.
The Canadian geese came back this week. The cardinals are showing off, and early morning birdwalks with Matt will begin again this month.
Ahhhh spring. It’s wonderful to see you again!
March 18, 2011
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Winter in Vermont can be a challenging for residents. Just a quick glance out the window reveals a world covered in snow and ice. Happily, winter is one of the best times of year at Wake Robin. Inside and out, there is always something to do, to see, to enjoy!
If you prefer staying warm and cozy, Wake Robin has lots to offer.. With winter teas and a variety of weekly programs, committees and activities, there’s something to do every day. Many homes here have fireplaces—and fantastic views of winter woods, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondacks. This time of year the icy blue lake and bright mountain tops are a living piece of art to enjoy day after day.
Looking For a Sunset Bird in Winter by Robert Frost
The west was getting out of gold,
The breath of air had died of cold,
When shoeing home across the white,
I thought I saw a bird alight.
In summer when I passed the place
I had to stop and lift my face;
A bird with an angelic gift
Was singing in it sweet and swift.
No bird was singing in it now.
A single leaf was on a bough,
And that was all there was to see
In going twice around the tree.
From my advantage on a hill
I judged that such a crystal chill
Was only adding frost to snow
As gilt to gold that wouldn't show.
A brush had left a crooked stroke
Of what was either cloud or smoke
From north to south across the blue;
A piercing little star was through.
February 16, 2011
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Community Life 
