⚲  Open Saturdays 1–3 p.m. · 3216 Main Street, Cabot, Vermont Contact Us
Established for the People of Cabot

Cabot Historical Society

Preserving the history of Cabot, Vermont · Founded 1965

The Cabot Chronicle

January 2009 · Issue Record

← From the Cabot Chronicle

The community record for this issue of the Cabot Chronicle, extracted from the original pages. Reprinted with permission from the Cabot Chronicle.

Original issue: Download the January 2009 pages (PDF)

Text extracted from the original pages and checked for reading order. Advertisements, listings, the calendar and puzzles are omitted. Where part of a story could not be converted cleanly, it is marked and the full story is in the PDF.

In This Issue

Goldie’s Gathering Closes Its Doors

By Amanda Legare CABOT Goldie’s Gathering, a favorite restaurant of many in the area, closed its doors on Main Street in Cabot Village on Jan. 1. Owners Delores and Rolf Muench are both in their 70’s and have decided to return to Annapolis, Md. to live near their five children.

The couple first visited Cabot 27 years ago to spend time with their son Chris Caldor and his family. They returned often and eventually bought property in town in 1980. They then bought Harry’s Hardware in 1995.

Chris Caldor died unexpectedly in 2007. “Chris was Cabot to us,” Delores said recently. “The dynamics of our lives changed with his passing. We have just decided that it is time to retire. To keep the restaurant open another year would make us another year older.“ When the couple purchased the building next to the hardware store it had been standing empty for ten years. All the plumbing and wiring needed to be replaced and the interior needed to be completely remodeled.

“It took almost three years to fix the inside and the outside for the business,” Delores recalled. Friends, family members and local professionals all worked on bringing the building up to its current condition. There are two guest rooms upstairs with a shared bath and a separate apartment on the other side.

It had once been the home of Gerd Hawes and his family. He ran a barbershop in the building and when he and his wife were older, their daughter, Goldie, and Paul Hopkins moved in.

“It’s a wonderful building and we love it,” Delores said. “I wish I could take it with me.”

“This building has always had a good energy and spirit,” she added. “We have established a business and we would dearly love to see it carried on. You need a vision and you need to be young enough to carry it out.”

The couple is now busy preparing for their departure from Vermont. “Down sizing has been complex,”

Delores said. “We want to get our lives in order while we are healthy in mind, spirit and body.”

“We think we have made the right decision at the right time. I am optimistic about our future,” she said. “Having the restaurant was certainly a wonderful experience and we have no regrets.“

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 1 onward.

↑ contents

CSPAC Update

By Chris Tormey CABOT Despite the colder weather, Cabot School students and community volunteers have nearly completed getting the new Cabot School Performing Arts Center closed in for the winter. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, a large group of volunteers finished putting insulation, plywood, and felt over the roof of the 2900-square foot building. Since then, windows have been installed, and rigid foamboard insulation has been nailed onto the outside walls.

Along with the regular work done on the project each school day by students in Jon Lang's building class, over 40 community members have helped out on weekends since early October, contributing over 800 hours of work that's been critical to getting the building this far along.

↑ contents

Deer Kill List

To submit articles, send to [email protected] Photo Courtesy of Jeanne Johnson 2008 MUZZLE LOADER Scott St. John 12/06 130# Doe Cabot Pat Alexander 12/06 70# Doe Cabot Steve Luce 12/06 112# Doe Cabot Gerard Pilette 12/06 122# Doe Marshfield Dave Pike 12/06 134# Doe Cabot Ken Prescott 12/07 100# Doe Cabot Joe Alexander 12/07 118# Doe Cabot Pete Luce Aaron Celley 12/08 134# 4 pt Cabot Greg Lepine 12/14 60# Doe Woodbury Nate Pike 12/14 132# Doe Cabot Bobby Searles 12/14 120# Doe Cabot Tyler Stecker 12/14 110# Doe Cabot Raymond Isabelle 12/13 124# Doe Cabot Walt Ackermann has supplied the following list of deer reported at the Harry’s Hardware deer reporting station. Ackermann’s opinion is this accounts for more than 50 percent of the deer taken in Cabot.

2008 ARCHERY Mark Codling 10/04 118# 3 pt Cabot Matt Churchill 10/05 159# 4 pt Cabot Mike Gokey 10/05 122# Doe Cabot Louis Bouchard 10/06 100# Doe Cabot Keith Pearson 10/09 142# 4 pt Marshfield Louis Patoine 10/09 128# Doe Marshfield Kevin Gauthier 10/14 118# Doe Cabot Joe Young 10/19 100# Doe Peacham Phille Carpentier 10/18 100# BearCabot George Gokey 10/20 116# Doe Cabot 2008 RIFLE SEASON Scott St. John 11/15 170# 8 pt Cabot Sam Mattson 11/15 125# 6 pt Cabot S. Crowningshield 11/15 141# 4 pt Cabot Brian Hale 11/16 160# 5 pt Cabot Ken Denton 11/17 137# 5 pt Cabot Brian Talbert 11/17 170# 4 pt Cabot Doug Morrison 11/18 160# 8 pt Cabot Calvin Alexander 11/19 140# 4 pt Cabot Brooke Howe 11/20 143# 4pt Worcester Dennis Ducharme 11/21 144# 8 pt Marshfield David Gingras 11/21 134# 6 pt Cabot Zeb Towne 11/23 161# 5 pt Cabot Mike Celley 11/23 110# 4 pt Marshfield Michael Southworth 11/25 142# 4 pt Walden Bucky Dunham 11/29 138# 6 pt Cabot Gerard Pilette 2008 YOUTH Justin Fontaine 11/08 90# 2 pt Stannard Areg Muradian 11/08 128# Cabot Cash Coswell 11/08 50# Camden Celley 11/08 60# Samantha Potoine 11/08 72# Sadie Marcotte 11/09 100# Cabot Cole Keenan 11/10 150# St. J.

Cabot Walden 11/26 135# 4 pt Marshfield

↑ contents

Detective Sergeant And Son Recognized For Saving A Life

By Allison Joyal MONTPELIER On Dec. 17, Cabot Resident Detective Sergeant Matthew Nally Sr. and his son Matt Nally Jr. were recognized for their lifesaving efforts.

The award was given with the following explanation, "In recognition of your actions on June 25th, 2008 while camping on the Long Trail in the Town of Searsburg, Vermont. Sergeant Nally learned from another hiker, Jessica Taft, that an elderly man was having a medical emergency roughly one mile from his location and that her boyfriend, Gabriel Cohn, was staying with the man until help arrived. With no cell phone coverage available, Sergeant Nally used his State Police issued portable radio to call for medical assistance. Sergeant Nally and his son, Matt Jr., hiked to the elderly man's location and with the help of two Eagle Scouts, Andrew Whitney and Christopher Dyer, made a stretcher and transported the victim to a trail where they met rescue personnel. During this time you worked together to comfort the victim and keep him conscious. Rescue personnel were then able to transport the man to the hospital. The victim was treated for injuries that were certain to be fatal if it was not for your efforts. Your actions are a credit to you and are honorably recognized by the Vermont State Police."

Left to right: Ian, Will, Laura, Matthew, Rebecca, Robert (in front of

Rebecca), Matthew Nally. Andrew Whitney, Governor Douglas, Commissioner Trembley (of the Department of Public Safety) and Colonel James Baker, Director of State Police.

Also recognized were Jessica Taft, Gabriel Cohn, Andrew Whitney, Christopher Dyer.

12/07 108# Doe Cabot Brian Hale shows his 160 pound, 5 point deer taken in Cabot Nov. 16, 2008

↑ contents

Cabot Well Represented At Governor’s Youth Leadership Conference

By Lori Augustyniak Ten Cabot High School students attended the 2008 Governor’s Youth Leadership Conference (GYLC) last month. GYLC is organized by students from across Vermont who belong to the Vermont Teen Leadership Safety Program(VTLSP)/Students Against Destructive Decisions.

The conference offered student-run workshops, presentations and other leadership activities focusing on health and safety issues facing teens, including alcohol, tobacco, other drug use and driver safety. Top picks by our youth included taking the Skid Monster for a spin, getting a better understanding of themselves using the Myers-Briggs evaluation and designing America’s Next Top Role Model. Several students attended all the “Mock” workshops; a mock underage drinking party bust and a mock vehicle crash.

In addition to eight student participants Cabot was well represented at the podium too. Lindsay Christman helped organize for the event and was a most cheerful, energetic and helpful staff person. Knight Ducharme, Vermont’s National Representative to SADD offered insightful and inspiring opening remarks to the 500 students attending the conference. Michael Hogan, Commissioner of the Department of Liquor Control, shared his appreciation for everyone who chose to participate in GYLC, a project of the Department of Liquor Control, and offered encouragement for youth to keep making healthy decisions, like choosing to attend GYLC.

To submit articles, send to [email protected] Nov 24, Cabot students and adult advisors attended the 2008 Governor’s Youth Leadership Conference at the Sheraton Conference Center in South Burlington. Pictured above are team members (back row) Caleb Domey, Elijah Schumacher, Aaron Bushey, Laura Nally, Lori Augustyniak and Charlotte Robison. Front row: Jeannie Johnson, Julie Bradshaw (Cabot School SAP Counselor), Shelby Maurice and Rebecca Rossell. Not pictured:

Deborah Walnicki, Lyndsay Christman and Knight Ducharme.

The afternoon’s keynote speaker, Cara Filler, got everyone’s attention with the Canadian beaver cheer and the story of her twin sister’s death due to a risky driving situation. Filler is an author, entrepreneur and public speaker. She shared her message, “Changing Attitudes, Saving Lives.”

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of injury and death among young Vermonters. Major factors contributing to youth crashes are alcohol, lack of driving experience, excessive speed and distractions to the driver (especially electronic devices and cell phones).

Participants returned to Cabot empowered to address health and safety issues at school and in the community. Students will be working on their 2009 Annual Plan Jan. 11. All high school age youth are invited to attend. Call Lori; 563- 3338 for meeting time and location. The Cabot Coalition provided financial support and transportation for this prevention activity.

VTLSP is a statewide program of Vermont high school students and their adult advisors whose goal is to support Vermont teens in making healthy choices. This program provides members with adult and peer support, information about alcohol and drug abuse, traffic safety and risk-taking behaviors and leadership skills to promote a safe and healthy lifestyle among their peers.

Cabot's new Fire Rescue truck arrived in town Dec 20. The 2009 GMC 5500 with a 12" rescue body carries a generator, light tower, extraction tools and a Stokes basket, a device for removing persons from hard to access situations. Chief Walter "Skip" Bothfeld says the new equipment is expected to have a service life of 15-20 years. For more pictures and information please visit www.cabotvt.us/Rescue.html. - Photo Courtesy of “Chip” Taylor

↑ contents

Commons Solar Hot Water Project Promises Fuel Savings

By Cia Considine The Cabot Commons’ Solar Hot Water Project was completed last month. On an overcast morning, contractor, Elemental Energy, of East Montpelier, met with Susan Carpenter and maintenance personnel from the Central Vermont Community Land Trust. A review of the new system was conducted.

From the exterior the solar panels lay discreetly on the roof. The pitch of the gabled roof was suitable to maximizing solar gain and minimizing its presence.

The project was originally the brainchild of Susan Carpenter, Cabot Commons’ Board Chair, who wanted to take advantage of state incentives for greener energy alternatives. It was agreed by the Commons’ board that the elderly housing strive to be as eco-friendly and efficient as possible. The decision was to go forward with this project, knowing that funding it would involve soliciting donations and an appeal to the town. Thankfully, the approval of funds from taxpayers, donations totaling a thousand dollars and some reserved monies covered the project’s expense.

In a recent budget review, the Commons was advised that the return on investment - the numbers, surrounding our solar system’s return should reflect efficiency sooner than expected.

According to Eileen Peltier, Director of the Central Vermont Community Land Trust, similar Vermont solar hot water projects have proven to allow for up to 25 percent reductions in fuel expenditures. This projection was welcome news, in lieu of the volatility of fuel prices of late.

The development of the efficiency of solar systems is making great strides. Solar energy as an option in Vermont should not be dismissed. Even on that cloudy Vermont morning, when the new system was reviewed, the gauge showed an eight degree temperature gain in an hour’s time!

The Cabot Area Community Chorus performed its seventh annual Christmas concert at the Cabot United Church Friday, Dec 19. The concert was free and a reception followed in the church's community room.

Photo Courtesy of Will Walters

↑ contents

Where’s The Chronicle Now?

Left to right: Ian, Will, Laura, Matthew, Rebecca, Robert (in front of

Rebecca), Matthew Nally. Andrew Whitney, Governor Douglas, Commissioner Trembley (of the Department of Public Safety) and Colonel James Baker, Director of State Police.

Photo Courtesy of Jeanne Johnson Photo Courtesy of Matt Braaten

↑ contents

Upcoming Farm to School Committee Meeting Thursday, Jan. 15, 4 p.m. at Cabot High School

By Mary Ann Tormey Come join us for the second meeting of the Cabot School Farm to School committee. We are a group of students, parents, teachers, and community members who are working to link the cafeteria, classroom, and the community. The goal of Cabot’s Farm-to-School is to develop a sustainable action plan for how our foodservice program will purchase and use fresh, local foods in our school’s meals, and how our classroom teachers will build students’ awareness about healthier food choices by connecting students with local farms.

Please contact Lillian Alexander at 563-3259 or Mary Ann Tormey at 563-2842 for more information.

↑ contents

Gift Subscriptions

Gift subscriptions can be sent to loved ones no longer in the area. College students, relatives, military personnel and more. If you choose to send a gift subscription for the holidays, the Cabot

Chronicle will send your recipient a holiday card to announce their upcoming subscription.

Give the gift of home, to order call the Cabot Chronicle at (802) 563-3338 or email us at [email protected]

↑ contents

Lumber and Lunch: Do You Want Fries With That 2x4?

By Will Walters Bill Wheeler showed up at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, to be the first customer at the luncheonette at Harry's Hardware. He brought a brand new one dollar bill for Julie Ackermann to hang in her new enterprise.

The yet to be named luncheon center in the back of the hardware store opened the morning after it received its last needed permit from the State, ending months of preparatory work by Walt Ackermann, who used new and old to furnish counters, tables, and equipment. The counter was salvaged from the old lunch counter in Flo Salerno’s store in Marshfield, which most recently held the tack shop. Ackermann received help from Scott, Ian and Jimmy Ackermann.

This is the reestablishment of the food service that was in Harry's for a number of years under different owners. It was a well-known service of Harry and Martha Foster, aunt and uncle of the current co-owner, and continued for a while under Chris To submit articles, send to [email protected] Photos Courtesy of Will Walters Kaldor after he bought the store from the Fosters. The first food served was ice cream in a freezer near the front window when Paul Hopkins owned the store. Francis Wheeler put in the first lunch counter and Red Carr continued luncheon service. It was the Fosters, however, who developed it into a well-known service.

While all the previous counters were in the front of the store, the current one is on the back. The Winooski flows within yards of the new rear wall windows and will probably give an interesting roar to the luncheonette when spring thaw comes.

Cabot will now have a sit-down eatery open Monday through Saturday from 7a.m-4p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. The fare will be light but cooked to order, what you might call “Miss Julie’s Home Cooking.” The menu has not been set but will develop over time. The Fryelator is expected in March.

Bill Wheeler provided information for this article.

↑ contents

Mentor Profile

By Susan Freeburn I met the Rev. Susan Tobias and Amber Hough at Tobias's cozy farmhouse on a cold afternoon. The fire blazed, while at the kitchen table Amber worked happily on crafts. Tobias' dog and cat both needed a scratch first; then we chatted over tea.

Amber and Tobias have met weekly for almost a year. It started last January, when Tobias, originally from San Diego, retired as the priest at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Hardwick and volunteered with the Cabot Coalition's mentoring program.

They decided to team up after Tobias met Amber and her parents in their home. Tobias said it was partially selfish on her part, since her children are out of the house and she enjoys the company of young ones. They feel comfortable with each other, teasing and laughing a lot.

Amber said she is in the fourth grade and will be 10 next month. Amber is working on Christmas presents for her family; she loves to do arts and crafts. She and Tobias went to a beading class a while ago (not a hint about the presents!).

When they play Monopoly, Amber's math ability makes her the banker. Amber said she likes math, but is not too fond of reading. Now, with Tobias' help, she has library cards at both Cabot and Hardwick libraries, where they sometimes go together. In the winter, indoor crafts are always good. They've gone snowshoeing, too, and sometimes take the goats for a walk. Amber likes to "mess around" and play in the goat barn, especially in the loft with the hay.

Tobias teased that they went to the movies and Amber fell asleep! More seriously, she said Amber persuaded her to fasten her seat belt when she drives. In the summer, they take walks, weed the garden or go swimming - once they had to peel off a couple of leeches from a local pond-yuck!

Amber likes to bicycle. She was very active in the Cabot Roamers bicycle club last summer, even doing overnight trips. They talked about the baking they've done together; Amber entered her pie in the Cabot Apple Pie Festival contest. Both Amber and Tobias are quick to laugh. There is obvious affection and respect on both sides.

Just before I left, we checked in on Toodles the tortoise, who lives in a big tub in the kitchen, complete with heat lamp, plants, rocks, lots of dirt and some tasty worms. After some digging, Amber managed to unearth a couple of wiggly ones for Toodles' dinner.

If you would like more information about becoming a mentor, or would like to have a mentor, please phone Kathleen Hoyne at the Cabot Coalition at 563-3338.

↑ contents

National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month! You will probably be seeing lots of inspiring TV commercials encouraging you to consider being a mentor. You can be proud that in our small town of Cabot, we have our own community based mentoring program, modeled after the well known Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. It’s called Cabot Connects Mentoring and it is a project of the Cabot Coalition. We’ve been in existence now for over 3 years and have over 20 mentors who meet with youth age 9 - 17 right here in Cabot. Except, of course, if your mentor is John Hammer. In that case you might find yourself traveling at 2:30 in the morning to Lake Champlain for a full day of fishing.

Cabot’s mentors have shown how to feed baby goats, taught horse riding, baked award winning apple pies. Mentor and mentees have done things together like sledding, cross-country skiing, canoeing, trying new foods like Mexican or Chinese. As a mentor, you might do art projects, make holiday gifts, ride bikes, or just hang out and watch a movie. You might find yourself picking strawberries, blueberries, and making jam or muffins. The possibilities are endless. What seems most evident is that this becomes a relationship that both adult and youth benefit from and enjoy immensely.

If you enjoy the company of youth, are a good listener and would like to make a real difference in your own life, in the life of a youth and in the life of our community, please consider becoming a mentor. There is no shortage of kids who would love another caring adult in their life.

And if you see any of the following people around town, please thank them for being a mentor and for making the extra effort in connecting with the youth in our community of Cabot.

Susan Alexander Connie Hourihan Amy Bothfeld Amber Ksepka Deb Bothfeld Ashley Ksepka Judy Boucher Theresa Lay Sleeper Mark Bromley Billie Marcotte Richard Bushey Tracy Mauck Mike Cookson Ken Elmer John Vara Alicia Feltus Leonia Pike Susan Freeburn Tara Rogerson Jim Goodrich Christa Scholz Gail Greaves Jackie Scribner John Hammer Susan Tobias Kathleen Higbee Lars Torres Karen Mueller Harder

If you would like more information about becoming a mentor or would like to have a mentor, please contact Kathleen Hoyne at the Cabot Coalition at 563-3338.

Susie North Patrons Richard Danner and Noel Duprey enjoy one of the first meals at the new luncheonette in the rear of Harry’s Hardware. The lunch service, which

opened December 3, will be serving 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Counter service and tables are both available.

↑ contents

From page 5

The Cabot Connects Mentor Program is sponsoring a monthly that will meet and build a granny square afghan from donated scrap yarns. If you like to crochet or you’ve always wanted to learn, this is an opportunity to do so. Donations of scrap yarn or crochet hooks will be received at the Cabot Coalition office. Granny squares from individuals will also be accepted –

4 ½ inch to 5 ½ inch squares. The final afghan will be raffled off to benefit the Cabot Connects Mentor Program.

Next Crochet Workgroup- January 12

7 p.m.

Willey Building Meeting Room.

↑ contents

CABOT COMMUNITY

To submit articles, send to [email protected] out. Find places where air can move between the attic and heated spaces and seal them with expanding foam or caulk. Likely places for air leaks are around plumbing, wiring, chimneys, and gaps around recessed lights and fans. Lastly, be sure you have at least 12 inches of insulation on your attic floor. You can hire a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractor to do a whole-house assessment and to make the improvements that can enable you to use less centralheating fuel and keep you comfortable without the expense of running portable electric heaters. To find a cont ractornearyou , visit www .e f fi c ie n cyv ermont. co m/homeperformance.

- Kathleen from The Home Team

How often would you recommend replacing a furnace filter?

Great question. Replacing a furnace filter is one of those little things that can go a long way toward reducing heating costs. Your frequency of replacement depends on how much dust and dirt is moving through your ductwork. It's a good idea to inspect the filter at least once a month and replace it when it's noticeably dirty. Depending on what your inspection reveals, you may need to replace your filter every two weeks, or only a few times per season. If you have central air conditioning, be sure to inspect and replace that filter as needed throughout the summer as well.

- Li Ling from The Home Team

Have a question about saving energy? Want to read more tips from the Home Team’s Li Ling, Bob and Kathleen? Visit www.efficiencyvermont.com/askthehometeam or call, toll-free, 888-921-5990 to speak with a customer service representative.

↑ contents

Ask The Home Team

ENERGY EFFICIENCY VERMONT

What's the most energy-efficient ice-melting device that I can put on my eaves to prevent ice dams?

You’re wise to address the problem of ice dams, not only because they can damage your roof but also because they're a sign the heat in your house (which you pay for) is escaping into your attic. The energy-saving solution isn't to buy and operate a device to melt ice dams while continuing to pay more for heating than necessary. The answer is to prevent ice dams.

I'll explain: Ice dams form when heat escapes into your attic, warms the underside of your roof and melts snow, which trickles down to the cold edge/eave, where it freezes. The solution is to keep the heat in your house. That's done by a thorough job of sealing anyplace air can escape to the attic and then making sure that you've got at least 12 inches of well installed insulation on the attic floor. Likely places for air leaks include attic hatches, pull-down attic stairs, the attic floor above pocket doors, gaps around chimneys, plumbing and wiring.

The most accurate and comprehensive way to seal air leaks is to hire a professional. A Home Performance with EN- ERGY STAR® contractor can find and fix leaks and perform any necessary insulation work. You can find a list of these specially trained, certified contractors at ww.efficiencyvermont.com/homeperformance. Good luck and stay warm!- Li Ling for the Home Team My teenage son says we should turn down the thermostat when we're at school/work, to lower the heat bill. But I've always heard that this costs you more because it makes the furnace work harder when you turn the heat back up. My son would love to prove the old man wrong (again), so I hope you'll settle this in your column.

Glad to – just don't blame the messenger! Your son's right. To understand why, imagine keeping a pot of water boiling on the stovetop all day because you want to make pasta for dinner. You get the picture.

Your furnace will run for a shorter time and use far less energy to heat up a cool house than it would if you kept the house warm all day. So, yes, it’s a good idea to follow your son’s suggestion. In fact, make it easy by installing a programmable thermostat. You can program it to lower the house temperature when you leave in the morning and when you go to bed. Then, it'll have the house warm for you in the morning and when you get home. Sorry I couldn’t side with you on this, but I’m glad you’ll be saving energy and staying warm this winter.

- Kathleen for The Home Team

I know people planning to use portable electric heaters this winter to ward off some of the high cost of oil and propane. Does that really lower the cost of heating a house?

I can see why people would think that using a portable heater would be an energy saving solution to today's gas and oil prices. But in Vermont, electricity is still one of the most expensive ways to heat. A typical portable electric space heater can increase your heating costs unless you intend to turn off your central heating system and use a portable heater in only the room you occupy. If you can stay comfortable and healthy doing that, keep in mind that your plumbing can't; pipes in unheated spaces can freeze.

A better approach is to make your central heating system work as efficiently as possible. Be sure your furnace filter is clean. Seal and insulate heating ducts, and have your furnace or boiler professionally inspected, cleaned and tuned each year. Vacuum or dust heating vents or baseboards and move furniture away from them so heat can circulate.

Then, take some steps to keep warm air in the house and to keep cold air

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 6 onward.

↑ contents

Robert P. Guilfoyle

CALAIS Robert P. Guilfoyle, 52, died at his home surrounded by his family Saturday, December 20, 2008. Among his survivors is his wife, Elizabeth. A complete obituary will appear in a future issue of this paper. Arrangements are under the care of des Groseilliers Funeral Home, Church St., Hardwick.

↑ contents

� Get children excited about math and science � Contribute to school readiness � Learn hands-on activities to share with your children

This workshop, the second of three offered this year, will focus on number patterns. We will discuss the standards-based math and science concepts that children encounter in school. We’ll come up with strategies to help children recognize number patterns. We’ll come up with hands-on activities to make math and science come alive! And we’ll discuss how we can bring math and science into the home and into daily life.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009 10:30-11:30 A.M.

JAQUITH PUBLIC LIBRARY In Marshfield Each participant will leave the workshop with a kit that includes a picture book along with playful math and science materials. All workshops are free and there will be child-care available. There is limited space so registration is required. Call Joanne Mankoff at 426-3213 ext. 247 to pre-register or for more information.

↑ contents

New Year’s Resolution

By Peter Dannenberg I own a few old computers. Old is relative; computers age faster than dogs.

If one human year equals seven years of a dog's life, then one human year is about 25 years to a computer.

My retirement home for those antiques is the attic. There, amid cobwebs, several geriatrics nap, some with yawning orifices made for five and one-quarter inch floppy disks, the computer equivalent of 78 RPM vinyl records. Their ancient operating systems predate Windows by decades. They sort of work, if I wake them, but are too slow and creaky to keep up with flashy programs and too inflexible to hook up with trendy accessories.

I intend to send them to that big recycling center in the sky-some day-but I see my sagging reflection in their dusty gray cases and decide to let them rest for a while. Besides, they make chic modular housing for attic mice, who value sturdy obsolete boxes. Recyclers are less kind.

The three computers that my wife and I actually use are in their late middle age-very late middle age. They are one generation behind today's Vista operating system. Their ports accept some of the shiny new peripheral add-ons, but they amble along at an unhurried pace, slower than their rated speed, which Windows tells me whenever I pop one in.

My latest misadventure in international commerce began when I wanted to use our sole laptop computer without the cable that tethers it to my new wireless router. The laptop had no wireless card, so I phoned the shop where I bought it.

A technician said he could install a wireless card, but it would be lots cheaper to buy a plug-in at a big box store and add it myself. Once there, I scrutinized an arcane array of adapters made to fit diverse computer connections and described on their cartons by acronyms and surreal cartoons.

I tracked down a clerk. He examined a medley of choices before saying he wasn't sure.

After praying for enlightenment, I chose one that said it included extra range and "G plus with MIMO," which made me think of Captain Nemo in Jules Verne's "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" and "The Mysterious Island." My scientific reasoning was that the captain's submarine "Nautilus" was a fictional technical marvel, so maybe this mystifying thingamabob would be marvelous too.

At home, I stuck the CD in the laptop. The program fired up and I

↑ contents

Curds & Whey

By Bonnie S. Dannenberg

CURDS to the Daisy Girl Scout troop, who baked loaves of banana bread and delivered them to each resident of Cabot Senior Housing.

CURDS to the Pre K, 1st and 2nd graders who sang for the Cabot Senior Citizens at their monthly "Senior Morning." It was organized by Erma Perry at the Cabot United Church.

CURDS to Mike Cookson who got the Husky spirit rolling (literally) with a fresh coat of paint in the Cabot gym lobby, just in time for the start of basketball season. Thanks from all the players and fans!

CURDS to Clayton Daniels. He was one of two Johnson State College students chosen by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, to participate in their regional drama festival, as a result of his role in a production of "Noises Off," a slapstick comedy.

CURDS to Lawrence Black for playing poker faithfully each week with the Cabot Commons tenants and friends.

CURDS to teachers Lee Penniman and Michael Crocker, David Book, auctioneer and parents of the students, for the Belize trip auction. The student travelers are: Ella Belenky, Lillian Alexander, Julia Gulka, Whitney Richardson, Meriah Nunn, Samantha Talbert, Dore Grier, Katy Keene, Eli Lewis, Colin McQueeney, Shane Gochey, Mike King, John Maxfield, Knight Ducharme, Nick Rushman, Caitlin Celley, Brittany French, Theron Lay-Sleeper, Jese Feltus, Amber Graves and Rachael Pitkin.

CURDS to Bill Cobb for providing holiday festivities for the Cabot community, like the Christmas Concert with Mark Shelton and the Elves Workshop on Dec 20, so kids can make handmade gifts for their friends and family.

CURDS to the Twin Town Homemakers for delivering several Thanksgiving food baskets to elderly, ill and shut-in folks around town.

CURDS to the Women's Fellowship of the Cabot United Church, for delivering 19 Christmas cheer food baskets to elderly, ill or shut-in folks in town. One Santa bought fruit from the student fundraiser and donated it for the Christmas baskets.

WHEY to the person who stole $50 in cash and an i-pod from a vehicle in the gym parking lot, at a basketball game in December. The cash was from a pay check of a student who worked to earn the money. Try working for your money instead of stealing it; return the items you stole. You are NOT COOL!

WHEY to speed demons who won't slow down on snowy roads.

To submit items to Curds and Whey call 563-3396 or e-mail [email protected] There’s a notice board with maps and information posted on the small barn. Ski trail conditions are available at www.geocities.com/bbfskitrails.

So, next time you want to get out to enjoy the winter, bring the whole family to Beaver Brook Farm and ski or snowshoe for free! If you have any questions, Call Mike or Vivien Fritz at 426-3190.

2 6 1 8 5 3 7 9 4 5 9 4 7 6 1 2 3 8 1 2 5 3 9 8 4 7 6 1 8 9 4 2 3 5 7 4 3 7 5 8 6 9 2 1 9 4 6 2 1 7 5 8 3 8 7 2 4 3 5 1 6 9 3 5 9 6 7 4 8 1 2 7 8 3 1 2 9 6 4 5 pressed "Next" a few times until I got to "Finish." A message ordered me to plug in the card NOW. I did and two tiny glowing emerald eyes on the exposed end started to wink at me. I tried to bring up the Internet-nothing. After repeating a few dozen times while mumbling fourletter incantations, I found an 800 number among the torn wrappers and phoned for help.

After seven and one-half minutes navigating push-button menus, I got a human who said, "Welcome to XYZ technical service. My name is Bhagdesh. How may I be of helping to you today?" One computer maker will let you speak to an American technician for an extra charge; that was not an option here.

I won't bore you with the details of my sixteen hours on the phone over the next three days with Bhagdesh and his colleagues Nagdev and Dhiru. Suffice it to say we all got tired of spelling out computer commands in "enter C as in Calcutta, E as in elephant" format. At some point, the emerald eyes on the card became sleepy, shut tightly and nothing would break the trance. A supervisor insisted I must now test the card in another laptop because the fault must lie not in their cards, but in my computer.

After a few phone calls, I borrowed a newer laptop, but my impassioned kisses would not rouse Sleeping Beauty from her eternal slumber. Finally, supervisor Bob (probably a pseudonym) told me to bury the dead card at the distant big box store.

Hearing my tale of woe, the service desk clerk shook her head and gave me a refund. Back at the dazzling display of high-tech gizmos, there was a simpler device for $10 less. Its package had fewer cryptic initials and promised me the moon, but without the extra stars offered by my deceased device. I bought it, installed it and it worked the first time. It still works-most of the time.

It's not always a brilliant plan to pour sparkling new champagne into old cracked bottles. So this year I resolve to follow Alexander Pope's sage counsel, "Be not the first by whom the New are try'd, Nor yet the last to lay the Old aside." Happy New Year!

Copyright 2009 Peter Dannenberg. All rights reserved. Used here with permission.

EREDNHOJSIVRORADOH

SELRA

HCOTSAUHSOJ 10 NTLOCRENDRAG 9 YEROM

LEUMAS 8 SELR

AHCRTROPLESU 7 TOPNEVDYLIE 6 5 LEBOILUJ 4 3 LABMIKMRIH 2

↑ contents

Local Winter Fun!

By Vivien Fritz If you like to cross-country ski or snowshoe, then you have to go no further than McCrillis Road in Marshfield. The owner of Beaver Brook Farm, Mike Fritz, grooms 24 kilometers of trails on his property just off the Cabot Road. And it’s Free! Track is set for classic style cross country skiing, some of the trails are wide enough for “skating” and all are great for snowshoeing. The owners ask that you leave your dogs at home.

To get there from the Cabot village take VT Route 215 towards Marshfield. Turn right onto McCrillis Road (about ½ mile before the junction with US Route 2). Drive to the top of the road; take the right fork and park in front of the gray barn.

↑ contents

Snow Rollers

By Bonnie S. Dannenberg CABOT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Rev. Fred Blodgett (1874-1954) wrote “My Generation in Cabot” in 1950-51. This is what he wrote about Cabot roads:

“I think I am correct in saying that the highways were cared for in the same manner – by school districts. At any rate one had the choice of either paying their highway tax in money or “working it out.” Well, I remember, one night about the last of May when the suckers were “running” up the brook at the head of West Hill Pond, of getting back home from there at about five in the morning and after eating breakfast reporting for work, with a shovel for all day on the neighborhood road gang. The fact that it was pretty tough for a lad of fifteen was compensated for by the thought that though I had been out all night, I was credited with doing a day’s work as a man along with other men. About this time the state legislature passed the law making the whole town the unit for school operation, much as it is at this writing and along with it the town operation of the highways. Along with this came the purchasing by the town of the first road machines which were usually drawn by four horses. This latter move regarding highways caused a lot of dissatisfaction by having only one road gang which, naturally, would give their first attention to the roads in and about the villages. Those in the more rural districts got little, or no attention, until late in the season, where as under the old system each district would get together early in the season, cleaning out the ditches and piling high the water bars on the hills and with farm plows doing a very satisfactory bit of work. Perhaps it should be said here that with the incorporation of the village of Cabot that unit was made responsible for the care of its own streets.” [Note: Katherine Vaillancourt remembers Ned Barnett plowing the village sidewalks with a horse and wooden V shaped plow in the 1930s. It was often weighed down by children sitting on it.]

“In the early eighteen hundred and eighties the first roller for breaking the winter roads was constructed and put into operation. As I recall, it was constructed at the Fowler Ford shop in Lower Cabot. It was some six or seven feet in height, constructed in two parts, the ends of heavy double planking and the drums covered with spruce 2 X 4’s. A space of about one foot was left between the two drums in the center. This left a core for the center of the road as well as preventing the roller from slipping side ways. The total length of the roller was some ten or twelve feet.

“I think it required six horses to haul it over the roads. It was decided this first one was too heavy and others that were constructed and generally used over town were made lighter and usually drawn by four horses. Usually ordinary land ploughs were chained to the side of farm sleds and sometimes a wooden scraper made of a piece of plank, with a curved cut out to form a center core in the road was fastened to the front of the sled. Drifts that were considered too large to be driven through were cut through by shoveling before the team was plunged into them.

“The method of breaking by rolling was continued until the multiplication of autos and the advent of tractor plows made a demand for the keeping of the roads open for auto traffic throughout the winter. Cabot was somewhat slow in adopting the new system and when a clause was placed in the Town Meeting Warning to see if the town would adopt the new method and purchase a snow plough bout 1930-35. Nearly all voters in town were out and the battle raged furiously but the modern method won by a small majority and a vote to purchase a snow plough prevailed. I understand that with the coming of the snow plough and tractor drawn machines the town has taken this work over from the village.”

↑ contents

The Blodgett Papers

About three years ago we began reorganizing the collections at the historical society. Scattered in folders or envelopes, loose or in boxes, were all kinds of miscellaneous documents, photographs and papers. Some had been used for research purposes and were in disarray, mixed with random notations and unrelated items. There were also several boxes containing copies of "Vermont Watchman & Journal" from the 1800's; some with invoices, charred or yellowed with age, too fragile to be handled except with utmost care. The purpose of our historical society is to preserve and make historical items available to our members and others interested in Cabot's history. Jane Brown volunteered to work with these old documents and, while there is still much to do, to date we have completed five albums of photographs and four of news clips, including many obituaries, and have working files of materials on the creamery, school, women's club, Old Home Week, and individuals or families which will eventually be contained in albums, as well.

We are fortunate there have been several family photo albums donated to us, with wonderful photographs and other memorabilia. Several other people who did not wish to donate albums or items have lent them to us briefly for scanning. When someone donates documents, photos or albums to us, they are carefully scanned and then reproduced. The reproduced images are then filed and indexed in archival albums which are available in our research center. The originals are carefully repaired when necessary and then stored in archival containers to keep them away from light, dust and human contact. 700 photos are now available on a 60minute DVD titled, "Cabot Vermont in Photographs," that includes photos dating back to the late 1800's, and many known (and unknown) portraits of Cabot citizens, both from years gone by and more recent.

Another result of identifying the items in our paper collection is the publication of our first book, The Blodgett Papers. We knew of the manuscript written by the Rev. Fred Blodgett (1874-1954) in 1952, "My Generation in Cabot," which was written in 1950-51 and donated by his wife, Eleanor Blodgett, in 1954. The second, "History of the Blodgett Family in America," was donated by a niece, Mary (Blodgett) Fearon in November 2008. We have combined the manuscripts with family photos contributed by niece Helen Blodgett, to make a 168 page book. Rev. Blodgett gives us a rare first-hand glimpse into Cabot's past, the way it was when he was growing up here with his family. The second part of the book is a detailed account of the Blodgett family history and genealogy. This book is available in either hard cover ($35 plus shipping) or paperback ($18 plus shipping).

The work is on-going. There are more albums "growing" as material is sorted. With photos and clippings indexed, we are better able to assist people who contact us looking for information about their Cabot ancestors.

To purchase either the book or DVD, contact Jane Brown (802) 5 6 3 - 2 3 8 1 , oremailto [email protected] or Bonnie Dannenberg, 79 Elm St., Cabot, VT 0 5 6 4 7 , ( 8 0 2 - 5 6 3 - 3 9 6 ) o r [email protected].

↑ contents

Local Food Flourishes

Lee Blackwell and Ruth Richardson in front of their carrot washer In addition to winter storage vegetable crops they are producing kimchi, a pungent version of sauerkraut widely eaten by Koreans. This dish is made by fermenting a combination of green and napa cabbage, bok choi, carrots, garlic, daikon radish, leeks, hot peppers, Celtic sea salt and ginger for two weeks in a barrel at room temperature. They produce all the ingredients except for the salt and ginger in Cabot.

The kimchi is held in barrels for four weeks in colder temperatures to settle and then put into jars. It is a live culture, not pasteurized, and no vinegar is used in the pickling process. It is cold packed in jars with the Blackwell Root label. “You have to keep it refrigerated,” Blackwell said. “Otherwise it would blow up.” Kimchi is lacto fermented, which means it still has live bacteria and is reputed to have many health benefits.

“Koreans eat a little bit with every meal and that way maintain a level of beneficial flora in their digestive tracts,” he said. “We feel healthier since we've been eating kimchi.”

Blackwell is a musician who still enjoys performing locally, but both Photo Courtesy of Amanda Legare he and Richards, a piano technician, are cutting back on these pursuits as they concentrate more on farming. They have three American milking Devon cattle for their own milk and meat.

While Blackwell is interested in expanding his marketing efforts, ultimately he and Richards would like to sell all their produce from their home.

“My ideal would be to do all the retail from the farm” he said. "I've been concerned with our over dependence on declining fossil fuels, and how fragile our food infrastructure has become as a result. We need to have viable local food systems, where food is transported as short a distance as possible."

Towards this goal they are setting up a sales area in their new barn. They are open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but suggest calling ahead (563-2356) or e-mailing them at [email protected] Blackwell Roots can also be found at The Montpelier Winter Farmers Market every first and third Saturday through April at the Vermont College Gym.

↑ contents

Blackwell Roots

By Amanda Legare Lee Blackwell and his family moved to Cabot in 1983 with dreams of fitting into the agricultural economy. To this end they bought land at the end of Walbridge Road off the South Walden Road. The original Walbridge house was no longer standing and Blackwell, a carpenter, built a new house near the original cellar hole.

Twenty-five years later, after several trial runs, Blackwell and his partner Ruth Richards, both 55, think they've finally found that agricultural niche. They're raising and selling certified organic winter storage vegetables from their home in Cabot.

“I grew flowers commercially for about 10 years in the late 80's and early 90's, but I got out of that after a series of rainstorms wiped out my entire crop of seedlings," Blackwell said recently. "We decided to get back into farming about three years ago. The local food movement was picking up and it seemed like winter storage crops was something no one else was doing." They named their business Blackwell Roots.

Blackwell's grown children are essential to the operation. His daughter, Ruth, who currently lives on the farm in a building constructed in 1987, helps out part time. His son, Walker, who lives in Burlington and works at UVM, helps on weekends. “This is a family operation,” Blackwell said. “I couldn’t do it without them.”

They have five and a half acres of land in cultivation, rotating 2.7 acres of vegetables each season with cover crops. Carrots are the number one crop, followed closely by onions, potatoes, and winter squash. They also grow and sell beets, cabbage, HEATING & COOLING

↑ contents

John A Hammer, Jr.

Plumbing & Heating Repairs, renovations, new work

Licensed & Insured Quality Work– Reasonable Rates P.O. Box 65 Cabot, VT - 563-2680 parsnips, napa cabbage, leeks, celeriac, garlic, daikon winter radish, and strawberries.

“This is good land for carrots,” Blackwell said. “This year we harvested six tons on a third of an acre.” The Hunger Mountain Food Coop in Montpelier goes through 400 pounds a week. Other regular wholesale customers are Two Rivers, and the Plainfield Coop. The land is not fenced in.

“I seem to have an agreement with the deer and they don’t bother us,” he said. “But we did have a problem with moose this year.”

A new barn was built in 2006 with cellars specifically for winter vegetable storage.

“We already wish we had built it twice as big,” he laughed.

One room stores the potatoes at 40 degrees with 90 percent humidity. Another holds the carrots and other crops at 32 degrees and 95 percent humidity.

A long wooden barrel drum is used for washing the carrots when they are ready to sell. The potatoes are all hand brushed with “a dedicated broom.”

The onions are on flats in the other building as all crops need a specific temperature and humidity.

“Storing food long term has been a challenge,” Blackwell said. “We are learning all the time.”

They buy seed potatoes from an organic grower in Maine and this year offer Butte (a russet type), carola (yellow flesh), and red gold. They buy most of their seeds from Fedco, Johnny's Selected Seeds in Maine, and High Mowing Seeds in Wolcott.

↑ contents

Poem Reprints

In last month’s edition of the Cabot Chronicle two poems were incorrectly formatted in their presentation. They are reprinted here, in their original format, with our sincerest apologies to the artists and their fans.

CABOT CHRISTMAS

By Ted Bermingham

The snow came early to the farm this year.

It sifted in from Mansfield’s range, riding the back of the wind and hiding Novembers untidiness with a white excuse to finally put off till next spring last summer’s business.

The meadows, the ridges, the folds of the fields are quiet beneath its weight; the stands of soft balsams move sluggishly in the barbed air, and even the skitterish maples are too chilled to shrug off their lace. Only the young Winooski crossing the back pasture pays it no mind, cutting the drifts in its Lake-ward race.

Thus, Cabot’s Christmas will be white—a treat to children with winter-presents the morning brings, and a satisfaction to those who have a feeling for the fitness of things. And all will say it is proper and right.

But Christmas is not of snow or fields or post-card scenes; it is not a matter of meteorology or weather-trends. There were no snow-balanced balsams in star-stilled Bethlehem; only a stable shelter for farmers and kings, travelers and friends, where each, filled alone with joy and awe, knelt in the soft barley straw, to give and receive his due. The snow came early to our farm this year. Won’t you?

BACK ROADS

By Barry Goldensohn

After a brief violent storm toppled trees, deep rooted ones, splayed crowns across the roads, root balls, the buried double of the crowns pulled up as walls of loam in air, and young ones blown down too, I drove out to meet my wife and found most roads blocked, but I knew the country threeway and fourway roads like the veins on the back of my hands, rivers on a map, and I found my way by zigzag and backtrack till I arrived.

As a child I stared at my father’s hands in fascination at his bulging veins. With trivial variations this design is the common one—rivers that join at the wrist and tangle up the forearm. That I can tell my own from anyone’s is the clinging illusion of uniqueness given the superior child, the first son, the golden son. I still navigate by this.

(This poem first appeared in the N.Y. Review of Books.)

↑ contents

Thoughtfulness

By Kenny B.

I would like to take a few moments this month to wish Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my family, friends, fellow musicians, fans, and readers. This is a very special time to be alive with many things changing hopefully for the better. Many of us aren’t having a particularly great time. For them I must say a little prayer. For those of us that life seems to bless, give thanks for your well-being. We all should appreciate the good talents bestowed upon us. We should all be prepared to share those talents and gifts with others. And many truly do with all their hearts. At the other end many truly do show appreciation of those talents and gifts being shared. As artists we will always create. The true love comes when there are others to love it, too.

Thankfulness to Allison and John for letting me use this space to get that word out.

↑ contents

WGDR-FM To Broadcast Cabot-Twinfield Basketball Games

WGDR 91.1 FM will once again broadcast the four Cabot-Twinfield varsity basketball games this winter. Game times are 7 p.m.

The schedule:

Thur. Jan. 8 Varsity Girls at Cabot Fri. Jan. 16 Varsity Boys at Twinfield Thur. Jan. 29 Varsity Girls at Twinfield Fri. Feb. 6 Varsity Boys at Cabot This season’s coverage of the Twinfield-Cabot games continues a tradition begun several years ago by WGDR, the non-commercial, listener-supported community station based at Goddard College in Plainfield. Most of the programming on WGDR is done by volunteers who live and work in Central Vermont. Charles Rossell of Cabot is one of the voices regularly heard during local coverage of Twinfield-Cabot basketball.

Any students who are interested in being a part of the broadcast team for these games is encouraged to email [email protected] with the word “basketball” in the subject line. Or they can call WGDR General Manager Greg Hooker at 322-1680.

↑ contents

FROM THE EDITOR

By Allison Joyal

The Cabot Chronicle is nearly a year old. How exciting to see us roll over to Volume II! This newspaper began as an idea. Over time, dozens of Cabot community members met and turned idea into reality. Thanks to support from the Cabot Coalition, Cabot School, so many community members, newsmen, publishers, editors, state agencies, local businesses and politicians state-wide, The Cabot Chronicle is delivered to a thousand households and growing each day. If I listed everyone involved, it would take pages. But I would particularly like to mention a few people who went far beyond the "call of duty" and made this paper happen.

Lori Augustyniak - Via the Cabot Coalition, Lori has provided funding, manpower and time to publish this paper.

Peter Dannnenberg - has served on the Editorial Board and donated hundreds of hours copy editing.

STUDENT EXCHANGE AFS International Student Exchange. 1-800-AFS-INFO. Students interested in spending a summer, semester or year abroad? www.afs.org/usa SENIOR HOUSING

CABOT COMMONS offers affordable one and two bedroom apts. For seniors in Cabot Village. Waiting list info, call Susan at 426-4192 or email [email protected] William Walters - has donated dozens of photos and proven his ability to root out a story.

John Paulson - also donated hundreds of hours above and beyond anything we could pay for in the original web-site development.

Reginald Beede - started us on the right foot selling advertising, and spending dozens of hours "pounding the pavement" in three counties.

Marvie Domey - has selflessly and tirelessly provided information for local senior citizens at no charge to The Chronicle.

Amanda Legare - despite her extremely demanding schedule has donated a fabulous informational gardening column and provides us with advice she garnered from her tenure as The Cabot Chronicle editor during its last inception.

Once again, thank you to everyone who has provided time, information and support. We at The Cabot Chronicle wish you and yours all the best in the coming year.

↑ contents

Searles’ Entertain at Town Hall Thanksgiving Dinner

By Will Walters More than 20 people enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner in the auditorium of the Willey Memorial Building compliments of Bobby and Stephany Searles, owners of the Cabot Village Store. The Searles’ sent invitations to family members, friends and loyal customers to join them at a 3 p.m. buffet.

Tables set in a square filled the center of the room and provided ample space for people to sit and converse while numerous children ran around and played piano. It gave the atmosphere of an authentic family gathering.

The Rev. Bill Cobb of Cabot United Church addressed the participants with a benediction prior to the dinner. Then it was time to eat. The line formed at the serving table and quite a few chafing dishes held turkey, stuffing, potatoes, yams, salads and desserts.

The Searles’ supplied enough food so that no one would be left out regardless of the number of guests. Everyone had leftovers to take with them and the remainder was distributed after the buffet to families and individuals in town by Bobby Searles and Constable Ken Gokey.

Guests line up at the chafing dishes full of Thanksgiving dinner items provided in town hall by Stephany and Bobby Searles Photo Courtesy of Will Walters

↑ contents

ROSSWORD Elves Workshop Was A Success

P Santa's helpers were busy at the Cabot United Church's Elves workshop. The workshop, held from 5 - 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec 20, provided craft materials for people to make the Christmas decorations of their choice with

their own hands. Refreshments and cookies were also provided to

Part of this story may be missing here. See the original pages, page 12 onward.

↑ contents

Ye Ol’ “Sliding”

By Allison Joyal Most folks around the United States call it sledding but Vermonters tend to switch things up. Here it's called “sliding.” The Chronicle took to the street to ask; “When you were a child, what have you used as a sled, that was not a sled?” Here are some very unique answers:

Trash-can top Trash bags Laundry basket “My friend had this full body snowsuit and we all rode him down the ski slope. Down a ski slope!” “I rode my sister in her snow suit” Logs Lunch tray Hood of a Chevy (a few of these) Pool toys A tube I put duck tape on my pants. Cardboard box (lots of these) Big wardrobe (cardboard) boxes Air mattress “I put my brother in a garbage bag and pushed him down the hill. .” Bicycle on a snowboard VW Bug car hood the participants. - Photo Courtesy of Will Walters C

↑ contents

KIDS 3 Minute No-Bake Cookies

This classic kids recipe may look like something that the cow left behind, but it is easy to make, high in fiber and can be made with stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients…. 2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup milk 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 tablespoons peanut butter 3 cups quick oats

1. In large saucepan, combine sugar,

butter, milk, cocoa and salt. Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Continue boiling 3 Solutions on Page 7

5 1 6 1 7 6 8

↑ contents

Vermont Inventors

2. He invented a saw to cut through marble 3. Patented the first fishing lure in 1852. 6. She was the uncredited co-inventor of the

electric motor. Not Thomas Davenport. 7. He invented 3 different types of telescopes.

The Springfield Mount, the Garden telescope and the Reflecting Turret telescope. 9. The first person to administer nitrous oxide

as an anesthetic. 10. He invented the Steam Calliope in 1855.

1. Inventor of the first "successfully applied" steam power to the navigation of a boat. 4. Inventor of the ventilated fly fishing reel. 5. Before the days of cola, there was Hood's Sarsaparilla. What was his full name. 8. Perhaps the most famous steel plow inventor of all time.

↑ contents

Make Your Own Silly Putty

You can snap it, stretch it, squish it, bounce it, even lift ink off newsprint and stretch the pictures. And, it’s a great stress reliever too. Kids, be sure to get your parents help with this one.

You will need….

• White glue (like Elmers School Glue. Don’t use “all purpose”, it won’t come out right.)

• Liquid Starch (not powdered)

• A big bowl for mixing

1) Add 2 parts White Glue to 1 Part

Liquid Starch (that means if you use 2 cups of glue, use 1 cup of starch) 2) Mix ingredients well (Yes, you

can use your hands). 3) Let it set for a little while (about

1 hour). 4) Congratulations ! You’re well on

your way to becoming a mad scientist.☺ minutes, stirring frequently. 2. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and peanut butter; stirring until peanut butter is melted. Add oats and mix well. 3. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let stand until firm. Store tightly covered.

↑ contents